South Queensferry
Little Bugs at Abercorn
Lower Parkhead, South Queensferry, EH30 9SL
Wild Bugs
At Wild Bugs, we believe children learn best when they are free to explore, discover and connect with the natural world. Through nature-based education, child-led learning and learning through nature, children develop confidence, resilience, creativity and independence while building a lifelong love of learning. Our outdoor education approach encourages children to take appropriate risks, solve real-world problems and develop strong social and emotional skills in a supportive environment.
Wild Bugs offers an alternative learning environment for families seeking outdoor primary education, flexi-schooling in Scotland or home education support. Designed to complement rather than replace traditional schooling, our programme provides a flexible and nurturing space where children can learn at their own pace through experiential learning and outdoor learning for primary children.
While we are not registered as an independent school, we support families exploring alternative education in Scotland by following the principles of Curriculum for Excellence (CfE). Children's progress is observed, monitored and documented through meaningful experiences, reflections and individual learning journeys rather than formal assessments or tests. Through our child-centred approach, we create opportunities for children to thrive within a dynamic outdoor school community that values wellbeing, curiosity and a deep connection with nature.
What is Wild Bugs?
Hear from us, our families and, most importantly, our children about how getting back to basics, embracing nature and kindergarten stage at Wild Bugs can support your child's education!
Upcoming Events
Benefits of Wild Bugs
Access to Outdoors
Children spend significant time in natural environments, which supports physical health, mental well-being, and sensory development. • Outdoor learning fosters resilience, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Interdisciplinary/ Project Based Learning
Learning is connected across subjects through real-world projects, making education more meaningful and engaging. Encourages collaboration, curiosity, and critical thinking as children explore topics in depth.
Informal learning
Children learn in a relaxed, low pressure environment that supports natural curiosity. Learning is embedded in play and real-life experiences, making it more relevant and enjoyable.
Hand Over Hand Learning
Provides practical, hands-on experiences that support skill development and deeper understanding. Ideal for children with additional support needs, as it allows for scaffolded learning at their own pace.
Holistic Development
Supports emotional well-being, social skills, and resilience alongside academic learning. Encourages self-regulation, independence, and a love for lifelong learning.
Fees & Information
Fees
Wild Bugs will cost £43 per session.
Sessions
9am - 3pm, term time. Wraparound care from 8am - 4/5/6pm - £8.50 per hour
Spaces and Ratios
Monday - 8 spaces for 5-8 & 8 spaces for 8-12 year olds. Wednesday - 16 spaces for 5-8 year olds. Thursday - 16 spaces for 5-8 year olds. Friday - 16 spaces for 5-8 year olds. Ratio - 1 teacher : 8 children
Taking Care of Ourselves & Eachother
Wild Bugs aims to be an inclusive environment and we are happy to consider applications from children with additional support needs. Before a child begins attending, we will discuss their individual needs with families to ensure that Wild Bugs is the right environment for them. As the setting is fully outdoors and based within woodland areas, the safety and wellbeing of all children must always be prioritised. Where appropriate, individual risk assessments may be carried out prior to attendance.
Applying for A Wild Bugs Space
We hold regular open evenings throughout the year where families can meet the team and explore our beautiful setting. We ask that families attend an open evening before we proceed with enrolment. To secure a place at Wild Bugs, a £100 administration fee is required. This fee holds your child’s space and covers the administration involved in processing your child’s registration and enrolment. Please find our registration form linked below!
A School Alternative
Wild Bugs is a school alternative available to families who wish for their children to attend local authority school part time or for families who wish to home educate their children.
Visiting Wild Bugs
We ask that families attend an open evening before enrolment to ensure our fully outdoor environment is what you are looking for. As we are a small team working across 3 settings and 2 learning provisions, we are unable to accommodate visits in-between open evenings, unless in exceptional circumstances and at the owners' discretion. We aim to hold at least one open evening each term for potential new families.
Testimonials
Jonathan
"Bugs has played such a large part in our son's development, growth and joyfullness over the last few years. The outdoor setting is beautiful and we feel so fortunate to have stumbled across such a special and unique place where the staff and leadership clearly have his best interests at heart."
Michelle
"My son has came on so much since starting Wild Bugs. Staff are always smiling and ready for day ahead. Love hearing what they have been up to each day he’s with them. Staff are also very supporting, from office to teachers and manager. My son said he wishes he could go everyday, he loves it so much."
Euan
"We have sent out daughter to little bugs from the age of two, continuing her journey to Wild bugs was the easiest decision we have made. The environment at Wild Bugs encourages children to learn in new ways, develop new skills, build their confidence and embrace their adventurous side. We have always said, there is so much our daughter has gained from being at Wild bugs she can't get in the classroom, we are yet to see anything she can get in a classroom she can't get at bugs."
Alisha
"It has been amazing seeing Scarlet flourish in Little Bugs and now Wild bugs. Since joining she wants to be outside all the time, getting muddy and learning about the natural environment. She comes home with all kinds of ideas that we can incorporate into her home ed days, like making bread and foraging for fruit. I love that she is starting to understand seasons and life cycles. She had made so many friends there. Jenna and Sally's updates are great - they give me insight into what she is doing and enable me to ask her questions about her day."
Jenni
"Wild Bugs is the most amazing environment for a child who needs an alternative learning space away from traditional schooling. It has provided both my children with the space to breath, let go and relax whilst still learning important skills. It has provided my eldest with the best stepping stone up to primary school, with the support and guidance from the team helping him so much along the way. Without Wild Bugs, we wouldn't be where we are today."
The Wild Bugs Team
Sally
I love getting stuck into an outdoor adventure with children - exploring, discovering, and letting them lead the adventure! With the added possibility of getting muddy and having lots of fun! As a child, being outdoors exploring and engaging with nature was my happy place - it has been no surprise that I now have a background in Zoology, Ecology, and outdoor learning! I am passionate about nurturing children to learn through play, exploration, and with direct experiences with the natural world; developing key risk-assessment skills, and increasing curiosity and creativity. I believe this is when the best learning happens!
Hajni
Hello, I’m Hanji, I did my initial qualification in my home country of Hungary. I have really enjoyed learning about the Scottish Curriculum and how this relates to being outdoors for children. I enjoy finding all the creative tools, resources and opportunities that nature provides to promote learning in meaningful ways!
Gwyn
Hello, I'm Gwyn. I was born in Wales and moved to Scotland in 2005 to explore what you had to offer! I'm bilingual in Welsh and English and would love to begin teaching the children some Welsh! outside of work I am a father to two boys, four chickens and a dog! My passion is to spend time out adventuring bagging Munro's and hill walking! I have worked within education since 2017 as a PSA level 2 and through this have gathered fire training, mountain leader, outdoor first aid and emergency medication delivery! My favourite thing to do with children is to look at a blank canvas in nature and see where it takes us!
Interested in Wild Bugs?
Contact our admin team for further information and a copy of our handbook!
- Telephone
- 01383 279 380