Wilmslow Yoga Expert appointed at Back to the Garden Childcare

Child-led natural nursery Back to the Garden Childcare in Altrincham has appointed yoga expert Martina Nezbedova from Wilmslow to provide regular classes tailored especially for its ever growing family of babies, toddlers and pre-school children.

Martina will visit Back to the Garden on a regular basis to lead classes in the nursery’s beautiful outdoor space as well as teach and train the nursery’s dedicated employee team.

Most classes will take place either barefoot in the garden, or in the nursery’s fabulous tipi which enables the children to be outside in nature but also warm and sheltered from the elements for most of the year.

Introducing yoga to the nursery’s weekly programme of activities was important to nursery founder Jeannie Pickering as it provides many developmental benefits for children, helping to build a better connection with nature and improving speech, confidence and coordination.

Jeannie explains:

“Daily or weekly yoga practice is a great way to empower younger children. In addition to the physical benefits of regular exercise, it provides teaching and learning through rituals which can help with personal development, self expression and their relationship with others.

“We first introduced yoga into our kidsunlimited nurseries in 2001 as we were fully aware of the therapeutic benefits and believed that it would strengthen the children’s core, increase suppleness and enable them to be brighter and more alert.  Yoga has proved to be efficient exercise for children with relaxation included.”

Martina added:

“It’s wonderful to be joining the nursery team, at this age children are very receptive to the subtle benefits of yoga.  Starting young has many advantages improving their connection with those around them, their appreciation for their bodies and the natural world.”

Wherever possible, the children will undertake their yoga practice with bare feet as it helps the muscles in the feet to strengthen, stretch and develop naturally. It also provides stimulation for the sensitive nerve endings in the feet and encourages a connection with the natural space around them.

Originally from the Czech Republic, Martina has a Masters degree in Physical Education and Child Psychology and Child Pedagogy.  With her own personal training and yoga studio in Alderley Edge, she regularly practices yoga with her clients, as well as with her three year old daughter at home.

Fast becoming the nursery of choice for parents in Altrincham and the surrounding areas, Back to the Garden is a unique and innovative, child-led active learning environment with an emphasis on outdoor play in a stunning garden setting. 

There are places still available for September, with Back to the Garden offering 15 or 30 hours free childcare for children aged between two and four.