Day Nurseries Owned by Thrive Childcare and Education in East Lothian

Any parent reading this considering sending your children to MNK please know that my son is 5 and a half and going to school. He has been here since he was 10 months old and I am so sad this time has come to an end. My son has loved it here! All the staff we have been involved with have been so caring and nurturing. Some in particular have treated him like their own. He has had so many amazing experiences and met so many friends. He plays outside all day long and plays games I never even knew he could follow. I cannot recommend the nursery enough. The thing he said he will miss the most are his teachers. Thank so much for all you have done for our family.

Our daughter has been attending the nursery for almost a year now, and we couldn't be happier with her experience. She has built wonderful relationships with the staff and continues to maintain those positive connections even after moving up from the toddler room.

We've seen a huge growth in her confidence-she is a happy, independent little girl who looks forward to nursery each day. She especially enjoys the preschool environment, spending time outdoors, and exploring the local community.

We really appreciate the care and attention she receives, and it's clear how much she enjoys her time there. As parents, seeing our daughter so happy, confident, and excited to go to nursery every day is all we could ask for. We're so grateful to everyone who has played a part in making her nursery experience such a positive one.

She now, once again, loves going to nursery and takes full advantage of the amazing set-up and equipment that they have available, which is absolutely above and beyond.

To everyone at MKN- thank you for the love and care you've shown our girls. We'll miss you all.

The nursery were fantastic. We were parents without a village and the nursery felt like a second home for Nick. We always felt safe and secure leaving him with the staff. It was invaluable support and we will be thankful forever.

We placed my oldest son into MNK at 18 months old hoping it would help with his speech delay. We later found out he had glue ear, issues with his tonsils and adenoids. Which caused him to have hearing loss. The nursery were and continue to be so understanding of my sons struggles and needs. Working alongside him to make him feel comfortable. Both my sons enjoy going to nursery. Their eyes light up when they see familiar faces every week and are always greeted with a smile. Thank you MNK for taking care of my boys!

Cannot praise staff enough, positive nurturing environment ran by genuine passionate staff. Child has been there over a year now: communication, level of professional and engagement with our little ones development has been refreshing and proactive.

Can't fault the staff in the Tweenies room, nothing but excellent care for my child. They meet all his needs of him no issues, always have the best days smiling and laughing. They are great at updating the app throughout the day, so when I'm at work, I can have a look at what he's been up to. Thank you

Since 2021, we have had both our kids through the nursery from 10 months old with our youngest now 3. I have witnessed the transformation this nursery has undergone and I think it must rate amongst the best in East Lothian now. All credit goes to an amazing local team. They are fantastic.

My wife and I are self-employed. We made the difficult decision to put our wee boy into nursery, three days a week, from six months old. Happily, it has worked out very well. The team are great, the location and facilities are fantastic, our son is very happy, and we get regular updates throughout the day with the app. I'd have no hesitation recommending it to a friend.

Our toddler started in the baby room at 9 months old and has moved through to the toddler room and is now 2.5 years old. He has thrived at nursery, and has loved it. He has been very well taken care of and we can tell how loved he is by the nursery staff. He runs in every morning and goes straight in for cuddles and is excited to see his friends and the staff! When he struggled with the transition from Tweenies to toddlers the staff took it at his pace and we were 100% confident leaving him in their care.

He has tried a wide variety of foods and the socialising he's recieved has been brilliant. The staff send us updates regularly (including really lovely pictures) and we can see he gets a wide variety of activities inside and outside. We chose this nursery for the outside activities and it has really delivered. He has done lots of crafts for different events and has come on so much at nursery. We love the staff that work in Musselburgh at have had great experiences with everyone

My daughter started with the nursery when she was 12 months old, and she is now almost 5, starting school this August. We have been reflecting on her time at the nursery; all the friends she has made, how she has grown and developed in so many ways. A massive thanks to all the staff at MNK, as throughout they have been supportive, encouraging and created an environment where our daughter has blossomed. She has particularly loved the emphasis on being outdoors, learning and exploring through nature. In recent weeks, they are back to walks on the beach and river right next to the nursery, 'finding treasure' and learning about the environment around them.

