Business Details
29 Years
experience
Award-Winning Childcare & Early Learning in Edinburgh & Midlothian
Founded in January 1997, we have established ourselves as a trusted provider of early years care and education across Edinburgh and Midlothian. Our five purpose-built nurseries in Eskbank, Gilmerton, Heriot Watt, Lasswade, and Penicuik cater to children aged 3 months to 5 years, combining expert childcare with innovative learning approaches. We work in partnership with the Scottish government to offer 1140 hours of fully funded placements, ensuring accessibility for families.Our team of qualified practitioners, who receive the real living wage, prioritise children's social and emotional development through tailored care and engaging activities. With over 28 years of experience, we maintain a strong reputation for excellence, supported by our commitment to continuous improvement and adherence to national care standards.
Services
Early Years Childcare
Woodland Classroom
Healthy Meal Provision
Funded Placements
Flexible Hours
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- 28+ years of specialist childcare experience since 1997
- All qualified staff receive the real living wage
- Unique woodland classrooms for outdoor learning
- Personalised care for children with additional needs
- Award-winning nurseries across Edinburgh & Midlothian
Associations and certifications
- Care Inspectorate
- Education Scotland
What people say
Excellent staff
Safe and secure
Thriving in a fun environment
Fantastic outdoor spaces
Personalised care
Services
Early Years Childcare
Our nurseries provide comprehensive childcare for children aged 3 months to 5 years, with qualified staff delivering tailored care plans. We focus on social, emotional, and educational development through structured play and learning activities. Each nursery maintains a 1:8 staff-to-child ratio to ensure individual attention and safety.
Woodland Classroom
The Heriot Watt nursery features a dedicated woodland classroom for 3-5 year olds, offering nature-based education through Forest School principles. Children engage in outdoor activities that develop physical skills, environmental awareness, and creative play. This unique provision operates within standard funded hour allocations.
Funded Placements
We offer 1140 hours of fully funded childcare annually for eligible 2-5 year olds, with options to use hours flexibly across our nurseries. Our team assists families with registration and funding claims, ensuring accessible, high-quality early education without financial barriers.
Healthy Meal Provision
Daily meals follow Scottish government nutritional guidelines, with freshly prepared dishes catering to dietary requirements. Our menus incorporate seasonal ingredients and encourage children's participation in food-related learning activities. Parents receive regular updates on weekly meal plans and eating experiences.
Flexible Hours
Nurseries operate from 7:30am to 6:00pm Monday-Friday, with options to arrange sessions around family needs. We accommodate shift workers and varying schedules while maintaining continuity of care through consistent key worker assignments.
People
Stratos Koulis
Co-Founder
Co-founded Pinocchio's in 1997 with his wife Lewissa, establishing nurseries based on their vision for child-centred care. Continues to support strategic development while maintaining hands-on involvement in quality assurance.
Lewissa Koulis
Co-Founder
Co-founder with 28+ years' experience in early years education. Developed the original care philosophy focusing on children's emotional needs, which remains central to all nursery operations across Edinburgh and Midlothian.
Katrina Weir
Operational Director
Manages day-to-day operations across all five nurseries since 2023. Brings extensive childcare leadership experience, working closely with founders to maintain quality standards while driving future developments.
Emma Edwards
Early Years Coordinator
Manages Eskbank's Adventure Room provision, overseeing 51 places for 3-5 year olds. Specialises in creating stimulating indoor environments that complement outdoor learning experiences.
Nicky
Head Chef
Responsible for nutritious meal provision across nurseries, developing menus that meet Scottish food standards. Ensures balanced nutrition supports children's growth and learning through daily eating experiences.
Questions
What childcare funding options do you offer?
We provide 1140 hours of fully funded placements for eligible 2-5 year olds through the Scottish government scheme, with advance booking recommended.
Do you cater for children with additional needs?
Yes, our staff are trained to support children with disabilities or health needs, creating individualised care plans in collaboration with families.
What outdoor learning facilities do you have?
Our Heriot Watt nursery features a woodland classroom, while all locations incorporate outdoor play and Forest School principles into daily activities.
How do you communicate with parents?
We use Famly software for learning journals, daily updates via social media, and maintain open communication channels through nursery managers and staff.
What meal provision is available?
Our nurseries serve freshly prepared, nutritionally balanced meals daily, following Scottish government food standards and dietary requirements.
Are your staff qualified in childcare?
All practitioners receive the real living wage, with mandatory qualifications and ongoing training to ensure high-quality care and education.
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