Big Bird Nursery

12a Manse Road, Whitburn, Bathgate EH47 0DH
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8.4 70 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.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Laura Hutton (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 24

Total Places for Children

  • 79

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Day rates:
    0-5 years: £69.51


    AM/PM rates:
    0-5 years: £34.75

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

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

Big Bird Nursery Reviews (70)

8.4

Big Bird Nursery has a Review Score of 8.4 (8.422) out of 10, based on 6 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Big Bird Nursery has 70 reviews.

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Total of 70, showing 41-60
Review from Carly C (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We simply cannot say enough good things about Big Bird Nursery and the staff that work there! They have successfully helped us through so many situations- offering advice, support and friendly faces. Despite moving away we continued to drive our younger child there because I simply wouldn’t have wanted
him to go anywhere else.
The facilities feel homely and welcoming and they are continually improving the spaces based upon recommendations from parents and children alike.
Every child is treated as a respected individual encouraging them in turn to respect others. Daily activities are also tailored to the children’s individuals interest or needs and my children returned every day enthused by experiments and various activities they had done which always stemmed from something someone had expressed an interest in.
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Review from Carole (Mother of Child) published on 3 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy started in August. He's my first so I wasn't sure what to expect but from the moment we had a tour of the place and met the manager and the staff, we knew we'd found a great place. He settled in really quickly. He is all smiles now getting dropped off in the morning! This is a reflection
of the fantastic staff. I can't praise them enough for their care. The app has been great to keep us updated on all he's been up to. This place is a little gem and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending to friends or family.
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Review from Laura S (Mother of Child) published on 3 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery was highly recommended by many people so I decided to send my son here despite travelling a bit further to get to it even though there were nurseries closer by.
All staff have been great, all very friendly, cheery and helpful. Communication is great and really enjoy daily updates from
the Famly app. They have also been very accommodating to my son who has quite a few allergies. My son goes in in the mornings totally fine and leaves happy as well. Would defo recommend this nursery!
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Review from Storm R (Mother of Child) published on 2 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been using Big Bird Nursery since my son was 8 months and have found the team fantastic. We had several settle sessions to help our son get used to nursery and receive regular updates on his development and activities. After lockdown, he was struggling with separation anxiety and the team really
helped settle him back in and put our minds at rest. The team communicate excellently and encourage lots of involvement from parents. They really go out of their way to attend to every child’s needs. Our son was unwell recently and the team phoned us to check in on him and make sure he was okay which really shows how much they care about the well-being of the children who attend. I couldn’t recommend highly enough!
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Review from Holly D (Mother of Child) published on 30 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have two children at Big Bird Nursery and both of them love it. The staff are excellent and take really good care of the children. It is really well run and organised. I love the variety of food they serve the kids and it is always something healthy that they enjoy. Every day they do a range of different
activities and they always come home happy. I would highly recommend Big Bird Nursery - we couldn’t be happier with it.
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Review from Dawn M (Mother of Child) published on 30 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my children have attended Big Bird and my daughter is still currently there. Big Bird did fantastic work improving my son's confidence and helping him with his social skills. My daughter loves nursery so much thanks to the wonderful staff at Big Bird and would happily attend every day if she could.
I
highly recommend Big Bird they have been a fantastic nursery for our family!
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Review from Zoe M (Mother of Child) published on 30 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A very welcoming nursery with very dedicated staff. I always find the staff to go above and beyond when caring for my child. They always have time to discuss my child's progress with me. My child is always exposed to a variety of learning and engaging activities. The nursery is always looking to improve.
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Review from Nicola S (Mother of Child) published on 30 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have used Big Bird nursery for six years and absolutely love it. Both our kids are thriving there. The staff are exceptional, kind, caring and very supportive. I feel they have a lovely bond with my kids and I know they are extremely well looked after there.
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Review from Kim O (Mother of Child) published on 30 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It will be coming up to a year since my daughter started Big Bird and she is loving it. Her development is really coming on with creative tasks, sensory play, storytelling and singing. The staff are all super friendly and helpful which really helped ease the children in after lockdown. The menus are
fantastic with lots of fruit and vegetables included. Although parents currently cannot go into nursery we are kept up to date with the fantastic parents app giving us a detailed account of the day with pictures and also child observations.
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Review from Laura F (Mother of Child) published on 28 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been using Big Bird for the last 3 years and couldn’t be happier with the nursery, the staff and their practises.
We are kept well up to date, the focus is always on the children and they are quick to react. Would recommend for anyone looking for a great childcare experience.
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Review from Lesley R (Mother of Child) published on 28 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Can’t recommend Big Bird Nursery highly enough. My twin girls have attended from around 9 months and they’re now aged 4 and in their final pre-school year. The nursery is organised and well run, with lovely, caring staff and excellent resources. The girls love nursery and I’ve not doubt that Big Bird
has provided them with the best possible start in life.
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Review from Andrew D (Father of Child) published on 28 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Big Bird has been great for our daughter. Watching her come on leaps and bounds since joining Big Bird over 2 years ago. The staff have been supportive in her development and they have kept us informed with developmental milestones.
It’s great that staff rotate around the rooms so that moving room
is less traumatic as she already knows the staff.
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Review from Alexandra V (Mother of Child) published on 28 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since my son started nursery, last year in November, I had only good words for all the staff of Big Bird Nursery.
