Bush Kindy in Landsdale: Outdoor Learning at Landsdale ELE!

A leaf with an interesting shape. An insect making its way across the ground. A question that starts with “I wonder…”

For young children, the outdoors is full of opportunities to notice, move, ask questions and discover alongside others. At Landsdale Early Learning and Enrichment, our outdoor environment is part of our play-based approach to early learning — a place where curiosity can lead the way.

We are also exploring more nature-based learning for 2027, including a proposed Bush Kindy program. While the details are still being worked through, the idea begins with something simple: giving children opportunities to connect with the natural world through play.

What is Bush Kindy?

Bush Kindy is a nature-based early learning approach that gives children opportunities to explore, play and learn in natural environments. Experiences can vary between services and may include observing plants and insects, investigating natural materials, moving through outdoor spaces and sharing discoveries with others.

Some programs take children beyond their early learning service. The location, activities and arrangements for Landsdale ELE’s proposed program have not yet been confirmed.

According to Starting Blocks, an Australian early childhood education and care resource, outdoor play can provide opportunities for curiosity, creativity, problem-solving and physical activity. Nature-based learning is not about having all the answers — it is about making space for children to explore their questions.

What can children learn through outdoor play?

Outdoor play can support many areas of learning at once. A simple discovery might inspire a conversation, a new movement or a shared problem to solve.

Looking closely and asking questions

Children often notice details adults walk past: the veins on a leaf, the texture of bark or the way a tiny insect moves. Taking time to observe can encourage curiosity, language and new questions.

An educator might join the discovery with an open-ended question such as, “What do you notice?” or “Where do you think it might be going?” There is room to wonder together, without needing an immediate answer.

Moving with confidence

Outdoor spaces can invite children to practise movements such as balancing, reaching, stepping and climbing. As they explore, children can develop body awareness and try challenges at a pace that feels right for them.

Supported outdoor play also gives children opportunities to notice their surroundings and begin learning about safety. Educators’ supervision and age-appropriate planning help balance exploration with care.

Finding patterns and solving problems

Natural materials offer plenty of possibilities for hands-on learning. Children might compare the sizes of leaves, arrange fallen pieces by shape or work out how to balance objects together.

These playful moments can introduce early mathematical thinking and problem-solving without turning discovery into a formal lesson. The process of trying, changing an idea and trying again is valuable in itself.

Learning and connecting together

A small discovery can become a shared adventure. One child spots something interesting, another comes closer, and soon there is a conversation about what they can see.

Playing outdoors with others can create opportunities to practise listening, sharing ideas, negotiating and working together. Educators can support these interactions while giving children time to explore in their own way.

What might nature-based learning look like?

Nature-based experiences can be simple, flexible and guided by children’s interests.

Depending on the setting and what is appropriate, they might include:

• Looking closely at leaves, insects or different textures.

• Exploring movement and balance in an outdoor space.

• Comparing or arranging suitable natural materials.

• Listening to outdoor sounds and describing what children notice.

• Asking questions and sharing discoveries with an educator or friend.

• Using natural objects as inspiration for imaginative play.

  
  

These are examples of nature-based play, not a confirmed activity list for Landsdale ELE’s proposed Bush Kindy program. Experiences and participation will depend on the setting, children’s needs and the final program arrangements.

How do educators support outdoor learning?

Educators help children feel supported as they explore. That can mean noticing an interest, listening to a question, encouraging a child to try a new idea or joining a conversation between friends.

Outdoor learning is also about thoughtful supervision and making experiences suitable for children’s ages, abilities and the environment. Families can ask the Landsdale ELE team how outdoor play is supported and how safety is considered.

Is Landsdale ELE offering Bush Kindy in 2027?

Landsdale Early Learning and Enrichment is exploring more nature-based learning for 2027, including a proposed Bush Kindy program. Details such as the location, participating age groups, activities and schedule are still to be confirmed.

We look forward to sharing more with families as plans develop. In the meantime, our outdoor environment continues to be part of the play-based learning experience at Landsdale ELE.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between outdoor play and Bush Kindy?

Outdoor play is a broad term for play that happens outside, including in an early learning centre’s outdoor spaces. Bush Kindy usually describes a nature-focused approach to learning and play. Programs differ, and some take place beyond the service. Landsdale ELE’s proposed program details are not yet confirmed.

What are the benefits of nature play for young children?

Nature play can provide opportunities to build curiosity, observation, creativity, movement and social skills. Children learn in different ways and at different paces, so experiences will look different for each child. Starting Blocks explains more about outdoor play and learning.

Does my child need to be confident outdoors to take part?

Children have different interests and comfort levels, and it is natural for some to prefer watching before joining in. Families can talk with the Landsdale ELE team about their child’s needs and ask how participation will be supported once the proposed program is confirmed.

Where will Landsdale ELE’s Bush Kindy program take place?

The location has not yet been confirmed. We will share further information as plans for 2027 develop.

How can families learn more about outdoor learning at Landsdale ELE?

Contact our team or book a tour to see the centre and ask about our play-based approach and outdoor environment.

Come and explore with us

The best discoveries often begin with a little curiosity. If you are looking for childcare in Landsdale and want to learn more about our approach, we would love to meet you.

Book a tour of Landsdale Early Learning and Enrichment, and follow along as we share more about our nature-based learning plans for 2027!