YOUNGSTERS who go down to the woods in Castlemilk are in for a big surprise.

A new outdoor nursery pilot programme is moving the classroom to Castlemilk woods so Glasgow’s children can learn and play in the great outdoors.

The Castlemilk outdoor nurseries programme – the Welly Wanderers – has been designed as a way to improve health and wellbeing, engagement with outdoor learning benefits and a way to create more childcare spaces ahead of the Scottish Government’s expansion to 1140 hours of funded early learning and childcare by 2020.

At the launch, John Swinney, Deputy First Minister, said: “The Welly Wanderers is a brilliant example of the kind of innovative and exciting approach we need to enhance early years development, help nurture a passion for the outdoors and STEM at a young age and help close the attainment gap between children from the least and most deprived communities.

“We already know that learning outdoors has significant benefits for children in terms of their health and wellbeing. But it is just as important, as was clear from my visit today, that the children definitely find their time exploring outdoors and learning through play great fun.”

The partnership programme is being delivered by the council, Inspiring Scotland and eight council and partnership nurseries in the Castlemilk area and allows almost 400 local children to play, learn and have great fun outdoors.

Chris Cunningham, Education, Skills & Early Years City Convener, said: “There is a growing body of research that shows that children’s exposure to nature and active outdoor play improves physical and mental wellbeing and can help children to develop emotionally and improve learning.

“Our aim is for outdoor nurseries to become a central part of our childcare provision and there are already plans in place to expand the programme to other areas of Glasgow."