Our current outdoor space is a large muddy area, with an aging wooden climbing area, which need resurfacing and boarding. There are some natural trees and shrubbery which the staff and children use to great effect – but are challenged by brambles, and rotting tree trunks. Our digging area was recently flattened as the soil retainers were deemed unsafe. Flooding is a daily challenge as water floods down the mud slopes into the very small covered area directly outside the children’s rooms. We know our families are frustrated about the amount of mud that comes home on their children each day and we are equally frustrated by the amount of mud that comes into nursery!
We have worked hard with our staff, children and parents to create a vision and plan for outside. Our new design includes opportunities for the children to experience:

- Outside cooking and fires
- Shelter in all weather, out buildings for investigation
- Small communication friendly, social spaces
- Digging, planting and growing
- Sand, combining materials
- Moving water
- Climbing up into the trees
The design is rustic, building on nature and sustainability. We are hoping to create a nature area rather than and playground, which will reflect the richness of experience we find in the woods when we go on our Forest Experiences. We hope to also reflect some of those incredible experiences that many parents have shared with us that they remember from their childhood or home country.
Our development will ensure that ALL children will have the opportunity to have a safe, stimulating outdoor experience. They will be involved in the planning for sustainability including growing produce, picking, cooking. The outdoor space will also be used by the children and their families and our community partners.
As you will see from the progress so far – we will have some of the work completed by March but we will not be able to finish the project without further investment.
If you feel able to PLEASE donate