A Woodford preschool is seeking approval to retain its current outdoor facilities and construct a new building on its premises.
New Adventures Preschool at Gorteeny, Woodford has applied for retention permission from the county council for its sessional outdoor preschool.
Permission is also being sought to construct a new building for recreational use associated with the outdoor preschool, as well as to install a new wastewater treatment system.
The gross floor space of the area covered in the application is 1,040m².
New Adventures Preschool has been operating since 2008, with the goal of giving children the “unique opportunity to immerse themselves and learn through the natural environment”.
“At the beginning and at the end of the session the children come together in the indoor facility to discuss their plans and reflect on their learning and also share their individual project ideas with each other and their families.”
The application states that the curriculum is designed to make use of the outdoors “in all weather conditions” through partnerships with local parents.
“No similar facility operates in our area and the support and endorsement of the community can be seen by the fact that the playschool is fully booked for the next two years”.
“The implementation of an outdoor facility has totally enhanced the play options for children while at the same time incorporating nature and the seasons into reality for them”.
“Outdoor activities in addition to regular play activities include sand and water play, collecting hens’ eggs, sowing seeds in the outdoor tunnel area, feeding the hens, picking fruit berries etc”.
“Outdoor play and increased movement through play and teaching has resulted in a total reduction in frustrations in the children and those feeling housed all the time resulting in a better atmosphere for all.”
A decision is due from Galway County Council on whether to grant planning permission for this development by January 16.
