AN award-winning nursery group has opened a new forest school at Warrington.
Dunky’s Day Nurseries, which provides high quality childcare across the North West, has opened a Forest School in the Activity Centre at the Gulliver’s World theme park.
It’s the seventh nursery in the family-run nursery group.
Dunky’s was founded by Siobhan McCarroll who started her career as a nursery nurse before working up to become a manager and opening her first nursery in 2005.
Over the years, she has grown Dunky’s to a group of nurseries in Culcheth, Farnworth, Great Sankey, Hapsford, Runcorn, Warrington and now at Gulliver’s World.
All the nurseries have gained either “Outstanding” or “Good” in Ofsted inspections.
Dunky’s Forest School at Gulliver’s World is in the grounds of the theme park and occupies an area of woodland. There are multiple bell tents, canopies and unique structures as well as a nature trail for children to explore.
A dedicated Dunky’s team engage children in a wide range of activities using nature as a learning tool.
Forest School is a method of working outdoors with children using the natural environment to promote social and emotional development.
Siobhan said: “I’m delighted to have opened our seventh nursery and for it to be a Forest School in the fantastic setting of Gulliver’s World.
“At Dunky’s, we believe in the holistic power of nature-led learning which is why we have a growing number of Forest Schools at our nurseries.
“It’s an inspirational process that offers our children regular opportunities to develop their confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland and natural environment.
“These learning experiences also help to develop communication and practical skills, as well as a greater understanding of nature. Forest Schools can also appeal to children who are less engaged in the classroom and can improve behaviour, motivation, concentration and confidence.
“We’re getting lots of interest in our new Forest School from parents and our children absolutely love it. The range of activities they can do is huge and include sensory walks, foraging, hunting for mini beasts, building dens, playing in puddles, climbing trees, tying knots and building and lighting fires and cooking on them.
“We give our children the space to explore, but always with a high ratio of adults to children.
“When I opened my first nursery nearly 20 years ago it was never my plan to have seven nurseries, but I always wanted to have a successful business and to provide exceptional places for children to learn and grow, ahead of them starting at primary school.
“I’m proud of the brilliant team we have at all of our nurseries, some of whom have been with me since the start, and others who are just beginning their childcare career with us.”
Craig Clews, resort director at Gulliver’s World, said; “Just like Dunky’s Day Nurseries & Forest School, we’re a family business and it’s great to be working with a local company that delivers such a good service.
“We have a fabulous setting here and it’s great to open our grounds and to welcome children into a natural learning environment with woodland and trails.”
