Located in Ainslie Park Football Stadium, Willow Den at Spartans offers a unique woodland setting based in the heart of urban Edinburgh, for children from age 3 up to when they join primary school.
Our nature-based nursery has access to a hidden garden through our ‘secret gate’. It is the perfect environment to connect with nature – do some climbing, swinging or even build a den or have fun in our mud kitchen.
Children can see some of Scotland’s top female sporting athletes in training, and if your wee ones chooses they can engage in play-based sport.
Willow Den at Spartans was inspected by the Care Inspectorate in June 2023, achieving Grade 5 – Very Good across the board.
You can see the full report here:
How much does it cost?
FUNDED PLACES AVAILABLE
We offer funded places. Click on the button below to book your woodland nursery place now! (Children 3 years and over).
| Fees 2024/25 – from 1st August | ||
| Full Day (Monday to Friday) | 8.00 am – 5.00pm | £62.00 |
- two course hot meal
- morning snack
- afternoon snack
View our current menu:
For more information download our current Fee Schedule:
Funded Places
For more information on funded places, check our our FAQs
October Holiday Club
Open to all children aged 3 to not yet at primary school, these are drop off sessions running from 8am to 5pm for the week starting Monday 14th October which can be booked once registered with us.
To register for October half holidays, please register through the link below and one of our friendly team will be in touch:
Forest Fridays
Open to all children aged 3 to not yet at primary school, these are flexible drop off sessions which can be booked as ad hoc sessions once you have registered with us. Sessions run weekly from 08.00 am to 5pm including lunch for just £62.00 per session.
Funded hours can be used for children registered to attend our core provision if booking Forest Fridays as a weekly attender.
To register for Forest Fridays complete this form and one of our friendly team will be in touch:
Our community partner Spartans Community Football Academy
Spartans Community Football Academy offers much more than football. Spartans are mindful of the challenges facing many children, young people, and their families in the local area. By adding an outdoor nursery to their existing facilities and community coaching programmes, Willow Den and Spartans can support even more children to change their lives through active outdoor play and sport.
- School holiday programmes
- Community Football
- Coaching Programmes
- Youth Work Provisions
- Volunteering Opportunities
For more information on Spartans Community Football Academy programs contact: 0131 552 7854
or Debbi McCulloch at debbimcculloch@spartanscfa.com
Children attending Willow Den outdoor nursery will all have the opportunity to take part in sport and physical activities.
Duty of Candour
Willow Den & Spartans
Ainslie Park
94 Pilton Drive
Edinburgh
EH5 2HF
0131 376 0080
CI Registration Number: CS2021000369
Enquiries
Contact Willow Den at Spartans with your enquiry and one of our friendly team will be in touch.
FAQs
You probably have lots more questions, and we would really like the chance to answer these. We’ve compiled a handy list, to give you an idea of the Willow Den experience.
Nursery Closure Dates
Closure Dates 2024-25
- Staff Training Day – Friday 9th August 2024
- Winter Holiday – nursery closes at 5pm Thursday 19th December 2024 and reopens from 8am Monday 6th January 2025
- Staff Training Day – Monday 5th May 2025
