VV_December 2020

Christmas time this year, even though it will be
very different to one we’ve ever had before.
Stay safe! Sharon Heron
Little Oaks Nurseries
“Roll on, 2021” is the plaintive cry of the
moment. Of course we all know that as the
clock strikes midnight on 31st December,
nothing is going to magically improve, but what
we can be sure of is that the little children
amongst us will always bring a ray of sunshine
to each day. Seriously, who wouldn’t want to
work with those who smile approximately 400
times a day (as compared to an adult’s 40-50)?
Throughout this tumultuous year, the amazing
children at nursery have proved over and over
that they are both much more resilient than we
think, and that their optimistic view of the world
around them trumps all the negativity that often
otherwise prevails. We as adults have as much
to learn from them as they have from us.
Instead of focusing on what we can’t do this
season, we are happily ensconced in learning
about the Christmas story, winter traditions and
scattering plenty of sparkle as we go. There
won’t be live Nativity events this year, so we’ll
be do our best to capture those special moments
for parents in picture and film instead. Santa will
visit in the dead of night (as he should), so there
will be a gift for all. On the subject of giving,
our wonderful Little Oaks families have pushed
the boat out again this year in support of the
DASH Charity, who work with victims of
domestic abuse in the local area, and the One
Can Trust. It’s horrifying that domestic violence
and food poverty have both increased during
these lockdown months so we’re determined to
do what we can to help. Thank you to all who
participated, for your ongoing generosity and
compassion. Ruthie Pocock, Principal, 07881 737149,
www.little-oaks.org
Why outdoor play in winter is
good for you...!
At Little Oaks we are passionate about the
benefits of outdoor play. I thought readers might
www.pennandtylersgreen.org.uk
Village Voice December 2020/January 2021
be interested in the research behind its
importance
Why Outdoor Play in winter is good for
you! In Scandinavian schools and preschools,
children play outside at every opportunity. Even
in the depths of winter, children will be wrapped
up warmly and will spend the day exploring
forests, climbing moss-clad boulders or wading
in streams up to the tops of their wellies.
With proven health and development benefits,
why is it that we often don’t follow suit in the
UK? Is it habit? Is staying indoors during the
winter what our parents taught us as the way to
avoid catching a cold? During a pandemic
should we not be even more attuned than usual
to preventing the spread of germs and not
holding onto old beliefs about ‘being cold’
actually ‘causing a cold’? As if to prove a point,
in Scandinavian countries, children are found to
be fitter and more attentive, with better motor
skills and generally healthier than children in
the UK. What is the reason for this difference?
Escaping Indoor Germs. With viruses and
bacteria being more prevalent in winter it is
important to get outside into fresh air. For
children, getting outside is essential for them to
develop a strong immune system as they come
into contact with bacteria in a natural setting:
the more time they spend outdoors, the less
likely they are to develop autoimmune disorders
and allergies in the future.
Fresh Air is Healthy – Even in Winter! A
contradiction to common beliefs is that
exposure to the cold doesn’t actually cause a
cold. In fact, if dressed appropriately, fresh air is
healthy for everyone, even in the winter. When
people spend a lot of time indoors, especially
when it is overheated and poorly ventilated,
germs are recirculated and easily passed from
one person to another. That’s why outdoor play
is crucial! Not only does it allow children to
breathe fresh air and reduce the spread of
infection, but it also refreshes the mind, allows
them to burn energy and establishes a positive
understanding for year-round exercise
throughout the rest of their lives.
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