Nursery World - Personal skills blossom in the outdoors

Pre-school children who spend lots of time out of doors experience greater independence and self-reliance and are more creative than those who do not, according to a review of an environmental programme in the north-east that works with local Sure Start projects. GreenStart is a pilot scheme which focuses on the role of the natural environment in promoting early learning and play, improving language skills and encouraging interaction between parents and children.

GreenStart is a pilot scheme which focuses on the role of the natural environment in promoting early learning and play, improving language skills and encouraging interaction between parents and children.

The three-year pilot is funded by the Countryside Agency until 2005 as part of its REACT programme (Regeneration through Environmental Action) and is a partnership between the Countryside Agency, Greening for Growth in south-east Northumberland and north Tyneside, Groundwork West Durham, and local Sure Start programmes.

GreenStart's activities for parents and pre-school children include long-term projects as well as one-off events, such as tree planting on nearby farmland and 'story walks' in the park.

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