Business Details
Trusted Childcare & Early Learning in Edinburgh
Cranley Nursery has been nurturing young minds and supporting families in Edinburgh for over two decades. Our family-run nurseries provide a safe, happy, and enriching environment for children aged 0 - 5 years, combining structured learning with free-flow play to foster independence and decision-making skills. With two conveniently located settings in Buckstone and Lanark Road, we pride ourselves on our dedicated team of qualified childcare professionals who prioritise individual care and continuous staff development. Our approach integrates parental input to create a home-from-home atmosphere, ensuring every child feels comfortable and engaged.Recognised with prestigious awards including Best UK Nursery Group of the Year, we maintain rigorous standards through regular training in First Aid, Child Protection, and Food Hygiene. By investing in both our staff and facilitiesincluding purpose-built outdoor spaceswe deliver exceptional early years education that prepares children for their transition to school while maintaining transparency and trust with families.
Services
Childcare for 05 years
Preschool programs
Flexible funding options
Staff training
Outdoor learning spaces
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of combined experience in childcare excellence
- Our team holds BA degrees and advanced childcare qualifications
- We provide continuous staff training in safeguarding and pedagogy
- Award-winning nursery group with two Edinburgh locations
- Flexible funding options including Tax Free Childcare available
Associations and certifications
- NurseryWorld Awards
What people say
Dedicated team
Nurturing environment
Award-winning practices
Flexible funding
Secure outdoor spaces
Services
Childcare for 05 years
Our comprehensive childcare service supports children from infancy to school age. Qualified practitioners create individualised care plans within a free-flow environment that encourages exploration and social development. Daily activities balance structured learning with independent play to build confidence and foundational skills.
Preschool programs
Tailored preschool curricula prepare children for primary education through interactive learning. Staff with teaching backgrounds implement transition programs focusing on literacy, numeracy, and social skills. Regular assessments ensure each child progresses at their own pace towards key developmental milestones.
Staff training
Continuous staff development includes in-house workshops and external certifications. Mandatory training covers safeguarding, first aid, and food hygiene while pedagogical updates ensure practitioners deliver evidence-based childcare practices aligned with current educational standards.
Outdoor learning spaces
Secure outdoor areas feature imaginative play structures, sensory gardens, and natural exploration zones. Designed to promote physical development and environmental awareness, these spaces include roleplay areas, reading dens, and safe zones for active games and seasonal activities.
Flexible funding options
We administer government-funded childcare schemes and offer flexible payment arrangements. Parents can access Tax Free Childcare, preschool funding for 35 year olds, and tailored payment plans while maintaining high-quality care standards.
People
Shelley Livingstone
Area Manager
BA-qualified childcare professional with 20+ years' experience. Oversees nursery operations, staff development, and family engagement. Recognised for maintaining high care standards while supporting staff career progression.
Lorna Smith
Management Support
25-year childcare veteran providing operational support and staff mentorship. Specialises in nursery management systems and team development. Key figure in maintaining consistent care standards across both Edinburgh locations.
Hannah Lyster
Cranley Buckstone Manager
Level 9 qualified manager with 5+ years' nursery leadership experience. Implements policies ensuring compliance with care standards while fostering staff professional growth and child-centred practices.
Jennifer McCartney
Cranley Lanark Manager
10-year nursery veteran with primary teaching background. Focuses on smooth school transitions and staff development. Successfully led nursery through Care Inspectorate evaluations while maintaining educational excellence.
Amy Gavin
Nursery Manager Buckstone
Degree-qualified manager with 10 years' hands-on experience. Balances operational leadership with direct childcare provision. Specialises in creating nurturing environments that support both staff and child development.
Questions
What age groups do you cater to?
We provide care and education for children aged 0–5 years across both our Edinburgh locations.
How do you support children's learning?
Our free-flow approach combines structured activities with independent exploration, fostering decision-making and school readiness skills.
Are meals provided?
Yes, all children receive a hot lunch daily from our external provider, with varied menus available.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
Our team includes BA-qualified practitioners with ongoing training in First Aid, Child Protection, and Food Hygiene.
Do you offer flexible hours?
We require a minimum of four weekly sessions but offer flexible funding options and extended care.
How do you involve parents?
We maintain regular communication and value parental input to personalise each child's nursery experience.
