Moray outdoor nursery model could offer lessons for post-lockdown schooling
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THE outdoor learning model practised by a Moray nursery is being considered as a possible way forward for post-lockdown schooling.
Earthtime Forest School Nursery, based in Duffus Estate woodland, is currently a childcare hub for key workers' children and vulnerable youngsters for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The benefits of child-led outdoor learning and play had been attracting growing attention from mainstream education leaders before the crisis – and this has now been thrown into sharper focus as Scotland considers how to reopen schools and nurseries safely.
Councils around the country are believed to be looking into the feasibility of outdoor learning on a wider scale to allow for easier social distancing.
And Earthtime staff believe their methods, where their young charges have room to roam and engage in imaginative play, could be the answer.
Nursery manager Zoe Sills said: "The idea that learning can happen outside of the four walls of a classroom is something that has slowly been catching on, but now we see that it's not only possible but increasingly necessary – not only as we try to maximise social distancing and reduce the risk of infection but also for the benefits to mental health and feelings of freedom.
"Everything that can be taught in a classroom can be taught outdoors and in ways that are incredibly meaningful and tangible.
"From a practical point of view, by utilising their outdoor spaces, a school or early learning and childcare (ELC) setting can spread their children out in a way that is safer and easier to manage, dividing groups and maximising distancing.
"The outdoors has fewer surfaces to be cleaned in the form of walls, doors, chairs, tables and the added benefit of increased ventilation – germs are far more easily dispersed in the outdoors."
As a hub the nursery is working with around 12 children a day who are new to outdoor learning. Forest school manager Natalie Campbell said: "They have settled in fantastically and are thriving in the outdoor environment."
For now the nursery has reduced the maximum group size from 16 to 12.
Zoe added: "Moray Council has been very supportive of our work as a hub.
"We have had to consider what activities we can safely offer to minimise the items that the children touch and share. So all of the Lego and building blocks have gone away, as have the diggers, the mud kitchens and the sandpits.
"No woodland would be the same without dinosaurs though, so we have a small selection of large dinosaurs which come out for part of the day and are then removed and cleaned before coming out to play again."
One member of staff is tasked purely with background cleaning, replenishing handwashing stations and towels and organising snacks and lunches. Portable sinks are used for handwashing outdoors.
Zoe added: "We have had to think creatively about how to staff the hub and utilise staff time in the safest, most efficient yet productive way.
"We have less of a learning focus just now. As a hub we are focusing far more on supporting the children where they are and their enjoyment and immersion in each day."
If any schools or settings would like to know more contact Natalie or Zoe by email at enquiries@earthtime.co.uk.
