The 5 Best Preschools in Glasgow Where Toddlers Thrive
A friend of mine has two kids in different preschools because each child has unique needs. One loves active, outdoor learning, while the other prefers calm, structured spaces.
This shows how personal the choice of preschool can be, and how challenging it is to manage things like inspections, funding, and schedules.
I’ve gathered a list of the best preschools in Glasgow that parents often recommend, so you can feel more confident about finding the right one for your child.
Also, if you have a young pop star, you might want to check out these singing lessons!
How much are preschool fees in Glasgow?
In Glasgow, preschool fees depend on age, hours, and the type of program.
Part-time sessions usually start at £70 to £120 per week.
Full-time places generally cost between £180 and £350 per week.
Premium or specialised programs, like Montessori or language immersion, can range from £350 to £600 per week.
1. Primrose City Nursery
Address: 368, City Park Building, Alexandra Parade
Phone: +44 141 554 3220
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
What I liked about Primrose City Nursery is their dedication not just to helping children but parents too, especially when everything still feels new and a bit overwhelming.
I’ve heard they’re really good at settling in kids who struggle at first, and that’s a big deal. Not every nursery has the patience for those teary drop-offs.
They don’t just distract the kids and hope for the best. They actually take time to ease them in, which most parents really notice and appreciate.
The space itself is modern and thoughtfully set up. Playrooms are bright without feeling chaotic, and everything seems designed around play-based learning.
They even take babies from six weeks old, which isn’t something every nursery offers. That’s reassuring if you’re heading back to work earlier than you’d like.
I also like that they separate rooms by developmental stage, so toddlers aren’t lumped in with pre-schoolers. It makes sense and shows some real planning.
On top of that, they offer funded early learning and childcare hours, including the 1,140 hours for eligible three to five-year-olds. It’s a real help when you’re trying to keep your childcare budget under control.
The only catch is that the nursery has a smaller capacity compared with some of the bigger places. Spots can fill up quickly, so it’s smart to plan ahead and enquire early.
Nurturing and caring nursery staff
“Girls are amazing with my wee boy! He absolutely loves going in to nursery and he’s always kept busy with activities or out exploring. They are very nurturing and caring towards my little guy. He’s came on so well with socializing and speech and confidence since starting here.”
- Alex Grimes, Google Review
Knowledgeable and engaging staff
“Both kids have attended this nursery since a young age. The relationship the staff build with the kids and family is amazing aswell as the knowledge the kids gain through play learning! Have recommended to a few friends amazing teachers staff and nursery xx”
- Jade f, Google Review
2. Monkey Puzzle Glasgow Day Nursery & Preschool
Address: 192 McNeil Street
Phone: +44 141 429 1114
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Monkey Puzzle is that preschool in an area where parents and kids already feel like part of a tight-knit community, so dropping little ones off isn’t as stressful as you might expect.
They take kids from babies as young as three months up to five years old, and each age group has its own room. It’s nice to see because babies aren’t stuck with older kids, and the preschoolers don’t get held back.
The play-based curriculum really stands out. They use Curriculum for Excellence (CFE) and Pre-Birth-to-Three learning methods to make play feel like actual learning without it feeling forced.
The spaces themselves are bright and fun, with plenty of room for kids to run around or get creative outside. Honestly, the outdoor area is bigger than I expected, which is a lifesaver if you’ve got a kid who won’t sit still for more than five minutes.
I also like that meals and snacks come with the funded hours, and you can tell they actually care about serving healthy food, not just quick fixes.
The only hiccup is that the place is really popular, so getting a spot isn’t always easy.
Lovely, attentive staff
“Both of my children attend nursery 4 days a week, and I can thoroughly recommend it. All of the teachers and staff are lovely and most importantly my children really enjoy their time here. It has brought them on leaps and bounds. The facilities inside are top class and really cater to the little ones needs. The key workers have really bonded with my children and they know all of the staff by name.”
- Mrs M, Google Review
Fun and educational experience
“Went here as a kid for a few years, it was very fun back then and I learnt a lot of important life lessons from the staff there.”
- Rishi, Google Review
3. Bright Starts Nursery Glasgow
Address: Balmore Industrial Estate, 47 Glentanar Rd
Phone: +44 141 573 0554
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Bright Starts Nursery Glasgow really shows how much thought goes into everyday routines.
You quickly notice the nursery is set up to make things easy for kids and stress-free for parents. They take children from three months up to five years, and somehow it all works without feeling crowded or hectic.
The spaces are set up smartly, too. There’s an art room where kids can get messy and a main play area that’s more structured.
