Children at Partou nurseries across the country, including Woodlands Harrogate Day Nursery and Pre-school, have marked International Mud Day by rolling up their sleeves for a marathon session of messy, hands-on fun.
International Mud Day began in 2009 following a conversation between educators Gillian McAuliffe from Australia and Bishnu Bhatta from Nepal at the World Forum for Early Childhood Care and Education.
They shared a view that children everywhere, whatever their background, could connect with the Earth and one another through the simple joy of playing in the mud.
This year, Partou picked up the mantle by organising a diverse selection of child-led, outdoor sensory learning activities in numerous nursery locations.
At Woodlands Harrogate, children and team members leapt into an assortment of messy and exciting activities.
Nursery Manager Emma Tordoff said:
“The children took part in house building outside, which involved large scale bricks and diggers, sand and shaving foam.
“The children used their gross motor skills to crawl around the floor to retrieve the bricks and create the cement out of the sand and shaving foam.
"The children also had our wonderful mud kitchen beaming with endless opportunities for learning.”
She added:
“Lots of children were unsure about being muddy, however with trust and support from our amazing staff, they learnt that there was always going to be an opportunity to get changed and have a clean cosy environment to wind down in after all the fun!”
Kirsty Jackson, Partou Co-Managing Director, said:
“The recently published ‘Partou Guide to Play’ highlights the benefits of sensory play which includes messy play.
“It’s a wonderful way to connect with nature while building confidence and creativity.
“It was fantastic to see so many Partou nurseries marking International Mud Day by embracing the joy and learning experiences that exploratory play provides.”
Scarborough’s Alpamare waterpark set to be sold with 99-year car park lease
Starbeck primary unveils new school library
Fountains by Floodlight returns with new show celebrating abbey’s history
Date confirmed for return of Yorkshire Farming Conference in Harrogate
Ripon Runners to host community night run to highlight women's safety
Martin House opens new memorial garden for bereaved families
Harrogate businesses open toilets to public under new council scheme
Mayor joins India trade mission as leaders target £170m boost for Yorkshire
Swan Lake to bring live orchestra and ballet to Harrogate's Royal Hall
How Harrogate's Dragons' Den businesses have fared since the show
New Brazilian-Japanese restaurant to open in Harrogate
North Yorkshire Police loses almost 250,000 hours to sickness amid absence concerns
Harrogate domestic abuse charity launches match-funded appeal
Harrogate MP calls for independent support in army abuse investigation
Scamp & Dude to open Harrogate store tomorrow
Tributes paid to Starbeck postmaster and community champion
New pizza and kebab takeaway to open in Harrogate
Harrogate teenager signs first professional contract with Leeds United
Ripon Library to host free family theatre show this half-term
Ripon artist's global draw-along raises £21,000 for animal rescue charity
