We are Gingerbread Edinburgh & Lothian

Supporting single parent families across Edinburgh and Lothian with quality childcare, after-school clubs, and holiday programs since 1985.

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Professional Childcare
Since 1985

Supporting Single Parent Families Since 1985

For over four decades, Gingerbread Edinburgh & Lothian has been a trusted partner for single parent families across Edinburgh. As a registered Scottish charity (SC125546), we understand the unique challenges facing single parents and provide professional, affordable childcare solutions that enable parents to work, study, and build better futures for their families.

Our experienced team operates from four strategic locations across Edinburgh, ensuring quality care is accessible in your local community. We're not just a childcare provider – we're a support network that believes every single parent family deserves the opportunity to thrive.

Our Impact

40+ Years Supporting Families

4 School Locations

1000+ Families Supported Annually

1985 Established

What Makes Us Different

We specialize in supporting single parent families with flexible, affordable childcare that fits around your work and study commitments.

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School-Based Clubs

Convenient after-school care at Dalry, Lorne, St Cuthbert's, and Tollcross primary schools

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Reduced Fees for Single Parents

Special pricing structure designed specifically for single parent families

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Holiday & In-Service Care

Full-day programs during school holidays and in-service days

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Flexible Payment Options

We accept childcare vouchers, Universal Credit, and Job Centre payments

What Parents Say

Real feedback from single parents who trust us with their children's care.

"Gingerbread has been a lifeline for our family. The staff genuinely care about the children and understand the pressures facing single parents."

— Sarah, Single Mum of Two

"The after-school club at Tollcross has allowed me to return to work with complete confidence that my daughter is safe and happy."

— Marcus, Working Parent

"Affordable, professional, and flexible. Gingerbread understands that every family's situation is different."

— Lisa, University Student

Latest Updates

Stay informed about our services, achievements, and community involvement.

June 2025

New Website Launch

We've launched our new website to make it easier for families to access information about our services and get in touch with our team.

Winter 2024

Holiday Program Success

Our winter holiday programs provided essential childcare for working parents throughout the Christmas break with exciting activities and educational trips.

Ongoing

Staff Recruitment

We're always looking for passionate individuals to join our team. Contact us if you're interested in making a difference in children's lives.

📞 Ready to Register?

Mobile: 07825 925846

Contact us today to discuss your childcare needs and secure a place for your child.

Our Services

We provide comprehensive childcare services across Edinburgh to support working single parents.

After School Clubs

What's Included:

Professional supervision and activities
Healthy snacks (fruit provided)
Educational games and activities
Safe, nurturing environment

What to Bring: Packed lunch and nut-free snack

Holiday Clubs

Full Day Care: 8:30am - 5:25pm (Collection by 5:30pm)

Activities Include:

Educational trips and outings
Arts and crafts
Sports and games
Structured learning activities

Advance Booking Required

In-Service Day Cover

We provide cover for Tollcross Primary School in-service days from 8:30am - 5:30pm.

Contact our office for dates and booking.

Additional Support

We Accept:

Childcare vouchers through employers
Universal Credit support
Job Centre payments
College/University funding streams

Important Notes

Public Holidays: We are closed on public holidays - please check with office or play leader for specific dates.

Trip Costs: Parents may be asked to contribute to trip costs, payable in advance via internet banking.

Fees & Payment Structure

⏰ PAYMENT DEADLINE

ALL FEES MUST BE PAID BY 2PM ON MONDAY OF EACH WEEK

Late payments may incur £20 fee | Persistent late payment may result in place cancellation

Bank Details for Payments

Bank: Bank of Scotland

Account Name: Gingerbread

Sort Code: 80-11-20

Account Number: 00275813

Reference: (Child's name + club they attend)

Single Parent Family Fees

Service	First Child	Additional Children	Notes
Admin Fee (Annual)	£25	Per family	Due by 31st March
After School - Weekly	£41	£36	Monday-Friday
After School - Daily	£27	£25	Single day booking
Hourly (Mon-Thu)	£7	£7	1-2 hours max
Friday Hourly	£28 minimum	£28 minimum	4 hours min, £7/hour after
Holiday Club - Weekly	£68	£63	5 days
Holiday Club - Daily	£27	£25	Single day
In-Service Day	£15	£13	Tollcross Primary only

Two Parent Family Fees

Service	First Child	Additional Children	Notes
After School - Weekly	£52	£46	Monday-Friday
After School - Daily	£27	£25	Single day booking
Holiday Club - Weekly	£78	£73	5 days
Holiday Club - Daily	£27	£25	Single day

Important Payment Policies

Cancellation: Full week's notice required to cancel your child's place

No Shows: You must pay for booked days even if not used

Credits: Unused credits will be kept for future use - no cash reimbursements

Late Collection Fee: £25 for continuous late collection

Holiday Club Penalty: £40 per day if child attends without confirmed booking

Our Locations

We operate after-school clubs at four primary schools across Edinburgh, providing convenient childcare close to your child's school.

