Friends and family of an education and childcare provider recently celebrated the opening of its new garden.

Free Spirits, in Norman Court, West Tytherley, held a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the new space at the alternative education childcare setting, followed by a day of celebration.

The atmosphere was filled with laughter and excitement as familiar faces mingled with new prospective Free Spirit families, all eager to explore the new outdoor garden crafted for the children.

READ MORE: Walk N Talk 4 Mental Health to hold exhibition event in Romsey

The garden has come to life in all corners, from the bright climbing, exploring and creative play areas, to the calm and quiet gardening spaces.

Founder and owner of Free Spirits Education, Gemma Gammon, said: "I’m so grateful to our dedicated team of parents who gave up their time to help with our garden makeover. Together with our new centre manager Sophie, they have transformed it into an enchanting space in which the children can explore, play and learn.

Hampshire Chronicle: The new outdoor garden was opened on Tuesday, April 30The new outdoor garden was opened on Tuesday, April 30 (Image: Free Spirits)

"It was lovely to see so many of our Free Spirits families coming together for our grand opening, and I’m proud to have formed such a lovely community of like-minded families."

One of the highlights of the day was the fire pit, where children delighted in the age-old tradition of making bread balls over an open flame under the guidance of Gemma.

The children savoured the fruits of their labour alongside steaming cups of hot chocolate, as the parents enjoyed teas, coffees and vegan cakes.

SEE ALSO: Man, 41, charged following residential burglaries in Hampshire and Dorset

Meanwhile, creativity flourished at the weaving station where children experimented with sticks and wool to create intricate designs. The slime table also provided entertainment.

Over the last few months, Free Spirits has undergone many changes, with the setting evolving to meet the needs of as many families as possible.

A new centre manager was appointed in January 2024, allowing Gemma to spend more time focusing on business growth, as it enters its third year of operation.

This has included Free Spirits families becoming more involved with what is offered, with Happy Animals Rescue and Rehab visiting for sessions including ‘RSPC Bird Watch,’ ‘Egg-citing Egg-stravaganza,’ and ‘Hedgehog Adventures.’

The setting also had the pleasure of having Sophie Cook, a Free Spirits parent and author, coming in to share her inspiring books.

Free Spirits will now be turning its attention to the indoor space and what is provided for the older children who are home-educated or attend Free Spirits as part of their alternative education provision. Details will be announced in the coming weeks.