STAFF and children at Droitwich’s only outdoor nursery are ‘over the moon’ after being graded ‘outstanding’ in all areas in their first Ofsted inspection.
Mini Explorer Nature Nursery, based at Droitwich Rugby Club, provides the opportunity for children to learn in a child-centred, natural environment with the support and guidance of highly experienced, qualified and dedicated professionals.
The inspector stated in their report that ‘the staff’s teaching and excellent use of the highly simulating environment and resources contributed strongly to outstanding outcomes for children’.
She added it helped quash the myth children had to be sat in four walls to be learning and making progress.
Owner Gemma Saddington said the nursery centred on children’s natural desire to be outside as much as possible, alongside their intrinsic need to explore, experiment and make sense of their natural world.
“We were very nervous beforehand with this being our first inspection but when the Ofsted inspector stepped inside the woods and commented that she wished she could be a child again we were put at ease.”
Nursery manager Leanne Wragg added: “We are very proud of the setting we have developed.
“We truly believe it provides opportunity for children to play and be children, and to support them to be life long learners.”
Deputy manager Lisa Chambers said all the staff had a passion for the great outdoors which allowed children to thrive in the natural environment.
“To be curious, to be allowed to manage risk and to be offered unique learning experiences, from collecting wood to use in the fire pit for cooking, to using tools and it always amazes me to how resilient we can be in all weathers.”
Visit the Mini Explorer Nature Nursery Facebook page for more information.
