Waterfront Nursery

Edinburgh College Granton Campus, 350 West Granton Road, Edinburgh EH5 1QE
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9.5 18 Reviews
  • Waterfront Nursery, Edinburgh
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Funding & Fees

Full day session for children age 6 month to 3 years, 25/26 £78.80.AM half day £42.00, PM half day £39.00
Full day session for children age 3 Years to school age 25/26 £73.60 AM have day £41.00 PM half day £38.00

We are a partner provider nursery and can accept Terrific Twos funded placements and 1140 hours funded placements
We are part of the affordable childcare scheme working in partnership with CEC and families may be offered additional funding towards the cost of childcare.

Contact Waterfront Nursery to get a personalised quote.

Contact Waterfront Nursery to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Owner

  • Edinburgh College
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Catherine Buchanan (Manager)

Admission Information

  • children between 6 months and school age

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 36

Total Places for Children

  • 136

Age Range

  • from 0 years 6 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00

When Closed

  • Christmas & some bank holidays

Parking

  • The nursery has an accessible drop off area outside.

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Waterfront Nursery Reviews (18)

9.5

Waterfront Nursery has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.514) out of 10, based on 18 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Waterfront Nursery has 18 reviews.

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Total of 18, showing 1-18
Review from K M (Mother of Child) published on 23 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff here are fantastic! Always caring and compassionate towards the children and parents alike. My daughter has been here since she was 10 months old (she's going to start school this year) When she first started COVID was very rife in the community so to safeguard the children and staff we were
not allowed into the nursery yet brilliant communication was in place so I knew exactly what my child had been doing/eating etc, which still continues now through parentapp and verbal communication with the friendly staff. I have had my son at waterfront for just over 2 years as well now. He was a very shy boy but has come on leaps and bounds, his confidence has improved as has his vocabulary and has learnt fantastic social skills. The practitioners really listen to what the kids like to do and what their strengths are, focus on things the kids need a bit more help with in a very positive and patient manner. They also celebrate every culture and religion with respect and food reflects thi
Reply from Catherine Buchanan, Manager at Waterfront NurseryThank you, we really appreciate your feedback. It's so nice to read everything you have experienced over the years.
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Review from Oliwia K (Mother of Child) published on 23 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
So so happy with the nursery and all the staff! My daughter adores each and every one of them (which isn't like her at all) so it's so amazing to see how comfortable and happy she is when in the care of the nursery staff, as a parent that's the most important thing to me! She is consistently learning
new things thanks to you guys and is clearly very content being at nursery and I cannot thank you enough! Highly highly recommend!
Reply from Catherine Buchanan, Manager at Waterfront NurseryThank you for taking the time to review the nursery, we all love reading the lovely words that have been written about the team.
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Review from Elizabeth I (Mother of Child) published on 22 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery is perfect for my kids, I want to congratulate all the staff and thank you for all the support that our children is receiving. You are the best like Filippo says.
Thank you very much for all your involvement and dedication.
Kindly Regard
Elizabeth
Reply from Catherine Buchanan, Manager at Waterfront NurseryYour words are so kind, the whole team at waterfront appreciate your review, thank you
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Review from Sandra M (Mother of Child) published on 14 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A huge thank you to everyone for their commitment and hard work. My daughter's knowledge and understanding is fantastic. She has a lot fun when she is in, even when she leave the nursery she seems to be happy, jumping, and singing all the way home which it is a good sign. I could have not done as great
job as the staff are doing all on my own. I am very greatful to have the opportunity to put my daugther at Waterfront Nursery because it is absolutely amazing nursery with wonderful caring staff. Even her nutrition it has been great since the new chef started, and sometimes eat extra. I can not be more happy.
Reply from Catherine Buchanan, Manager at Waterfront NurseryThank you for your kind words, he whole team appreciated them.
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Review from M O (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All staff are very supportive. As a mother of a child who didnt know any English, the staff went out of their way to make him feel welcomed and supported hes needs along the way. Staff are very caring and nourishing, they take care of them equally. We are so lucky to have this nursery. We always feel
heard. Thank you so much for becoming family.
Reply from Catherine Buchanan, Manager at Waterfront NurseryYour very kind words mean so much to us, thank you.
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Review from Susie H (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son is so well looked after at Waterfront. He's grown in confidence and knowledge AND gets a full day outside. All the staff are approachable and helpful and professional to us. I'm so grateful our son goes here, I can relax whilst at work knowing he's in safe hands.
Reply from Catherine Buchanan, Manager at Waterfront NurseryThank you so much for your kind words we really appreciate all feedback
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Review from Paula C (Mother of Child) published on 21 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has attended Waterfront Nursery since he was 1 year old, and we've had a really positive experience. It's a great nursery with friendly, caring staff and a lovely atmosphere. The children do a wide range of engaging activities, and we really value the amount of time they spend outside. The food
prepared in the kitchen is another highlight - it always smells amazing when we arrive in the morning. We've felt confident and happy leaving our son here and would happily recommend the nursery to others.
Reply from Catherine Buchanan, Manager at Waterfront NurseryThank you, we all really appreciate your kind words
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Review from L M (Mother of Child) published on 19 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can't rate Waterfront highly enough, my daughter moved here at 2 when the nursery she went to closed down unexpectedly and Waterfront could not have been more accomodating or helpful. My daughter settled really quickly thanks to the dedication and warmth of the staff and she is absolutely thriving
here. They do so much engaging and stimulating activities with the children, and really care for them.
Reply from Catherine Buchanan, Manager at Waterfront NurseryThank you, your kind words mean so much to everyone in the Waterfront team.
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Review from A M (Mother of Child) published on 16 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The biggest strength of this nursery is its staff. Most have been working at this nursery for a very long time.


