Welcome
At Victoria ELC, we provide a warm, welcoming environment where every family is valued.
Located within the main primary school building, our ELC dedicated space and surrounding play area allow children to naturally interact with the wider school community, making the eventual transition to Primary 1 seamless and exciting.
Location: The ELC office and entrance are located directly behind the Main Primary School building.
A Nurturing Start in the Heart of Our School
We believe that parents and carers know their children best. We work as equal partners with you to ensure your child feels safe, loved, and cherished.
A Gentle Start: Settling In
Stay & Play: Parents are encouraged to stay and help settle their child into the new environment.
Individual Care: We welcome “transitional objects” (a favourite toy or blanket) to help your child feel secure.
The Child’s Voice: Following Article 12 of the UN Rights of the Child, we listen to our children. We interpret their actions, emotions, and words to ensure they feel taken seriously.
Skilful Practitioners: Our team is trained to remain calm, reflective, and mindful, helping children learn to self-regulate in a nurturing space.
Healthy Bodies, Happy Minds
Mealtimes at Victoria ELC are about more than just nutrition; they are a social, educational experience.
The “Rolling Lunch” Experience
We have introduced a self-serve, rolling lunch to promote independence.
- Independence: Children help set up for lunch and serve themselves.
- Fresh Food: Meals are provided by the Oakland Primary School kitchen, with menus displayed in advance.
- Involvement: Children are consulted on snack choices and involved in food preparation—sometimes even growing their own food!
Inclusion: We cater to all cultural and dietary needs. Please keep us updated on any allergies.
Your Window into the Nursery
Communication with parents is done via Microsoft Sway sent via email and we use Learning Journals to give you a real-time look at your child’s day.
The ELC practitioners share observations containing photos or a video to show how children interact with their friends and share key moments in a child’s development.
This online system allows you to:
Interact: Comment on observations or upload your own “home achievements” to share with us.
See Key Moments: View photos and videos of your child interacting with friends.
Track Progress: Watch their development from Early Years through to Primary school.
Admissions
We follow the City of Edinburgh Council admissions policy. Enrolling your child at Victoria ELC is a simple process.
FAQ’s
1 – What do I need to bring for my child?
The outdoors and messy play are available all day, please ensure you dress your child in appropriate clothes and that they always have spare clothes in the nursery. We have waterproofs but you will need to provide wellies that we can keep here. If your child requires personalized care please provide them with nappies.
2 – Is a snack and lunch required?
Your child will be provided with a healthy snack, water or milk and children who attend all day will receive a prepared, nutritious, two-course lunch from our school kitchen. Children attending until 6pm will also enjoy a high tea. Water is always available.
3 – Who can collect?
Anyone who is a responsible, specified contact age 16 and over on your list can collect. If there is an occasion where someone not on the list has to collect, please let us know.
4 – What is a key person?
Although you can speak to any member of the team, your child will have a designated key person who plays a lead role in supporting the development of your child and ensuring they feel safe and secure in the nursery. They will also support you and your child during the settling and transition period.
5 – What if my child is ill?
If your child isn’t well enough to attend nursery, please phone us to let us know. Our phone line is available from 08:30am. If your child becomes unwell at nursery, we will contact you to arrange for them to be collected.
Lunch and High Tea menu examples
ELC News
Tiger crossing
Dear Parent/Carer I would like to inform you that during the summer holidays a new crossing will be installed outside the school at our current crossing guide spot. The…
Keep readingNewhaven Gala countdown
Good Morning Families, Newhaven Gala is taking place on Saturday 1st June, the PTA are busy planning a fun-filled event for our families and the community but we need…
Keep readingHoliday/In-Service Day
Good Morning Families, Victoria ELC will be closed to our Term-Time children on Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th of May for a holiday and in-service day respectively. Warm regards, The Team…
Keep readingNorovirus cases
Good Morning Families, The following information is provided on behalf of NHS Lothian: A small number of children in Victoria are currently off ill with vomiting and/or diarrhoea. The…
Keep readingNew Head Teacher
Dear Parent/Carer I am delighted to share with you all that the new Head Teacher of Victoria Primary, from August 2024, will be Rhian Chapman. She is Head Teacher…
Keep readingSpring Fling Disco
Dear Parents and Carers The next PTA event will be taking place on the 14th March 6-7:15. The Spring Fling will be a disco with a similar set up…
Keep reading