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Outdoor Play Area at Green Shoots Nursery
13 March 2024
At YMCA Green Shoots Nursery, we understand the importance of outdoor play in early childhood development.
However, we faced a significant challenge when our outdoor play area became unsuitable for our children, especially those with Special Educational Needs (SEN). The gravel supplied by a previous contractor was too large and uncontained, spreading across the playground and rendering it unsafe for our little ones. Consequently, we had to cordon off the area, depriving children of valuable play opportunities.
Determined to create a safe and engaging outdoor environment for our children, we set out to secure funding for the improvement of the space. Thanks to the generosity of Wiltshire Council and Selwood Housing, we were awarded grants totalling £4,085. This financial support empowered us to enlist the expertise of MH Building Services to undertake the transformation.
The vision was clear: to transform the barren gravelled area into a vibrant space conducive to learning, exploration, and fun. With meticulous planning and execution, MH Building Services replaced the unsuitable gravel with durable and child-friendly block paving. The transformation was not just about aesthetics; it was about creating a safe and inclusive space where all children could thrive.
The improvements have already begun to make an impact. The once cordoned-off area, which housed our Mud Kitchen and reading shed, has now been reopened, inviting children to immerse themselves in imaginative play and literary adventures. The block paving provides a stable surface for children to navigate, reducing the risk of trips and falls.
The new outdoor play area has allowed us to expand and enrich the learning experiences of our children. With the support of our dedicated staff, we will be integrating additional features such as sensory elements, nature-inspired play equipment, and interactive learning stations. These enhancements not only foster creativity and curiosity but also promote physical activity and social interaction.
As we continue to develop and refine our outdoor play area, we are committed to maintaining its accessibility and inclusivity. This is true for all our nurseries at YMCA Brunel Group. We recognize that every child is unique, with individual needs and abilities. Therefore, we strive to create an environment where all children, regardless of their challenges or differences, feel valued, supported, and empowered to explore the world around them.
The grants we received from Wiltshire Council and Selwood Housing have been instrumental in transforming our outdoor play area from a neglected space into a thriving hub of learning and exploration. We are immensely grateful for the support of our funders, partners, and dedicated staff who have made this transformation possible. We will continue to provide updates and images, so stay tuned!