Forest learning earns centre a big win for kids

West Johnstone Early Learning and Childcare Centre (ELCC) has won a Scottish award for their use of their local woodlands to promote early learning.

- EMYLIE HOWIE

The nursery received the Alba Trees Early Years' trophy at the Scotland's Finest Woods Awards held by Scottish Forestry.

They were presented with a £500 cheque and a plaque to display.

Children get to play outdoors daily, both in the nursery garden and by visiting the Rannoch Woods for Forest Kindergarten sessions. Being in the woods allows children to develop their curiosity and challenge themselves to explore within marked areas under supervision.

They climb and balance on trees, learning to assess risks and building their tenacity, adaptability and resolve.