Awarded in late 2024, this grant supports the enhancement of outdoor activities and experiences for children at the YMCA Redland Nursery in Chippenham.
Led by YMCA Brunel Group, the project consists of three key components: arranging donkey visits and petting activities at the setting; installing an all-weather outdoor shelter; and purchasing new resources for outdoor gardening and sports activities. The initiative aims to provide hands-on experiences with animals, encourage outdoor play regardless of weather conditions, and promote healthy living through gardening and physical activities.
The nursery will engage parents through participation in gardening activities, demonstrating the benefits of growing healthy food, and will share information about the donkey rides and petting experiences through social media to encourage wider community involvement. These activities will promote gross and fine motor skills development, improve mental health and wellbeing through direct contact with animals, and encourage families to explore outdoor activities together.
Currently serving 75 nursery children aged 0-4 years with 15 staff members, the project will benefit both current and future cohorts of children through the sustainable additions of the outdoor shelter and new equipment. The YMCA Brunel Group is committed to providing an inclusive nursery environment where all children are valued and supported to reach their full potential.
The project will improve access to enriching activities, enhance mental and physical health, build self-confidence, stimulate creativity, and strengthen social cohesion among the children, families, and staff at the nursery.
www.ymca-bg.org/what-we-do/nurseries/ymca-redland-nursery-chippenham/
