Parents who opt for outdoor childcare delighted as Glasgow outdoor nursery officially graded sector leading 'Excellent' across all areas in recent inspection

Following a recent unannounced Care Inspectorate visit, Woodland Outdoor Kindergartens, a council partnership nursery based in Pollok Country Park in Glasgow, has this week been awarded the top grade of Excellent across all eight inspection areas. This is an accolade less than 1% of nurseries in Scotland achieve and Woodland Outdoor Kindergartens is the only outdoor nursery to have ever achieved this sector leading grading.

Inspector, Patricia Fox, comments 'WOK provides an exceptional environment that is caring, nurturing, included, challenging and unique and in which children were encouraged and inspired to be creative, learn and grow'.

The nursery, which was established in 2009 by Glasgow mums, Alison Latta and Debbie Simmers, has proven to be a valuable resource to families across the city and beyond. Children spend on average 7 hours a day outdoors learning and playing in the natural and stimulating woodland of the former Pollok Estate. Children are outdoors 51 weeks of the year in sun, rain or snow building dens, sailing pirate ships and making mud pies all with minimum intervention from adults. As parent, Guinni Baker, explains 'the staff there are passionate about child development and know the importance of children simply playing, discovering, imagining and engaging with the big, beautiful world they live in. Children are nurtured and challenged by their day in the woods under the careful eye of this astounding staff team and the fantastic outdoor learning environment'.

Co-founder, Debbie Simmers, is delighted that the authorities are increasingly aware of the benefits that an outdoor nursery has to offer. 'We hope that, following our inspection report, more nurseries have the confidence to take their learning outdoors with the proof and knowledge that children's overall experiences and outcomes can be significantly improved'. Alison Latta, Co-founder, adds 'to have our unique service, including our ethos, practice and staff team, officially graded as sector leading is a real achievement. We are delighted with the support and involvement of all our staff, parents and children'.

Woodland Outdoor Kindergartens are hoping to establish a second kindergarten next year and are currently liaising with Glasgow City Council regarding suitable woodland in the west end of the city.

ENDS