A HAMPSHIRE childcare provider has launched its first outdoor nursery.

Growing Places, with settings in Fareham, Waterlooville and Havant, have opened the new childcare setting to service the areas recent growth in population.

Little Acorns Nursery, situated along Mayles Lane, is set in a rural location and boasts a yurt, stable/kitchen area and two large paddocks.

The new nursery will focus on learning through nature, experiencing the seasons, and following the children's interests. Growing Places' ethos is an enquiry-based approach to learning, and they believe that their outdoor nursery will allow a calm and peaceful environment for the children to play freely and explore the natural world at a child's pace.

A large yurt acts as the nursery base, and provides a cosy space for small group activities. A large fenced area allows free-flow from the yurt to explore the surrounding paddocks, with a nature and bird feeding area, rope swings, climbing areas, raised beds for growing fruit and vegetables, a fire pit and a mud kitchen, which can all be explored with the support of an adult.

Angela Mcgeady, Little Acorns Manager, said: "Risk taking and using real items will be part of life at Little Acorns. We aim to teach our children life skills such as setting the table, serving themselves at mealtimes and helping each other.

"Sometimes the food we grow will be used in our meals and the children will be involved in the whole cycle; planting, harvesting, preparing, and cooking the meals. We will use our stable for mealtimes and will be able to enjoy some cosy times around the wood burning stove."

Little Acorns also provides safe whittling and fire making sessions for youngsters.