AS part of McLaughlin & Harvey’s Leuchars Station (MOD) project, the firm’s site team has provided a modern outdoor classroom for Bright Horizons Day Care Centre.
The centre has been a cornerstone of care in the local community, offering wraparound services to 97 children aged 12 weeks to five years, catering to both military and civilian communities stationed at the base.
In response to growing needs of the community, McLaughlin & Harvey embarked on a mission to enhance the educational experience for young learners. A community needs analysis recommended upgrades to the nursery.
The contractor created an outdoor classroom that expands the nursery’s capacity and fosters holistic learning. The space promotes physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development while instilling a love for nature.
Jane Elder, social value manager at McLaughlin & Harvey, said, “We are proud to have played a part in enhancing the Bright Horizons Day Care Centre through the creation of this outdoor classroom. Our project delivery team exhibited remarkable dedication in ensuring the flawless installation of the outdoor classroom.
“They went the extra mile to turn this vision into reality. By actively listening to the community’s needs and acting on recommendations, we’ve not only expanded nursery provision, but also created a nurturing environment that supports child development and encourages a lifelong connection with the natural world. Our commitment is to create lasting value and improve the lives of the communities we serve.”
Bright Horizons Day Care Centre’s manager, Mrs Carolann Owen, described the new classroom as ‘an excellent addition to the centre which will provide the children with opportunities to safely explore numeracy and literacy opportunities in a high-quality learning environment through play, which is a central focus to support the children’s development, helping staff to actively promote essential aspects of early learning through early literacy and numeracy skills across the curriculum including outdoor learning which is essential for children to be able to manage and regulate their emotions and understanding of the real world’.
Susan Budd. Leuchars Station (MoD) engagement and community support officer, stated, “This is a prime example of how the social value model should be applied by all central government procurement processes to ensure additional benefits are secured through Industry Partner tender commitments targeted at local needs and priorities. The centre and the station would like to thank McLaughlin & Harvey and their social value manager, Jane Elder, who collaborated in the co-design and delivery of this commitment.”
