Rattray parents determined to beat school thieves.

Anger as nature-themed wooden discs stolen from nursery garden

A Perthshire community is fighting back after thieves stole a much-loved teaching aid from a nursery.

Parents of children at Rattray Primary Nursery School have pledged to either donate money or fundraise to replace 35 nature-themed wooden discs.

Thieves stole the items, leaving nursery school staff “at a loss” to explain the reason behind the actions.

PC Robbie Spence of Blairgowrie Police Station said the discs are used as a “treasure hunt” for the children, as well as being a learning device for them.

“To the rear of the school there is a garden which is fenced off, however the fence is about three foot tall and not particularly difficult to climb over,” he said. “In this garden there are a number of trees and benches and generally things for the kids to do and play with.

“These wooden discs hang from these trees and form part of a ‘treasure hunt’ for the kids.

“The discs have very little monetary value but they are a great source of fun and learning for the kids.”

School staff posted a message on Facebook expressing their shock at the theft.

Head teacher Lyn Boxall said: “We are saddened that there are individuals out there who would take away this equipment from our little ones.

“It is hard to see how an incomplete set of materials like this could be of any use to anyone outwith a learning centre.

“At the same time we are heartened by the response of parents and members of the wider school community who have come forward to offer to replace the missing items.

“We are really fortunate to have such a supportive parent group and really appreciate their willingness to help.”

Mr Spence said the nursery believe youths are using the garden as a “hangout” and have likely taken the discs during a weekend.

“A couple of the discs have been found in nearby gardens and returned to the school,” he added.

“Officers have carried out some house-to-house inquiries at nearby and overlooking houses. Unfortunately, we have not had a positive result.”

Anyone with information on the theft of the discs should call police on 101.

We are saddened that there are individuals out there who would take away this equipment from our little ones HEAD TEACHER LYN BOXALL