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Muddy Boots Woodland to Shore Pre-School, due to open in Bideford, Devon in 2017, is the latest winner of RGB Building Supplies’ Well Built Community Fund following a public vote.
Up against Combe Martin Library and Seaton Library, Muddy Boots came out on top and now has £1,000 to spend at RGB’s Bideford branch. A total of 1,609 votes were cast.
Muddy Boots promises to offer a unique and inspiring learning environment delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum through an equal amount of outdoor learning to indoor teaching. It will be inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach with many forest school influences and will use the environment as the ‘third teacher’ to inspire children to learn through interest.
The pre-school will be using the RGB donation to create stimulating reading and literacy environments by building quiet reading dens and reading corners outside as well as inside the woodland classroom.
Anna Buck, Director and Owner of Muddy Boots Pre-School, commented: “I have witnessed many positive experiences of outdoor learning in the early years. A trip to work in early years provisions in Sweden in 2015 captured my imagination and desire to deliver the approach from my own beautiful and inspiring garden that looks out over the River Torridge. I have gained practice in many forest schools in North Devon and my PG Diploma in Early Years Teacher Training has further highlighted the many postive benefits of outdoor learning, providing me with the tools to deliver the approach to a high standard.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to all my family, friends and the RGB customers who voted for Muddy Boots to win the Well-Built Communtiy Fund, I’m overwhelmed by the support, and also to RGB for the donation of materials.”
John Mounce, Branch Manager at RGB Bideford, added: “Congratulations to Muddy Boots Pre-School. It’s nice to be involved with a project from the very start and we look forward to returning towards the end of the year to see children enjoying the new reading areas.”
Muddy Boots Pre-School will be nestled amongst the old apple orchard in the private grounds of Chircombe House, Northam, Bideford. A large timber classroom will cater for 24 children from 2-4 years. It will also be offering before and after school clubs, as well as those during the holidays, which are available to the nearby school children up to the age of 11 years.
