Outdoor nursery openday

East Perthshire-based community interest company, Wild Sparks, has unveiled plans to open the area’s first outdoor nursery in early 2017.

The nursery, operated out of a woodland on Keithick Estate between Burrelton and Coupar Angus, will follow Forest Schools principles inspired by Scandinavian education models that have a long history of taking children out into nature for learning.

One of a growing number throughout UK, forest nurseries are said to support children’s resilience, cognitive development, social skills, stamina and coordination.

Wild Sparks was started in 2014 to deliver forest schools projects and holiday activities for school-aged children and is run by local mums who themselves have young children.

Founder Alice Warren said: “The nursery feels like a natural next step for us.

“We’re really excited about moving into early years and working with the same children year round, to build continuity and witness real change in their development.”

Experienced primary school teacher Jo Andrews will be leaving her current teaching job to run the nursery.

She declared: “I am inspired on a daily basis by the way my three boys thrive outdoors – exploring, experimenting and learning about nature. This is something I want for all children.”

• An open day will be held on July 16. See www. wildsparks.co.uk