We hope the following information answers some of the frequently asked questions about our nurseries and services. If you have any further queries or need specific details, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our admissions team at admin@forbesnursery.com.
Forbes has had a remarkable journey since its beginnings. Founded by Therese in 1996 as a home-based venture, the nursery quickly expanded, establishing a second location in Claremont Park in 1997. The business continued to grow, and in 2007, Therese’s son Anthony joined the team, marking a new chapter in its development. In 2014, Greenhill opened its doors, followed by Bruntsfield Place in 2017. In 2013, Anthony took over the running of the nurseries.
Our group operates four nurseries, with three conveniently located in the Bruntsfield area, just a five-minute walk from one another, and another situated in Leith, just off the Links
Please visit our website and click on ‘Apply for a Place’ on the homepage. Complete the application form with as much detail as possible regarding your child and your nursery care requirements. A member of our admissions team will respond to your application with further information.
No, we do not offer term time places at our setting. We are open 51 weeks a year and only close between Christmas and New Year.
We do not offer half days at our nurseries and the minimum requirement is two days. For attending families if they require adhoc care, they can request a half-day session as an extra.
We strive to manage our waiting list as fairly as possible while also addressing the needs of the nursery and the children already attending. Availability of spaces can vary based on the age of the children and the specific needs of each room. Additionally, we focus on creating a smooth transition flow between rooms to ensure that the needs of our current children are met effectively. Balancing these factors helps us maintain a nurturing environment for all our young learners.
We do not require a deposit to hold your details on our waiting list. However, once we are in a position to offer a space, a £150 admission fee is required. The admission fee is a one-time payment that helps secure your child’s place at the nursery. This fee covers the administrative costs involved in processing applications, arranging settling-in sessions, and preparing for your child’s start at the nursery. Please note that the admission fee is non-refundable and is separate from the monthly fees.
We hold Open Days throughout the year, and you can request information about these events by filling out the application form on our website. Our Administration team will follow up with additional details to ensure you have all the information you need.
We deliver the 1140 Preschool funded hours over 51 weeks of the year which works out to be 22.35 hours per week. Please check on Edinburgh City council website to get the most current information and entitlement of funding. Click here for current information on preschool funding from Edinburgh Council
Yes, you can pay your invoice through this scheme.
You will have daily contact with room staff and in addition to the Famly Application, where regular updates are uploaded, including meals, sleeping times and Daily News feeds about your child’s activities.
In each of our nurseries, we have designated areas in every room for quiet play and rest. These spaces are designed to allow children to engage in calming activities, such as story time, throughout the day. For nap times, we offer a range of options, including traditional cots, coracle cots, and sleep mats. This variety ensures that each child has a suitable and comfortable space to rest according to their individual needs.
Each of our nurseries is staffed with chefs who prepare home-cooked, fresh, and nutritious meals daily. We provide morning and afternoon snacks, as well as a hot lunch each day, ensuring that children receive balanced and healthy nutrition. We adhere to the nutritional guidance and food standards for early years childcare providers in Scotland, as outlined in “Setting the Table.” Additionally, we offer formula for our youngest babies to ensure their dietary needs are met.
We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have an exceptional team, with some members having been with us for over 20 years. While turnover is a natural part of any industry, we diligently monitor and manage it to keep it to a minimum. Our recruitment efforts are comprehensive, covering all levels from apprentices to qualified practitioners, ensuring that we continuously bring in the best talent to support our mission.
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