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.
9. First Class Nursery, Kirk Lane, Livingston Village, Livingston, EH54 7AY
Recognised as one of the best nurseries in Scotland for a third year in a row, First Class Nursery in Livingston Village serves children aged from 6 months to 5 years. With access to Forests and Parks for children to play outdoors, the nursery is a member of a local wildlife park which children regularly enjoy outings to. | Google Maps
10. Happitots Nursery Cumbernauld, Tryst Road, Cumbernauld, G67 1DW
Located on the third floor of Antonine Shopping Centre, Happitots Nursery Cumbernauld has been ranked among the best Scottish nurseries since 2023. With a mix of experienced and trainee staff, the nursery has been reviewed positively by parents for its warm and welcoming environment and caters to children aged three months to five years old. In the most recent Care Inspectorate report for the nursery in 2024, it was ranked as either Good or Very Good across all areas. | Google Maps
11. Happitots Nursery South Lanarkshire, College Way, East Kilbride, G75 0NE
Also part of the Thrive Childcare and Education group, Happitots Nursery South Lanarkshire is among the best nurseries in Scotland for 2025. Located within the South Lanarkshire College campus, it is open to students and the local community with an ethos centred around learning. Children from 1 month old to five years old are cared for here, with regular outdoor learning experiences provided and a 2024 Care Inspector report ranking the majority of its services as Very Good or Good. | Google Maps
12. Happy Days Too Private Nursery, E Kilbride Road, Busby, Glasgow, G76 8JY
Children aged between 2 months and five years old are cared for at Happy Days Too Private Nursery in Busby, Glasgow. Operating for more than two decades, the nursery is well trusted by those in the community with staff catering to each family and child’s unique needs. | Google Maps