Business Details
29 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare Services in Edinburgh
North Edinburgh Childcare has been a trusted provider of high-quality early learning and childcare services since 1997. Established through community advocacy, our purpose-built facility in Edinburgh offers nursery care for children aged 4 months to 5 years, alongside out-of-school and breakfast clubs across North Edinburgh and Juniper Green. Our team of SSSC-registered professionals delivers a child-centred curriculum, supported by partnerships with the City of Edinburgh Council and the Care Inspectorate. With three dedicated playrooms, extensive outdoor spaces, and specialist areas like Forest School and Sensory Rooms, we prioritise holistic development through play-based learning.Our SQA-approved training department also supports career progression for childcare workers in the Lothians. Governed by a Board of Trustees, we maintain rigorous standards while offering flexible session options and subsidised fees for eligible families. Through continuous improvement and community engagement, we strive to empower children to become confident, compassionate individuals equipped for lifelong learning.
Services
Nursery Care
Out-of-School Clubs
Breakfast Clubs
Childcare Training
Holiday Clubs
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- Established in 1997 with purpose-built, state-of-the-art facilities
- SQA-approved training for childcare professionals across Edinburgh
- Flexible full-time/part-time sessions with subsidised options available
- Registered with Care Inspectorate and Scottish Social Services Council
- Extensive outdoor learning spaces including Forest School and Sensory Rooms
Associations and certifications
- Care Inspectorate
- SQA Approved Centre
What people say
Nurturing environment
Qualified staff
Flexible options
Excellent facilities
Community engagement
Services
Nursery Care
Our nursery provides age-appropriate care across three dedicated rooms: Robin Room (4 months-2 years), Puffin Room (2-3 years), and Penguin Room (3-5 years). Each room offers tailored learning environments with separate facilities for nappy changing, sleep areas, and cloakrooms. Children benefit from flexible session options and access to specialist spaces including Forest School and Sensory Rooms, supporting holistic development through play-based learning.
Out-of-School Clubs
Operating across six locations, our Ofsted-registered clubs provide structured yet flexible care for children aged 5-12 years. Activities include arts and crafts, sports, music, and outdoor play, with children actively involved in planning daily programmes. Holiday clubs feature themed activities, science experiments, and adventure days, all delivered by qualified staff committed to fostering social skills and creativity in a safe environment.
Childcare Training
As an SQA-approved training centre, we deliver Scottish Vocational Qualifications in childcare and support Modern Apprenticeships. Our programmes combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills development, preparing learners for careers in early years education. Training is available for both new entrants and experienced professionals seeking career advancement in the childcare sector across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Breakfast Clubs
Convenient breakfast clubs operate at Davidsons Mains and Juniper Green Primary Schools, offering nutritious morning meals and supervised activities before school hours. These sessions provide a calm start to the day with structured play and social interaction, helping children transition smoothly into their school routine while supporting working parents' schedules.
Holiday Clubs
Our adventure-packed holiday programmes run during school breaks, featuring themed activities, outdoor adventures, creative workshops, and sports tournaments. Children aged 5-12 engage in daily planning and decision-making, developing leadership skills while enjoying supervised excursions and special events. The clubs include healthy snacks and provide a safe environment for continued learning and social development during school holidays.
People
Fiona Williamson
Convenor
Chairing the Board of Trustees, Fiona Williamson brings strategic leadership to ensure compliance with charity regulations and organisational objectives. With extensive governance experience, she guides North Edinburgh Childcare's long-term vision while maintaining its community-focused ethos and commitment to quality childcare provision.
Theresa Allison
General Manager
Theresa Allison oversees daily operations, ensuring high standards across all services. With deep sector expertise, she manages staff development and service delivery while maintaining regulatory compliance. Her leadership focuses on implementing child-centred practices and expanding accessible childcare solutions for local families.
Jaime Watson
Early Years & Childcare Manager
Jaime Watson leads curriculum development and pedagogical practices across nursery and out-of-school services. Specialising in early childhood education, she ensures programmes align with national standards while fostering creativity and social development through innovative play-based learning approaches.
Beverly
Finance & Business Manager
Beverly manages financial operations and business strategy, ensuring sustainable growth while maintaining affordability. She oversees budgeting, funding applications, and operational efficiency, supporting the organisation's mission to provide accessible, high-quality childcare services across Edinburgh.
Jillian
Out-of-School Club Leader
Jillian leads the Juniper Green Out-of-School Club, creating engaging activity programmes that balance structured learning with free play. With SSSC registration, she ensures safe, nurturing environments where children develop social skills and confidence through hands-on experiences and collaborative projects.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide care for children aged 4 months to 12 years across our nursery, out-of-school, and holiday club services.
Are your staff qualified?
All our childcare workers are registered with the Scottish Social Services Council and receive ongoing professional development.
Do you offer subsidised childcare?
Eligible Edinburgh families may access subsidised fees through City of Edinburgh Council funding for 3-5 year olds.
What facilities do you have?
Our purpose-built centre includes three dedicated playrooms, Forest School area, Sensory Room, Soft Play Zone, and extensive outdoor spaces.
Are you registered with regulatory bodies?
We are registered with the Care Inspectorate and operate as an SQA-approved training centre for childcare qualifications.
How can I visit the nursery?
Families can view our facilities any Friday between 8am-6pm or contact us to arrange a personal tour.
Reviews (6)
Majo Garcia Clemente
Aug 09, 2021
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Critical:Reliability
The staff are incompetent, my son is celiac and on two occasions they had two accidents with food and I had to hospitalize my son for a week.
The staff are incompetent, my son is celiac and on two occasions they had two accidents with food and I had to hospitalize my son for a week.
Danielle Trotter
Dec 28, 2020
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Terrible company. They do NOT treat their staff well and management have a horrible attitude. Would not recommend this company as they do not care and are difficult to deal with. Had a lovely experience with the staff members however it is the managers that seem to be reluctant to do their job.
Sarah P.
Sep 13, 2020
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Dreadful company, leaves staff with too much work to do with little support, if any at all. The staff are lovely and you can tell they are passionate about the kids, but unfortunately the lack of support given by management makes it difficult for them to work effectively. The company also treats the staff badly and ignores their needs, which is demonstrated by the high turnover of staff. Avoid.
Kirsty Warmington
Aug 18, 2020
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Staff think its acceptable to drink everyday just to cope with their own children.... imagine her looking after your child.... disgusting.
Temirlan Jailobaev
Dec 30, 2019
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We have three children. Over the course of our parenthood we went through a number of different private nurseries. You cannot image the difference the North Edinburgh Nursery made in our life. As parents we understand the importance of providing loving, caring environment and at the same time making sure that they are developing the skills which help them in future life. However, despite understanding the importance of those points, for working parents it is always challenging to keep our smiling faces on and find time to work with them on their (reading, counting and other life) skills. The North
Mum Two
Jul 06, 2018
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Not even worthy of a single star. This company are awful to deal with and do not treat their staff well. They do not put the money into equipment for the children to enjoy and run their childcare on the bare minimum. Avoid if you can.
