The top-rated nurseries in central Fife have been revealed.
Information collated by The Courier’s data team shows which of the area’s nurseries rank best among inspectors.
The Care Inspectorate visits childcare providers, including nurseries and childminders, across the country, grading areas of operation using a scale from 6 (excellent) to 1 (unsatisfactory).
We take a look at some of the highest-performing nurseries in Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes and Levenmouth based on their average score during their most recent inspections.
Paxton Nursery, Methil- 5.5
Paxton Nursery in Methil – operated by the local authority – comes out on top of our list.
The nursery at the school can provide care to a maximum of 90 children per session between the ages of two and primary school age.
Last inspected in September 2023, the Care Inspectorate highlighted the “sector-leading” care, play and learning at the nursery.
A report said: “Children benefited from outstanding care and support from highly skilled staff, this supported children to flourish and thrive.”
Additionally, inspectors said the device was “exceptionally well led” and that children’s rights, wishes and choices were respected.
Newcastle Early Learning Nursery, Glenrothes – 5.25
Located within Newcastle Primary School, the nursery provides care for up to 24 children at one time.
The committee-run nursery is operated in partnership with Fife Council.
Inspectors visited the service in January 2025 and highlighted the “inspiring” manager.
The report said: “An innovative approach to distributed leadership motivated all staff to take full ownership of their leadership role and supported them to influence and lead change.”
Children were able to explore a wide range of resources and experiences at the service.
Woodlands Family Nurture Centre, Methil – 5.25
Located in Methil, inspectors said children received “outstandingly high” levels of care and support from “passionate” staff during their most recent visit.
The “sector-leading” staff team were “extremely proud” to work at the service and cared deeply about the children and families as a result.
The report added: “Families were an integral part of the service and their involvement in the service was highly valued and respected by staff and leaders.
A parent told inspectors: “‘Someone is always there to talk to and support the child, but also the families.”
Methilhaven Nursery, Methil – 5.25
The recently opened service is co-located within the Methilhaven Care Village and can provide care for up to 39 children at one time.
Inspectors said the purpose-built facility has been finished to an “extremely high standard”.
Just the May 2024 visit, they highlighted the “excellent” care play and learning at the nursery.
The report said: “Children were supported to flourish and thrive as they experienced a variety of rich resources across the service.
“These opportunities promoted children’s natural curiosity, creativity, and imagination.”
Several other central Fife nurseries – 5
During the most recent inspections, 10 nurseries in Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes and Levenmouth received the same average grade of five from the Care Inspectorate, receiving no complaints.
Of these, eight are operated by the local authority while two are privately owned.
These nurseries are listed below.
Clicking the link will download a PDF of the most recent Care Inspectorate report.
- Pathhead Primary School Nursery, Kirkclady
- Dysart Primary School Nursery, Kirkclady
- Gallatown Nursery, Kirkclady
- Valley Primary School Nursery, Kirkclady
- Fair Isle Family Nurture Centre, Kirkclady
- South Parks Primary School Nursery, Glenrothes
- Viewforth Nursery, Leven
- Kennoway Primary & Community School Nursery, Leven
- Peek-a-Boo Nursery Markinch, Glenrothes
- The Cottage Family Centre Creche, Kirkclady
You can compare childcare performance in Fife and across Scotland using The Courier’s tracker.
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