Stretton Early Years & Kindergarten

What is unique about our centre?

We are fortunate to have a wonderful natural play space in our own backyard! This gives children regular opportunities for freedom to become independent learners, capable of guiding their own education. They are able to experiment with real-life tools, to play and have fun with in a supportive and safe environment.

Because we have a large outside play environment that extends outside the centre’s boundaries, it allows children the space to explore and maneuverer larger scale loose parts in different environments. The children can craft their ideas and make sense of their world, using nature’s own resources.

Why is nature play so important to our centre?

We believe that all children are capable and confident learners. Children are more empowered in the outdoors, as they are given the freedom of discovery, investigation, creativity, and problem solving. By taking them outside the Centre, they are able to evaluate their own risks and make their own choices, in a diverse learning environment.

Children are wanting to investigate, explore and learn. These are the skills needed for long life learners. We have found that children’s sense of wonder allows us to want to explore deeper and discover more.

What does nature play look like at your centre?

Educators and children are co-learners in nature. The world is full of unknowns, in which Educators and children can learn alongside one another.

The children have the freedom to explore and create using loose parts in all their learning spaces. They are provided with long periods of unhurried free play, freedom of choice and just being present in nature. Having Nature Play at our Centre allows us to be part of an active learning community. Children’s learning is embedded in their reciprocal relationships with the world, people, places and things. The world shapes children’s learning and in turn, their learning shapes and changes the world.