On the grounds of Parc Saint-Cyr in Elbeuf (Seine-Maritime), managed by the Va nu pied association, there is no question of hearing “Be careful, you will get wet!” » or “Stop, you’re going to get dirty!” » Quite the contrary. Here, as part of the “Let’s follow the little steps” nature outings organized by the Early Childhood Relay for the childminders who attend it, children are encouraged to explore their environment in complete freedom. “The idea is not just to get them some fresh air,” assures Sophie Jiner, head of the Early Childhood center of the Elbeuvian municipality. “There is an educational dimension, environmental awareness, sensory discovery…”. Launched three years ago, this initiative received, mid-October, at the Ministry of Health, a bronze Giraffe Awards presented by the Agir pour la petite jeunesse association. This national distinction will also be officially celebrated at the town hall on Monday, November 18.
“In a way, it validates the involvement and dynamism of the early childhood relay, but also the commitment of the fifteen childminders who are involved in this project,” continues Sophie Jiner. Because obviously to play in the slush kitchen, trudge in the open air on the motor skills course made up of logs, slide down the mud slide or play in the water to discover your path, you have to take the time to equip yourself with an “almost” waterproof suit and essential boots for wandering around the 6,000 m2 of exploration space, fenced and secure, but still dedicated to a certain form of adventure. And take the time to clean yourself before going home.
“We had to convince them at the start, because there is no obligation for them to take the little ones they are looking after. It’s really on a voluntary basis,” explains Daphné Lecoutey, the relay manager. “But from the first few times, everyone left with a banana and wanted to come back. » Occasional manual or artistic activities complete the proposal, “but the children are free to participate or not”.
Over the seasons, once or twice a month, with a break in winter, the event has found its fans and around 150 children were able to benefit from this completely free system for families, also open to others municipal structures dedicated to toddlers.
“In the charter for welcoming young children, one of the principles is to offer them real contact with nature, which promotes their development,” recalls Sophie Jiner. “Which is not obvious for children, not many of whom have a garden. In the city, they often go from their parents' apartment to the car and then to their nanny's apartment before returning home. Getaways to Parc Saint-Cyr are even more valuable.