They also have separate dining rooms, so kids won’t bump into each other mid-meal, and parents don’t have to worry about lunchtime chaos spilling over into playtime.
The outdoor area stands out as well! It’s not just a patch of grass. It’s big enough for climbing, running, and just being kids.
Inside, the equipment is solid and even includes interactive touch tables that really hold their attention.
Most parents really appreciate their app, which sends updates like photos and little progress notes, so you’re always in the loop without having to chase anyone down.
Just a heads up, they have these outings and special classes, sometimes including arts and singing lessons, which can add up if you’re after a more low-key preschool routine.
Caring staff, engaging environment
“Bright Starts Nursery has been amazing for my child. Since starting, I’ve seen great progress in their confidence and social skills. The staff are so caring and attentive, and it’s clear they really love what they do. My child always comes home happy and excited to go back!”
- John Baker, Google Review
Outstanding communication and with helpful updates
“Bright Starts has been amazing for both my child and me as a working parent. The app they use is a lifesaver—it keeps me updated on what my child has eaten, the activities they’ve done, and the curriculums they’re learning, all while I’m at work. The communication and care they provide are outstanding. Highly recommend!”
- Louise Wood, Google Review
4. Headstart Nursery
Address: Skypark, 1 10 Elliot Street
Phone: +44 141 248 5779
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Headstart Nursery looks after little ones from 3 months up to 5 years, and it’s clear they take early years seriously.
One of the first things that stands out is how family-style the place feels. Kids seem genuinely happy and comfortable, and having the same experienced staff around makes routines easy to settle into.
There’s no need for your child to adjust to a new face every week.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum is in full swing here, but it’s not just worksheets. There are role-play corners, touchscreens, and plenty of hands-on activities.
You can tell the team puts thought into keeping kids engaged while making sure they’re hitting the right developmental steps.
Outdoor activities are a regular part of each day. The gardens and play areas give kids space to burn off energy and explore without getting cooped up.
Parents aren’t left out either. Tapestry updates make it simple to track progress and celebrate little wins throughout the week.
Unfortunately, funding and available places only depend on council arrangements, so you’ll need to get in touch with the nursery directly.
Supportive staff, excellent facilities
“My son is currently at headstart nursery and has been since he was 8m old. He absolutely loves it and has come on leaps and bounds over the years he has been there. This is due to the support of all the staff (Donna Jordan Kirsty Moira Brooke to name a few) and then the owners Gillian and Aileen. They know each child well and are genuinely invested in them and their development. The facilities at the nursery are fantastic, especially thr indoor garden and growing garden. A great place for your child to be while you work.”
- Caity Lynch, Google Review
Excellent, well-run nursery with creative learning and happy thriving children
“Amazing experience with this nursery for both my children who both started from 9-10months. Gillian & Aileen run a tight ship here! Staff are excellent, lots of creative learning and play, children get outside daily unless outrageous weather and on those days there is ‘an indoor garden’ with climbing frame etc. Healthy snacks/meals on offer, thorough handover at end of the day. Kids thriving and very happy here. Recommend in a heartbeat”
- Laura Pennington, Google Review
5. Ivy In The Park
Address: 345 Carntyne Road
Phone: +44 141 266 0428
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Ivy In The Park is ideal for families with a child who has special needs.
I’ve heard from someone whose daughter is nonverbal and has autism that the teachers really take the time to get to know each child and how they communicate. The kids aren’t just being watched. They’re actually understood, which is really reassuring.
The building itself is bright and modern, and the playrooms are set up in a way that actually encourages kids to explore and ask questions. The spaces feel flexible, too, so kids aren’t stuck in one corner all day.
They take babies from about six weeks up to preschool age, which is handy if you’ve got siblings close in age or just want continuity.
The outdoor area is genuinely impressive, with heated play facilities. It’s nice to know kids can get outside even when it’s chilly without freezing their little noses off.
They also offer funded Early Learning and Childcare with wrap-around care, which is super practical if you’re juggling work or other commitments.
That said, it can feel a bit crowded since they can take up to 135 kids, which is kind of a lot for a preschool.
Caring and dedicated staff
“Amazing nursery! Great staff who work hard and put you at ease and go above and beyond for you and your child, my son loves it and has came on so much by attending this nursery :)”
- Shannon Brothers, Google Review
Reassuring, attentive staff
“Fabulous nursery! My little boys coming on so much better since he started here. They always give thorough handovers when collecting him which I know can be difficult to do due to time. The staff make you feel like your child is their priority which is very reassuring. Wouldn’t want to take my son anywhere else now.”
- Rebecca Currie, Google Review