CHILDREN’S MINISTER Adam Ingram MSP visited The Secret Garden Outdoor Nursery near Letham in Fife yesterday to give his support to the UK’s only dedicated outdoor nursery.

Parents and children met the SNP minister, who recently returned from a trip to Norway where he visited a similar project.

The nursery opened officially in September and the idea behind the project is to encourage toddlers to get active and to learn about nature by letting them play outdoors in all weather conditions while under supervision.

Mr Ingram said he hoped to see more outdoor nurseries open across Scotland but added that funding for this would be the responsibility of local authorities.

On the nursery itself Mr Ingram said, “In this environment they learn how to assess risk and develop much more quickly. They learn about nature and about playing. It is very creative.”

Cathy Bache, founder of the nursery, went on to outline the advantages for children playing in the great outdoors.

She said, “Once a child arrives here you can actually see a change in their behaviour. They grow in confidence and that is wonderful to see.”

Run as a community-led, non-profit organisation the nursery is dependent on the involvement of parents and the community.

Cathy said, “Since opening I have received a fantastic response.

“I have had the support of parents which has been wonderful.”

She continued, “There has been a phenomenal interest from other people across the UK looking to start similar projects.”

Although some parents may find the thought of their child playing outside in all conditions uncomfortable, parent Tom Headley (40) said the children do not notice and added that the outdoor element gave a beneficial experience.

Another parent, Tony Dumbreck (47), said his son enjoyed his time so much he decided to stop going to the school nursery.

He said, “For him to run about here is just fantastic. There are enough kids who sit inside playing computer games. In my opinion, the more outdoor and the more physical the better.”