Tenacres Little Folks Pre-School in Redditch is delighted with their new play and learning resources thanks to a grant from children’s charity the Oakland Foundation.
A term-time only preschool, Tenacres had found it increasingly difficult to invest in new play and learning equipment for the children and wanting to re-design their outdoor play area to enable the children to experience free play and use their imaginative, they approached the Oakland Foundation.
Nursery manager Julie Hampton said: “The majority of the toys in the nursery have been generously donated and our outside play area desperately needed resources to further support the children’s essential physical play opportunities, which is good for their health and well-being to be physically active.
“We wish to thank the Oakland Foundation for their funding as it meant we could invest in new equipment which the children now love, and our computer is also up and running with the children benefiting from the additional educational material they can now access.”
The Oakland Foundation charity supports children under the age of 16 and their families through initiatives based around education, health and nutrition, and sport. The charity’s aim is to ensure that all children, and particularly those living in poverty or are underprivileged, irrespective of social background or physical ability, can participate.
Keeping children active burns energy which helps with any stress or anxiety they may be feeling, and the benefits gained from accessing a range of outdoor learning experiences lets children take risks, learn how to problem solve and work together, with the impact of technology transforming and enhancing learning experiences.
Oakland Foundation Trustee Mark Williams said: “It has been wonderful to see the progress Julie and her team have made and to see the smiles on the children’s faces. We’re delighted to offer our support as early learning opportunities for our youngest children should never be underestimated.”