Our Nursery is in a particular area that is very boggy and wet during the winter months. The garden runs down a slope and water accumulates at the bottom, creating an area that is slippery, boggy and unsafe for children and adults to use at times. We believe that children highly benefit from outside play with many local families living in flats or with very little outside space. We have observed both children's behaviour and learning improve when they have direct access to the outside space and wish to continue with this all year round. By providing a stimulating environment in which children can engage with each other and adults around them we can support them in achieveing their full potential. The Nursery places a high focus on improving outcomes for children and beleive that by having a wonderful outside area, that can be used all year round, we will help teach children and their families about the dangers of obesity but also teaching them independence and improve language
What we'll deliver:
- Provide drainage and artificial grass to resurface our outside play area
Why it's a great idea:
Research shows that allowing children instant access to outside space will improve their potential to learn. The Nursery has tried to develop outside digging areas, a permanent sand pit, slide and den area but we are unable to access any of this when the garden is flooded. We have seen children, often from lower income families start to use more language in outside spaces, to communicate more with each other and to be able to move freely, running, exploring, hiding, jumping and dancing in the open air. There are so many possibilities that we can explore if we have access to the outside space all year round, learning about different weather types, using senses to touch, taste, smell, see and hear everything around them. To grow vegetables and flowers all year round and teach the children about their own bodies, how to eat and exercise safely and in a healthy way. If we could have a new garden area it would truly transform the way in which the children are able to learn.
Steps to get it done:
The Nursery is located within a very deprived area of West Durrington and we provide completely free childcare for the majority of families attending. We work very hard to help support both children and parents from maternity discussions, weaning, sleeping, behaviour, speech and language, special educational needs and disabilities, including all children and promoting British Values. Our highly experienced teachers arrange wonderful visits to local areas of interest for the children and want to be able to use their outside space without fear of accidents such as slipping and falling. The garden unfortunately becomes worse each year and we are worried that we won't be able to use it at all next winter which will be devastating for us as a Nursery.
