Growing Coastal

Growing Coastal is a nature-based environmental program offered to children 3.5 years-6 years which aims for children to develop a love of nature, play and learn through hands-on learning experiences in our local coastal area. Growing Coastal is run by Kingscliff Mini School community preschool. This unique program is offered to both children enrolled in our preschool as well as children from the community. The program is run by qualified Early Childhood Educators who also hold Forest School or Bush Kindy Qualifications and sessions go from 9am to 2pm with 2 educators and 10 children. We even go out in the rain and provide raincoats and rain pants for protection and set up a shelter to keep dry.

Why is nature play important at your centre?

We are passionate about nature play and environmental education. Our environments allow children to develop confidence, independence, resilience and overall well-being. We encourage educators and children to discover respect for the land, nature and animals. This fosters a genuine appreciation for our outdoor environment embracing our responsibility for a sustainable future.

What does nature play look like at your centre?

Growing Coastal is a 5-hour nature play program set in various locations within our local community including the beach, creek and bushland areas. We value community partnerships and work closely with Dune Care, Coast Care, local Indigenous Elders, Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue.

We offer a play-based program to support children’s holistic development and wellbeing through hands-on authentic and meaningful experiences. This fosters a sense of wonder, exploration and discovery through inquiry-based learning that is child led. We celebrate children’s agency and encourage children to work collaboratively with educators and peers, problem solve, assess risks and negotiate change.