"LEARNING AND THRIVING TOGETHER IN OUR COMMUNITY"
At Newington Nursery we are committed to providing:
- An environment where all children feel safe, nurtured and included.
- A stimulating national curriculum; Providing breadth and variety of learning through play.
- Support and challenge, to help each child achieve their full potential and become confident and successful learners.
- A shared community where parents feel welcomed and involved.
- A committed team of friendly, experienced and qualified Early Years Practitioners.

Newington Nursery (formerly Duncan Street Pre-School Playgroup) is situated in the heart of the Newington/Grange area of South Edinburgh and offers exceptional pre-school childcare.
Based in Mayfield Salisbury Church, it is bright and spacious with a free flow between the playroom and dedicated mature gardens; a place to ignite a child’s imagination.
OUTDOOR PLAY
Each day includes a period of energetic play, either indoors or outdoors, as well as activities in the front garden area, weather permitting..
STIMULATING ENVIRONMENT
Role play in the home corner inspired by
The Tiger who came to Tea.
LEARNING THROUGH PLAY
Independent and collaborative learning.
CONFIDENT, SUCCESSFUL LEARNERS
Children learn through zoned learning areas including literacy, numeracy, craft, music, construction, home corner, sand and water, playdoh and small world along with a focused learning topic of the week.
OUR TEACHING TEAM
The nursery is managed by a teacher, qualified Early Years Practitioners and a parent board; volunteers also support the team. Having worked together for many years our staff pride themselves in creating a nurturing environment with consistency and continuity of care as well as being able to cater for the individual needs of each child.
Following the Curriculum for Excellence, the team help children develop the skills, independence and confidence to prepare them for starting school. The teams shared understanding of pedagogy supports and challenges the children’s creativity and problem solving. As a small group of 24 children, our generous adult to child ratio (1:6) further supports our high level of individual attention to support sustained shared thinking. Over the years, strong links have been established with local primary schools.
Rated “Very Good” by the Care Inspectorate June 2017 (Quality of Care and Support and Quality of Environment.)
CURRICULUM
At Newington Nursery we strive to have happy children who thoroughly enjoy their nursery experience. The children’s learning and development is fostered by the whole team however each child has a key worker, overseen by the nursery Manager. The day’s activities are thoughtfully structured to support and challenge each child to reach their full potential and become confident successful learners.
With the child at the centre, the Nursery curriculum covers eight areas of learning:
- Health and Wellbeing
- Literacy
- Numeracy
- Expressive Arts
- Social Studies
- Religious and Moral Education
- Science
- Technologies
The children have regular opportunities to bake, learn a foreign language, visit the library and local parks, plant and garden and participate in visiting external organised activities.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
The nursery encourages parents to be actively involved in the nursery and their child’s first independent experiences. We operate a non-compulsory, volunteer parent rota where parents can share a skill or support staff members. Parents are asked to complete a PVG before volunteering in the nursery. Parents find this a rewarding experience, seeing their children grow and develop, making life long friends in the community. Free at point of access, Parents are encouraged to help fundraise and support the nursery in applying for grants. The nursery is run by a Parent Board.
Part-time and funded places are available for children aged 3-5 years.
The nursery is a Partner Provider with Edinburgh City Council (since January 2000).
We offer daily sessions during term time,
1140hrs funding: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 8.15am-2.30pm
(including daily breakfast and morning snack; families provide a packed lunch)
PARENTAL COMMENTS
Newington Nursery has a warm, inviting atmosphere, with thoughtful hands-on play stations throughout, and teachers who get on the floor to engage and play with the children. It is a nursery where parents know their children are getting the very best through engaging and interactive learning opportunities, lots of chances to run, play, and make new friends, and teachers who care for the little ones under their charge and help nurture them to grow and thrive. B & S L, parents
Newington Nursery has been a great place for my daughter from the beginning. It combines great staff and a perfect balance of free play and structured activities. (Our daughter) has lots of fun whilst getting ready for school. I highly recommend it. P R parent
I love Newington Nursery because my mum gets to come and help too. SK, child speaking to his Mum
We really like Newington Nursery because the staff are great. They put a lot of thought into the activities and interact a lot with the children. It has a lovely happy, relaxed atmosphere. The outdoor space is great too - lots of emphasis on nature like planting flowers and vegetables. My son was really well prepared for school. VR, parent
CONTACT US
Need to know more? Call, send an email, or come along to speak to us.
Email: info@newingtonnursery.co.uk
Phone: 07719 931592
Newington Nursery, 18 West Mayfield, Edinburgh, EH9 1TQ
Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation
Registered Scottish Charity No SC006565
Thank you to the team at 34sp.com for their charitable donation of hosting this website for free.