Devizes Nursery Welcomes Rusty and Danny for Memorable Donkey Visit

Young learners at Townsend Barn Nursery in Devizes were treated to an unforgettable experience recently when Rusty and Danny, two friendly donkeys, paid a visit to the setting. The children were delighted to meet their furry visitors, offering them valuable opportunities to observe animal behaviour, practise gentle interaction, and ask questions about the creatures' needs and characteristics. Encounters with animals form an important part of early years education, supporting children's personal, social and emotional development whilst fostering their understanding of the natural world. Such experiences help build confidence, encourage responsibility, and nurture empathy in young children, complementing the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum in meaningful ways. The visit demonstrates how nursery provision can create rich, memorable learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom environment. These moments not only spark joy and wonder but also contribute to the holistic development that underpins school readiness, helping children to make sense of the world around them through direct experience.