Growing Coastal is a nature-based environmental program offered to children 3.5 - 6 years of age which aims for children to develop a love of nature, play and learn through hands-on learning experiences in our local coastal area. It is slow-paced, child-led and allows for children to develop confidence, independence, resilience, self-esteem and a genuine appreciation for their outdoor environment embracing their responsibility for a sustainable future. 

The program is run by qualified Early Childhood Educators who also hold Forest School or Bush Kindy Qualifications with 2 educators and 10 children in each group. We even go out in the rain and provide raincoats and rain pants for protection and set up a shelter to keep dry.

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Session characteristics include:

• An option of a third enrolment day (in addition to 2 days of Preschool) or 2 enrolment days of Growing Coastal 

• All sessions operate from 9am to 2pm

• Established start and finish routine including safety and risk benefit assessments completed with the children

• Check of weather forecast with children

• Non-interruptive child led experiences

• Emphasis on observing children’s skills and learning styles

• Adult supported and encouraged questioning

• Loose parts derived from nature to build and work with

• Working in partnership with the local community

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A term at Growing Coastal...

“We have had an awesome Term at Growing Coastal exploring various beach, creek and bush sites, building shelters, sawing, hammering, climbing trees, imaginary play, nature art, learning about the local flora and fauna and collecting micro plastics. We have had visits from Uncle Franc sharing his knowledge and stories of his Indigenous culture and Coast Care who were amazed at our little environmental warrior's knowledge and care for cleaning up our beaches.  We have been working with Dune Care and Coast Care planting and weeding the dunes and learning about all the different weeds within our environment. Each week we enjoy the simple pleasures such as rolling down the hills, jumping off the dunes and enjoying a warm tea by the sea.”

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