A Nurturing Place to Grow
For over two decades, Doonvale had been trusted by families to provide a high quality foundation for early childhood development. Children enjoy daily outdoor discovery - rain or shine - across our Secret Garden, outdoor Art Studio, nature trails and covered playbarns. Combining countryside exploration with early learning excellence, we build the confidence, resilience and curiosity every child needs for a seamless transition into Primary School.
Learning Through Joyful Discovery
We blend structured activities with imaginative free play, focusing on emotional, social, and cognitive development.
Creative Expression
We nurture imagination through hands on creative discovery every day. Whether crafting in our outdoor Art Studio, exploring rhythm, and song with our dedicated music teacher, or enjoying interactive story-time during our popular Bookbug sessions, your child will develop the confidence, literacy and expressive freedom to thrive.
Play-Based Learning
Learning at Doonvale is active, meaningful and tailored to every child. We turn everyday play into rich, purposeful learning across all key developmental stages. Guided by our skilled and passionate team, your child is supported to explore new ideas, solve problems and build the early literacy and numeracy skills they need to thrive.
Nature Connection
Connecting with nature is at the heart of daily life at Doonvale. Through immersive play in our magical Secret Garden, discovering wildlife on our estate walks or taking part in rich hands-on learning in the fresh air, your child will develop environmental curiosity, physical resilience and a deep sense of wellbeing.
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Our Playrooms
The Byre (0-2 yr)
The Byre, is a calm, light sanctuary designed to feel like a natural home-from-home. Set within our converted farm buildings, it offers a peaceful environment where your baby's emotional well-being, early movement, and sensory curisosity are gently nurtured. Guided by attentive, experienced staff, your baby enjoys a safe, responsive, and loving start to their Doonvale journey.
The Buttery (2-3 yr)
As children grow into confident toddlers, The Buttery becomes an inspiring space for exploration, speech, and physical play. Here, active minds and little hands are encouraged to investigate-from messy sensory play and outdoor building to interactive music and storytelling. Our skilled practitioners gently guide toddlers through key milestones like toilet training, sharing and self-expression, fostering strong friendships and the freedom to explore our grounds with growing independence.
The Granary (3-5 yr)
In The Granary, early learning evolves into purposeful preparation for primary school. Guided by Scotland's Curriculum for Excellence, our pre-school room balances structured early literacy, numeracy and STEM concepts with responsive, child-led play and rich outdoor discovery. Children develop problem-solving skills, social leadership, and self-reliance. Through our close partnerships with local primary schools across Ayr, we ensure every child steps into Primary 1 with confidence, enthusiasm and a genuine love for learning.
What Our Families Say
01
I would recommend Doonvale to anyone...
“There are always a range of different activities going on from Art to Science, as well as a great outdoor area where children can get fresh air, even when it is raining, as some areas are under cover.
The Secret Garden has been a great success to my eldest child and she has had great benefit from it, learning all about nature and wildlife. I would recommend Doonvale Nursery to anyone.”
Allison Cooper
02
Doonvale has always surpassed our expectations in all respects...
“I can’t thank you enough for all the help and support that you have provided during the past 4 years while Zoe has attended nursery. She has loved every minute of it and it has always been a pleasure to bring her and catch up with the staff at the end of each day.
Doonvale Nursery has always surpassed our expectations in all respects and I doubt that Zoe would be quite so confident and ready for school had she not been in attendance.”
Julie and Fraser Brown
03
We couldn't have done it without you...
"Words cannot begin to express the gratitude which we have towards both of you and all the staff at Doonvale nursery. We have had such a wonderful experience at the nursery- all of you feel just like our extended family.
One thing that has always struck us is the genuine care and regard which all of the staff have for the children as individuals. You know when you are leaving for work in the morning that your child is in a safe place with people who genuinely care about their well being and development.
Not only have you taken care of our children but in the process guided us through the ups and downs of parenthood and helping us do our best for our children. We are very grateful for your advice and for being a friendly face willing at any time to listen to our myriad worries.
You all have a very special place in our hearts.
Our little boy has grown from a little baby into a bright, happy and confident little boy, ready to take on the challenges of the big, wide world.
We couldn't have done it without you! We are very happy to share our views of the wonderful experience we have had at Doonvale nursery. Parents bringing their children to the nursery can rest assured that their child is in the safest and best hands!!"
Manju and Mohan Menon
A Sneak Peek into Our World
Fees
Full Day £72
8am-6pm
Children attending the Nursery for five days a week, full time, will qualify for the following reduced rate:
Monthly full-time £1,265
8am-6pm
Fees are calculated on a 48 week per year basis, i.e. you will only be charged for 4 weeks per calendar month. This makes an allowance for the period when the Nursery is closed and also for the child taking approximately 2 weeks annual holiday. Fees remain payable during periods of absence, such as sickness or holidays.
A registration fee of £20 will be charged for each child.
