Big Bird Nursery

12a Manse Road, Whitburn, Bathgate EH47 0DH
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8.0 67 Reviews
  • Big Bird Nursery, Bathgate
The Big Bird Nursery is located at the heart of the Whitburn community, offering a home-from-home setting for children aged 12 weeks to five years.

Led by a passionate and caring team, the nursery is filled with hand-picked resources (natural where possible) to encourage self-directed play and discovery.

The nursery offers secure outdoor space with lots of fun resources to enjoy fun in the fresh air. The team also take regular trips out to local green spots to further make the most of the natural world.

Big Bird Nursery love getting the best out of each and every child and offer a safe, homely and nurturing space where children can thrive at their own pace.

Care Provided by Big Bird Nursery

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Lisa Scott (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 24
  • Total Places for Children
  • 79
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:00-18:00
    Tuesday 07:00-18:00
    Wednesday 07:00-18:00
    Thursday 07:00-18:00
    Friday 07:00-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Big Bird Nursery

  • Day rates:
    0-3 years: £47.85
    3+ years: £46.90


    AM/PM rates:
    0-3 years: £25.50
    3+ years: £25


  • Fees are subject to change. Please contact the Nursery for tailored fees information.


Total of 67, showing 1-20
8.0

Big Bird Nursery has a Review Score of 8.0 (8.003) out of 10, based on 4 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Big Bird Nursery has 67 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff are so polite and nurturing towards my 2. As they are in care, they need a little extra and I feel that's what they're getting from the staff. Love the fact I get so much communication and I know how much they have eaten, how their nappies have been and what they have been doing.

Reply from Kaleigh Riglin, Customer Experience and Enrolments Manager at Big Bird Nursery

Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you and your children are having such a positive experience at Big Bird. It's wonderful to know that you feel well-informed about your children's daily activities and needs. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to provide a loving environment for your little ones!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Big Bird Nursery is a fantastic nursery. I have been blown away with my child's learning and development since moving to the pre-school room. Her creativity and willingness to try new things is amazing. She always comes home full of happy stories from her day. She is learning so many new things daily.
The staff are always a pleasure to speak to and can't help you enough with any queries you may have.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

I'm saddened to say Big Bird Nursery didn't work out for us. There weren't any major incidents but throughout our child's stay in the Tweenies and Preschool years (two years), I always felt like they hadn't developed a healthy attachment to their key worker or any of the other staff. The reality is
the setting is too crowded and there's too little space, inside and outside, for the children to feel like it's a manageable environment for them. They never developed any close friendships and always shut down after coming home, never wanting to share about what had happened in their day. Their language wasn't improving, nor was their healthy socialisation skills, often coming home with more damaging behaviours than positive ones. After transferring to another nursery, it's like we have a different child. They come home calm and in a steady mood, keen to tell us about friends and activities they got up to. The setting is half the size and I think that's really working for them.

Reply from Lisa Scott, Nursery Manager at Big Bird Nursery

Sorry to read that Big Bird Nursery did not work for you. At Big Bird Nursery we strive to provide a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where children can build positive relationships with staff and children. We will take your comments on board and share these with the team. If you wish to discuss this further, please call me directly at the nursery. Kind regards, Lisa


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic childcare setting, well-equipped facilities and a wide range of activities available for the children, changed on a daily basis. My little girl has settled in brilliantly since starting in Jan 2023. The staff are all knowledgeable, caring and friendly. The all round progress I have witnessed
since my little one started in the ‘Little Explorers’ room has been fabulous, she thoroughly enjoys her days. The app is a great communication tool for parents and can put your mind at rest with regard to aspects such as eating and naps. I should add that my son also attended Big Bird from 11 months old until he was 4 years old! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone considering childcare options.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Big Bird Nursery had been an amazing environment for our boy! He started his journey in September 2022 and is coming on so much with the help of the practitioners. He has developed in all aspects, from his speech to his coordination whilst learning problem-solving skills and showing his emotions in
the right way. He has built relationships with peers and is thriving in a calm yet fun setting. I can’t wait to see how my little boy will continue to grow under the care of the brilliant staff!

