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.”
Harrogate-based Sporting Influence Foundation to tackle 24 climbs in 24 hours
Giant vegetables take centre stage at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment
Roadworks causing growing disruption in Harrogate and Knaresborough, officials admit
Yorkshire artist brings Harrogate's Old Market Hall back to life
Martin House hosts first children's palliative care conference
Judge appointed to lead inquiry into North Yorkshire mental health trust
Harrogate group raise more than £40,000 with cycle to Bordeaux
Scotton pub wins Tripadvisor award for seventh year running
Almost 2,000 people sign Knaresborough landslip petition
Police appeal after Range Rover damaged in Knaresborough
St Aidan's teacher recognised at national Teacher of the Year Awards
Bramham Park to host its first Christmas market
Harvest gown unveiled for flower show's 50th anniversary
Ripon's Mario's Restaurant named among Tripadvisor's top 10%
Harrogate Rugby Club reveals plans for clubhouse expansion and padel courts
Police appeal after Lister House minibus vandalised in Ripon
Council urged to "show me the money" and provide evidence of home-to-school policy change savings
Kate Mosse and Prue Leith among stars of Harrogate Literature Festival
Ripon among UK's top cities for missing parcels
