Bush Kinder

Join us for our Bush Kinder sessions.

Give your child the freedom to learn, grow and thrive in nature through extended outdoor Bush Kinder sessions designed for children aged 2-6 years.

Led by a qualified educator and supported by outdoor facilitators with an understanding of Forest School pedagogy, trauma-informed practice, and inclusive education, Born Wild offers a powerful alternative and complement to traditional kindergarten.

Here, children don’t sit and listen, they explore, discover, create, and connect through real experiences in the natural world.

A different kind of kindergarten

At Born Wild, children learn through:

• long blocks of uninterrupted outdoor play

• child-led exploration and inquiry

• social interaction in mixed-age groups

• connection to land, seasons, and place

• supported risk-taking and resilience-building

Literacy, numeracy, science, and social learning are woven naturally into play, guided by your child’s curiosity, not a timetable.

Drop-off or Parents-stay

We offer flexibility for every family:

• Drop-off Bush Kinder (3+) for children ready for independent participation

• Parent stay option for younger children or families wanting to share the experience

• Children aged 2–3 attend with a caregiver

• Siblings under 3 attend free with a supervising adult

Some families choose to stay and gradually transition over the first few weeks. If you remain longer, you’re invited to join the community by helping care for our shared space—supporting fire tending, water refills, mud kitchen, art areas, and nature play setups.

This helps children see community in action and builds a shared sense of responsibility.

Mixed-age learning community

Born Wild runs Bush Kinder alongside Bush Playgroup (0-6) and Forest School (7-12), creating a vibrant mixed-age environment where:

• younger children learn through observation

• older children develop leadership and empathy

• siblings can stay connected across programs

Each program has its own dedicated facilitator to ensure safety, consistency, and high-quality engagement.

Term-based enrolment

We recommend term enrolment for the best experience and strongest developmental outcomes.

• No refunds are provided

• Make-up sessions are available within the term (subject to availability)

• Pre-planned absences (e.g. holidays) will be considered for a reduced term fee if discussed prior to enrolment

Casual “Stay & Play” sessions are available in limited numbers as an alternative to a full term.

We also offer:

• sibling discounts

• multiple-day discounts

• flexible payment plans on request

Why families choose Born Wild

Families join us because they want more than childcare. They want:

• confidence and resilience in their children

• connection to nature and community

• calm, unhurried childhood experiences

• educators who truly understand child development

• a space where children are trusted and capable

Born Wild is a place where childhood is protected, extended, and deeply valued.

Inclusion and readiness

Our drop-off program is designed for children who are developmentally ready for independence, including toileting, eating, hydration, clothing, and following facilitator guidance and requests.

We work closely with families to support inclusion and individual needs wherever possible. If your child is unable to meet these requirements, we may ask for you to stay with your child and support them.

Community and purpose

Born Wild Community is a registered not-for-profit social enterprise. All income is reinvested directly into programs, resources, and access for families.

Programs require minimum enrolments to operate. If a program cannot proceed, families will be offered alternative days or a full refund of registration fees.

If you are NOT SURE if Born Wild Community is right for your young person, please contact us and we can provide additional information and options info@bornwildcommunity.org.au Please note the program does not have administration each day.