The 10 best day nurseries in Glasgow

Primrose City Nursery provides play-based early learning and childcare for children aged from six weeks until they start primary school. Four bright playrooms support babies, toddlers and pre-school children, with spaces resourced for learning, exploration and development.

The nursery includes a flexible outdoor space and its own renovated playground, while funded early learning and wrap-around care support different family arrangements. It operates 51 weeks of the year from 8am to 6pm, offering fully funded provision as well as paid childcare. Eligible three-to-five-year-olds can receive 1,140 hours of free childcare each year.

Children from six weeks to pre-school age have three bright playrooms at Primrose Day Nursery, where play-based learning, enquiry and early development shape the daily experience. The purpose-built setting includes baby, toddler and pre-school rooms, plus flexible outdoor space for active play and exploration.

Primrose Day Nursery runs Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm for 51 weeks of the year. Families can use fully funded early learning and childcare, including the Scottish entitlement of 1,140 free hours a year for eligible three- to five-year-olds, alongside wraparound care. Parents receive regular updates about meals, drinks, naps and activities through the nursery app, helping them follow their child’s day.

Early years care and education for children from birth to five is provided at Smiley Stars Nursery - Ibrox. The nursery offers a safe, friendly environment with activities based on Realising the Ambition: Being Me and Curriculum for Excellence, alongside a large enclosed garden for outdoor play in all weather.

Families can receive updates on daily activities and learning progress through the Famly app. Meals include breakfast, snacks and two-course lunch or dinner options, with the nursery operating a pescatarian approach. Eligible children can access funded sessions, including up to 1,140 hours a year for qualifying children aged two and older, and for children aged three to five.

Headstart Nursery provides early years care and education from birth to five, with a focus on relationships, confidence, resilience and independence. The team includes fully qualified, experienced primary school teachers alongside staff with varied early-years skills and qualifications.

Headstart works in partnership with Glasgow City Council and offers government-funded places of up to 1,140 hours a year for children aged three and over, as well as eligible two-year-olds. Its approach supports the whole child through learning and play, with published menus and a settling-in process for families.

Early education and childcare for children aged two until primary-school age is provided at Smiley Stars Nursery - Mansewood. The setting offers a safe, friendly environment with activities based on Realising the Ambition: Being Me and Curriculum for Excellence, alongside meals, snacks and outdoor play in a large enclosed garden.

Parents can use the Famly app for updates on daily activities and learning progress. The nursery also provides funded sessions for eligible children, with funded hours free at the point of entry. Its food provision includes two-course meals, fruit with snacks and a pescatarian approach, with meat products such as mince, sausages and chicken replaced by vegetarian or plant-based alternatives.

Bright Starts Nursery Glasgow provides all-year-round care for children aged from 12 weeks to five years in a purpose-built two-storey nursery. Its rooms include baby and toddler provision, with child-led play, sensory exploration and activities designed around language, communication and social development.

Children have access to enclosed indoor and outdoor play areas, with free-flow opportunities between them. Meals, snacks and drinks are included in the stated session prices, and the nursery works with parents around children’s learning and transitions. It opens Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6pm for 51 weeks of the year. Full days or half days on a fixed basis are available.

Blue Kangaroo Happy Nursery provides day nursery care for children aged 0-5, with separate rooms for babies, toddlers and preschool children. The Koalas welcome children from 0 to 23 or 24 months, the Parrots from 23 or 24 to 36 months, and the Kangaroos from 36 to 60 months.

Learning is built around play, exploration and age-appropriate opportunities, with outdoor areas linked directly to the toddler and preschool rooms. The nursery also offers a large open-plan area, parent information and a Famly app for family communication. Opening hours are 7:30am to 6:30pm, supporting families seeking a full day of early education and care.

Sandyford Day Nursery provides regular nursery care for children in an early-years setting. It suits parents seeking an established routine where children can settle into ongoing attendance and build familiarity with the nursery.

Children attend the nursery over several years, while staff provide care and help for families. Demand for places can mean a lengthy wait, so families seeking admission may need to plan ahead before a place becomes available.