For over fifty years, Edzell Nursery has been providing children with a small, friendly, and nurturing environment to take their first steps in their learning journey. Our experienced and qualified staff fully understand how to guide, support, and encourage children in these crucial early years.
We believe every child learns and develops at their own pace, and we tailor our approach to each child's needs. We offer a variety of activities and experiences that promote all areas of development, including physical, social, emotional, and cognitive. We also place a strong emphasis on outdoor play, because as Margaret Mcmillan said “ The best classroom and the richest cupboard is roofed only by the sky”
Our staff are passionate about early childhood education and committed to providing our children with the best possible start in life. We believe that a nurturing and supportive environment is essential for children's healthy development, and we are proud to create a space where children can feel safe, happy, and valued.
We look forward to welcoming you and your child to Edzell Nursery!
Key Information
Edzell Nursery is a private nursery that operates in partnership with The City of Edinburgh Council. This means that eligible children can receive council funding from the term following their third birthday.
We are a small nursery so enrolment numbers are a maximum of 30 children. Places are usually allocated in February for the following August. However, an eligible child may join the nursery at any time if a vacancy is available.
You can put your child's name on the waiting list at any time by contacting the nursery and filling out an application form. A visit to the nursery will then be arranged.
The nursery follows the City of Edinburgh term dates for local schools. It is open from Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, and Fridays, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. There is also an early morning drop-off available from 8:00 am for a small fee.
Our Staff
Our nursery is run by three experienced Montessori teachers, Miss Camille, Miss Rachel Srakie and Mrs Naizary known as Mrs Nai, who are passionate about providing a stimulating and nurturing environment for children. We believe that every child is unique, and we tailor our teaching methods to meet the individual needs of each child.
Our team of early years educators is experienced and diverse, bringing a range of skills to the nursery, including outdoor learning, and additional support needs, amongst others. We believe that a well-rounded education is essential for children, and we offer a wide range of activities and experiences to help children develop their physical, cognitive, social, and emotional skills.
Care Inspectorate Report
The Care Inspectorate is responsible for inspecting the quality of nurseries. Our most recent Report was conducted on April 2024. The Report again graded us as “very good” across a range of factors. Comments from the Inspectorate included;
“Children were consistently nurtured and supported throughout their daily experiences. They were happy and engaged throughout all areas of the nursery. Staff interacted with warmth and kindness and were responsive to children making them feel loved, valued and heard”
“Children were having fun as they experienced high-quality play, learning and development opportunities. They were meaningfully and actively involved in leading their play and learning through a free-flow play and learning environment. Opportunities promoting choice and independence were available through a balance of spontaneous and planned high-quality experiences”
A full copy of the report can be found at the Care Inspectorate website.
Learning and Development
We are thrilled to announce that Edzell Nursery is now fully a Montessori nursery! Montessori is a child-centred approach that focuses on independence, hands-on learning, and fostering respect for the environment. We believe this approach provides the best foundation for lifelong learning, empowering children to grow into curious, confident individuals.
Our commitment to outdoor learning remains stronger than ever. We know that children thrive when they can explore the natural world, and our beautiful outdoor space offers a rich, stimulating environment for discovery. From creative outdoor learning and gardening to nature walks, these activities promote physical development, a connection with nature, and a deep respect for all living things.
Inter-generational learning is also a key part of our curriculum. We believe that interactions between different generations enrich our children's learning experiences and nurture a sense of community. Through thoughtfully planned activities, children will have the chance to engage with older adults, gaining valuable knowledge, and life lessons, and fostering empathy and respect across generations.
At Edzell, we are excited to offer this holistic Montessori experience that supports your child's development in every way—mind, body, and spirit.
Community
Edzell is an open and inclusive nursery that encourages all parents and carers to become involved in the nursery community. Parents participate in various ways, from talking about their interesting jobs or hobbies to sharing their cultures and skills with the children or accompanying the nursery on outings. The nursery has a parent rep, who not only acts as a link between the families and setting when needed but also volunteers his/her time in helping to organise certain social occasions.
We believe that this sense of community makes for a special time for all involved and creates a wonderful feeling of an extended nursery family for all the children. Families often develop a social life with each other that extends beyond nursery time, and there are organised gatherings throughout the year.
After all, it takes a village to raise a child.
“Wonderful nursery which cultivates a nurturing atmosphere for the children. They play well together and staff are very experienced and know the children well. My child has developed in confidence.”
We’d love to hear from you
edzellnursery@gmail.com
07909 672377