Reply from Lisa Scott, Nursery Manager at Big Bird Nursery

Thank you very much for your kind words. It is a real pleasure watching your child grow and develop whilst he is at nursery and we look forward to continuing to support him during his journey at Big Bird Nursery.
Thanks again for your kind words, we appreciate it.
Kind regards,
Nursery manager.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All staff at the nursery are very welcoming and friendly and make you feel at ease. My daughter is in the little explorer room and loves going in each day to see what different activities are on offer. They ensure that she is always included by taking her out on local outings such as the library. The
app is very useful and helps keep me up-to-date on my daughter's day at nursery. Would definitely recommend this nursery.

Reply from Lisa Scott, Nursery Manager at Big Bird Nursery

We are delighted to hear your positive words about Big Bird Nursery. It is a pleasure watching your child grow and develop and we look forward to continue supporting her during her journey at Big Bird Nursery.
Thank you again for taking the time to make such a lovely review.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery are very friendly and welcoming to all.
They strive to help the children progress in their abilities at Big Bird and we really enjoy seeing the updates on the app which give us an idea of what they have been up to that day.
The staff were very compliant when we were having dietary issues
with our child and communication between all staff was brilliant relating to any changes that needed to be made. I recommend the nursery to anyone considering it for their child.

Reply from Lynzi Pond, Marketing Manager at Big Bird Nursery

We thank you for taking the time out to leave a review of our nursery. We appreciate your words and know that they will benefit prospective parents when making an informed decision about their childcare options. We are pleased you chose our nursery for your child’s learning journey and look forward to continuing to work with you, to provide the best experience.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I couldn’t recommend Big Bird Nursery enough to anyone looking for a nursery for their child. Since my son started in the Little Explorers room 5 months ago, I have seen such a massive difference in him. He has come on leaps and bounds and is absolutely thriving each day. The relationship he has built
with all the staff is so heartwarming. You can really tell the staff in his room have so much love for the children and really care. The nursery has such a homely feel and all the staff within the nursery and management team are always so welcoming and really take the time to get to know you and your child. The app is a great way to communicate with the staff and always a place where you can find out about your child’s day. The nursery has a great outdoor space where my son can explore and also walks in the local community. It’s also great the nursery has an amazing cook on site preparing and cooking all meals and that the menu is sent out at the start of each week on the app.

Reply from Lisa Scott, Nursery Manager at Big Bird Nursery

Thank you for your kind words, we are delighted to hear that you have had such a positive experience and we look forward to continuing to work with you and your family.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little girl has come on so much since starting nursery in August 2022 and I feel very happy leaving her there. The girls in little explorers are excellent and look after her needs in every way. I love seeing the updates on the app to see what she has been getting up to throughout the day. I highly
recommend Big Bird Nursery to anyone considering using them.

Reply from Lynzi Pond, Marketing Officer at Big Bird Nursery

We thank you for taking the time out to leave a review of our nursery. We appreciate your words and know that they will benefit prospective parents when making an informed decision about their childcare options. We are pleased you chose our nursery for your child’s learning journey and are enjoying the app, and look forward to continuing to work with you, to provide the best experience.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter loves attending Big Bird Nursery, she runs in every morning and doesn’t want to leave in the evenings. The staff are fantastic and they always update me on the learning that she has participated in that day. She has come on so much and that’s definitely down to the staff that work with her
every day.