He was welcomed and helped to communicate with the rest of the kids and the staff. He didn't speak too much Scottish, because we have other nationality, but now he is great and he also
teaches me.
He loves the nursery and he learned so many things.
I would highly recommend this nursery. I really love it.
Thanks, Big Bird Nursery, for helping my son be the part of this lovely community.
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Review from Jamie C (Mother of Child) published on 28 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My eldest daughter attended Big Bird Nursery for 4 years and now my youngest has just completed her settles. Both girls have been so well cared for at each stage of their nursery journey from the baby rooms to pre-school. The food is fantastic and the staff are so caring and friendly. I highly recommend
this nursery.
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Review from Martin B (Father of Child) published on 28 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our one year old started at Big Bird Nursery a few months back and we’ve been delighted with how things have gone. Lots of variety in terms of activities, friendly and welcoming staff and excellent communication through the Famly app. It’s fantastic to see how our wee one is getting on throughout the
morning and get updates about what she’s eaten, her naps and photos of her at play. Would definitely recommend to other parents.
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Review from Sarah-Louise R (Mother of Child) published on 28 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Big Bird is an exceptionally caring and nurturing environment for children. The staff are friendly, approachable, very professional and communication with parents is fantastic. My daughter attended from age 11 months to 5 years. She loved her time there and has made some lifelong friends. The staff
supported us through potty training, transitions from room to room and prepared her very well for starting primary school. My other two children also attend Big Bird. One now has his funded preschool hours there which he absolutely loves. Big bird really promotes child-led activity and give daily updates and pictures of what your child has been learning. My youngest (18 months) started in July this year and really enjoys it. All my children love being outside and they always get this opportunity at Big Bird! Having looked at a number of other nursery’s in the surrounding areas, Big Bird stood out as being the best fit for us. Would highly recommend.
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Review from M R (Mother of Child) published on 28 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my girls attended Big Bird Nursery. My youngest is still there. They are a wonderful nursery. They have been so supportive of my youngest who has had issues with mobility. They have had the physio into the nursery and supported with her physical development. They also supported the potty training
of my youngest, which was no easy task! I think parents worry about not sending their child to the school nursery - there is no need to worry with Big Bird. They do so much to support the preschoolers into school, even having the teachers into the nursery to make them involved in this stage. My daughter went to school more than ready from Big Bird Nursery. When my girls moved to Big Bird, we were completely new to the area. The nursery helped us get involved in community events (especially the gala day). I have joined the Parents Group and love having this level of involvement with the nursery. I honestly couldn’t recommend this place highly enough.
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Review from Michelle N (Mother of Child) published on 28 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my children have attended Big Bird since 10 months old. My youngest is now 4 and we've enjoyed many happy years as part of the Big Bird family. The staff are absolutely fantastic and I've always known the kids are in good care. Fantastic setting and always lots of resources and variety in the
play and learning. If Big Bird did primary school I'd leave the kids there forever. Cannot recommend highly enough.
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Review from Fiona W (Mother of Child) published on 28 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending Big Bird Nursery since he was 10 months old (he'll be 3 in December) and he loves it! The girls looking after the kids are all amazing. The daily activities are great and so well thought out. They really get the kids thinking and learning.
My son's speech has come on so well.
He has such a big vocabulary now for his age.
The daily online report cards advising the menu/games keep me updated on everything going on. I would highly recommend this nursery for any parent considering placing their child into nursery care.
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Review from Lesley Anne C (Mother of Child) published on 28 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son joined Big Bird in August for his funded hours and from the start, he has loved it. To the point when he isn't there we have to say the nursery is closed so he doesn't get upset. Considering the strange times we are in this hasn't impacted my son one bit due to the attention to detail the nursery
provides. Their Famly app is so useful and you get daily photos of how they are doing, what they have eaten through the day. This app is also really good if you as a parent want to check in on your child. My son really loves the nursery and I strongly believe this is due to the amazing staff and how much work they put in to make sure the children are happy.
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Current Review Score: 8.4 (8.422)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.4 (8.422) out of 10 for Big Bird Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 6 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.8 out of 5 from 5 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.606 for Big Bird Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (52 Excellents x 5) + (12 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) + (2 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 71 Ratings = 4.606
  2. 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 3.816 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Big Bird Nursery is based on 5 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 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 + 0.125 + 0.125 = 3.5
    2. 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. 5 Positive Reviews ÷ 15.8 = 0.316
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. 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.

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Awards / Recognitions (3)

Meet the Team (2)

Laura

Laura Hutton

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2011

Meet Laura – Nursery Manager (Maternity Cover)


Hello, my name is Laura, and I am both delighted and excited to be stepping into the role of Nursery Manager over the next year as maternity cover. I’ve been part of the Big Bird family for the past 14 years, having begun my journey in 2011 as an apprentice nursery practitioner.


Since then, I’ve had the privilege of progressing through a variety of senior roles, including Senior Practitioner, Head of Room, and Deputy Manager. Throughout my career, my passion has remained the same – to help create safe, secure, and nurturing environments where children can thrive and learn through rich, meaningful play experiences. This ethos is something I’m proud to share with the wider Big Bird Nursery team.


Outside of nursery life, I love spending quality time with my partner, daughter, and our family dog. We especially enjoy getting outdoors together and making the most of nature.


I’m really looking forward to working with our current families, welcoming new ones, and continuing my journey here at Big Bird Nursery.

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.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Big Bird Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Big Bird Nursery has an Enhanced Service - more info.