Achieving Really Magical Military Years

White Rabbit Preschool in Catterick received £23,700 through the Early Years Programme in February 2023 for their project Achieving Really Magical Military Years. This project aimed to create an imaginative outdoor space where Service children can thrive through the wonder of nature, enabling children to develop their ability to make choices; pursue independence and develop imagination.

The improved outdoor space will provide children opportunities to make sense of the world around them and learn about seasonal changes throughout the year. New resources including sheltered nooks ideal for DIG In’s! (Dinner in the Garden) have been added to create an engaging, learning environment.

Building confidence and social skills

Nursery Manager Cathy Roberts said “Children will learn to respect the environment with tools and equipment that offer them the chance to independently make choices and select resources, learning to take responsibility by returning them when they are finished. The ability to self-select may be crucial in the early days as Service children transition into a new nursery as they may not have the confidence to ask to get things out. They can build this by getting support from their peers and begin to settle and gain much needed stability.

The garden is a safe and secure environment that naturally lends itself to opportunities for making new friends and developing social skills whilst being supported by adults, allowing children the opportunity to explore and process their feelings in a situation they can control. The space is ideal for group activities providing opportunities to practice empathy and develop understanding of others as they work collaboratively on tasks such as moving heavy tyres. They will plan a safe route to avoid obstacles, determine roles and achieve their end goal together.”

Encouraging natural learning

Children will be encouraged to take a break from everyday tasks and explore the garden, reducing demands and allowing learning to take place naturally. Cathy explains: “They will be challenged to look closely at nature, beginning to learn the science around the natural world, growing and harvesting vegetables to share with home, this will include the responsibility to recycle.

New sensory items will allow all children to explore the environment using all their senses, enjoying nature whilst becoming masters of their own learning. This is important for children with additional needs as they too get the opportunity to explore the environment safely.”

The community has been involved in the project, with the preschool reaching out to parents, grandparents and serving soldiers to help in the development and renovation of the garden space.

Developing resilience