Who we are
and what we do
Founded in 2019, Kinder Croft CIC is a fully outdoor nursery in Leckmelm Wood near Ullapool, on the northwest coast of Scotland in the Highlands.
We are a partner provider with the Highland Council, and offer funded places to eligable children aged 3-5 years old during term time.
We also offer spaces to privately paying children aged 3-5 years old.
Additionally, Kinder Croft runs Holiday Clubs for 3-14 year olds during the Spring, Summer and Autumn holidays.
Our team our highly qualified and commited to giving the children a caring and joyful experience in the woods.
What is Kinder Croft about?
Kinder Croft is a Community Interest Company by Guarantee Social Enterprise. It might sound like a mouthful, but it’s pretty simple: we provide a vital service that responds to the needs of local communities, and fosters an environment that is both nurturing and inclusive. At its core, sustainability is prioritized, with a commitment to transparency in all practices.
The organisation embraces an ethos where children are valued, trusted, and supported in leading their own nature-based learning journeys. In a safe and dynamic forest setting, Kinder Croft CIC creates spaces designed to meet children’s daily needs while encouraging them to connect with the natural world.
By fostering a deep sense of belonging in nature, children are encouraged to see themselves as part of the environment, cultivating respect and understanding for the world around them.
And what is a social enterprise exactly?
A social enterprise is a business that exists to tackle social, environmental, or community issues while operating with the goal of achieving financial sustainability. Unlike traditional businesses, which primarily aim to maximize profit, social enterprises reinvest their profits to further their mission or support causes such as poverty reduction, environmental protection, or education.
Membership and Governance
We work with a variety of different services in order to receive the best support, maintain transparency and to ensure best practices so that we can deliver a quality experience to the children and community.
Partner Providor for Highland Council
Outdoor Nursery Insurance
Care Alliance and Learning Association
Disclosure Scotland
Care Inspectorate
Education Scotland
Local partners
At Kinder Croft, we are fortunate to be supported by a strong network of local businesses that share our values and commitment to community growth. These partnerships allow us to collaborate on initiatives that benefit both our nursery and the wider area. To name a few…
Ullapool Primary + Nursery
Ullapool Unpacked
The Arch
Ullapool High School
North Woods Construction
Ullapool News
Funders
While the Highland Council funds the daily runnings of the organisation, it still leaves us with a shortfall that we try our best to meet by raising funds through grants and fundraising events. We wouldn’t be where we are without the support of different funders and we continue to seek financial support in order to make the nursery the best it can be for the children and staff. Over the past 5 years we’ve had financial support from…