Successful year for Stamford nursery

A nursery with a focus on outdoor learning has celebrated its first year in business.

The Ark Nursery opened in the grounds of St George’s School to expand the number of childcare places available for 0 to four-year-olds.

Its former premises only provided term-time care for three and four-year-olds.

Owner Jo O’Bryan-Tear said: “It has been an amazing year. We’ve welcomed lots of lovely new children and families to the nursery and had an outstanding Ofsted inspection which was really exciting.”

Mrs O’Bryan-Tear first opened a nursery in 2000 in the basement of her home. She went on to run The Ark Nursery in Foundry Road before taking over the business in Kesteven Road.

She secured funding for the new premises when the government introduced its plans to offer 30 hours of free childcare.

Mrs O’Bryan-Tear said: “The Ark provides a homely environment. We follow the children’s lead and interests and celebrate that they are all unique individuals. Our staff make it a special place.”

The nursery has a strong focus on outdoor learning and has a forest school site in Ketton.

Children use real tools to develop their independence and understand risks. Mrs O’Bryan-Tear said: “It instils an appreciation that we don’t need to rely on material possessions.”

The anniversary celebrations were attended by friends, former staff and representatives from schools in the town.