South Scotland · Early Years
Nurseries in Scottish Borders
The Scottish Borders' ELC network covers Galashiels, Hawick, Jedburgh and Kelso. Private nursery provision is limited outside the main towns — childminders play a significant role in delivering funded hours. Costs are below the Scottish average.
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~£235/wk
Avg cost under-3
1,140 hrs
Funded hours/year
Term-time or stretched
Funded delivery
December
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Apply for a nursery place in Scottish Borders
Every child in Scotland is entitled to 1,140 hours of funded Early Learning and Childcare per year from the term after their third birthday. In Scottish Borders, applications for council nursery places typically open in December for an August start. Apply early — council places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis in most areas.
How funded hours work in Scottish Borders
Scottish Borders offers term-time or stretched for the 1,140 funded hours.
Term-time delivery
~30 hours/week for ~38 school weeks per year. Best if your child will also attend school term-time.
Stretched delivery
~22 hours/week spread over 52 weeks. Better for working parents who need year-round provision.
Finding a funded partner provider
Your child can use any nursery or childminder on Scottish Borders's approved partner provider list — not just council-run nurseries. Ask any private nursery or childminder whether they are a funded partner before enrolling.
Contact Scottish Borders Council for partner listCare Inspectorate ratings for Scottish Borders nurseries
All Scottish nurseries and childminders are regulated by the Care Inspectorate, which publishes inspection grades on a 1–6 scale (1 Unsatisfactory → 6 Excellent). Look for grades of 4 (Good) or above across all key questions — particularly Quality of care and support and Quality of management and leadership.
A grade 3 (Adequate) in any category warrants a closer look. A grade 1 or 2 is a serious warning sign — check whether an improvement notice is in place.
Search Scottish Borders nurseries on Care InspectorateEvery registered nursery in Scottish Borders
68 registered nurseries, playgroups and children-and-family centres in Scottish Borders — 47 council-run, 9 private and 12 voluntary. Of the 67 with published grades, 62 scored Good or better on every key question at their latest inspection and 0 scored Weak or Unsatisfactory on at least one; 1 have not yet been graded. 34 carry grades published before 2024 — read those as a statement about that inspection, not about today.
Out-of-school clubs and childminders are not listed. “Grades” is the lowest and highest of the six key-question grades at the latest published inspection.
| Nursery | Town | Sector | Places | Grades | Graded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broughton Primary School NurseryML12 6HQ · CS2019376504 | Biggar | Council | 21 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Oct 2022 |
| Cockburnspath NurseryTD13 5XY · CS2015340684 | Cockburnspath | Council | 30 | 4 Good | Jun 2022 |
| Coldstream Primary School NurseryTD12 4DT · CS2003017366 | Coldstream | Council | 40 | 4 Good | Dec 2016 |
| Chirnside Primary School NurseryTD11 3XH · CS2003017365 | Duns | Council | 61 | 4 Good | Apr 2024 |
| Duns Community NurseryTD11 3AU · CS2023000089 | Duns | Private | 35 | 3–4 Adequate to Good | Jan 2026 |
| Duns Primary School NurseryTD11 3AG · CS2003016103 | Duns | Council | 80 | 3–4 Adequate to Good | Apr 2026 |
| Fogo NurseryTD11 3RA · CS2003009288 | Duns | Voluntary | 30 | 5 Very good | Feb 2020 |
| Greenlaw Primary School NurseryTD10 6XJ · CS2003016102 | Duns | Council | 21 | 5 Very good | Mar 2026 |
| Swinton Primary School NurseryTD11 3JE · CS2019377660 | Duns | Council | 21 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Jan 2022 |
| Earlston Primary School NurseryTD4 6JQ · CS2003016106 | Earlston | Council | 52 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Jun 2018 |
| East Green Nursery and Out of School ClubTD4 6BU · CS2003009275 | Earlston | Voluntary | 24 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Feb 2024 |
| Coldingham Primary School NurseryTD14 5NH · CS2003016104 | Eyemouth | Council | 21 | 5 Very good | Sept 2024 |
| Eyemouth Primary School NurseryTD14 5DE · CS2003017369 | Eyemouth | Council | 40 | 5–6 Very good to Excellent | Feb 2025 |
| Highway Day NurseryTD14 5AU · CS2003009309 | Eyemouth | Voluntary | 50 | 3–4 Adequate to Good | Jun 2026 |
| Reston Primary School NurseryTD14 5LD · CS2003017379 | Eyemouth | Council | 22 | 4 Good | Jun 2025 |
| Seashells NurseryTD14 5DE · CS2003009282 | Eyemouth | Voluntary | 38 | 4 Good | Mar 2026 |
| Balmoral Primary School NurseryTD1 1JJ · CS2003017361 | Galashiels | Council | 40 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Oct 2024 |
| Burgh Primary School NurseryTD1 1EZ · CS2003017362 | Galashiels | Council | 48 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Jul 2019 |
