Our History

Midlothian Sure Start is proud to have served the communities of Midlothian for over 25 years. The history of our organisation begins in 1992, when ‘Stepping Forward’ (now Penicuik Family Learning Centre) was set up as a local community organisation in Penicuik for families with young children. The uptake for Stepping Forward brought to light the need for similar services throughout Midlothian and in 1994 our second centre, ‘Family Reachout’ (now Mayfield Family Learning Centre), opened its doors to the families of Mayfield, allowing accessible support to take place in both ends of Midlothian.

At the beginning of 2001, after years of successful operation in Penicuik and Mayfield respectively, the centre’s amalgamated under the new name ‘Midlothian Sure Start’ and a joint identity was created. However, this was only the beginning and the goal of bringing our services to families across Midlothian was further realized over the next two years, with the development of 3 part time centres in Bonnyrigg, Gorebridge and Woodburn – making our services even more accessible.

This expansion also introduced cross-centre working into Midlothian Sure Start through parenting support and therapeutic services. This is something that has remained core to the ethos of the organisation to this day

Our 6th centre opened its doors in Loanhead in 2004. From there, our PEEP groups started the same year and our Dads and grandparents services were developed throughout 2008/9, along with our baby massage classes – which developed into the ‘A Good Start’ programme. In 2014 the Scottish Government implemented a policy that provided two year old children with 600 hours of free childcare per year, if they met certain eligibility criteria.  This service in Midlothian is called ‘A Good Time to be 2’, and when this was rolled out our 4 part time centres became full time.

With our 6 family learning centres, several projects and a staff team off over 90 dedicated employees, Midlothian Sure Start has grown to become a trusted, respected and valued organisation within our local authority area and this is a reputation that we are immensely proud off.

Family Learning Centres

Hours of Free Care per Child Each Year

Dedicated Employees

We are a multi-awardwinning organisation

  • Scottish National Nursery Management Nursery Award
  • Volunteer friendly award
  • Breastfeeding-friendly Premises Award
  • Nursery World Working with Parent Award - Winner
  • Integrated Health Award
  • Mid and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce - Social Enterprize of Year Award
  • The Evelyn Gillian Research Impact Prize
  • Quality Improvement Award
NMT Nursery Award 2022

Thanks to

Tyne-Esk Leader
Leader and EAFRD
Midlothian NHS

This website was funded by the Tyne Esk Leader Programme 2014-2020 who also funded a fundraising and communications officer and marketing materials, supporting the organisation to extend its reach.

Tyne Esk Leader also contributed support to assist with Covid Recovery and the European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development: Europe Investing in rural areas.

Postal Address

Midlothian Sure Start
Head Office
Colliery Court
McSence Business Park
32 Sycamore Road
Mayfield, EH22 5TA

Tel: 0131 654 0489

Business Hours

Monday - Friday

8 am - 4 pm

Weekend Closed

Enquiry Form

Securely submit your enquiry through our online form by clicking the link below

Online Enquiry Form

Alternatively, you can download the enquiry form and return it to us via the address provided on the form.

Printable Enquiry Form
East Lothian Enquiry Form