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Little Bugs at Abercorn
(on the Hopetoun Estate)
We are now Early Learning and Childcare Funded Providers for eligible 3 to 5 year olds
Little Bugs at Abercorn is tucked away in the idilic Hopetoun Estate just outside South Queensferry
Our walled garden is a secure space which hosts our main hut and toilet cabin as well as areas to explore and play. Our walled garden activities include our loose parts play area, mud kitchen, scramble nets and many more.
Our main hut also known as the Pheasantry will be our cozy space in the winter, a place where we can shelter and get ready for our next lot of play. In summer months the Pheasantry will be our shady spot to chill before heading back out for adventure.
Our log cabin is home to our changing and toilet areas. It will also house out cloakroom.
If we aren’t in our walled garden you will find us on the other side of the path exploring Mr McGregors garden. A vast space where we will be growing our own vegetables, building dens or taking part in natural art activities.
Our wild corner will be left to nature. This houses our bug hotel, owl boxes and hedgehog homes. We will take the opportunities to explore these areas carefully as we don’t want to disturb our guests.
Further information including our price list can be found in our Parent Handbook below:
Please note we have a minimum attendance of x2 sessions per week.
If you would like to book your child in to our session please complete an application form and send to info@littlebugs.co.uk
Opening Evening/Open Day Summer 2023
We are opening the gates of our nursery for our parents and Families to visit. This is the perfect opportunity to visit our wonderful outdoor facilities at Little Bugs Abercorn. We offer Flexi/home education settings and Nursery Care for children aged between 2 years and 5 years. If you are interested and would like to book a space please complete the form below.
Funded Hours Process
all about
our Values
The little bugs setting allows children to learn through play by using the woodlands and the great outdoors to spark imagination, investigation, and appropriate challenge for each individual child. We promote a growth mind set, understanding that resilience is a skill that should be encouraged from an Early age. Our Visions and Values align with the SHANARRI indicators as well as the Getting it Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) Framework set by the Scottish Government.
about
our Ethos
Learning in the great outdoors
At Little Bugs we give children access to environments and experiences which are unique to being outdoors. Little Bugs offers opportunities for physical activity.
Building Nurturing relationships with the whole nursery community
We will build relationships on trust and encourage a growth mindset as we know this is the best way for a child to become confident and resilient individuals.
Learning through Play
The little bugs nursery environment allows children to play and learn using natural resources which develops a good understanding and respect for nature and the environment.
GROWTH MINDSET
We encourage all children to meet their full potential and support them to recognise their own levels of achievement. We scaffold all our little bugs throughout their learning journey.
our
vision
At Little Bugs we feel the time has come to go back to basics allowing children to reconnect with their natural surroundings.
Meet the
Team
Louise
FOUNDER
Louise’s first degree was in Retail management and consumer studies. Alongside her degree Louise worked In John Lewis department store. Her role involved managing and working on several high profile projects both locally and nationally for the department store. As one of the store recruitment advisors she hired and coached staff for departments across the branch. The opportunity to retrain arose and Louise decided that she wanted to go back to university to complete a postgraduate in Primary Education.
Louise is now an experienced Primary School teacher currently working as a learning support teacher within Fife Council. Louise has worked closely with children who have been identified as having additional support needs. Her extensive knowledge and experience of working with children with Autism, ADHD and attachment difficulties has enhanced her skills in ensuring that all children have access to the curriculum for excellence.
“It is such a privilege to be able to influence and teach young children at a very early point of their lives. I have seen first-hand the benefits of outdoor learning to all children, especially those who need further support as they find their own way to grow and develop as an
individual. I am a mother of two young children, and it is plain to see how much they enjoy being outside. My children are bursting with questions and are at their happiest alongside nature. Through teaching experiences, I have gained an insight into the effects of different social factors and the pattern of behaviour that extends from these experiences. This ignites a passion within me about the importance of early years intervention and investing in young
children to ensure that they are equipped with the tools to navigate through life, giving them the best start possible. With all these factors in mind, I am so excited to finally have the opportunity to build my dream, an outdoor nursery right in the heart of where I grew up.”
Paul
FOUNDER
Paul is currently working in an engineering role with BT having completed a modern apprenticeship in telecommunications supported by Skills Development Scotland. Paul has always had a keen interest in conservation and the environment which led him to studying these subjects at Glasgow University and graduating with a degree in Geography.
“Since becoming a Dad of two it has really made me think about my own childhood and how it has shaped me as the person I am today. As a young boy all I ever wanted to do was explore the outdoor environment which surrounded me. Brought up in the middle of Edinburgh green space was limited but we were fortunate enough to have woods near us and this is where my young friends and I were often drawn to. In this environment it felt like we were free to do anything we wanted to, and we did but it was how we interacted with each other and what we learnt from the surroundings which really benefited us. The gang huts, tree swings and holes we dug will be long gone now but the social and practical skills as well the appreciation for the world around me is something that is with me today.