ready for a story?

A new storytelling chair funded by the lottery, and initiated by the Council’s Creative Links team, is taking pride of place at Liberton Nursery.

The project allows parents and carers to develop confidence in storytelling with their children.

The nursery was awarded £9,960 from Awards for All for the project. Children, families and staff worked with an artist, musician and storyteller to create a unique playground space for community storytelling and cultural events.

Borders Sculptor Susheila Jamieson created the special chair for the nursery garden. She involved the children in the design process before working with parents to help carve the impressive piece of furniture.

Storyteller Ruth Kirkpatrick used her skills to develop confidence among parents in storytelling with their children. They shared stories from different cultures as well as creating new stories.

The children also had the opportunity to work with artist Tim Chamberlain to create lanterns for a special outdoor storytelling evening and to make small musical instruments from recycled materials.

Large outdoor musical instruments were also purchased for the nursery garden, and will be permanently displayed for children’s use as part of music-making and storytelling.

Head teacher Eileen Sharp said: “We’re all very excited about this wonderful project and we’ve enjoyed working with the whole community in the workshops and celebrations at the nursery.”

One result of the project will be a CD of stories complete with an illustrated catalogue of work by the children.

Need to know

For further information, contact Eileen Sharp on 0131 664 3155 or e-mail eileen.sharp@liberton-nur.edin.sch.uk