Nursery World - Cement out, garden in

This time last year children at the Fun Factory out-of-school club, based at Park Place Primary School in Dundee, looked out on a sea of concrete, the only splash of colour being the litter blown across from neighbouring flats. Now their outdoor space has been transformed, thanks to a year-long project that saw co-ordinator Valerie Lynch lead the children and staff in the creation of a fabulous multicultural garden. She said, 'I wanted to create a welcoming space that would reflect outside the school what is happening inside.'

Now their outdoor space has been transformed, thanks to a year-long project that saw co-ordinator Valerie Lynch lead the children and staff in the creation of a fabulous multicultural garden. She said, 'I wanted to create a welcoming space that would reflect outside the school what is happening inside.'

Valerie secured 4,000 funding from the nearby Al-Maktoum Institute for Arab and Islamic Studies and started by making a mosaic centrepiece.

The children painted flags on the wall and she tracked down plants connected to each country. There is now a tree house, picnic area, well-used performance area, friendship tree, fruit, flowers, murals and the odd surprise. 'We have put in fairies where the children least expect them,' said Valerie.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included