St Andrews Playgroup Logo

At Little Larch Nursery we're committed to providing a safe, happy and inclusive environment. Focusing on learning through play and linked to nature and exploration in the outdoors.

Inside photo of the playgroup

About Us

We are an outdoor community early learning and childcare setting, providing high quality affordable childcare, aimed at children 2-5 years old where they can come and play and learn in a safe and stimulating environment. We are run by a voluntary committee and employ 6 members of staff, our manager Louise Kelly and 5 fully qualified practitioners. The staff are recruited through a vetting process by the manager and committee and are all disclosure Scotland checked. We ask that all staff participate in training throughout the year as we view this as a high priority area to enhance the quality of service we provide.

The Playgroup is run by a voluntary Committee made up of parents and carers. They help run the business side of the group. Without the committee, the playgroup would not be able to legally function. The committee hold meetings every 6-8 weeks and there is an annual AGM meeting. At the AGM all parents/carers are welcome to stand for the committee posts.

Why outdoors?

Why choose us?

We're passionate about outdoor learning and the benefits it has on childrens health, wellbeing and development in comparison to a traditional setting. The highest form of learning is exploration and play, where better to do this than outdoors.

Will being outside during colder months affect my child's health and make them unwell?

Did you know there is no link between being unwell with cold or flu and being physically cold or spending time outside? Actually, children are more likely to become unwell in a typical nursery setting as viruses spread easier indoors and in crowded spaces! On really cold days, we make use of our indoor spaces, like our heated poly tunnel, large sensory and art building and the children will also use the kitchen in the bigger building. We also have access to local spaces (church hall and museum) for when weather is really bad.

How will my child learn? Do they just play all day?

Studies have shown children learn best through play. “The best classroom and richest cupboard are roofed only by the sky”. By bringing play outdoors, children are more likely to develop fine and gross motor skills and have a better understanding of risks. “The best way to learn about nature is to learn in nature”.

What about clothing and my washing pile?

Some clothing will be provided by grants from the nursery. On wetter days there may be more drying to do but good waterproofs should mean there isn’t much extra washing needed. Parents will also be provided with a clothing kit list guide.

How will things like toileting, snack and lunches work?

We will have normal toilets in the large building. On warmer days in the summer the children will be able to have snack and lunch out in the fresh air in the undercover eating area however we'll make use of our indoor kitchen and lunch area for colder days.

Our Aims + Objectives

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To treat each child equally and as an individual and respect culture and religions

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To work in partnership with outside agency’s and support parental involvement throughout

Outside photo of the playgroup
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Have a child led approach through planning being set around current interests and likes from the children

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To be eco-friendly and sustainable where possible whilst maintaining links with our local community

Outside table
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Follow UNCRC articles and documents and frameworks that fall under this as a basis for the learning opportunities and experiences we provide

Poly tunnel

Parent testimonials

“It's nerve-wracking leaving your kids with 'strangers' but so reassuring when you meet the staff here and they make it so easy. My children both love the setting and teachers. There's a real feeling of community here. They've really become an extension of our family."


"My children love coming to nursery every day, they never want to leave."


'It's always about the kids with this nursery. It's what sets them apart from other settings. The staff do such a good job and I'm so grateful to them for everything they've done. They do everything with heart.”


"I feel so lucky to have found this place. My kids get the support they need here. The teachers are so helpful. The kind of love our kids receive here is nothing to compare."


"There aren't many nurseries out there that do it like this one!"