| Clovenfords Primary School NurseryTD1 3LQ · CS2003048117 | Galashiels | Council | 37 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Dec 2022 |
| Langlee Primary School NurseryTD1 2EB · CS2003016099 | Galashiels | Council | 100 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Jun 2023 |
| St. Margaret's RC Primary School NurseryTD1 1DQ · CS2018364842 | Galashiels | Council | 32 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Apr 2022 |
| St. Peter's Primary School Nursery - GalashielsTD1 3DS · CS2003049470 | Galashiels | Council | 40 | 5 Very good | Oct 2017 |
| Stow Primary School NurseryTD1 2SQ · CS2003017382 | Galashiels | Council | 34 | 4 Good | May 2023 |
| Tweedbank Early Learners SCIOTD1 3RT · CS2018363805 | Galashiels | Voluntary | 33 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Aug 2020 |
| Tweedbank Primary School NurseryTD1 3RR · CS2003017384 | Galashiels | Council | 44 | 5 Very good | Nov 2022 |
| Gordon Primary School Nursery - GordonTD3 6LW · CS2003048156 | Gordon | Council | 24 | 4 Good | Jun 2025 |
| Burnfoot Community SchoolTD9 8EQ · CS2003016113 | Hawick | Council | 110 | 5 Very good | May 2024 |
| Cherrytrees - HawickTD9 9QF · CS2008178015 | Hawick | Private | 63 | 3–4 Adequate to Good | May 2026 |
| Denholm PlaygroupTD9 8LZ · CS2003009267 | Hawick | Voluntary | 30 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Aug 2022 |
| Drumlanrig St. Cuthbert's Primary School NurseryTD9 0AU · CS2003017367 | Hawick | Council | 64 | 4–5 Good to Very good | May 2023 |
| Newcastleton Primary School NurseryTD9 0QZ · CS2003017376 | Hawick | Council | 27 | 5 Very good | Apr 2024 |
| Stirches Primary School NurseryTD9 7QP · CS2003016112 | Hawick | Council | 48 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Nov 2021 |
| Trinity Primary School NurseryTD9 9NR · CS2003017383 | Hawick | Council | 35 | 4 Good | Apr 2025 |
| Wiggly Worms Children's Day NurseryTD9 8AB · CS2016350944 | Hawick | Private | 42 | 5–6 Very good to Excellent | Jan 2023 |
| Wilton Primary School NurseryTD9 7EN · CS2003017387 | Hawick | Council | 49 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Jan 2025 |
| Heriot Primary School NurseryEH38 5YE · CS2026000405 | Heriot | Council | 14 | Not yet graded | — |
| St. Ronan's Primary School NurseryEH44 6PB · CS2003016096 | Innerleithen | Council | 77 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Feb 2023 |
| Jedburgh Campus NurseryTD8 6HH · CS2019374983 | Jedburgh | Council | 127 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Sept 2023 |
| Broomlands Primary School NurseryTD5 7SW · CS2003016108 | Kelso | Council | 60 | 3–4 Adequate to Good | Nov 2025 |
| Castlegate Nursery & Out of School Club LimitedTD5 8DN · CS2019375390 | Kelso | Private | 94 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Aug 2024 |
| Edenside Primary School NurseryTD5 7JP · CS2003016107 | Kelso | Council | 63 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Dec 2019 |
| Ednam Primary School NurseryTD5 7QJ · CS2003017368 | Kelso | Council | 18 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Apr 2026 |
| Morebattle Primary School NurseryTD5 8QG · CS2003017375 | Kelso | Council | 20 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Jan 2023 |
| Yetholm Primary School NurseryTD5 8RD · CS2018372008 | Kelso | Council | 23 | 5 Very good | May 2022 |
| Channelkirk Primary School NurseryTD2 6PT · CS2003017363 | Lauder | Council | 20 | 4 Good | Jan 2024 |
| Lauder Primary School NurseryTD2 6AB · CS2003017372 | Lauder | Council | 53 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Mar 2026 |
| The High Street Nursery - LauderTD2 6SR · CS2024000178 | Lauder | Private | 20 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Aug 2026 |
| Busy Bees @ MelroseTD6 9BX · CS2003014366 | Melrose | Private | 75 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Mar 2024 |
| Cherrytrees Children's NurseryTD6 9QS · CS2003009249 | Melrose | Private | 81 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Sept 2021 |
| Lilliesleaf Primary School NurseryTD6 9HX · CS2003017373 | Melrose | Council | 12 | 5 Very good | Mar 2026 |
| Melrose Primary School NurseryTD6 9SB · CS2003017374 | Melrose | Council | 54 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Dec 2023 |
| Newtown Primary School NurseryTD6 0QP · CS2003017377 | Melrose | Council | 40 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Nov 2022 |
| St. Boswells NurseryTD6 0AH · CS2018363580 | Melrose | Council | 53 | 5 Very good | Oct 2019 |
| St. Mary's SchoolTD6 9LN · CS2003016201 | Melrose | Voluntary | 30 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Jun 2026 |
| First Nursery and After School CareEH45 8EZ · CS2003009287 | Peebles | Private | 87 | 4–6 Good to Excellent | Aug 2026 |
| Kingsland Primary School NurseryEH45 8NN · CS2003016097 | Peebles | Council | 48 | 4–5 Good to Very good | May 2024 |
| Kingsmeadows Nursery (Peebles) LtdEH45 9BU · CS2003009329 | Peebles | Voluntary | 94 | 5 Very good | Dec 2022 |