📍 Dalry Primary School

Location: 4 Cathcart Place, Edinburgh EH11 2JB

Club Times:

Monday - Thursday: 2:30pm - 5:45pm

Friday: 12:00 noon - 5:45pm

Collection by 5:30pm

📍 Lorne Primary School

Location: 7 Lorne Street, Edinburgh EH6 8QS

Club Times:

Monday - Thursday: 2:30pm - 5:45pm

Friday: 12:00 noon - 5:45pm

Collection by 5:30pm

📍 St Cuthbert's Primary School

Location: 9 Hutchison Crossway, Edinburgh EH14 1RP

Club Times:

Monday - Thursday: 2:30pm - 6:00pm

Friday: 12:00 noon - 6:00pm

Collection by 5:45pm

📍 Tollcross Primary School

Location: 117-119 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh EH3 9QG

Club Times:

Monday - Thursday: 2:30pm - 6:00pm

Friday: 12:00 noon - 6:00pm

Collection by 5:45pm

🎪 Holiday Club Venue

Times: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 5:25pm

Collection: By 5:30pm

Separate booking form required

Contact Us

Get in touch with our team for bookings, information, or support.

📞 Main Office

Mobile: 07825 925846

Email: contact@gingerbreadcharity.org

Address: 117-119 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh EH3 9QG

💳 Payment Enquiries

For all payment-related questions, contact our office during business hours.

Payment Reference: Child's name + club name

Payment Method: Bank transfer only

Office Hours

Office Hours: Monday-Friday: 10am-5pm | Closed weekends

Emergency Contact: 07825 925846

Resources for Single Parents in Scotland

Find the best advice and support services available to single parents across Scotland.

National Resources

Citizens Advice Scotland Money Advice Scotland Shelter Scotland Scottish Government - Single Parents

Benefits and Financial Support

mygov.scot - Benefits Turn2us Benefits Calculator Child Maintenance Service Scottish Welfare Fund

Employment and Training

Skills Development Scotland Job Centre Plus Working Tax Credit Calculator Childcare Support Scotland

Housing and Legal

Edinburgh Council Housing Lothian Housing Associations Scottish Legal Aid Family Mediation Scotland

Health and Wellbeing

NHS Scotland - Mental Health Home-Start Scotland Parentline Scotland Young Minds - Parent Support

Can't Find What You Need?

Our team can help you navigate these resources and find the right support for your situation.

Call us on mobile 07825 925846

Work With Us

Join our dedicated team and help make a difference in the lives of single parent families across Edinburgh and Lothian.

Current Opportunities

We are always looking for passionate individuals to join our team:

Play Leaders
After School Club Assistants
Holiday Club Coordinators
Administrative Support

Requirements: Experience working with children, relevant qualifications, and a passion for supporting families.

Volunteer Opportunities

Support our mission through volunteering:

Activity support during clubs
Trip assistance
Administrative help
Special events support

Perfect for students, retirees, or anyone wanting to give back to the community.

Benefits of Working With Us

Competitive rates
Flexible scheduling
Training provided
Supportive team environment
Making a real difference

How to Apply

Interested in joining our team? Contact us to discuss current opportunities.

Mobile: 07825 925846

Email: contact@gingerbreadcharity.org

Support Our Mission

Your donations help us provide quality childcare, better equipment, educational games, and healthy snacks for single parent families across Edinburgh and Lothian.

Make a Donation Today

Every donation, no matter the size, makes a real difference to the families we support.

Donation Details

Bank: Bank of Scotland

Account Name: Gingerbread

Sort Code: 80-11-20

Account Number: 00275813

Reference: DONATION

Your Impact

Your donations directly support:

Quality childcare for single parent families
Better equipment and learning resources
Educational games and activities
Healthy snacks for children