Business Details
15 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Outdoor Nursery for Child-Led Learning in Bathgate
Riverside Cottage Nursery is a family-run, award-winning childcare provider established in 2011, offering an outdoor-focused early years experience in Bathgate, West Lothian. Our approach prioritises child-led learning within a natural environment, combining two acres of crofting land with purpose-built facilities including a cosy cottage and outdoor classrooms. With a team of experienced practitioners, we specialise in forest school methodologies and tailored support for children aged 2+. Our commitment to sustainability, child development expertise, and emergency-trained staff ensure a safe, nurturing environment.We provide council-funded hours and maintain strong community connections through parent engagement initiatives. The nursery's leadership combines academic qualifications in childhood practice with decades of hands-on experience in outdoor education. Our facilities remain operational in all weather conditions, featuring sheltered spaces and a dedicated security dog who adds to the warm atmosphere.
Services
Outdoor Nursery
Forest School
Child-Led Learning
All-Weather Care
Parent Engagement
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- We are West Lothian's longest-running outdoor-focused nursery since 2011
- Our team includes forest school trained practitioners and childhood development experts
- We maintain 24/7 emergency-trained staff coverage for child safety
- Our child-led approach develops independence through natural environment exploration
- We offer council-funded hours with flexible booking options
What people say
Infectious magic
Loves outdoor learning
Thrived in environment
Amazing staff
Perfect outdoor space
Services
Outdoor Nursery
Our outdoor nursery provides immersive early years education in a natural environment. Children explore two acres of woodland and riverbank while developing essential life skills. Qualified practitioners facilitate child-led learning through unstructured play and discovery in all weather conditions.
Forest School
Forest school sessions develop confidence and independence through hands-on outdoor experiences. Our Level 3 trained practitioners guide activities like den-building, nature observation and seasonal exploration. The programme follows Scottish Forestry's best practice guidelines for early years education.
Child-Led Learning
Our educational approach prioritises children's natural curiosity and interests. Practitioners observe and support individual learning journeys through unstructured play. This method develops problem-solving skills and fosters intrinsic motivation in a nurturing outdoor environment.
All-Weather Care
We operate daily in all Scottish weather conditions with appropriate shelter options. Our facilities include heated indoor spaces and waterproof clothing provision. Seasonal activities like snow exploration and autumn harvest projects enrich the learning experience throughout the year.
Parent Engagement
Regular communication channels keep parents informed about their child's development. We share daily observations and learning highlights through digital platforms. Family workshops explore nature-based play techniques and child-led learning principles for home application.
People
Addi
Nursery Owner
Former paramedic and nursery founder with emergency care expertise. Ensures staff training standards while managing maintenance and payroll operations. Established the nursery in 2011 following his partner's passing.
Luke Addison
Nursery Support
Horticulture PhD candidate with sustainability expertise. Manages nursery operations after taking leave to support during family bereavement. Specialises in children's environmental interactions and outdoor learning spaces.
Chloe
Manager
Former parent and outdoor education specialist managing daily operations. Pursuing BA in Childhood Practice at Edinburgh University. Level 3 forest school qualified with 13 years sector experience.
Carol Ann
Lead Practitioner
Experienced childcare professional specialising in additional needs support. Developing SVQ level 9 qualification while leading equitable learning practices. Creates inclusive outdoor experiences for all children.
Sarah Jane
Practitioner
HNC qualified early years educator with Froebelian training. Plans child-led learning experiences using slow pedagogy methods. Documents developmental progress while maintaining nurturing outdoor interactions.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We care for children aged 2 years and older.
Do you offer council-funded hours?
Yes, we provide council-funded early education hours with flexible booking options.
What happens in bad weather?
Our all-weather provision includes sheltered barns, outdoor classrooms and a cosy cottage with log burner.
Are staff qualified in emergency care?
All practitioners hold current emergency first aid qualifications and receive regular training updates.
How do you support child development?
Our forest school trained team uses child-led learning in natural environments to develop independence and creativity.
Can parents visit before enrolling?
Personalised tours are available by appointment outside nursery hours for prospective families.