| Priorsford Primary School NurseryEH45 9BE · CS2003016098 | Peebles | Council | 54 | 4 Good | May 2023 |
| Rosetta Early LearnersEH45 8HQ · CS2017360575 | Peebles | Voluntary | 24 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Aug 2022 |
| Argus PlaygroupTD7 4EP · CS2003009208 | Selkirk | Voluntary | 24 | 4 Good | Jan 2019 |
| Kirkhope NurseryTD7 5JJ · CS2016348295 | Selkirk | Council | 20 | 4–5 Good to Very good | May 2026 |
| Knowepark Primary School NurseryTD7 4HF · CS2003017371 | Selkirk | Council | 54 | 5 Very good | Dec 2024 |
| Philiphaugh Community School NurseryTD7 5LT · CS2003017378 | Selkirk | Council | 48 | 4–5 Good to Very good | Nov 2024 |
| Walkerburn Primary School NurseryEH43 6AU · CS2003016095 | Walkerburn | Council | 20 | 4 Good | May 2019 |
| Bloomfield Childcare West LintonEH46 7EX · CS2010272367 | West Linton | Private | 56 | 4–5 Good to Very good | May 2026 |
| Newlands KidsEH46 7BZ · CS2003009381 | West Linton | Voluntary | 52 | 4 Good | Jul 2024 |
| West Linton Early Learners and WestiesEH46 7ED · CS2015340628 | West Linton | Voluntary | 55 | 5 Very good | Oct 2019 |
| West Linton Primary School NurseryEH46 7EX · CS2003017385 | West Linton | Council | 42 | 5 Very good | Apr 2023 |
Childcare costs in Scottish Borders
Under-3 full-time
~£235
per week (private)
Funded hours saving
~£5,500
per year (age 3+)
Tax-Free Childcare
20%
top-up (max £2,000/yr)
The average weekly cost for an under-3 in a full-time private nursery place in Scottish Borders is approximately £235. Once your child turns 3 (from the term after their birthday), the 1,140 funded hours kick in — worth around £5,500 per year and significantly reducing your net cost. You may also be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare (20% government top-up on costs above the funded hours) and Universal Credit childcare element.
Nearby council nursery guides
Related guides
Frequently asked questions about nurseries in Scottish Borders
When can I apply for a council nursery place in Scottish Borders?
Scottish Borders Council typically opens applications in December for children starting the following August. Contact the council or your preferred nursery directly to confirm the exact window for the current cycle.
How are the 1,140 funded hours delivered in Scottish Borders?
Scottish Borders offers term-time or stretched delivery. You can choose term-time (around 30 hours/week for 38 weeks) or stretched delivery (around 22 hours/week for 52 weeks) depending on what works for your family.
Does my child have to use a council nursery for their funded hours in Scottish Borders?
No — your child can use any nursery or childminder on Scottish Borders's funded partner provider list. All council nurseries qualify automatically. Check with individual private nurseries and childminders to confirm they are registered as partner providers before committing.
How much does a full-time nursery place cost in Scottish Borders for an under-3?
Full-time private nursery places for children under 3 in Scottish Borders cost around £235 per week on average (2025/26 data). This is before any funded hours or Tax-Free Childcare discount. Funded hours (from age 3) can reduce this significantly — in practice most families pay only top-up fees above the funded amount.
How many registered nurseries are there in Scottish Borders?
68 nurseries, playgroups and children-and-family centres in Scottish Borders are registered with the Care Inspectorate — 47 run by the council, 9 private and 12 voluntary. 62 of the 67 with published grades scored Good or better on every key question at their latest inspection. The full list, with each service's latest grades and a link to its inspection reports, is on this page.
What is the Care Inspectorate and how do I check a nursery's rating?
The Care Inspectorate is Scotland's independent regulator for care services, including all nurseries and childminders. It inspects services and gives grades from 1 (Unsatisfactory) to 6 (Excellent) across key areas including the quality of care and support, the environment, leadership, and staffing. You can search all registered services in Scottish Borders at the Care Inspectorate website — look for grades of 4 (Good) or above.
Are two-year-olds eligible for funded hours in Scottish Borders?
Some two-year-olds qualify for funded hours in Scotland through the 'eligible two-year-old' route. Eligibility is based on family circumstances — children in care, those with a child protection plan, or those whose parents receive certain benefits may qualify for up to 600 hours from age 2. Contact Scottish Borders Council's early years team to check your child's eligibility.
Last updated May 2026.
Average nursery costs from Coram Childcare Survey 2026 and Care Inspectorate service data. Funded hours information from Scottish Government ELC Statistics 2025. Always confirm application dates and partner provider status directly with Scottish Borders Council. See our editorial policy.