Bush Kinder sessions are held each Wednesday in terms two and three, beginning at 8:30 am at Cheltenham Park. Please note that Bush Kinder is currently offered exclusively to children in the Red Group.

Each session begins with a group discussion about the day ahead. Children are encouraged to share what they are looking forward to, while educators reinforce important safety expectations, including road safety awareness and staying within the designated Bush Kinder boundaries.

Once all children and parent helpers have arrived, children will be fitted with an OAK high-visibility vest displaying the kindergarten logo and contact number. At approximately 8:45 am, the group will walk together along the track to our Bush Kinder site near the 1st/3rd Cheltenham Scout Hall. Families arriving late are asked to meet the group at the Scout Hall location.

Throughout the session, children are given the opportunity to play, explore, discover, investigate, connect with nature, and engage in open-ended learning experiences in the outdoors. On arrival, educators will remind children of the designated boundaries before free exploration begins.

Midway through the session, the group will gather together to wash hands, share a snack, and enjoy time for conversation and reflection.

Following snack time, children will have another opportunity to re-engage in play before the group walks back to kinder via our designated route.

The Value of Bush Kinder

Bush Kinder is an important part of the philosophy and learning approach at Olympic Avenue Kindergarten. It provides children with opportunities to explore, discover, take safe risks, and connect with nature through rich, open-ended play experiences.

Learning outdoors encourages curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, and active exploration. Regular experiences in natural environments help children build confidence, independence, resilience, social skills, empathy, and self-awareness.

Bush Kinder also gives children the chance to experience the natural world firsthand — noticing seasonal changes, observing wildlife, exploring textures and landscapes, and engaging with literacy and numeracy in meaningful everyday ways.

By returning to familiar outdoor spaces each week, children develop a strong sense of connection to both nature and the broader community around them.

Download Parent Handbook Here. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Bush Kinder

What are the aims of Bush Kinder?

Bush Kinder aims to support children to develop:

• A strong connection with and appreciation for nature
• Self-awareness and self-regulation
• Confidence, independence, and resilience
• Empathy and positive social skills
• Communication and language skills
• Intrinsic motivation and curiosity

We also aim to support the holistic development of every child by providing opportunities for exploration, discovery, and supported risk-taking within a safe outdoor environment.

What skills will children develop through Bush Kinder?

Bush Kinder supports children’s development across many areas, including:

• Physical development through activities such as climbing, balancing, and running freely
• Social skills through positive relationships with peers and educators
• Language and communication skills through conversation, storytelling, and shared experiences
• Imaginative and creative play
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Confidence, resilience, and self-esteem
• A deeper understanding of the natural environment

How do I know my child will be safe?

Children are only permitted to play within clearly defined boundaries. At each session, educators and parent helpers are positioned throughout the area to actively supervise and support the children.

If a child moves outside the designated boundary, a whistle will be used to signal all children to stop and freeze while the child is safely guided back into the area.

All parent helpers are required to hold a valid Working With Children Check.

How will children know the boundaries?

At the beginning of every session, educators clearly explain and walk through the designated play boundaries with the children. Children are regularly reminded that staying within these boundaries helps keep everyone safe. Visual markers, such as witches hats, may also be used where needed.

What happens if it rains or there are extreme weather conditions?

Bush Kinder operates in most weather conditions. Sessions will only be cancelled in cases of extreme heat, strong wind warnings, or electrical storms.

How will families be notified if a session is cancelled?

Any decision regarding weather-related cancellations will be made by 6:30pm the evening before the session. Families will be notified via Educa. If Bush Kinder is cancelled, children will attend kindergarten at Olympic Avenue as usual.

What should I pack for snack time?

Please pack your child’s usual snack or lunch box, along with a water bottle.

How many staff attend Bush Kinder sessions?

Each Bush Kinder session is supported by one teacher and two co-educators.

How is toileting managed?

Public toilets are available near the Cheltenham Park car park, and families are encouraged to have their child use these before the session begins at 8:30am.

During the session, the group also has access to the nearby Scout Hall bathrooms. Children are taken to the toilets in small groups and are supervised by educators at all times.

Can I contact staff during a Bush Kinder session?

Yes. The Olympic Avenue Kindergarten Pennydale mobile phone is taken to every Bush Kinder session and can be used to contact staff if needed.

Can I volunteer as a parent helper?

Absolutely — parent helpers are warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated. All volunteers must hold a valid Working With Children Check.

What does a parent helper do?

Parent helpers support educators throughout the session by:

• Assisting with children’s safety and supervision
• Encouraging safe play and helping children stay within boundaries
• Supporting setup and pack-up activities
• Helping supervise children during the walk to and from Bush Kinder

What to Bring for Bush Kinder

Please ensure your child brings:

• Lunch box
• Water bottle filled with water
• Hat (required from September to April)
• Waterproof jacket or coat
• A full change of clothes, including socks

Children should be dressed appropriately for the weather conditions — sun safe during warmer months and warm, layered, and comfortable during colder weather.

Closed-toe, sturdy shoes must be worn all year round. Sneakers are recommended. Please avoid sandals, Crocs, thongs, or any open-toed footwear.

After returning to kindergarten, children will continue to participate in the indoor and outdoor learning program until collection time at 4:00pm.

Bush Kinder Policies

To support the safe and successful operation of the Bush Kinder program, a range of policies and procedures are in place, including:

• Identification and visibility
• Snake and spider awareness
• Emergency and evacuation procedures
• Extreme weather conditions
• Protective clothing requirements
• Dog awareness
• Delivery and collection of children

If you have any questions about the Bush Kinder program, please speak with one of our educators or contact us at officeolympicave@gmail.com.