Nursery youngsters are loving the great outdoors
Parents of children attending a Johnstone nursery have credited the centre’s approach to the outdoors for boosting youngsters’ confidence and abilities.
Children attending West Johnstone Early Learning Centre are given the opportunity to enjoy woodland play several days a week.
And parents of the three to five year olds who attend the centre say the benefits of the forest kindergarten programme are far-reaching.
Mum Connie Hyndman says she has seen positive changes in her son MJ since he started attending the centre in Beith Road regularly.
She said: “I have noticed a vast difference in behaviour and improvement of his already growing skill set.
“MJ’s ability to explain himself or articulate what he wants to say is improving significantly.
“His speech was always good, however, his ability to communicate effectively through sentences and some advanced words in the correct context is impressive.”
She added: “Our bedtime routine is amazing now.
“It had always been a challenge, but now after dinner, we have bath time, pyjamas and MJ asks for a book to be read - something he has shown no interest in until now.
“He usually falls asleep immediately after the book is finished and sleeps all night, waking refreshed and not as grumpy.
“I find MJ listening more attentively, specifically with his brother, and he seems to be slightly more caring and friendly towards him.”
Learning outdoors supports a child’s holistic development and health, but also gives them the confidence and chance to explore and take small risks within a safe environment.
These experiences also support the development of both gross and fine motor skills while promoting a sense of independence, self-esteem and confidence.