Nature Explorers

Bush Kinder

About bush kinder

The overall intention of the program is to support children to engage with and in the nature world. In a world where the adults voice overshadows what children learn and how they learn it, the program aims at supporting to reclaim their own learning journey. Children will be encouraged and support to explore a variety of natural resources, materials and environments to transfer learning and knowledge.

As a community, we need to be conscious of our urban position in Melbourne and the location of our service. Based on these factors, we have aimed at incorporating a number of resources to support the Bush Kinder program. We understand that a built environment can never replicate a natural space, however, we seek to offer a range of experiences that encompass natural elements for children to engage with during the program. In addition to plans for a new purpose built yard, we are also fortunate to be located next to J.S Grey Reserve which plays host to a number of flora and fauna, insects, and natural obstacles which serve to excite children’s natural curiosity. It is important to note a number of things before our Bush Kinder Program commences.

Families need to be mindful of the following;

• Children will get dirty. It may be beneficial to source a few secondhand pieces. We urge families to have a discussion with staff if this is not possible.

• Children will spend a greater part of their day outside. We aim to facilitate our program in most manageable weather conditions (rain or shine).

• Children will be encouraged to play with and engage in nature play. This means, children will not be entertained by equipment, toys etc but encouraged to use natural materials as means of play.

• We need to be mindful as carers and educators, when anyone is faced with change, or different modes of doing things, it can sometimes be uncomfortable. It is in these moments of discomfort, that there is great learning to be had!

Natural environments offer children and educators the chance to rethink how we approach education and how we engage in learning. It also provides a holistic approach for assessing children’s learning and development. These fundamental opportunities nurture children’s relationships with education and inspire their love for learning, which can be carried throughout their entire lives. Bush Kinder presents wondrous opportunities for communities to become active agents for change in the natural world, it connects us to our first and primary teacher, nature. Risky Play What is the difference between a Risk and a hazard?

The National Quality Standard defines risks and hazards as equally valuable learning opportunities for educators and children. If we truly have higher expectations for children, we will see these experiences as rich opportunities for learning.

A Risk is something that is possible to negotiate and may be appropriate for particular situations and children.

A Hazard is something that is inherently dangerous and needs to be remedied, such as equipment which is damaged or loose boards that could seriously injure children if they play on it.

We aim to embed risk throughout play whilst supporting children to navigate these factors to ensure their own safety. As opposed to eliminating all risk, which in itself poses a number of developmental impacts, i.e. emotional risk and intellectual risk (Warden, 2016), we aim to support children to become more aware of potential risks in the environment and navigate these factors using a range of ‘risk management skills’. Risky play is all about walking a tightrope, children being able to experience discomfort but in a secure environment.

We have engaged with Wurundjeri Tribe Council to support our overall programming and planning for Bush Kinder. We believe that it is imperative to gain permission from the local Wurundjeri community and its Elders to conduct our play on the land. It is our intention by engaging with these services, that we are actively working towards reconciliation. We aim at embedding Aboriginal perspectives whilst on Country and believe that this will be further supported by our intention to establish respectful partnerships with our local Aboriginal community networks and services. We have presented our proposal to the Wurundjeri Tribe Council, which has been reviewed and welcomed by the community Elders.

Risk assessment

A detailed risk assessment has been completed, this is made available to families upon request. In addition, staff will ensure that the locations mentioned above have been properly assessed for major risks prior to the commencement of each session. Copies of these assessments are also on this website.

2024 session information

Monday 8:30am - 1:30pm on site at kinder

Tuesday 8:30am - 1:30pm on site at kinder

Thursday - 8:30am - 1:30pm Bush Kinder at Egan Reserve Thornbury

Our objective is to embed the Bush Kinder philosophy throughout all facets of our onsite and offsite program. So although we have allocated a specific time for Bush Kinder, we aim at making everyday Bush Kinder.

After Kinder care 2024

In 2024, After Kinder Care will be available for the Nature Explorers Bush Kinder Group only and will run on a Monday and Tuesday only from 1:30pm - 4:00pm. After Kinder Care is an unfunded program and the cost is $40 per session and will be invoiced per term.