A family learning centre in Stepps recently had its nursery play areas upgraded by a construction services provider.

Morris & Spottiswood transformed the play environment for Stepping Stones Family Learning Centre as part of its social value project.

The firm's operations director David Thorn spearheaded the project to provide community benefits in relation to its appointment to two North Lanarkshire-based frameworks.

The team, comprising seven members, redeveloped large tarmac areas and smaller mud and grass sections into a full-scale play garden.

They worked on a section at a time to allow play to continue during the makeover.

(Image: Pagoda Public Relations)

The play environment sports features like a sensory path of different materials, a large sandpit, an operational mud kitchen with tap and drainage, and a timber shelter for all-weather use.

The additions were built by the team using natural materials, including bamboo shoot funnels in the sand pit, log seats and a sensory path which fosters creative play and is non-toxic.

Due to severe winter conditions and insufficient funding, the nursery's outdoor area had significantly deteriorated.

However, despite these challenges, the project was completed within four weeks during the Easter holidays, minimising disruption for the children.

David said: "This was a truly fantastic project to work on.

"The change in the garden is incredible to see and all the team loved working on it.

"The kids enjoyed the entire process, from waving at the diggers on site, to getting involved at the very end to add the finishing touches.

"It was a very rewarding few weeks of work and it was a joy to see all the happy faces with the result.”

(Image: Pagoda Public Relations)

 

Nicole McGillivray, head of Centre at Stepping Stones FLC, said: “We are extremely grateful for the hard work and dedication that Morris & Spottiswood has provided to help achieve such a fantastic learning space for our children.

"There has been a spark ignited again for outdoor learning and curiosity in our children which has been amazing to witness.”

Collette Walker, co-chair of the nursery's Parent Committee, said: "We would never have achieved anything of this level without David and his team.

"It was a brilliant experience all round. The team were more than accommodating and the end result is incredible. A huge thank you to everyone involved."