Nursery kids get sporty sessions
Coach Jennifer helps youngsters stay active
Jennifer has brought new ideas, activities and skill-based learning
East Plean Primary School
Some of Stirling’s youngest residents are learning to love sports with the help of a specialist worker.
Last year Active Stirling, with funding from Scottish Sea Farms Heart of the Community Trust, appointed Jennifer Lee as their first nursery coach/coordinator with the aim of delivering sport and physical activity within Stirling Council nurseries.
Within the first block, Jennifer has delivered sport and physical activity across eight Stirling Council nurseries - Cowie, East Plean, Fallin, Raploch, Bannockburn, Borestone, Hillview and Cornton where her sessions have been well received by both staff and children.
As well as supporting the children’s development through fun and engaging activities Jennifer’s sessions also support staff with new games and delivery ideas.
Moving forward into 2023, as well as offering bespoke sessions within last term’s nurseries, Jennifer is working with four new nurseries - Allan’s, Riverside, Park Drive and St Ninians - up to Easter with a view to supporting transition activities in the summer term.
A spokesperson for East Plean Primary School said: “Jennifer plans age, stage, and fun, motivating activities and games, encouraging all learners to participate. These sessions have been beneficial for staff.
“She has also brought new ideas, activities, and skill-based learning, encouraging staff to continue following her plans.”
Another member of staff at the school added: “Learners have responded well to the experiences Jennifer has provided.
“Learners are keen, showing enthusiasm to participate throughout the sessions. The plans each week are straightforward for staff to follow, and learners are showing progress each week.”
Another said: “All the children have participated in the sessions with enthusiasm and look forward to seeing Jennifer. The sessions have also been useful for staff picking up new ideas and ways to deliver skillbased activities, while another added: “Jennifer has a great rapport with the nursery children and they love the variety of games and exercises that she brings.”
As well as supporting local nurseries, Jennifer has been working alongside Active Stirling’s Early Years team, delivering fun games and activities for their pre school activities programme, for babies and toddlers aged six months to five years at The PEAK.
Susan Fitzsimmons, Active Stirling’s Early Years co-ordinator added: “I am absolutely delighted to have Jennifer on board as part of our Early Years team. We have a fantastic Early Years programme at The PEAK however, the addition of a nursery specific coach allows us to support the development of those children who may otherwise not get that opportunity.”
More information at: https://www.activestirling. org.uk/classes-programmes/programmes/preschool-activities or email askus@activestirling. org.uk