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Bush Kindy FAQs | Nature Play Programs & Professional Development

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for information about Bush Kindy sessions, educator training, or how to get involved?
This FAQ covers everything from what to bring and how to book, to outdoor learning safety, accessibility, insurance, volunteering, and cultural responsiveness. Whether you're a parent, educator, student, council partner, or community member, you'll find practical answers and next steps right here.

About Bush Kindy & Nature Play

What is Bush Kindy?

Bush Kindy is a play-based learning approach that takes place in outdoor environments. Children explore nature’s loose parts, build connections with others, and learn alongside educators. It’s also known as Bush Kindergarten, Bush Kinder, Nature Play, Forest School, Nature Immersion, or Beach Kindy.

What is nature play, and why is it important?

Nature play is open-ended, unstructured play in outdoor environments, using natural materials and surroundings. It supports children’s physical health, emotional regulation, creativity, and cognitive development, while fostering a deep connection to the land and environment. Nature play encourages curiosity, resilience, and lifelong learning through hands-on experiences.

What does “place-based” and “child-led” learning mean?

Place-based learning means our sessions are shaped by the local environment — we adapt to each site’s unique features, culture, and community. Child-led learning means children guide their experiences through their interests, questions, and natural curiosity. Educators observe and support rather than direct, allowing meaningful learning to unfold naturally.

Do your programs align with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)?

Yes. All programs reflect the principles and practices of the EYLF, including belonging, being and becoming, sustainability, cultural responsiveness, and learning through play.

What ages are the programs for?

Unless stated otherwise, Bush Kindy Teaching programs welcome all ages — including babies, young children, and extended family members like elders, grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Is Bush Kindy suitable for children with additional needs?

Yes — Bush Kindy programs are designed to be inclusive and supportive of diverse needs and abilities. Sessions offer sensory-rich experiences, flexible participation, and gentle transitions. We encourage you to share any specific requirements before attending so we can provide the best support possible.

Do you offer programs in other languages?

Our sessions are primarily delivered in English, but we welcome culturally and linguistically diverse families. If you're a community organisation looking to collaborate or offer language-specific support, we’d love to talk further.

Children’s Nature Play Sessions & Playgroups

Do parents/carers stay during sessions?

Yes — parents and carers are expected to stay and supervise their own child/ren at all times. Active participation in play experiences is part of the session, including connecting with others, helping with setup or pack-up, and contributing to a supportive, shared learning environment.

What are the roles of parents/carers during sessions?

Parents and carers are expected to:

  • Supervise their child/ren

  • Actively engage in play

  • Assist with setup and pack-up

  • Participate in songs, stories, and shared experiences

  • Contribute recycled materials or skills (e.g. cooking, crafts, music)

What should we bring to a Bush Kindy session?

Bring enclosed shoes, spare clothes, a hat, water bottle, SunSmart clothing, and weather-appropriate gear (rain jackets, gumboots). A towel and bag for wet clothes and insect repellent are also helpful.

What happens during a typical session?

Sessions usually follow a gentle rhythm: arrival and sign-in, free nature play, optional bushwalk, group time with songs/stories, and shared pack-up. Activities are child-led, with facilitators guiding optional experien

Do you cancel in bad weather?

Sessions proceed in most weather. We only cancel due to high winds (45km/h+), electrical storms, heavy rain, or extreme heat (36°C+). Updates are posted by 6:30am via email and social media.

What are your safety practices for things like tree climbing and stick play?

Safety is central to all programs. Tree climbing requires three points of contact and independent climbing. Stick play is guided by awareness and safe distance. Risk-benefit assessments are used for all activities.

Can I bring food?

Yes, but please take your rubbish and leftovers with you. We encourage zero-waste practices.

Can I bring my pet?

Please check in advance. Some venues don’t permit animals, and some children may have allergies.

Can I take photos?

Yes, but only of your own children and for personal use. Please do not photograph others without their permission.

Why are some programs free?

Thanks to funding from councils, community partners, and grants, many Bush Kindy programs are free to ensure access for all families.

How do I cancel my ticket to a session?

If you can’t attend, follow the cancellation instructions in your Eventbrite confirmation email so we can offer your place to another family.

Are children and educators covered by insurance during sessions?

Yes — all Bush Kindy programs are fully insured. Our public liability and professional indemnity cover is in place for all registered sessions. If you'd like a copy of our insurance certificate, just contact us.

Educator Training & Professional Development

Do you offer professional development for educators?

Yes! We offer onsite workshops, live webinars, mentoring, and custom online courses. Areta is a qualified Forest School Leader, TAE-certified trainer, and has over 20 years' experience in early childhood education and 13+ years training.

Do your programs include First Nations perspectives or cultural responsiveness?

Yes. We deeply value cultural responsiveness and strive to embed inclusive practices into all programs. We work respectfully with local communities and acknowledge Traditional Custodians of the land. Our professional development also supports educators to reflect on cultural safety and embed First Nations perspectives in nature-based education.

What’s the difference between onsite and online training?

