Riverside Cottage Nursery

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Riverside Cottage Nursery Nature and play-based outdoor childcare for age 2+ in West Lothian, bonnie Scotland! Inside, the nursery is themed as Granny's cottage.

Award-winning,welcoming family-run children's nursery set within two acres of country wonder on the outskirts of Blackburn, West Lothian. We have a focus on outdoor learning and education and provide a unique, holistic childcare experience. It is open-plan, with a log burning stove and a large oak table for meal times. Food is vegetarian and grown and cooked freshly on the premises. We have excellent enclosed gardens and woodlands for outdoor learning experiences, with adventure zones, allotments, a huge trampoline and willow tunnel. An Investors in Children accredited service. Graded 'Very Good' for care & support by the Care Inspectorate in November 2022

11/09/2026

There has been lots of teamwork happening at Riverside through intricate block play.

Working together to build, balance and create gives our Riverside children so many opportunities to cooperate, problem solve and share their ideas. As their structures begin to take shape, the children negotiate with one another, take turns, listen to different suggestions and adapt their plans together.

Building something as a group is about so much more than the finished creation. It supports communication, confidence, perseverance and the ability to work alongside others towards a shared goal.

We love seeing the children’s ideas grow through open-ended play, where there is no single “right” way to build and every contribution can become part of something bigger.

We would like to say a massive congratulations to our wonderful Lead Practitioner, Carol Ann, who has achieved her SVQ i...
31/08/2026

We would like to say a massive congratulations to our wonderful Lead Practitioner, Carol Ann, who has achieved her SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF Level 9.

Over the past year, Carol Ann has shown incredible dedication and determination, balancing her role at Riverside alongside family life and the demands of college work. Her hard work, commitment and passion for supporting our children, families and team shine through in everything she does.

This is a fantastic and thoroughly deserved achievement. We feel incredibly lucky to have Carol Ann as such an important part of our Riverside family.

We are all so proud of you, Carol Ann. Congratulations!

Nature CampOver the past two weeks, our Riversiders have returned to Nature Camp at Beecraigs as part of a six-week bloc...
21/08/2026

Nature Camp

Over the past two weeks, our Riversiders have returned to Nature Camp at Beecraigs as part of a six-week block, giving them the chance to revisit the same woodland space and build confidence, familiarity and a sense of belonging.

So far, they have explored woodland trails, burns and bridges, crossed stepping stones, climbed steep banks, watched wildlife and discovered fungi, animal prints, unusual sticks and stones.

The woodland has also inspired lots of imaginative play, with fairy bridges, dinosaur lands, crocodile rivers and pretend campfires all becoming part of their shared stories.

We have seen some lovely teamwork too, with our Riversiders helping one another across tricky ground, waiting for the group and reminding each other how to stay safe.

By returning each week, they are beginning to recognise landmarks, remember routes and deepen their connection with the natural environment.

Nature Camp gives our Riversiders time to slow down, explore, wonder, take on challenges and enjoy being together outdoors. We are excited to see where the next four weeks take us.

Last weekend, we held our Moving On Celebration, where we honoured all the children who are leaving Riverside and gettin...
06/08/2026

Last weekend, we held our Moving On Celebration, where we honoured all the children who are leaving Riverside and getting ready for their next adventures.

We were joined by lots of friends and family and enjoyed a bouncy castle, family picnics and special leaving party bags for the children.

All of our children and families were invited to come along, celebrate together and say goodbye to their friends.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make it such a lovely and memorable day.

We will miss every single one of you, and you will always be welcome to come back and visit us. As we always say, once a Riversider, always a Riversider!

A huge congratulations to our wonderful practitioner, Craig, on achieving his SVQ Level 7 in Social Services (Children a...
03/08/2026

A huge congratulations to our wonderful practitioner, Craig, on achieving his SVQ Level 7 in Social Services (Children and Young People).

This is a fantastic achievement and reflects all of the hard work, commitment and dedication Craig has shown over the past year.

We are incredibly proud of everything he has accomplished and are so lucky to have him as part of the Riverside Cottage Nursery team. His passion for supporting children shines through every day, and this qualification is so well deserved.

Congratulations, Craig. We can't wait to see what you achieve next!

What an exciting day at Riverside! 🥔🌱Today our children harvested the potatoes they have been patiently growing. There w...
23/07/2026

What an exciting day at Riverside! 🥔🌱

Today our children harvested the potatoes they have been patiently growing. There were lots of smiles and excitement as they carefully dug through the soil to uncover the hidden potatoes before washing them ready to be prepared for tomorrow's lunch.

Growing our own food gives the children the opportunity to experience the journey from garden to plate, helping them develop an understanding of where food comes from while encouraging curiosity, teamwork and a love of the outdoors.

We can't wait to enjoy the taste of our very own homegrown potatoes tomorrow!

Today we’re celebrating our amazing Manager, Chloe, on her graduation! We hope you have the most wonderful day celebrati...
10/07/2026

Today we’re celebrating our amazing Manager, Chloe, on her graduation!

We hope you have the most wonderful day celebrating this incredible achievement with your gorgeous family. 💐❤️

Congratulations, Chloe – we are all so proud of you and everything you’ve accomplished. Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off. 🌟

Well done! 👏🎓💖

25/06/2026

The sun has got his hat on...

and we've been making the most of the beautiful weather. Safely protected with plenty of sun cream, the children have spent the afternoon keeping cool in the shade while exploring the joy of water play. From the hose and slip and slide to splashing in the paddling pool, there has been no shortage of laughter, teamwork, curiosity, and fun as the children explored, experimented, and enjoyed every moment of the sunshine.

A huge thank you to C, her mum and mummy for popping in to visit us with her beautiful new baby brother and say hello. I...
07/05/2026

A huge thank you to C, her mum and mummy for popping in to visit us with her beautiful new baby brother and say hello.

It was so lovely to welcome you back, catch up, and meet the newest addition to your family.

Once a Riversider, always a Riversider.

Address

9 Riverside Lea
Bathgate
EH477EL

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm

Telephone

+441506650583

Website

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