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.
17. Smiley Stars Nursery – Ibrox, Ibrox Terrace, Glasgow, G51 2TB
Retaining its status as one of Scotland’s top 20 nurseries for a third year in a row, Smiley Stars Nursery in Ibrox is well regarded by parents and guardians as well as the Care Inspectorate. Offering childcare for those aged 1 month to 5 years old, the nursery has been praised for its staff and the quality of activities offered to children. | Google Maps
18. Smiley Stars Nursery – Mansewood, Hillside Road, Glasgow, G43 1DB
Also part of the same group, Smiley Stars Nursery in Mansewood, Glasgow is another of Scotland’s top nurseries. A 2025 Care Inspectorate report noted that staff were “respectful of children and their rights” and that they seemed to know them well. Reviewers also highlighted the nursery’s efforts to get parents involved, with care provided to children from one month to five years old. | Google Maps
19. Victoria Park Kindergarten, Dumbarton Road, Whiteinch, Glasgow, G14 9QB
Located in the Whiteinch area of Glasgow, Victoria Park Kindergarten is housed within a converted church with five playrooms to cater to children aged from three months to five years old. The nursery is dedicated to providing a nurturing environment for children, with a secret garden and internal courtyard. Staff also take the children to explore the wider community through walks to locations including the library, bowling green and Victoria Park. | Google Maps
20. Wise Owls Nursery and Out of School Club, High Street, Moffat, DG10 9HG
Wise Owls Nursery and Out of School Club in Moffat is based out of Ivy House on the High Street within walking distance of schools, shops and bus routes. Caring for those aged between 6 months and five years old, the Care Inspector last inspected the nursery in February 2025, where it found that children were happy in the service and well supported in developing connections on their own and in the community. | Google Maps