Corstrophine, East Craigs & Ravelston

[Alexis94]

I would appreciate thought on the differences of living with children in Corstrophine, East Craigs or Ravelston.

Which area is best for children's activities and community events? Are there any playgrounds in the areas?

Local amenities?

What are your thoughts on Corstrophine Primary, East Craigs Primary, Fox Covert Primary or Blackhall Primary School School. Would you recommend one over another and why?

How much difference if it between Royal High and Craigmount?

Any other area's with public transport links to Gogarburn taking no longer than 30-40min which you would recommend?

Thanks a lot.

I have no idea about East Craigs but Corstorphine and Ravelston are great with kids. Lots to do and lots of playgrounds. Public transport to Gogarburn can be limited - tram stops there and then I'm not sure which buses now the 12 no longer goes to Ratho.

Corstorphine is great for green space. There are lots of activities for children. Quite a few for adults too. Good transport links.

The number 20 now goes to Ratho via the gyle instead of the 12.

Thanks Sametime and GroveeCar. I have found a playpark in St Margaret's Park and one in Ravelston park are there any more?
Are there any good nurseries in the areas?

There's a park at Gyle Park not far from David Lloyd and St Thomas's church. There's a new one up at Drumbrae called Buttercup Park. Saughton Park isn't too far away by bus or car and there is a new play area in Union Park off Saughton Road North.

Roseburn has a small playpark. I would look at the Care Commission (it might have changed its name) website for reports on all the nurseries in Edinburgh.

Care Inspectorate it is now called. Think Gylemuir has an excellent grade of 6's all round.

I used to stay in Blackhall but moved due to lack of childcare. I think there is a new nursery opening up on Ferry Rd there (? Bright Sparks?).

There is a playpark in Davidson's Mains & I think the 64 bus goes through there via Cramond/Barnton to The Gyle. Also a couple of nurseries in Cramond (Bright Horizons & Little Monkeys) & 2 playparks in Cramond.

2 nurseries that I know of in Barnton - one on Queensferry Rd & another in Drumbrae (? Rainbows).

Public libraries at Drumbrae & Blackhall & plenty of kiddie-activities eg Tumble Tots, Jo Jingles across all areas.

And Jenn's Den in Davidson's Mains is toddler heaven.

Can't remember the name of the nursery in Murrayfield, but it's near the Scout Hall at Balgreen.

Am not much of an expert in public transport but I think along the A8 corridor is probably best option for Gogarburn? Plenty of buses & trams.

Would you be planning on renting or buying? If buying, please consider before/after school care: many schools do not have before-after school clubs or if they do the waiting list can be YEARS. (Speaking from experience!!)

Thanks a lot GrooveeCar, Sametime and lots of cheese. Very helpful and have given me something to think about...

Thanks!

I would def recommend Murrayfield nursery and there is a park at Roseburn x

Thanks Datec

I have consistently good reports about blackhall primary - parents gutted to leave it. The days of the royal high being the best are over, but I gather its still pretty good. I'd choose it over craigmount tbh.

Thanks for Your answer Partridge, glad to hear Blackhall Primary is good.
L

How about the primary schools in Corstorphine (Corstorphine Primary, East Craigs Primary and Fox Covert Primary) is one better than the others or are they all ok? What are the good and bads about them?

Thanks

All primaries in the area bursting at the seams (as they are for much of the city). New nursery being built by the council on the Fox Covert playing field which is a shame for the kids as they will lose a lot of their green space. Good news though if you have a nursery-aged child. The current parent-run nursery (which receives funding from the council) will be moving over to the new nursery building. Nursery due to open this August.

Forgot to add - I'd also recommend the Murrayfield nursery.

Can I just ask if this is the Murrayfield nursery some if you have mentioned?
www.themurrayfieldnursery.co.uk

We're moving to Blackhall in a couple of weeks and I'm trying to find some sort of playgroup for my 3yo in the area. Liked the sound of Blackhall playgroup but they can only do afternoon sessions and we would struggle with times.

Yes that's the one.

I've also had the Friday morning playgroup at Murrayfield church recommended to me by lots of people, but I'm at work.

Oh great, thanks for that Sanetime, I'll check that out :)

My DS went to the Reindeer playgroup at Davidson's Mains; the staff were lovely. I used it when I lived in Blackhall as it's walking distance.

There is also a good playgroup at Cramond, in the church hall.

Good luck with your move!