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Finding a Nursery in Edinburgh (2025/26 Guide)

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By Steven Clarke
Page updated 16 October 2025

Reading time: 4 minutes

A view of Edinburgh from the top of Calton Hill.

Looking for a nursery in Edinburgh? This guide shows you where to start, how to compare, and how to book tours. We’ve included links to registered nurseries on Nuuri and practical tips for waiting lists, funded hours (ELC 1,140) and Care Inspectorate checks.

Find nurseries near you

Why Edinburgh parents use Nuuri

  • Local, up-to-date profiles with photos, videos and facilities.

  • Search by area (Morningside, Leith, Stockbridge, Portobello, Corstorphine and more).

  • Transparent info: opening hours, age ranges, spaces, fees where provided, and links to Care Inspectorate reports.

  • Book tours/enquire in minutes - save time on phone tag.

Start here: Edinburgh - filter by area, age, opening hours and availability.

Featured Edinburgh nurseries

Below are examples of nurseries registered on Nuuri. Tap through to explore photos, key info and booking options:* Flying Colours Nursery - View profile

  • Cranley Nurseries (Edinburgh) - View profile

  • Colinton Nursery - View profile

  • Morningside Nursery - View profile

  • Raising Little Ones - View profile

  • St George’s Little Dragons (private school preschool) - View profileTip: Shortlist at least 3 settings in different neighbourhoods so you can compare commute times and feel.

How to compare like‑for‑like

When you’re choosing between Edinburgh nurseries, consistency is key. Use the same criteria for each visit:

  1. Location & commute
    Map your door‑to‑door time at drop‑off/pick‑up. Consider tram/bus links and parking rules.

  2. Opening hours & flexibility
    Check normal day length, early drop‑off, late pick‑up and bank‑holiday policy.

  3. Ages, ratios & room transitions
    Confirm staff‑to‑child ratios, key‑person system and how transitions between rooms are handled.

  4. Curriculum & learning
    In Scotland, look for practice aligned with Curriculum for Excellence (Early Level) and the Health & Social Care Standards. Ask for real examples of play‑based learning.

  5. Outdoor play & local trips
    Daily outdoor time matters - ask how often children use gardens or visit nearby green spaces (e.g., Meadows, Inverleith Park, Portobello Prom).

  6. Meals & allergies
    Request a sample menu and allergen policy.

  7. Communication with parents
    Apps/diaries, photos, daily summaries, incident reporting and how settling‑in feedback is shared.

  8. Quality & safety
    Ask for the setting’s Care Inspectorate rating and most recent report; confirm staff PVG checks and SSSC registrations where relevant.

  9. Fees & what’s included
    Meals, nappies, trips, late fees - clarify everything so quotes are comparable.Related reading:* How to choose a nursery: 11 questions to ask/advice/choose-nursery-questions-2025

Plan your visit – questions to ask

Bring this mini‑checklist to every tour:

  • How do you support settling‑in and separation anxiety?

  • What is your key‑person approach and daily routine?

  • How do you adapt to naps, feeding and toilet training?

  • How do you handle allergies/medication and what training do staff have?

  • Can I see your most recent Care Inspectorate report and action plan?

  • What’s included in the fees, and how often do they change?

  • How do families book and manage sessions (term‑time/52‑week, half days, ad‑hoc)?

Fees, funded hours & waiting lists in Edinburgh

  • Funded ELC (1,140 hours): From the term after your child’s 3rd birthday (and some 2‑year‑olds who qualify), you can access up to 1,140 hours a year with partner providers. Ask each nursery how they deliver funded hours (term‑time vs 48/50/52‑week models) and what you’ll pay for extras.

  • Tax‑Free Childcare: Many Edinburgh families also use Tax‑Free Childcare (20% top‑up on eligible costs).

  • Waiting lists: Popular areas (e.g., Morningside, Stockbridge, Leith) can book up early. Enquire 9-12 months ahead of your preferred start date and note deposit/registration terms.Related reading:- Funded hours in Scotland explained (ELC 1,140)/advice/scotland-funded-hours

  • When to apply for a nursery place/advice/when-to-apply-nursery

Area-by-area tips (quick notes)

  • Morningside & Bruntsfield: Strong demand; book early. Great bus links and green spaces.

  • Leith & Newhaven: Handy for families working in the city centre or along the Waterfront.

  • Stockbridge & Comely Bank: Smaller catchments; walkability and parks are a plus.

  • Portobello & Joppa: Beachside settings and community vibe; check parking for drop‑offs.

  • Corstorphine & Murrayfield: Convenient for airport/West Edinburgh commutes.

FAQs

  • **When should I start looking for a nursery place in Edinburgh?**Ideally 9–12 months before your target start date; sooner for under‑2s or high‑demand postcodes.

  • **How many nurseries should I visit?**Shortlist three, then revisit your favourite at a different time of day.

  • **Is Ofsted relevant in Scotland?**No-Scotland’s regulator is the Care Inspectorate. Ask to see their latest report.

  • **Can I blend funded hours and private sessions?**Often yes; providers can explain their model (term‑time blocks vs stretched weeks) and any additional charges.

  • **How do I book a tour?**Use the Book a tour/Enquire button on each Nuuri profile. Many settings let you choose a slot online.

Helpful links on Nuuri (internal)