Last year was a really difficult year for us as a family, but the nursery went above and beyond. They were able to add additional sessions when needed and provided a caring, supportive and settled environment for our daughter, which helped us all during this challenging period.

Thank you! We appreciate all you do!

Our two daughters have been attending MSK since October 2025. They settled in very easily and all the staff have been very welcoming. What was important for us was that our children could have plenty of time outdoors and in an environment that nurtures creativity, independence and confidence. The outdoor space at the nursery is fab, and they go on plenty of outings to see the ducks and swans in the river, and along the coast to play areas. My preschooler is getting more confident with recognising and writing letters and numbers in preparation for P1, and my toddler is getting more independent week by week. They have themes month by month which the children get to learn about (seasons, animals, space, etc.). We are really fond of all the staff, who clearly work there because they love children. The fact our kids go to nursery and come home happy says it all.

The staff put so much time and energy into supporting my sons, and they are incredibly in tune with their individual personalities, interests, and needs. My son's previous key worker in the Toddler room still takes the time to check in on him to see how he is getting on. He has now developed particularly close bonds with two members of staff in his room. Seeing the trust and affection he has for them is incredibly reassuring as a parent, and it's clear that they have played a huge role in his confidence and happiness. Staff like them are a real credit to the nursery

My daughter started at MNK when she was 10 months old, she is now 2. We were very nervous about her starting nursery and weren't sure how she would react. The staff very quickly put our minds at ease and we knew we were leaving her in the best possible hands. All staff members are kind and caring and know our daughter so well by now. She loves them all and talks about them at home often, showing how much they mean to her.

We have been delighted to see our daughter flourish and develop new skills with the gentle encouragement of the nursery practitioners. They truly celebrate every new milestone and we love receiving regular photos and updates about her learning and development.

We particularly like the outdoor spaces at MNK and the emphasis on learning and playing outdoors. The nursery also makes good use of local outdoor spaces such as the local park and beach.

Our daughter looks forward to nursery every day and we would thoroughly recommend MNK!

The staff have been brilliant and meeting the needs of the child. Child really seems to enjoy themselves once they are settled in. However, one area which could really be improved is the updates. Some days we don't get key updates (i.e. what food, nappies and naps) all which are needed to know for the child's care. Otherwise there are absolutely no complaints, the team are brilliant and caring and the child really enjoys themselves!

Our child loves going to nursery and is always excited in the mornings to arrive to breakfast with her friends. The staff in the Tweenies room were amazing and the ones in Toddlers are as well. We often see Louise, the manager, in with the kids reading when we arrive to collect our child. Our child can usually listen off who they spent time with that day and what activity was their favourite. We always get a report from staff on toileting (potty training) and meals and general day activities. Our child loves their teachers and it's clear that's reciprocated which is such an amazing feeling knowing they are in caring hands when we can't be with them. The facility is open and welcoming. The road outside is a bit chaotic during busy times but that's not a private road. Within the gates it is clear our child is secure. The main doors could do with upgrading (don't close without tugging) but there are more internal doors before toddler room. We can't wait for preschool later this year

Due to work commitments, we had to send him to nursery far sooner than we would have liked, as he seemed so tiny and young. But MNK has been wonderful: he is almost always happy when we drop him off and pick him up, tired out from a day of playing and eating and discovering. We couldn't ask for more from the Baby Room staff, especially his assigned worker, who he adores. We always get information about food, naps and activities. The staff are switched on, caring and attentive. Being around other babies and in such a positive environment has really helped with weaning, too; the menu is varied and we're pleased he gets to discover such a range of foods. We are so appreciative of them helping our son thrive. Management have also been friendly and engaging. Fees feel high but are standard for quality childcare in 2026 and in the area - and if our son is happy, then that's enough.

I'm really pleased we chose Musselburgh Nature Kindergarten - it's a lovely, supportive environment where children can thrive.

Secondly, it is a shame that the term time option is no longer an option.