Onsite sessions are delivered at your location and are hands-on. Online sessions are flexible, interactive webinars or self-paced modules delivered virtually. Both options support real-world implementation.

Can the training be customised for our team or service?

Yes — all training can be tailored to suit your team’s goals, setting, experience, and schedule. We work with individual services and whole networks.

Do you offer training for schools and OSHC, or just early childhood?

Yes. We deliver professional development across ECEC, FDC, OSHC, schools, and community settings. Content is adapted to the age group and context.

How long are the training sessions?

We offer short twilight sessions, half-days, full-days, or multi-day intensives. Our popular 2-part “Theory to Practice” format bridges learning with action.

How many educators can attend an onsite session?

We can work with teams of up to 30 participants. Our capped (8+) group pricing makes onsite sessions accessible for services of all sizes. We also off options for larger networks.

Can we book training for multiple services or a network?

Yes. We regularly work with service clusters and educator networks. Let us know your goals and we’ll design a delivery plan that works across sites.

Does the training count toward our professional development hours?

Yes — our workshops are aligned with the EYLF, NQS, and AITSL Standards, and can be used as evidence of ongoing professional learning.

Do participants receive a certificate?

Yes, all participants receive a certificate of participation outlining the session title, date, and duration for your records.

Are sessions suitable for new educators or students?

Absolutely. Sessions are inclusive and designed for educators at all experience levels, including students and emerging leaders.

What topics can we choose from?

Topics include: loose parts play, risky play, safe fire use, tree climbing, site assessments, creative outdoor learning, nature pedagogy, and more. Custom topics also available.


Starting a Bush Kindy at Your Service

We want to start a Bush Kindy at our centre — can you help?

Yes! We can guide you through the process, from selecting a site to designing your program. We offer onsite consultation, risk-benefit planning, and practical support to get you started.

Do you offer site assessments and risk/benefit planning?

Yes. Our Site Assessment service helps evaluate your space, identify hazards, and create a plan to optimise learning and safety.

Can you help us design our outdoor space?

Yes. We can consult with your team to transform everyday spaces into engaging, nature-rich environments for play and learning.

Online Webinars & Flexible Learning

Do I need special tech to attend a webinar?

No special equipment is needed. A device with internet access is enough. We use platforms like Zoom and provide links and instructions in advance.

Are the webinars recorded?

Some sessions are recorded and made available for a limited time. Others are designed to be live and interactive. Please check the session details or contact us if unsure.

Can I book a private webinar for my team?

Yes. Custom webinar sessions can be arranged for educator teams, services, or community networks. Topics and timing are flexible.

Community Partnerships & Pop-Up Programs

Can you support nature-based initiatives in our local area?

Yes. We collaborate with councils, Indigenous organisations, and not-for-profits to co-create outdoor learning programs that align with community goals.

Can you run a pop-up Bush Kindy at our community event?

Absolutely. We deliver pop-up sessions for festivals, community days, and public activations — providing families with hands-on, engaging nature play.

Do you provide insurance and risk assessments for events?

Yes. All programs are fully insured and risk assessments are available on request.

Volunteering, Student Placements & Contributions

I want to help — what can I do?

Businesses and professionals can contribute by offering mini workshops — from bee education and bush regeneration to wildlife talks and cultural storytelling. We also gladly accept donations of quality items such as stainless steel kitchenware for our mud kitchens, nature craft materials, and loose parts for creative play.


TAFE and university students are encouraged to enquire about placement or internship opportunities.


We're currently exploring funding and insurance pathways to support a more formal volunteer program. If you’d like to be contacted when opportunities become available — or if you’re ready to contribute now — please get in touch.

Logistics, Booking & Support

What areas do you service?

We’re based in Logan, QLD, and travel to the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Ipswich, Sunshine Coast, and Toowoomba. We also deliver online training Australia-wide.

Do you provide resources after training?

Yes. Most training includes digital resources, reflection tools, and practical ideas for implementation.

How do I book or register for a program or training?

You can book by following the links provided on our website, through Eventbrite listings, or via direct email when sessions are scheduled. We’ll always share booking details in communications or announcements so you don’t miss out. We’ll help guide you to the right session or training option.

Can group sizes be adjusted based on the program or location?

Yes. We work with your site and context to set the right group size for a safe and meaningful experience.

Feedback, Documentation & Contact

How can I give feedback?

Feel free to share your thoughts anytime through the Contact form. For families in current Bush Kindy programs, we send out anonymous feedback links every three months. Your feedback helps us grow.

Can I request documents like risk assessments or insurance?

Yes. Site permits, insurance certificates, risk-benefit assessments, and safety checklists are available upon request.

Who do I contact if I have more questions?

Please contact us via the website, email, or social media. We’re happy to help you find the right program, training, or partnership opportunity.

Ready to Join the Bush Kindy Community?
      Whether you're a parent, educator, service leader or community partner, we’re here to support your journey into nature-based learning.


      Explore our programs, book a training session, or reach out to discuss how we can work together.