Some Of Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right Edinburgh nursery is a big decision. Below you’ll find clear answers to the questions parents ask most – covering locations, hours, fees, funded hours, the Cranley approach, facilities, meals, and how to apply.
1. Where are Cranley’s Edinburgh nursery settings located?
Cranley has two settings serving families in the south/west of the city: Buckstone (EH10, at the top of Braid Road) and Lanark Road (EH13, the red-brick building at Gillespie Crossroads, handy for Colinton and surrounding areas). Both offer convenient parking/public transport and an easy drop-off/pick-up experience – ideal if you’re searching for an Edinburgh nursery near home or work.
2. What ages do you accept?
Buckstone welcomes children from birth to pre-school, while Lanark Road supports children from around 6 months to 5 years. Whichever Edinburgh nursery you choose, age-appropriate rooms and resources help children feel secure, engaged and challenged at the right level.
3. What are your opening hours?
Cranley is open Monday – Friday, 7:30am to 6:00pm, giving busy families flexible options across both Edinburgh nursery locations. Part-time and full-day patterns are available to suit your schedule.
4. What’s special about the “Cranley Approach”?
Cranley is family-run with a warm, partnership-led culture. Both nurseries are designed for free-flow play – children move confidently between activities, building independence and decision-making. The team invests in continuous staff training, so practice stays current and quality remains high across each Edinburgh nursery setting.
5. What facilities will my child enjoy at Buckstone vs Lanark Road?
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Buckstone (EH10): A newly refurbished building for 3-5s (role-play rooms, conservatory for arts/crafts, music room) plus a secure garden with a treehouse, stage, reading den and secret woodland walk.
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Lanark Road (EH13): A secure woodland-style garden with a mud kitchen, a buggy/car-seat porch for parents, and flexible, child-led rooms where children can rest when needed.
Both settings link to their Care Inspectorate reports for transparency and peace of mind – another reason families choose Cranley as their Edinburgh nursery.
6. Are meals and snacks included?
Yes – hot lunches are provided via an external caterer, and sample snack menus are available to view. Dietary needs can be discussed with the team at your chosen Edinburgh nursery during your visit and enrolment.
Schedule your visit to Cranley today and explore the benefits of private nursery care.
7. Do you offer funded hours? How does it work in Edinburgh?
Yes – Cranley participates in Early Learning and Childcare funding with the City of Edinburgh Council. In Scotland, children typically receive funded hours from the term after their third birthday (up to 1,140 hours per year depending on start term and birthday). The Council provides the most current guidance on eligibility and how hours can be used across the year.
Ready to visit an Edinburgh nursery you’ll love?
Book a tour at Buckstone or Lanark Road, ask about funded hours, and speak with the team about your child’s routine and needs. Cranley’s admissions team will guide you from enquiry to start date, step by step.