Dysart Outdoor Nursery is a pilot outdoor nursery based within Ravenscraig Park in Kirkcaldy. The nursery is managed by the Headteacher of Dysart Primary School and will offer a maximum of 32 spaces for 3-5 year old nursery children during  the academic year 2023/24. Children will attend this pilot for 2 days per week alongside their current ELC provision. The nursery will operate 9am-3pm, term time. The former bowling pavilion will operate as the nursery base, providing storage for resources, a drop off and collection point as well as shelter in inclement weather.

If you would like your child to attend the outdoor nursery please contact the school office on 01592 583426 to make an application.

Outdoor Nursery Staff

Mrs Bowman  –  Senior Early Years Officer

Miss Lafferty  –  Early Years Officer

Mrs McMahon  –  Early Years Officer

Miss Auld  –  Early Years Officer

Mrs Thompson – Headteacher

Miss Hutton – Principal Teacher

Drop Off and Pick Up

Drop off and collection will take place at the pavilion building. The nursery team will offer some flexibility within the drop off and collection times. Please inform a member of staff if you plan to collect your child early or arrive late and we will aim to accommodate this.  If you need to collect your child during the session please contact the nursery team on: Mobile Number: 07923 438722.

Alternatively you can contact Dysart Primary School to arrange collection.

Snack and Lunches

Healthy, nutritious snacks will be provided daily along with a free, cold packed lunch. Water and Milk will also be available. It may be helpful to provide your child with a water bottle with their name clearly displayed.  Please discuss any dietary requirements or allergies with a member of staff. If you prefer to provide your child with a packed lunch please be mindful that these will be with us outdoors and therefore will not be stored in a fridge.  We would also highlight that we encourage healthy eating and staff can help if you need any suggestions for healthy and nutritious lunch ideas. There will be opportunities for your child to experience the excitement of preparing and cooking food on the fire. We will aim to offer warm drinks or food, for snack, on our coldest days.

Clothing and Equipment

The nursery has Waterproof suits and wellies available for each child and the Pavilion offers a dry shelter for changing children. You may prefer to use your own waterproofs. Please be mindful of not washing these with detergent that may strip away the waterproof layer.  If your child is changing at the pavilion please assist them to put on their waterproofs and wellies whilst they are developing their independence. Please provide your child with at least one change of clothes in a small rucksack, rucksacks with chest straps work well for small children to carry. Wrap the clothes within a plastic bag to keep them dry. In colder weather, it is vital we keep warm so we can still have lots of fun. Be positive with your child about the weather as each differing season provides new and exciting opportunities. Use layers under waterproofs to keep children snug. These can be stripped away if children become too warm and thin layers work better than thick, heavy clothes. In the winter warm socks and snow boots will work best to keep little feet warm and dry. Please speak to staff if you need assistance with these. Multiple changes of thin “magic” gloves will work better than one thick pair which restricts the movement of little hands and may become heavy and uncomfortable when wet. Label all clothing with your child’s name. This will prevent property becoming lost.  Please dress your child for the weather and be mindful of our very variable weather in Scotland. Long sleeves and trousers will protect arms and legs from scratches, the sun, nettles and insects such as tics. Please check your child regularly for these, particularly in warmer months. Please speak to staff if you have concerns or questions with regards to equipment or clothing.

Toileting and Handwashing

We will use a toilet tent or tarp with a transportable toilet to ensure your child’s privacy. Any changing will take place within a tent or tarp. It may be unavoidable that your child may need to use the toilet at a time when the tent is not set out. We will always do the upmost to protect your child’s dignity. There are also toilets available in the pavilion. Warm, running water and soap will also be available for handwashing.

Transition and Settling into Outdoor Nursery

The nursery team are very experienced in all aspects of child development. We aim to provide a nurturing, stimulating and warm experience where your child feel respected and cared for. We understand that all children settle at different times and will tailor individual transition and settling in programs to best meet the needs of your child. Staff will discuss this with you before your child starts and we will be flexible, moving at your child’s pace. We will use the Seesaw app as a communication tool but will also be happy to phone to provide reassurance if you are concerned about your child settling. Each child will have a keyworker who works closely with you and links with their other ELC setting.

Play, learning and the Curriculum Outdoors

Ravenscraig Park and surrounding areas offers a wealth of experience and opportunities to explore. The park is filled with wooded areas, greenspaces, the harbour, castle, playpark, allotment, walled garden are just some of the places we will utilise. We will follow the Curriculum for Excellence and your child’s learning and progression will be documented in their Personal Learning Journey. These will be available for parents and children to access in the pavilion. We will also document learning and key moments on Seesaw to allow parents to view the excitement and adventures from the day. A very experienced and motivated, small team of practitioners, will plan experiences and opportunities to support your child’s development and interests.