Welcome to Auchlone NatureKindergarten, Crieff
Where children experience high-quality early learningwherever their curiosity takes them inside, outside and beyond.
Set on the edge of a woodland in the beautiful Perthshire countryside, Auchlone nursery offers children something special: skilled educators who know how to turn everyday play experiences into rich opportunities for learning.
Nature is central to our approach, but nature alone does not create great learning.
It is the knowledge, skill, sensitivity and professional judgement of our educators that makes the difference. Caring relationships are the core of our work with children and families.
A childhood full of memories and adventure
Learning moments happen everywhere
Inside
Our indoor environments provide a rich and carefully considered space for children to think, create, investigate, communicate and revisit their ideas.
Children can become absorbed in construction, mark-making, books, creative experiences, mathematics, scientific investigation, imaginative play and collaborative projects.
Educators observe what children are trying to understand and use this knowledge to develop meaningful experiences that deepen learning.
The environment is designed to invite children to choose, explore and think for themselves, while adults provide the guidance, resources and challenge that help learning move forward.
Outside
Our natural environment offers an extraordinary context for learning.
Children have opportunities to explore, move, build, investigate, take appropriate risks and develop a deep connection with nature.
But outdoor learning at Auchlone is much more than simply being outside.
Educators use their knowledge of children's development and interests to recognise the learning potential within everyday experiences.
A walk can develop vocabulary and observation.
Building a shelter can involve design, measurement and teamwork.
Collecting natural materials can lead to classification and mathematical thinking.
Watching the weather can develop scientific understanding.
The outdoors becomes a place where children's ideas can grow.
And beyond
Learning doesn't stop when children leave the building, go into the forest or return indoors.
At Auchlone, learning extends beyond the immediate experience.
Children revisit ideas, make connections, ask new questions and develop theories about the world around them.
Our educators use documentation and Dr Claire Wardens Floorbook® Approach to capture children's thinking, making learning visible and helping children return to previous experiences.
Families are part of this learning journey too.
A discovery at kindergarten can become a conversation at home.
A question from home can become the starting point for an investigation at Auchlone.
Learning becomes connected rather than confined to a place, a timetable or a particular activity.
Together, we are a team of kind, caring and skilled educators who make a lasting impact
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Kirsty
Mindfulness dogs gardening
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Mona
Nature camping family
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Netty
Yoga fire laughter
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Hattie
Fitness baking reading
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Cally
Gaelic ceilidh munroes
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Claire
Creative gardening leader
Where children's ideas meet professional expertise
A strong start for every child
There is a comforting rhythmto every day, with new experiences and discoveries waiting to unfold.
Growing a relationship with the natural world
At Auchlone, we want children to develop a genuine connection with the world around them. Our Environmental Kinship Guide supports us to think carefully about how children experience, explore and care for their environment.
Environmental kinship is about more than spending time outdoors. It is about noticing the changing seasons, discovering the creatures and plants around us, understanding our place within nature and developing a sense of care and responsibility for the world we share.
Children are encouraged to slow down, look closely, ask questions and develop their own relationships with the natural environment. A puddle, a fallen leaf, a tiny insect or a changing sky can become the beginning of an investigation, a conversation or a new fascination. Through the Environmental Kinship Guide, we reflect on how our environment can become a valued partner in children’s learning not simply a place where learning happens.
At Auchlone, we believe that learning is not about rushing from one activity to the next. It is about giving children time to explore, revisit ideas, develop relationships and enjoy the wonder of childhood.
Together, we create acommunity where every child and family feels welcomed, valued and that they truly belong.
At Auchlone, we believe that strong relationships, collaboration and partnership are at the heart of a thriving community. Families are not simply visitors to our nursery they are valued partners in their child’s learning, development and experiences.
We take time to listen, share ideas and learn from one another. By working collaboratively with families, we build a deeper understanding of each child their interests, experiences, strengths, culture and the people who matter most to them.
We create opportunities for families to contribute their knowledge, ideas and experiences, helping to shape the life of Auchlone.
Through everyday conversations, shared experiences and collaborative projects, children see that the important adults in their lives are working together.
Our collaboration also extends into the wider community. We value the people, places, organisations and experiences around us, creating connections that enrich children’s learning and strengthen their sense of belonging.
Come and experience Auchlone
Recognised for Excellence
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Erasmus
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Eco School Green Flag
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Auchlone Nature Kindergarten
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Nancy Ovens
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NMT Outdoor
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NMT
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Woodland Trust
