A little pony, big smiles

Raven brings magic to our wellbeing day

At our nursery, wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. We proudly celebrated Mental Health and Wellbeing Day with an experience the children will never forget. We were delighted to welcome Raven, a therapy Shetland pony, to our woodland garden.

Raven’s visit offered so much more than excitement, it provided a truly therapeutic moment for our children. They were able to feed, groom, and even take Raven for a gentle walk, giving them a hands-on opportunity to build confidence, show care, and connect with nature. Activities like these are proven to boost mood and reduce stress in young children, and the impact was clear: the children were energised, joyful, and wonderfully calm for the rest of the afternoon.

But our commitment to wellbeing didn’t stop there. Last week, we took part in a walking challenge involving all Imago venues, collectively spanning the distance from Land’s End to John o’ Groats. The focus of the challenge was simple yet powerful: walking and talking to enhance wellbeing.

Our preschool children embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, walking all the way to the Remembrance Garden. They were joined by Spencer, CEO of Imago Venues, Eleonora, a trustee of our nursery, Caroline, our Head of Nursery, and several supportive parents. Together, our children covered an impressive 35 miles, a remarkable achievement that celebrates teamwork, resilience, and the importance of movement for mental health.

These experiences highlight what makes our nursery truly exceptional. We don’t just talk about wellbeing, we actively embed it into daily life through meaningful, memorable activities. By offering unique opportunities such as animal therapy, woodland exploration, and community challenges, we ensure that every child feels supported, inspired, and deeply connected to their world.