The nursery feels like a community and they often host activities for the whole family to get involved. For example at Christmas there was a day when we were invited to enjoy various activities

throughout the nursery.


The make up of the nursery of very diverse. There are different ethnicities, cultures, religions - a real melting pot. They are very inclusive and knowledgeable about inclusion. When concerns are raised they are dealt with promptly and professionally.


They have a forest school offer, more generally the children often explore the world around them by going to the beach, nearby green spaces. During the fringe kids attend shows. Its truly a fantastic nursery and I would highly recommend.

Reply from Catherine Buchanan, Manager at Waterfront NurseryThank you so much for your kind words, we really appreciate your feedback.
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Review from Ilaria M (Mother of Child) published on 16 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I love waterfront nursery
Highly recommend
My son is only 1 but I think he is enyoyong as well !!
Food is good as well and they always send updates during the day which good as well
Lots of picrtures and good activities
Reply from Catherine Buchanan, Manager at Waterfront NurseryThank you so much, we all appreciate your kind words.
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Review from Marta J (Mother of Child) published on 16 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been attending Waterfront Nursery since she was 11 months old and I couldn't be happier with the care and support she has received. She has progressed through all the rooms, and at every stage the staff shown incredible dedication, warmth and love. The team created a nurturing environment
where my child feels safe, happy and encouraged to learn and grow. Communication has always been great and I have felt reassured knowing she is in such caring hands. Thank you to everyone at Waterfront Nursery for making her early years so special.
Reply from Catherine Buchanan, Manager at Waterfront NurseryThank you so much, we all appreciate your kind words.
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Review from G O (Mother of Child) published on 16 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Waterfront nursery is very nice, amazing nursery for my son. My son is always happy and very looked after whenever he at the nursery. Both the teachers, office staffs are very nice and they are doing excellent job. Indeed lm glad l choose waterfront nursery for my son.
Reply from Catherine Buchanan, Manager at Waterfront NurseryThank you so much, we all appreciate your kind words.
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Review from Monica R (Mother of Child) published on 16 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would start by saying that this review is an overall feedback based on my recent and also past experience with Waterfront Nursery. My second child currently attends this nursery and the decision to enrol him was taken without too much debate. Having had my first child in this nursery before, during
and after the COVID lockdown, I have only wonderful words to say towards the staff. Of course, not everything is perfect, but management are willing to listen to parents issues and work towards improving the service, some of the staff have been in the establishment since 2018 or even longer, they engage the children in various activities and the outdoor garden and secret garden ( for the older children) is a plus. I would definitely recommend this nursery, my youngest was 9 months when he joined, the staff members are very good at providing care for the little ones and preschool children.
Reply from Catherine Buchanan, Manager at Waterfront NurseryThank you so much, we all appreciate your kind words.
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Review from M A (Father of Child) published on 16 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Nursery is perfect for me and near me. My kid loves the nursery, the garden, the activities and of course the outdoor walks. Would have given a 5 but just not happy the nursery gets clothes mixed up sometimes and we keep losing some good quality clothes.
Reply from Catherine Buchanan, Manager at Waterfront NurseryThank you so much, we really appreciate your kind words.
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Review from Jenna G (Mother of Child) published on 16 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little one started in the baby room last year, I was nervous as a first time mum and returning to work after a year off with just my baby. The teachers in the baby room could not of make me feel more comfortable about leaving my baby with them, they celebrate all milestones as if they are their own
children and will do a lot to make sure your child is happy. I don't have a bad word to say about my experience sending my child here, my child is now moving up rooms and I'm sure the experience will be the same
Reply from Catherine Buchanan, Manager at Waterfront NurseryThank you so much, we all appreciate your kind words.
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Review from F M (Father of Child) published on 16 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We've had a great experience with this nursery and couldn't be happier. The staff are friendly, caring, and really take the time to get to know each child. My daughter settled in quickly and is always happy and excited to go, which is very reassuring.


