Monday June 17th 2019
Written by Midlothian View Reporter Luke Jackson
Would you like your child to experience a classroom “like no other” as Midlothian Council prepares to open the first of two outdoor nurseries?
The council is opening an outdoor nursery at Vogrie Country Park in late autumn 2019 for children aged three to five years.
Parents and carers from across Midlothian can now get in touch to register their interest by emailing earlyyears@midlothian.gov.uk
Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Jim Muirhead said:
“Playing, learning and having fun outdoors helps to improve children’s wellbeing and resilience, as well as their physical and mental health.
“At Vogrie, children will be outside every day where they will have the chance to plant and grow flowers and vegetables in the walled gardens.
“There will be a shelter for ‘nurture’ and lots of opportunities to enjoy amazing adventures round the park.”
Councillor Muirhead said Vogrie offered a wealth of learning experiences. Habitats include a mixture of woodlands, ponds, streams, grasslands and parkland.
He said: “It’s an outdoor space like no other. Every day is a learning adventure. Children will be able to explore, experience and discover flora and fauna in woodlands, grasslands, ponds, streams and parks all on the doorstep of the River Tyne and surrounding valley.
“There’s an abundance of wildflowers and life and over 50 species of birds, stoats, sparrow hawks, bats and buzzards.
“With funded early learning hours increasing from 600 to 1140 hours by 2020, there will be lots more opportunities for outdoor learning in all our settings, not just at our two outdoor nurseries, when they open.
A second outdoor nursery will open in Penicuik and the council will keep parents and carers updated with more information as soon as possible.
All children will be provided with all the appropriate clothing for whatever the weather and will be warm and waterproof at all times.
Councillor Muirhead added: “We would encourage people to get in touch now as we are anticipating a high demand for the Vogrie places.”
More information will be shared on the council’s website and social media channels, including on Twitter @MidEYLCOL.
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