Nurseries in Portobello
Portobello is a popular coastal neighbourhood in east Edinburgh, known for its beachside promenade, strong community feel and family-friendly atmosphere. Postcodes such as EH15 cover the area, stretching from the historic High Street and seaside cafés towards Joppa, Milton Road and the Figgate Burn. With many young families and long-term residents, demand for early years childcare is consistently high. Portobello offers excellent commuting options, including frequent Lothian Buses routes into the city centre, cycling paths along the coast and quick access to the A1 and city bypass for travel further afield. Families enjoy the beach, local parks, play areas and a vibrant mix of independent shops. Its combination of coastal living, accessible transport and established residential streets makes Portobello ideal for parents seeking reliable childcare in a welcoming, well-connected community. EH15 helps define the core residential and seaside areas, supporting easy access to nurseries, schools and local amenities.
Parents in Portobello 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
- 351 places
Nurseries near you in Portobello
Frequently Asked Questions
In Portobello, 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 Portobello, private day nurseries typically charge between **£65–£90 per day**, depending on location, opening hours and wrap-around options.
All nurseries in Portobello 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
Portobello 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
