The Great Outdoors
A GROWING nursery has invested in a new Forest School for children in order to prepare them for their futures by utilising the power of the great outdoors.
The Early Learning Camp, in Exhall, opened its doors in January and now employs eight members of staff with an increasing number of children enjoying the fruits of its unique ethos, which is based on the American philosophy of family values, education, outdoor life and team building.
The “American Camp” style nursery, based on Blackhorse Road, near to the Bayton Road Industrial Estate, utilises the great outdoors to help prepare children for their future.
This fits in perfectly with the latest investment to the site, an outdoor Forest School which owner Helen Slater hopes will provide a unique attraction for families and will be on display at an upcoming open day between 10am and 2pm on Sunday, October 14.
The Forest School represents the first step on a phased three-year investment, which will see the addition of sensory paths and the planting of trees and shrubs to create a forest area, as well as a Hollywood Stage.
Parents will be given a chance to discuss the Early Learning Camp ethos in more detail with staff at the open event later this month.
Helen said: “Research has proven that children are stimulated by the outdoors and over time this sees an increase in their self-belief, confidence, learning capacity, problem solving skills and emotional well-being.
“We want children to be able to explore, use their imaginations and get involved in all that is free to enjoy from nature.
“Nature is at the heart of our mission and our aim has been to create a Forest School to help the children experience the natural world for themselves and to learn vital life skills that will help them prepare for their future lives.”
The nursery is managed by Louise Lally, who says that the investment in the Forest School shows that The Early Learning Camp is focused on continuously moving forward.
She said: “It is great to be part of a nursery where things are forever improving as we constantly strive to offer more for families.
“The Forest School is going to be a wonderful addition to the nursery as the benefits to children are vast.
“To be able to offer new learning opportunities in a natural environment is what our ethos is based upon.
“We have excellent staff here who are trained to Levels 5 and 6 and we are all looking forward to meeting parents.”
For further information email info@earlylearningcamp.com or call 02476 367070.