Business Details
32 Years
experience
Award-Winning Childcare Nurseries in Central Scotland
Established in 1994, Kirktonholme Nursery has grown from a single nursery to a respected group of 11 settings across Central Scotland. Our commitment to quality childcare is evidenced by consistently high Care Inspectorate grades (predominantly 5s and 6s) and industry recognition, including Nursery Management Today Awards for Best Nursery Group and Best Outdoor Environments. We prioritise child-led learning through nurturing environments that support emotional development and curiosity. Our approach aligns with national guidelines, integrating Pre-Birth to 3 and Building the Ambition frameworks to foster holistic growth.With decades of collective staff experience, including team members who have remained with us for our entire 26-year history, we maintain strong community ties while innovating through initiatives like Scotland's first outdoor learning environment registered under government guidelines. Our purpose-built facilities, such as the Govan nursery shortlisted for a Glasgow Institute of Architects Design Award, demonstrate our dedication to creating inspiring spaces where children thrive through play-based exploration.
Services
Day Nurseries
Early Education
Outdoor Learning
Settling-In Support
Nutritious Meals
Fully Funded Hours
Parent Partnerships
Child Development
Stay and Play Sessions
Outdoor Play Areas
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience in early years childcare across Scotland
- Our nurseries maintain Care Inspectorate grades of mostly 5s and 6s
- Award-winning outdoor learning environments designed in partnership with the Scottish Government
- Attachment-led practice with 'stay and play' settling-in sessions tailored to each child
- Purpose-built facilities shortlisted for Glasgow Institute of Architects Design Awards
Associations and certifications
- Care Inspectorate
- Nursery Management Today Awards
What people say
Excellent care and patience
Massive improvement in development
Patient and understanding staff
Secure and loved environment
Fantastic speech development
Services
Day Nurseries
Our 11 purpose-built nurseries across Central Scotland provide safe, stimulating environments for children aged 0-5 years. Each setting offers age-appropriate resources, qualified staff, and flexible hours from 8am-6pm Monday-Friday. With capacity for 53 children per nursery, we maintain low staff-child ratios to ensure individual attention and care.
Early Education
Following Scottish Government guidelines, our curriculum integrates play-based learning with structured educational frameworks. Qualified practitioners deliver activities that develop literacy, numeracy, and social skills through exploration. We align with 'Building the Ambition' standards while maintaining flexibility to follow children's interests and developmental needs.
Outdoor Learning
Recognised as Scotland's first nursery with government-registered outdoor learning environments, we provide daily access to natural spaces. Children engage in physical play, environmental discovery, and seasonal activities across purpose-designed gardens that encourage risk assessment and motor skill development in fresh air.
Settling-In Support
We offer tailored 'stay and play' sessions where parents remain present during initial visits. This attachment-led approach allows children to build trust with staff at their own pace, often spanning weeks or months. Regular communication ensures parents understand their child's adaptation progress and emotional needs.
Nutritious Meals
Our menus feature balanced meals and snacks prepared daily, including dishes like vegetable curry, homemade flapjacks, and fresh fruit. We accommodate dietary requirements while encouraging children to explore new tastes through interactive food experiences. Mealtimes become opportunities for social development and healthy habit formation.
People
Charlotte Kelly
Owner & Founder
Co-founder Charlotte Kelly has led Kirktonholme Nursery since its establishment in 1994. With over 25 years in the sector, she pioneered Scotland's first government-registered outdoor learning environments and maintains close involvement in daily operations across all 11 nurseries.
Edward Kelly
Owner & Founder
As co-founder and director, Edward Kelly oversees strategic development while ensuring adherence to quality standards. With a background in business management, he has guided the group's expansion from one to eleven nurseries while maintaining family values and community focus.
Karen Flynn
Area Manager
Karen Flynn manages nursery operations across the group, supporting managers in delivering consistent quality care. With extensive experience in early years education, she ensures all settings maintain Care Inspectorate standards while implementing innovative practices like the award-winning outdoor learning programmes.
Sarah Kelly
Development and Support Manager
Sarah Kelly oversees staff training and quality assurance across all nurseries. She implements professional development programmes that have contributed to long-term staff retention, with some team members remaining for the full 26-year history of the organisation.
John Gallagher
Maintenance Manager
John Gallagher ensures all nursery facilities meet safety and operational standards. He manages building maintenance and garden upkeep, directly supporting the creation of inspiring environments that have earned multiple design award nominations for Kirktonholme settings.
Questions
What funded childcare hours are available?
Children aged 3-4 may receive up to 1140 funded hours annually through Scottish Government schemes. Availability varies by local authority - contact your council or nursery for specific eligibility details.
How do you help children settle in?
We offer flexible 'stay and play' sessions where parents remain present until the child feels comfortable. This process adapts to each child's needs, potentially lasting weeks or months with gradual separation.
What outdoor activities do you provide?
Our award-winning outdoor spaces feature natural play areas, gardening opportunities, and physical challenges. Children engage in seasonal exploration, risk assessment activities, and daily fresh-air experiences tailored to developmental stages.
What food options are available?
We provide balanced meals and snacks daily, including homemade dishes like vegetable curry, fresh fruit, and baked goods. Menus accommodate dietary requirements while encouraging children to explore new tastes through interactive food experiences.
How do you communicate with parents?
Staff maintain daily updates through communication books and informal discussions. We also hold regular parent meetings to discuss developmental progress and address any concerns about your child's care and learning.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff hold relevant childcare qualifications with many possessing advanced certifications. Our team includes practitioners with decades of experience, supported by ongoing professional development programmes to maintain high care standards.
Reviews (3)
Kayleigh Corbett
Apr 07, 2021
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Positive:Quality,Reliability
Brilliant nursery, amazing facilities and friendly and enthusiastic staff. Great focus on outdoor and sensory play. Good communication and daily updates. My kids come out with happy faces every day.
Brilliant nursery, amazing facilities and friendly and enthusiastic staff. Great focus on outdoor and sensory play. Good communication and daily updates. My kids come out with happy faces every day.
Michael D.
Jan 17, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality
My daughter went here for two years and both the facilities and staff were excellent. Would highly recommend!
My daughter went here for two years and both the facilities and staff were excellent. Would highly recommend!
Sarah Kelly
Nov 29, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Reliability
Amazing staff and an amazing environment. You can leave your child feeling confident that they will be happy and given the best possible care.
Amazing staff and an amazing environment. You can leave your child feeling confident that they will be happy and given the best possible care.
