Bush Kinder

In 2023, the 4 year old groups – Banksia, Waratah and Wattle, began a Bush Kinder Program. Our Program is held on the beautiful parklands of Seawinds Garden at the top of Arthurs Seat State Park. We are learning on the land of the Bunurong and Boon Wurrung People of the Kulin Nation. The Bush Kinder Program is held on Wednesdays with the children being dropped off and collected from Seawinds Garden. (Please refer to our Policy Booklet below for all information regarding Bush Kinder.)

The children have the opportunity to learn in and on Country. The children experience local flora and fauna including kangaroos, koalas, various birds, plants and trees. Children walk, play and explore using the environment as a provocation for their learning and understanding of the world around them. The teachers have a curriculum set out to facilitate learning, with the flexibility to include discoveries in nature.

Bush Kinder provides children with the opportunity to be in nature regardless of the weather. We have waterproof rains suits available for all the children to wear whilst at bush kinder. This ensures all children have the opportunity to play whilst staying warm and dry. Additional resources have been purchased for use at bush kinder including binoculars, magnifying glasses and picnic mats.

Bush kinder has many benefits to children’s learning including supporting their mental and physical health and wellbeing. Children are given space and time to learn in an environment that nurtures creativity and exploration. Children are naturally inquisitive and bush kinder offers children an environment that facilitates learning alongside their peers and teachers. Children are given opportunities for risky play in nature whilst being cared for and educated by experienced teachers and educators who have undertaken training to facilitate nature learning.

Here is an article written by leaders in the education field in regard to the benefits of Bush Kinder. Bush Kinder – Wellbeing and Resilience

Here is a link to the Bush Kinder Handbook by Parks Victoria Bush Kinder Handbook

You will find information regarding the Legislative Requirements of a nature based learning program in this article In Nature – Information Sheet

You can find out more about Arthurs Seat State Park here: Places to See – Arthurs Seat State Park