Our work Current projects MAKI Pups - ACT and Mid Argyll's first outdoor nursery Why choose MAKI Pups? At MAKI Pups we are passionate about the positive impact, both physically and emotionally, that being outdoors can have on even our youngest children. We want the best for our children as they start on their journey into lifelong learning and strongly believe that our outdoor environment will provide children with the opportunity to grow, learn and develop in to young people and adults who care for, respect and appreciate their world and everything in it. Weather, beasties, washing, we’ve compiled a handy list of FAQs from the questions we regularly hear from families. Follow us on Facebook What's our vision? To provide the first fully outdoor childcare centre in Mid-Argyll. We work with 3 - 5 year-olds, and their families, from Lochgilphead and the surrounding area to develop an appreciation and ownership of their natural environment, the ability to understand and enjoy the adventures and challenges that outdoor learning offers, and to work with partners and the community to encourage intergenerational learning and shared opportunities. At MAKI Pups children will be responsible for making decisions about their learning using resources from the world around them and a wide range of open-ended loose parts play. The children will be supported in their learning by qualified and experienced practitioners who will use floor books and online journals to document and record learning. Our team uses the Curriculum for Excellence and other national framework and documentation to provide a curriculum based on the seven design principles and promoting inclusion for all. Our childcare services We provide a range of outdoor childcare options for families from Lochgilphead and the surrounding areas. Mini Pups Outdoor Playgroup For families with children aged 0-3, every Thursday during school term time, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. MAKI Pups Outdoor Nursery Funded ELC Provision and private wraparound care for children aged 3-5. Funded sessions Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Optional add-on wraparound care from 8:30 AM – 5:15 PM. Outdoor After School Club For children aged 5-8, Monday to Friday during school term from 3:15 PM – 5:15 PM. Pickup available from Lochgilphead Primary School. £15 per session, sibling discount available. Holiday Club For children aged 3-8, during the first two weeks of July, Monday – Friday, from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Full and half-day spaces available, sibling discount available. Our location - Kilmory Gardens, Lochgilphead Our outdoor site is situated in beautiful Kilmory Walled Garden, adjacent to Argyll and Bute Council’s headquarters. The garden is a treasure trove of well-established plants and trees with a range of spaces waiting to be explored and enjoyed included established woodland, open lawn, an avenue of trees, and an enclosed area with raised beds. The site is owned by Argyll and Bute Council who maintain and improve existing facilities and have provided a “hobbit house” shelter and water-less toilets. There is electricity on site so the children can stay warm and cosy on cold and darker days. This beautiful site provides our children with opportunities to explore discover and learn in a safe environment. We encourage the children to care for our environment and hope that this respect and responsibility will carry on out from the nursery site into the wider community and beyond. Our team We have assembled a great team of nursery practitioners with a wealth and variety of experience. Find out more about our team members in our Meet the Team section. The team is led by our Nursery Manager, Erin Kennedy. If you would like to chat or need further information about anything please get in touch with Erin by email: [email protected] or telephone: 07741582560 Erin Kennedy, Nursery Manager Follow MAKI Pups Outdoor Nursery on Facebook