Nurseries in Leith
Leith is one of Edinburgh’s most vibrant and fast-growing family areas, known for its waterfront regeneration, diverse community, excellent local amenities and strong public transport links. Postcodes such as EH6 and parts of EH7 cover the neighbourhood, stretching from The Shore and Constitution Street to Easter Road, Leith Links and beyond towards Restalrig. With many young families, creative professionals and first-time buyers choosing Leith, demand for early years childcare is consistently high. The area offers excellent commuting options, including tram services connecting directly to the city centre and airport, frequent Lothian Buses routes, safe cycling corridors and walkable access to local schools and nurseries. Families enjoy green spaces such as Leith Links, Pilrig Park and the revitalised waterfront paths. Its mix of modern apartments, historic tenements and new-build family housing makes Leith an attractive choice for parents seeking reliable nursery options within a lively, well-connected community. EH6 and EH7 help define central and north-east parts of the neighbourhood, supporting easy access to childcare settings, shops and leisure facilities.
Parents in Leith 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
- 591 places
Nurseries near you in Leith
nuuri registered
105 places
Ages 3 months to 5 years
4 / 6 inspection score
1 December 2022
Frequently Asked Questions
In Leith, 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 Leith, private day nurseries typically charge between **£65–£90 per day**, depending on opening hours, location and wrap-around care options.
All nurseries in Leith 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
Leith 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
