The top nurseries in Scotland have been named for 2025.
Recognising the best in Scotland, the annual DayNurseries.co.uk awards are based not only on reviews from parents and guardians but also on Care Inspectorate (CI) data. Each facility is ranked on factors including care, food, facilities, staff, safeguarding, management and value for money, with nurseries which have received low CI ratings excluded from the running.
For the fifth year in a row, Bright Horizons at 44 St Swithin Street in Aberdeen has been named among Scotland’s best, with a number of last year’s top nurseries – such as Happitots Nursery Cumbernauld and Smiley Stars’ locations in Ibrox and Mansewood – also maintaining their status.
So from the Borders to the north-east, here are the 20 best nurseries in Scotland.
5. Beech House Nursery, Balnagask Road, Aberdeen, AB11 8HR
Located on Balnagask Road, Beech House Nursery is another Aberdeen location to be included among the best in Scotland. Offering childcare for children aged from 2 months old up to the age of five, children can enjoy a large outdoor area and a wide range of experiences. | Google Maps
6. Bright Horizons at 44 St Swithin, St Swithin Street, Aberdeen, AB10 6XJ
For a fifth year in a row, Bright Horizons at 44 St Swithin in Aberdeen is among the Top 20 Nurseries in Scotland. Ranked highly by parents and guardians for everything from its facilities to its safeguarding, the preschool cares for babies from 3 months old to children aged 5 with an outdoor play area and enthusiastic team of staff. | Google Maps
7. Children's Hour Nursery, Glasgow Road, Hardgate, Clydebank, G81 5PJ
Offering childcare for children from 6 weeks to 5 years old, Children's Hour Nursery in Hardgate, Clydebank follows a structured learning plan based on government recommended best practice. With excellent feedback from parents in the area, the staff were a particular standout among reviewers. | Google Maps
8. Dunblane Nature Kindergarten, Ramoyle, Dunblane, Stirling, FK15 0BD
Part of the local community, Dunblane Nature Kindergarten offers childcare up to five years of age. Spread across two buildings, each has direct access to outdoor play areas with the Care Inspectorate ranking its provisions as either Good or Very Good in its 2024 report. | Google Maps