A nursery in Moray is believed to be the first in Scotland to reopen after the coronavirus pandemic forced the suspension of their regular sessions.
Earthtime had only launched its park sessions in Elgin in January after securing funding from Inspiring Scotland’s Thrive Outdoor programme.
That timing has, however, provided an unlikely boost to the Moray group’s efforts to return to normal.
Numbers had already been restricted at the Cooper Park sessions ahead of lockdown – to eight three to five-year-olds – while the business established itself.
And that number is now the maximum allowed for outdoor nurseries to reopen under Scottish Government guidance published last week.
Youngsters met up with friends in the park for the first time since March amid games of hide-and-seek and fun in the trees.
Nursery manager Zoe Sills said: “We were barely open here before we had to close, which has actually worked quite well because we were keeping the numbers low anyway.
“We are outdoors all the time, which makes us low risk.
“That’s one of the main reasons we volunteers to be an essential childcare hub at Duffus for families during the lockdown too.
“A lot of the issues surrounding schools has been around ventilation, making sure they go outdoors and having space where possible.
“None of that is an issue for us because we’re outside.”
Changes made to the Cooper Park sessions, which are initially returning twice weekly, include the introduction of two portable sinks to allow regular handwashing.
Sharing of waterproof suits and water bottles has also stopped, with individual labels attached for each child.
Mrs Sills added: “We’ve stopped setting up hammocks between the trees too. It’s a shame because they’re fun for the children and relaxing too.
“Being in the park is great for us.
“It exposes the children to so many experiences, whether it’s watching the young wildlife grow up or letting them use their imagination in the different environments.”
Guidance from the Scottish Government says it is neither “possible or desirable” to enforce physical distancing between children.
Meanwhile, they have asked contact be minimised between different groups that may be running at the same time, as well as enhanced hygiene and cleaning.
Earthtime will be also be restoring its sessions in woodland near Duffus from Friday.
Forest school manager Natalie Campbell said: “The re-opening of both our nurseries has only been possible due to the incredible response we have received to a recent appeal for volunteers.
“We were overwhelmed by the number of people coming forward to donate their time and are very grateful.”
