





As the Waterfront Nursery name suggests, the nursery is situated near Granton’s waterfront, overlooking the Firth of Forth. The diverse staff team has been providing quality childcare for over ten years and can communicate in more than 20 languages.
The nursery houses three learning environments that support children’s development from three months to five years, with a particular focus on child-led learning. Fun and engaging activities help support the key learning...
Funding & Fees
Full day session for children age 3 Years to school age 25/26 £73.60, AM half day £41.00, PM half day £38.00
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:
Type of Service
- Day Nursery
Opening Schedule
Open all yearFull days available
YesHalf day sessions offered
YesOwner
- Edinburgh College
- Private 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
Meals Provided
NoConsumables provided
NoOpening 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.
Waterfront Nursery Reviews (29)
Waterfront Nursery has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.902) out of 10, based on 29 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Waterfront Nursery has 29 reviews.
I have been going to this nursery since 2020 when my first daughter was 10months old. My second daughter also goes to this nursery so, by August 2028, I will have been coming to this place everyday for 8 years straight! Safe to say we love Waterfront Nursery. The facility is well catered for all children with lots of outdoor space nearby. Staff are also wonderful. 110% recommend.
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Every single thing is good at water front nursery but the staff the environment and all the activities giving to the children was goods the playground the toys and even when they we out of the nursery premises
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It is the best place for my child. I made the best choice for him. The staff is very attentive to them, offering them a lot of activities, including walks and outdoor activities. My little one started in the baby room. My child loves the nursery.
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The best nursery. My son is attending this nursery before 1st birthday. Everyone at nursery is amazing. My son enjoy being there. From learning perspective its an amazing place too - my son has learned new activities which were even shock to see that as we did not teach those.
Thank you for your review, your kind words are appreciated greatly.
Since our daughter started in April 2025 we have had nothing but positive experiences with the nursery. The warmth and kindness of the staff has helped our daughter thrive in the 0-2 room and she loves going into nursery. There has been a great variety of activities throughout the day and we are frequently updated with photos. We would highly recommend the nursery to anyone looking in the area.
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This is a fantastic nursery, the kids get the opportunity to go out on trips and to explore the nearby surroundings like the beach and parks. There is a real emphasis on going out doors which is great. The only issue is that parents wishes and choices get questioned and are not always respected which lets down the nursery.
Thank you for your review, all feedback is appreciated as it helps us to improve you and your child's experience at Waterfront.
My daughter is non-verbal, autistic and has high support needs so starting nursery wasn't easy for her but the consistency, patience and understanding from the staff made such a difference.
Every member of staff, from the office team to the room staff, to the kitchen, have been incredibly supportive and committed to her wellbeing. They've always been flexible and open minded when navigating her needs and have been willing to work closely with me to make sure she feels safe, supported and settled.
Even with her limited communication I can see how happy she is to be there and the bonds she's built with the staff around her.
Watching her go from struggling with her peers to forming connections has been one of the most heartwarming things I've seen and it wouldn't have been possible without the amazing staff.
I'm honestly sad she'll be leaving for school this year but so grateful Waterfront could be part of her journey and I couldn't recommend this nursery enough!
Thank you for your review, your kind words are very much appreciated.
I feel very lucky my child attends this nursery. One of the things I appreciate much is the full day outdoor option, it's amazing that the children spend time outside exploring and learning in nature.
The menu is fantastic, very varied, nutritious and clearly well thought through. It's very reassuring knowing my child is eating healthy meals every day.
I also love the approach to learning. When staff notice a child is interested in something, they immediately support and develop that interest. It feels very natural and child led. I also love how they follow the seasons and different celebrations, decorating and planning activities so children learn in a fun way.
The diversity of cultures and languages is wonderful. My child has already picked up plenty words in different languages.
And the best part really is the staff, always welcoming and smiling. Communication is excellent with both - office and rooms and the handovers and online updates help me stay connected to my child's day.
Thank you for your review, your kind words are very much appreciated.
We have been using Waterfront nursery since 2019 and have always found the staff to be friendly and helpful, and they clearly really care about the children in their care. There has been very little staff turn over in the last 7 years, many of the staff are the same ones that were there when my eldest started in the baby room. Facilities are modern and they have a proper sleep room for babies which some other nurseries don't. Food is of good quality and my daughters eat really well. We will be sad to leave for good later this year when my youngest starts school.
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The Waterfront nursery is absolutely great! Passionate and dedicated practitioners, friendly staff and amazing facilities. The children have access to a big outdoor area and preschoolers have the option to join the forest school. Overall great!
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Our child has been through all 3 age rooms at Waterfront and we all have been very happy with their time there. The staff have been wonderful, any issues raised have been taken seriously and communication had been good, improving noticeably during our time there.
The facilities are excellent, good indoor space, the playground, garden and gym hall cater to all weather, and frequent trips to the local park and beach are great. Food is great, and improving still due to the nursery's initiatives.
Though nursery is inevitably expensive, the cost is relatively cheap for Edinburgh, and we feel that there is value for money here.
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The staff are wonderful, approachable and friendly. My child enjoys going into nursery, and loves all the fun activities, games and learning. She also enjoys the food and loves all the nursery staff. She always looks forward to going in.
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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
Thank you, we really appreciate your feedback. It's so nice to read everything you have experienced over the years.
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!
Thank you for taking the time to review the nursery, we all love reading the lovely words that have been written about the team.
Thank you very much for all your involvement and dedication.
Kindly Regard
Elizabeth
Your words are so kind, the whole team at waterfront appreciate your review, thank you
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.
Thank you for your kind words, he whole team appreciated them.
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.
Your very kind words mean so much to us, thank you.
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.
Thank you so much for your kind words we really appreciate all feedback
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.
Thank you, we all really appreciate your kind words
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.
Thank you, your kind words mean so much to everyone in the Waterfront team.
Child Vacancies
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Awards / Recognitions (2)
- Recipient: Waterfront NurseryDate: Tuesday 31 Mar 2026
- Recipient: Waterfront NurseryDate: Saturday 25 Oct 2025
Meet the Team (0)
There are no Team Members posted yet.
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 Enhanced Service - more info.