Nursery uses grant to embrace outdoor ethos

St Donat's Nursery uses grant to embrace outdoor ethos

St Donat's playgroup is pioneering an innovative outdoor approach to nursery care after the Vale of Glamorgan Council helped it secure a Welsh Government grant.

• Friday, 17 November 2023

  Vale of Glamorgan

  Rural Vale

Based at UWC Atlantic College near Llantwit Major, the playgroup, which caters for pre-school children, recently had to move out the building it previously occupied at the site.

As an alternative, it was offered outdoor space and has embraced this new natural environment.

The grant, from Welsh Government's Early Years and Childcare Capital Fund, was used to purchase two yurts, which form play areas for the children and have been registered with Care Inspectorate Wales for this purpose.
Other features of the site include a nature nursery and play area surrounded by woodland and wildlife.

Cllrs Rhiannon Birch and Eddie Williams, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Education, arts and the Welsh language, and Social Care and Health, respectively, recently visited the site to see how the nursery operates and the benefits it offers children.

Cllr Birch said: "This is a fantastic place that offers children the opportunity to make the most of the fantastic environment in which the nursery is based.

"The yurts will enhance an already fantastic space where children can explore the outdoors, learn about local plant and animal life, and enjoy the fresh air.

"Being outside offers a range of advantages in comparison to classroom-based learning and I'm very happy the Council was able to assist with this scheme."