The great outdoors

18 Dec The great outdoors

For toddlers like Billy Spilman the green field space of Baldersby Park Montessori Nursery is the ideal setting to enjoy and learn about the great outdoors.

And as the latest generation of a local farming family famed for their asparagus, pumpkins, strawberries, and other crops, it’s perhaps natural that he relishes getting his hands dirty.

“He loves to be outdoors in the mud garden,” said mum Elizabeth. “He’s already very proud telling us what a good farmer he is.”

The Spilmans chose the nursery after recommendations from friends and Elizabeth has been impressed by the love of books and art that Billy, aged 2, has developed.

“I’m so pleased they are nurturing a love of reading, recently they learned some nursery rhymes and Billy was very keen to sing them to us at home. He also enjoys doing painting and art at nursery which is great as it means less mess at home.”

Pleased at Billy’s progress, Elizabeth signed his younger sister Lara up with the nursery.

“She has a different personality from Billy, a bit of a mummy’s girl so I did wonder how she would settle,” said Elizabeth. “She took a few weeks, and the staff were very caring towards her, now she absolutely loves it. “

Children at the nursery progress through three separate age bands which follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. This allows babies, toddlers, and children to develop at their own pace aided by stimulating activities.

Lara, 1, has been there for three months now and Elizabeth is pleased with the progress she has already made.

“She is more sociable and confident and it’s wonderful to see the motor skills development, learning to use a spoon or putting shapes in the right size holes,” she said.