Nurseries in Gilmerton
Gilmerton is a well-established residential area in south-east Edinburgh, known for its community atmosphere, good transport links, local schools and access to green spaces. Postcodes such as EH17 and parts of EH16 cover the area, stretching from Gilmerton Road and Newtoft Street towards Moredun, Gracemount, Ferniehill and the edges of the city bypass. With many families and long-term residents, demand for early years childcare is consistently high. Gilmerton benefits from strong public transport connections, including frequent Lothian Buses services into the city centre, cycling routes and quick access to the A7, A772, A720 city bypass and Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Families enjoy nearby parks, walking routes and community facilities. Its mix of traditional houses, modern estates and family-oriented neighbourhoods makes Gilmerton a practical and popular choice for parents seeking reliable nursery provision within a well-connected and growing community. EH17 and EH16 help define the wider residential zones, supporting easy access to nurseries, schools and everyday amenities.
Parents in Gilmerton typically pay £80 per day for childcare, which is slightly 7% higher than the UK average.
- Average Daily Cost
- £80
- Comparison
- +7% vs UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 652 places
Nurseries near you in Gilmerton
Frequently Asked Questions
In Gilmerton, children may start private nursery care from around 3 months old depending on the setting; funded early learning and childcare begins **the term after a child’s 3rd birthday** under Scotland’s national entitlement.
Children aged 3 and 4 (and eligible 2-year-olds) receive up to 1,140 hours of funded early learning and childcare each year, delivered across partner nurseries and council settings.
For children under 3, families pay privately for childcare. In Gilmerton, private day nurseries typically charge between **£60–£90 per day**, depending on hours, meals and wrap-around options.
All nurseries in Gilmerton are regulated by the **Care Inspectorate**, with additional oversight from the **City of Edinburgh Council** for funded placements.
Ask about staff-child ratios, qualifications, daily routines, how transitions are managed, how funded hours are applied, additional fees, communication methods, and whether the nursery accepts salary sacrifice childcare fee schemes.
Applying for funding
Gilmerton is covered by City of Edinburgh Council, the local authority for this area. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the City of Edinburgh Council website
