Early learning and childcare - Hawthorn Children and Families Centre

Hawthorn Family Learning Centre is the only children and families centre of its kind in Midlothian. Our vision is to support children and families to be safe, healthy, happy, resilient and to learn together. We are committed to providing this through nurturing and respectful relationships.

The purpose of the service is to provide support to children, parents and carers in Midlothian via early years placements and family learning. The service works closely with both Children’s Services and Education to provide high quality environments, interactions, experiences and supports which are in line with Care Inspectorate requirements, Scottish government and education guidance.

The service aims to provide a flexible and responsive service to meet the needs of each individual child and family. In addition to early years’ placements this can include supporting assessments, supervised contact, providing outreach and/or practical support for parents and carers.

The service is registered to provide day care for children from birth to the end of primary school. This includes ‘Good to be Two Placements’ as well as 3-5 Nursery Placements. This means we have the ability to provide a consistent placement from birth until children go to school, to minimise transitions.

Our primary focus is the wellbeing, happiness and holistic development of each individual child who attends the centre. We work in line with Realising the Ambition and the Curriculum for Excellence to ensure the service provides quality learning environments for all children. We aim to build positive, safe and trusting relationships with children, parents and carers in order to give children the best possible start in life, helping them to achieve their best.

In normal times (pre/post COVID) we offer a range of groups including structured learning and parenting programs, practical skills and activity based groups including cooking, PEEP, Bookbugs and swimming and support groups for a range of parents and carers.

The service has a wealth of experienced staff who hold relevant childcare qualifications and are registered with the SSSC. Staff work closely with other professionals to provide support for children who are vulnerable and/or have additional needs.

The service has access to a council bus and is able to provide transport if this is required to support a family to engage.

Karen Coutts is the centre manager. 

Parents, carers and professionals can request information or make a referral by:

• calling 0131 271 3116
• or emailing HawthornFamilyLearningCentre@midlothian.gov.uk