In Strasbourg, an open-air crèche for toddlers

On this rainy September morning, Melvin, 2 years old, is the first to join the Petite Roulotte du Schloessel, a nature crèche located in the grounds of an establishment for dependent elderly people in the Koenigshoffen district, in Strasbourg. His father takes off his wet coat and his shoes, and the child goes to play on the carpet inside the trailer. Then comes Riyad, 2 years old. The little boy, happy to find his friend and his toys, leaves without even saying goodbye to his mother. Aïno, 14 months old, joined the nursery at the end of the summer, enrolled by her mother, Sarah Maisonneuve, of Finnish origin. “This structure interested me because the concept is well known there,” she explains.

La Petite Roulotte du Schloessel, opening in October 2023, is inspired by Nordic or Canadian models by offering children the opportunity to be actors in their own development in a natural setting. This project results from the meeting between Gillian Cante, doctoral student in educational sciences at the University of Strasbourg, and the Early Childhood Academy. This network of reflection was initiated by the Deaconesses of Strasbourg, a Protestant institution which manages establishments (clinic, nursing home, school, etc.). After two years of discussions around teaching in nature, the association decided to get started, accompanied by partners such as the City and the Bas-Rhin family allowance fund. The benefits of teaching in nature are the subject of Gillian Cante’s thesis, which she plans to present in 2025.

Play, even in the rain

Sonia Riehl, one of the educators, set up the tent, laid out the children’s mattresses, installed the mats and games under the pergola. In the meantime, Kassim, Colette, Gabriel and Yasmine arrived. Twelve children are registered at the nursery, but they rarely all come at the same time. This is the start of activities. Dressed in airtight suits, the little ones will settle down under a tree for a welcome time with song, followed by a herbal tea. Then, the youngest take a morning nap while Melvin, Yasmine and Riyad play balancing acts on wooden boards, under the supervision of Agathe Verhaeghe, holder of a CAP in early childhood.

It’s raining heavily but the children don’t care. Parents often worry, at first, about the weather conditions. Marjorie Seyer, responsible for the structure and educator, reassures them and encourages them to dress their little ones in wool, warmer than other materials. The nursery provides the overalls. “The most worried are the grandparents,” confides Marie Boutet, who has just dropped off Zélie, aged 9 and a half months. “I liked the project of living outside, of playing with nature. As a former scout, I appreciate the approach, and we see that the children are more resourceful. »

The low number of staff and the great availability of supervision reassure parents, who are not particularly worried about the stories of mistreatment in private nurseries recently relayed by the media. “They know about this private, non-profit nursery,” assures Marjorie Seyer. In fact, this, integrated into the network of municipal crèches, sets its prices according to the family quotient.

To the rhythm of the seasons

La Petite Roulotte du Schloessel is, however, very different from other reception structures. Parents quickly see the benefits of living outdoors: “Yasmine falls ill less often than her brothers and sisters who attended indoor daycare centers,” explains Hanane Kaid, mother of this 2-year-old girl. “Here, Riyad appears calm and joyful whereas at home he is less so and cries more,” confides Rouzouma Inoussa, his mother.

Mealtime is approaching. You will have to wash your hands well. Colette is getting impatient, she is hungry. Zélie observes her friends getting agitated. Then the children are grouped together on the carpet, and Marjorie tells stories. The older ones will settle down for a nap in the tent. Aïno lives her life and goes to explore the garden… on all fours. Sonia watches from afar. “They experience the seasons physically, sensorially,” underlines the educator. They play with the earth, the water. In summer, they have bare feet. Babies, often on their backs, can watch the sky and the tree leaves move. » A much more fulfilling spectacle than a ceiling.