Communication with parents is excellent, and

we're regularly updated on her day and progress. There's a nice balance between learning and play, and it's been lovely to see her confidence and social skills grow. The nursery is clean, safe, and welcoming, with a warm, family-like atmosphere. We're very grateful for the care and support they give our daughter and would happily recommend this nursery to other parents.
Reply from Catherine Buchanan, Manager at Waterfront NurseryThank you so much for your kind words, we really appreciate your feedback.
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Review from J R (Mother of Child) published on 16 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We couldn't be happier with the care our son receives at Waterfront Nursery. Since joining, he has come on in leaps and bounds - not only in his learning, but also in his confidence and happiness. The staff are incredibly kind, patient, and attentive, and it's clear how much they genuinely care about
each child. He loves going in,which gives us such peace of mind as parents. We're so grateful for the positive impact the nursery has had on his development and would highly recommend it to any family.
Reply from Catherine Buchanan, Manager at Waterfront NurseryThank you so much for your kind words, we really appreciate your feedback.
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Review from R R (Mother of Child) published on 16 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been attending Waterfront Nursery since June 2025 and we have had a fantastic experience.


When I mentioned I was nervous about him starting Nursery, they arranged a second tour of the Nursery for us and invited us to a special introductory session with other families joining around

the same time to run through everything, answer our questions, and this made us feel much more at ease.


The staff are incredible, it's so organised, well laid out, clean, and has a great range of spaces and facilities for the little ones. There is an outdoor play space connected directly from my son's classroom, a sensory room, nap room, and even a separate room that the children eat in at cute little tables and chairs together with meals cooked by a chef.


Compared to our friends nurseries and others that we have visited, I can confidently say that Waterfront Nursery has the best facilities we saw in Edinburgh. We're so glad our son attends here.

Reply from Catherine Buchanan, Manager at Waterfront NurseryThank you so much for your kind words, we really appreciate your feedback.
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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.514)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.514) out of 10 for Waterfront Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 18 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.6 out of 5 from 18 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.902 for Waterfront Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (194 Excellents x 5) + (21 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 215 Ratings = 4.902
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 4.612 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Waterfront Nursery is based on 18 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 3.95
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 136 number of registered child places is 27.2. 18 Positive Reviews ÷ 27.2 = 0.662
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Meet the Team (0)

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Frequently Asked Questions about Waterfront Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Waterfront Nursery accepts?

Waterfront Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 6 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Waterfront Nursery Open?

Waterfront Nursery is open: Monday 08:00-18:00, Tuesday 08:00-18:00, Wednesday 08:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-18:00.

How many Children does Waterfront Nursery have capacity for?

Waterfront Nursery has capacity for a total of 136 Children.

How far is Waterfront Nursery to the centre of Edinburgh?

3.0 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Waterfront Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Waterfront Nursery has an Basic Service - more info.