Reply from Lisa Scott, Nursery Manager at Big Bird Nursery

Thank you for your kind words, Chris, we are delighted that you chose for your daughter to attend Big Bird Nursery and we look forward to watching her grow and develop on her nursery journey.
Thanks again for your positive review, we really appreciate it,
Kind regards.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started at Big Bird in February as I returned to work, the girls have been absolutely fantastic! Not only has she developed a close bond with her key worker, but they all have taken the time to get to know her and help her settle really well. Even when not in nursery, she talks about them.
The girls make the drop-off really easy and my daughter is quickly distracted with all the fabulous activities they have set up for the day. I love using the app to see what she has been up to for the day and how some days they go out on a walk, or visit the library and take part in Bookbug. My daughter is such a social wee thing and I can see how she has come on since starting at nursery. The weekly menu that also goes up is so helpful to see what new foods she is trying and also things I can then make for her at home. I would recommend Big Bird to anyone looking for a nursery for their wee one!

Reply from Lisa Scott, Nursery Manager at Big Bird Nursery

Thank you for your kind words. We are delighted that you chose to join us at Big Bird Nursery and we are looking forward to watching your little one grow and develop throughout her nursery journey.
Thank you again for your positive review.
Kind regards.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 2 year old son started at Big Bird Nursery in February and has settled in brilliantly. The girls in the Tweenies room are fantastic with him. I found it difficult to leave him at first but always felt reassured. The app is always updated with what he’s been doing and pictures, which is great to see.

Reply from Lynzi Pond, Marketing Manager at Big Bird Nursery

We thank you for taking the time out to leave a review of our nursery. We appreciate your words and know that they will benefit prospective parents when making an informed decision about their childcare options. We are pleased you chose our nursery for your child’s learning journey and are enjoying the app, and look forward to continuing to work with you, to provide the best experience.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The little explorer's team are fabulous! Our son loves nursery, has settled in amazingly well and watching him grow into his own little person over the past 9 months has been breathtaking. The morning team are amazing at helping him in on tired days and we love seeing and hearing what he has been up
to. The app really helps us visually to see what he has eaten/been up to etc to allow us to settle whilst at work, knowing he is in good hands.
He is a happy and clever little boy, loves interactive play and singing and doing the actions. Quite often at home when we have music/nursery rhymes playing, our son will do the actions that he has been learning and for 17 months old, this is phenomenal. We know nursery has really helped him adapt and grow and can't wait to see what the rest of 2023 has in store for us! As always thank you, it's made such a daunting return to work so much easier!

Reply from Lynzi Pond, Marketing Manager at Big Bird Nursery

We thank you for taking the time out to leave a review of our nursery. We appreciate your words and know that they will benefit prospective parents when making an informed decision about their childcare options. We are pleased you chose our nursery for your child’s learning journey and are enjoying the app and look forward to continuing to work with you in 2023 and beyond, to provide the best experience.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Big Bird Nursery gave my son an excellent opportunity to develop. Every day he surprises me with words that he knows. I’d say that Big Bird is a perfect place for a child who learns to live and use two languages. Every day he’s telling me about great activities, about his friendships and his teachers.
He’s a happy child in his nursery. Highly recommend. Big thank you to the Big Bird staff.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter attends Big Bird Nursery on a Monday and Friday. I was so nervous leaving her as she was always with me, but she settled in amazingly the staff are really friendly and caring for all the children. I can now settle at work knowing she's in good hands. She absolutely loves the nursery and
plays great with all the kids.
Thanks

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very satisfied with Big Bird Team, my son is in Pre-School, my daughter is in Tweenie Room and their development is amazing since they joined this nursery. Everyone is helpful, very knowledgeable, friendly and goes above and beyond to give the best start to our children. My kids enjoy the time
with the staff and their friends and learn a lot every day. I am really glad we are part of the Big Bird family.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My daughter had attended Big Bird for a few months now and although it took her a few weeks to settle she is genuinely happy going in each morning and seems to have really bonded with all the girls. It’s lovely to see her going in and coming out smiling each day. The updates throughout the day are great
as it really puts my mind at rest and I can see the kids get to do a range of activities over the week. Everyone is so friendly and accommodating.

