Business Details
Trusted Childcare & Early Learning in Edinburgh
Established to provide exceptional early years education and childcare, Cranley Nursery has become a trusted name in Edinburgh. Our family-run nurseries offer a nurturing environment where children aged 0 - 5 develop independence, curiosity, and essential life skills through play-based learning. With two locations in EH10 and EH13, we combine purpose-designed facilities with a dedicated team of qualified professionals who prioritise individual care and continuous staff development.Recognised as Best UK Nursery Group of the Year, we maintain rigorous safety standards while fostering strong partnerships with families to create a second home for every child. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our Care Inspectorate compliance and innovative programmes like Play on Pedals, which demonstrate our leadership in early childhood education.
Services
Early Years Education
Free Flow Learning
Staff Training
Pre-School Funding
Outdoor Play Areas
Flexible Session Options
Child Protection
First Aid Care
Food Hygiene
Bike Safety Programme
Highlights and features
- Our team includes BA-qualified childcare professionals with decades of combined experience
- We maintain 25-year+ staff tenure demonstrating exceptional team stability
- Family-focused approach with daily parent communication and involvement
- Award-winning continuous staff training programme ensures best practices
- Secure outdoor spaces designed for immersive, nature-based learning experiences
What people say
Experienced team
Secure outdoor spaces
Flexible funding options
Award-winning training
Family-focused approach
Services
Early Years Education
Our early years education programme supports children aged 05 through play-based learning. Qualified staff create individualised development plans while maintaining Care Inspectorate standards. The curriculum combines structured activities with free-flow exploration across purpose-designed indoor and outdoor spaces.
Free Flow Learning
This approach allows children to choose activities and manage their own learning pace. Secure environments with designated zones encourage decision-making and social skills development, supported by staff trained in observational teaching techniques.
Staff Training
Continuous training includes in-house workshops and external courses covering childcare best practices. Staff maintain First Aid, Child Protection and Food Hygiene certifications, ensuring high-quality care aligned with current educational standards.
Outdoor Play Areas
Secure gardens feature treehouses, woodland walks and creative play zones. These spaces promote physical development and nature connection through structured activities and free exploration in safe, purpose-built environments.
Bike Safety Programme
This 12-week programme teaches balance and coordination through interactive games. Qualified staff guide small groups using purpose-designed equipment, helping children develop motor skills and confidence in a structured setting.
People
Shelley Livingstone
Area Manager
BA-qualified childcare expert with career progression from practitioner to leadership. Oversees nursery operations and staff development while maintaining family engagement across all locations.
Lorna Smith
Management Support
25-year veteran with extensive management experience. Supports staff training and nursery operations while mentoring new team members across both Edinburgh locations.
Hannah Lyster
Cranley Buckstone Manager
Level 9 childcare qualified manager with 5+ years experience. Ensures policy compliance and maintains high educational standards at the Buckstone location.
Jennifer McCartney
Cranley Lanark Manager
10-year team member with primary teaching background. Specialises in school transition programmes and staff development at the Lanark Road nursery.
Amy Gavin
Nursery Manager Buckstone
10-year veteran completing degree qualification. Balances hands-on childcare with management responsibilities at Buckstone, focusing on staff and child wellbeing.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We provide childcare for children from birth through to pre-school age (0–5 years).
Do you offer funded childcare places?
Yes, we accept Early Years funding for children aged 3–5 years with flexible payment options.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
All staff have First Aid, Child Protection and Food Hygiene certifications, with many holding advanced childcare qualifications.
How do you support child development?
Our free-flow approach encourages independence through play, with structured learning and outdoor exploration.
What facilities do you offer?
Secure gardens, roleplay rooms, arts spaces, and purpose-designed learning environments at both Edinburgh locations.
Reviews (2)
Donna Marcus
Jun 29, 2021
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They don't bother getting back to your enquiries. I have used both their online contact form and I have emailed. Perhaps they haven't responded because I asked about homecooked lunches; but I have since found out that you have to bring a packed lunch, even though they charge the same as other nurseries providing lunches. I also asked about 2 days,… and have now found out they want you to put your child in for a minimum of 4 sessions, as they believe it is better for the child. What nonsense, better for your pockets more like. Do you not thinking a child getting to spend more time with their
Mairy Palomino
Nov 14, 2019
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The nursery changes a lot of staff, additionally its deposit policy is misleading. The administration never responds to request made by parents. I dont recommend its
