CHILDMINDERS in Clacks have detailed the benefits of outdoor learning after embracing the challenges brought upon them by Covid-19.

Due to the restrictions put in place by Covid regulations, many childminders in the Wee County have had to change their model and embrace outdoor learning, which they believe is really beneficial to the children.

Jane McMillan, of Jane's Childcare in Alloa, offers a wide range of services and now includes outdoor learning.

She said: "We have all always made use of the outdoors; however, I now embrace outdoor learning and play as much as possible.

"I make use of woodland in my area and my garden is centred around the children with many resources available.

"I [also] have a plot at a local allotment which we visit and learn all about growing our own food."

As part of the Scottish Government's commitment to increase the affordability, accessibility and flexibility of early learning and childcare (ELC), Clacks Council is working in partnership with childminders to provide essential services.

Children are now provided with 30 hours a week in an early education setting. This allocation can be used fully at nursery or childcare, or it can be split between the two.

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser:

Jodie Turnbull's daughter Isla attends Jane's Childcare two days a week alongside her three days at nursery and really sees the benefits.

She added: "My daughter has split her allocated hours between nursery and our childminder. I decided to do this as my daughter had already built up a relationship with our childminder in the two years before she started nursery that I didn't want her to lose.

"Whilst she loves nursery I feel like she gets so much from going to the childminders. She is in a much smaller group of children so gets more attention and her speech and development has improved so much.

"Being a part of a small group has developed her sharing and social skills as it's the same children that she is being encouraged daily to work alongside and play with."

Diane McAllister, who runs the Storybook Childminder in Clackmannan, also embraces outdoor learning and believes it is extremely beneficial for young children.

She said: "Using an outdoor learning environment helps children to be creative in their own thinking and learning, it builds confidence, creativity and imagination.

"It can help reduce stress and fatigue and also helps develop motor skills like balance, co-ordination and agility."

Lisa Craig, who has been a childminder for 19 years and is available in Tullibody, added: "Childminders are a small setting which put the children at the heart of any decision.

"Being a childminder allows me to build strong, positive relationships with the children and also their families.

"Whilst being [in] a small setting it allows me to meet the needs and interests of my children [while] allowing them to have a broad interest in their experiences and learning."

Visit https://www.clacks.gov.uk/learning/fundedproviders/ for more information on the services all across Clacks and childminders by area or call the education team on 01259 450000.