Reply from Pamela Stein, Nursery Manager at Big Bird Nursery

Thank you for your lovely message, it is a pleasure to have your daughter in Nursery and we are delighted you chose Big Bird for her care.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After reserving a place while pregnant, we have been made to feel welcome and part of the Big Bird family from the very beginning. We were invited to join in with an online Burns celebration during Lockdown in Jan 2021 and it was clear from that point on that my baby was going to be in great hands.
All the staff are welcoming, knowledgeable and nothing has been too much trouble. We were delighted with the settling arrangements despite COVID still playing a part in the day to day running of things. I felt very comfortable seeing the staff care for all the babies and was impressed with how child-led the environment was for the very youngest age group. The room is welcoming, accessible and is regularly adapted to keep it fresh. The activities are well thought out with consideration for the age/stage of development. It was very obvious that my baby was happy to spend time there and he seemed to come on really quickly once settled in. I love seeing the app updates each day.

Reply from Laura Hutton, Deputy Nursery Manager at Big Bird Nursery

Thank you so much for such a lovely review. It is always nice to hear that our setting makes our children and families feel welcome. We are delighted to read all about your positive experiences here at Big Bird.
Thanks again for your kind words


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a fantastic nursery. My son really struggled to settle in at first with only being 10 months old when he started. Each care worker went above and beyond to make his settling process as smooth as possible. Now my son absolutely loves going in and enjoys his day (so much so, that he tries to climb
back over the gate when we're leaving). We don't live local to the nursery although very happy to drive that journey each day he's at nursery and we know he enjoys it.

Reply from Pamela Stein, Nursery Manager at Big Bird Nursery

Thank you for such kind words, it is great to see him settled so well and we are delighted he is enjoying nursery.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

For the last 7 years, Big Bird has been part of our family. My eldest started going to their free PEEP class that ran weekly and we have loved it ever since.
Every child is respected and they strive to ensure all kids get a voice in their program of activities. The learning both my kids received
has been second to none. You can feel the love walking through the door.
Our journey has ended with my youngest starting school and we will miss Big Bird very much. They are the very best there is.

Reply from Pamela Stein, Nursery Manager at Big Bird Nursery

Thank you for such a lovely review. We have loved having your two children with us and we will miss you all too, but we look forward to the first school day picture! Careful you do not drive here by mistake on the first day!
Take lots of care and thank you again.


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Current Review Score: 8.0 (8.003)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.0 (8.003) out of 10 for Big Bird Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 4 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.4 out of 5 from 3 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.563 for Big Bird Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (36 Excellents x 5) + (5 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) + (2 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 48 Ratings = 4.563

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 3.44 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Big Bird Nursery is based on 3 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 = 3.25

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 79 number of registered child places is 15.8. 3 Positive Reviews ÷ 15.8 = 0.19

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (3)

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Meet the Team (1)

Lisa

Lisa Scott

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2022

I have over 10 years of experience within the Early Education and Childcare sector, with most of that experience being in a leadership role.


I completed my HNC and HND in Early Education and Childcare at West Lothian College and then continued my studies at the University of the Highlands and Islands in 2017, where I gained my BA in Childhood Practice.


I am passionate about offering children engaging experiences both indoors and outdoors, creating an enriching natural environment where children have the freedom to learn through exploration and investigation- developing creativity and curiosity. I also believe in creating environments for all children where their individual needs and qualities are valued and respected.


I am beginning a new and exciting journey at Big Bird Nursery after spending 10 wonderful months with my daughter Evie, who will start in the Ladybird room. After spending some time with the staff at Big Bird I can already tell they share the same commitment to childcare as me and I am really excited to support them and the nursery.


Frequently Asked Questions about Big Bird Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Big Bird Nursery accepts?

Big Bird Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Big Bird Nursery Open?

Big Bird Nursery is open: Monday 07:00-18:00, Tuesday 07:00-18:00, Wednesday 07:00-18:00, Thursday 07:00-18:00, Friday 07:00-18:00.

How many Children does Big Bird Nursery have capacity for?

Big Bird Nursery has capacity for a total of 79 Children.

How far is Big Bird Nursery to the centre of Bathgate?

3.0 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.