Deepak Poddar, managing director of Scottish nursery chain Little Einstein's, told CYP Now many nurseries in the country are "run in ramshackle buildings" and unfit for purpose.
He said environment was a key factor in children's education and there is a need for more purpose-built facilities. He also called on the Scottish government to launch an initiative to raise building standards, in partnership with the Care Commission, local authorities, parents and private sector providers.
Poddar also said council planning departments should be responsible for making sure nurseries are built in suitable properties and areas.
Ian McLaughlan, chief executive of charity the Scottish Pre-School Play Association, said: "The association wholeheartedly supports any initiative that ensures a high-quality caring and learning environment for all young children while away from their own homes. But, in the community-led childcare sector, it's rarely possible to consider major new build projects."
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