The Gyle Nursery
Gyle Shopping Centre
South Gyle Broadway
Edinburgh EH12 9JY
Tel : 0131 539 7099
Welcome
Thank you for your enquiry regarding The Gyle Nursery. The Nursery celebrates its 20th birthday this year and I cannot tell you how old it makes me feel. My name is Karen Fairlamb and I started the Nursery in 1986 after the birth of my first son (which now makes me the mother of a 20 year old!). I was unable to find a Nursery place suitable for a baby in Edinburgh. The Edinburgh Nursery was one of the first Nurseries to offer childcare for your child from birth to school.
Whilst The Edinburgh Nursery is one of the most established we also pride ourselves on being one of the most innovative. I have been heavily involved in childcare development and with various bodies including HM Inspectorate of Schools as an Associate Inspector and as chairperson of the Scottish Independent Nurseries Association. I was also the chair of the Childcare Partnership for 3 years. I am also very proud that members of my staff were in the first group of students in Scotland to achieve SVQ Level 4 in Childcare and Early Education and also in the Professional Development Award. They are in an elite group of the most highly qualified staff within this field.
The Nursery is family friendly and we have many families who place two or more children with the Nursery. We offer a discount of 10% to second and subsequent children from the same family attending one of our Nurseries and also an 11% reduction on Nursery fees when you take a full time place. £1230 per annum is available to children in the term after their 3rd birthday for a full time place as partnership funding and this is deducted directly from your monthly fees. Pro rata partnership funding is also available for part time attendance.
One of the most recent developments within the Nursery is our commitment to being an “Eco School”. With this in mind we are trying to reduce our Global Footprint and where possible provide information and newsletters via email.
“OUR FOCUS”
The Nursery believes that “small is beautiful” and we care for your children in separate rooms within the Nursery where the focus is on the particular age group of children and maintaining a “family” feel. The Nursery building was specially designed and equipped to deal with your child’s social, emotional and developmental requirements. Each room within the Nursery has a range of toys and equipment to stimulate and develop your child. The Nursery also has a purpose built outdoor play area attached in order that the children can be outside all year.
The Baby Room
We aim to replicate home life as much as is feasible. We give bottles and feeds at the times stated by parents in order that the family has the least disruption to it’s daily routine. The baby room follows the Scottish Executives Birth – 3 Framework for early education.
2-3 Room (Tweenies)
The children are able to spread their wings and become much more independent. Children will move towards having a more set meal time and snacks and whilst working within the Birth -3 Framework staff will also be introducing the 3- 5 Curriculum “Child at the Centre”.
3-5’s incorporating Pre School
The children will work within the Child at the Centre framework which is followed by all pre school educational establishments. We concentrate on the children becoming even more independent and preparing for school.
PROFESSIONALISM AND INSPECTION
The Nursery recieve inspections from the Environmental Health and Fire and Safety as well as both The Care Commission and HMI Inspectorate of Education. These inspections are normally unannounced and parent’s views are gathered by the inspectors at these times.
NURSERY STAFF
At the Edinburgh Nursery we take great pride in the range and level of care we provide. All of our permanent staff are professionally qualified by an approved centre of training. There is an ongoing programme of training for all staff throughout the year to provide Continual Professional Development.
All of our staff wear uniforms with name photos so that you can immediately recognise the staff that will be looking after your child.
YOU
When you enter the Edinburgh Nursery you can be assured of a warm welcome, you will always be greeted by one of our staff who will be able to tell you what is planned for the day, tell you what has happened that day, or simply to answer any questions you may have.
At regular intervals we hold Parents’ Evenings. These are informal sessions where you and the staff at The Edinburgh Nursery get together to discuss your child’s development. The Parents’ Evenings are an opportunity for you to give feedback and to discuss your child’s development and future needs. We have a Parent/Child and Staff day out each summer to enhance the relationship between home and nursery life.
YOUR NEEDS
Breast Feeding – The Edinburgh Nursery welcomes mothers who wish to breast-feed their child. If you are breastfeeding then please let us know so that we can fully accommodate your requirements. However we do ask that your child is able to drink from a bottle or beaker so that staff can give additional fluids as necessary.
Real Nappy Initiative. The Nursery is delighted to support parents who wish to use real nappies. We are able to store them hygienically for you until the end of the Nursery day or to act as a collection point for laundry services. Please speak to a member of staff if you wish to make these arrangements.