Castle Gyle

When the Gyle Shopping centre first opened, there was always people mentioning the drop in cr che which they had available. This was situated next to the Gyle Nursery just off the food court. A few years later an extension started outside and a purpose built nursery and separate Cr che were built.

It was only when Eilidh started going to Birthday parties at the cr che that I started to take notice of it. The Cr che has an automatic door which can only open automatically for someone outside. There is a special button on the wall inside to let you out again. There is a small area with chairs where children can take their shoes off.

On your first visit you need to register with all your details including your mobile number and an emergency contact and any medical problems or allergies which your child may have. They also check that your child is allowed a drink of juice. They also like to check if your child is able to go to the toilet themselves or if they need help. I don't think the children need to be potty trained but if they are in nappies it is advisable to maybe have a small bag with a nappy and wipes to be on the safe side. Children aged 2-8 years are welcome but to be on the safe side there is a height restriction.

No adult or parent except the staff who work there are allowed beyond the buzzer door. This is to comply with the children's Act. There are lots of biggish pigeon type holes where the children's coats, shoes and bags can go. The number of their pigeon hole corresponds with their number which their details and slip is held on. Each child gets a little red belt which holds their details too and ensures that they have the correct child and ensures that you get the right child at the pick up time. The staff are all youngish but I believe that they are a good mix of ages. At one point the staff seemed really young and a few parents who held parties said that the staff were completely useless when they were trying to ask questions etc. I have no complaints about the staff.

Inside there is a ball pool with a climbing frame with challenging steps and climbers and a shute to get back down. Eilidh took a few attempts and visits to master this as it is not the easiest climbing frame, but it does seem to attract lots of children who love to spend all their time in there. There is also a house corner with all the usual things like dressing up clothes, and kitchen play toys which you would find in a nursery. They also have floor toys such as cars and a garage type toy. These tend to be rotated as there is always something different whenever I visit with a party. There are also computers with games to play. As well as a story corner with books and seats to sit on. I also believe there is a video as Eilidh talks about Video's which she has watched while there. I'm not impressed with that as I put her there to play not slob about watching TV. There are also tables set up which one day will be gluing, painting and various arty activities which can also be found in a nursery or playgroup. There are also a few rides on toys like cars and bikes. The room always looks tidy and I have never had a complaint concerning how clean the place is.

The fact that the cr che is drop in and opens at 9.30am until 5.45pm Monday to Saturday is great. On a Sunday it is open at 11am until 5pm. You just go in and see if they have spaces. They ask you to say how long you plan to have them in the Cr che. But I think you are allowed up to 3 hours incase you get held up. You must stay within the Gyle centre and not leave while your child is in the cr che. I usually leave Eilidh for about an hour. She loves to play while I do the boring parts of shopping with Murray. The costs start at £ for 30 mins and builds up in 15 minute slots. You pay when you collect your child. You also sign a receipt when you drop off your child and you sign again when you collect. Whoever drops off must then collect the child. This ensures that no one can come and snatch your child and the staff usually remember who has dropped the child off.

As I mentioned before you can hire out Castle Gyle for Birthday parties. Costing £48 for 90 minutes you have free use of the cr che and you must leave it tidy. One member of staff stays on to give you any help which you may need. They provide plates and cups and you provide your food or you can arrange to Burger King to deliver over food. Most people allow the children to play and then sit down and have food and do the birthday cake. Then the children get to play while the parents come to collect. It is a very popular venue and 9 times out of 10 when you get a party invite the Gyle Cr che is the venue as it is so close for so many of us. There is a kitchen but I can't comment as I have never seen it.

I wish I had discovered the Cr che sooner and used it sooner. It's a godsend when I have shopping to do without Eilidh knowing or when I know she will be bored as she doesn't like me trying on clothes. It's great than you can have between 30 minutes to roughly 2 hours which means you can gets so much done in that time. The idea is great although I do find it slightly on the expensive side it is worth the money as Eilidh is so happy in there and is delighted when you say she can go. I can't wait for November when Murray can go in too. Mummy shopping all by herself what a fabulous treat for me. So if you fancy Child Free shopping at the Gyle, check out Castle Gyle.