THE HEAVY snowfall and arctic temperatures did not dampen spirits at the official opening of a new garden space at a nursery.

The garden was officially opened at Abbs Cross Day Nursery in Lowen Road, Rainham on Tuesday December 2 by Havering’s Early Years Manager Sarah Metcalf.

Nursery Manager, Lauren Purse said: “Considering it was snowing everything went surprisingly well.

“The children really enjoyed having snow ball fights in their new garden space.”

Earlier this year the nursery was awarded the Government’s Quality and Access Grant to help create a new garden that would encourage outdoor learning.

Work on building creating the new garden started in July and the finshing touches were laid on the garden just last week.

Lauren said: “It means so much to the children to have a nice garden because a lot of them live in flats so the only time they are able to play out is when they come here.

“This garden now means that the kids can just have lots of fun playing outside.”

The new garden area boasts a play bus, a growing area, a insect area, a sensory area and space for the childrent to play.

Lauren said: “The garden is just amazing because it means that the children can continue their learning outside as well as indoors.

“Many children learn a lot more when they are outside so this is just going to make a huge difference to them.”