Bushy Kindy at Stepping Stones Gungahlin
Outdoor nature play for preschoolers right on the edge of Yerrabi Ponds.
What Is Bush Kindy?
Children thrive when given space to explore, move, and connect with the natural world. Inspired by Scandinavian Forest Schools, Bush Kindy expands traditional early learning into natural environments, blending structured education with outdoor discovery.
At Stepping Stones @ Yerrabi Ponds, our Bush Kindy program is integrated thoughtfully into our core preschool curriculum. Weekly sessions take children beyond the classroom into the surrounding Yerrabi Ponds parklands, where they build practical life skills, physical confidence, and a gentle, lasting respect for the environment
Bushy Kindy gives children space to explore, solve problems, and connect deeply with their environment. Guided by certified Early Childhood Educators, our sessions build core developmental skills through hands-on experiences.
Early Learning & Developmental Benefits
Honouring Connection to Country
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as the Traditional Custodians of the land where we live, play, and learn. On Ngunnawal Country, nature has been a place of teaching, storytelling, and community for tens of thousands of years.
Through Bush Kindy, we weave authentic cultural respect into our daily routines:
"Every time we step onto the land at Yerrabi Ponds, we start with a thoughtful Acknowledgment of Country, helping children understand that we are guests on this land and share a responsibility to care for its waters, plants, and wildlife."
Exploring Yerrabi Ponds Nature Reserve
Our centre sits right on the doorstep of one of Gungahlin’s best natural assets. We turn the Yerrabi Ponds District Park and surrounding wetlands into our outdoor classroom.
Instead of synthetic play spaces, children interact directly with native reeds, eucalyptus trees, black swans, and blue-tongue lizards. This direct local connection helps children understand their immediate community and local ecosystem.
A Typical Bush Kindy Morning
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Pre-Walk Briefing & Visibility Check
Children gear up for the weather, slip on high-visibility safety vests, and sit down together with educators to review trail rules, buddy partnerships, and road safety basics.
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The Scenic Walk
A calm, carefully supervised short walk from our Gozzard Street centre directly to our chosen Yerrabi Ponds parkland site.
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Basecamp Gathering
An opening circle to acknowledge First Nations land, set clear physical boundaries for the day, and spark curiosity around seasonal changes in the parkland.
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Open-Ended Nature Discovery
Children take the lead, building stick shelters, exploring mud textures, creating natural artwork, or observing local wetland wildlife under active educator watch.
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Reflection & Pack-Up
Group clean-up to ensure we leave the reserve exactly as we found it, followed by hand sanitising and a quiet conversation about the morning's finds before heading back for lunch.
Safety, Ratios, and Weather Policies
We know that sending children into natural bushland requires total trust. We maintain strict health and safety protocols to ensure every trip is safe and well managed.
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Off-site excursions operate with higher staff ratios than standard indoor classroom settings to keep every child secure.
Every outing is run by qualified Early Childhood Educators trained in First Aid, CPR, Anaphylaxis, and Asthma care, with all children wearing high-visibility vests.
Lead educators carry complete medical kits, mobile phones, and updated risk assessments tailored to the day's weather and terrain.
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We operate in most weather conditions, helping children build resilience by exposing them to changing seasons.
Rainy days mean puddle jumping, stream testing, and mud play.
Sessions move indoors or are adapted if conditions pose genuine risks, such as severe thunderstorms, winds over 40 km/h, intense heat, or smoke haze.
What to Pack for Bush Kindy
To ensure your child stays comfortable and warm, we ask parents to provide the following items on scheduled Bush Kindy days:
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Sturdy closed-toe walking shoes or waterproof gumboots keep feet dry and protected on trails.
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All-weather waterproof jackets and pants allow children to play freely in rain and mud.
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Wide-brimmed sun hats and applied sunscreen stay essential for sunny ACT days.
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Two complete sets of spare clothes packed in a wet bag ensure a clean change after messy outdoor play.
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Clear, labelled, reusable water bottles keep children hydrated during their morning walks.
Have questions about enrolment requirements?
Contact our team today or start your enrolment journey on our Enrolments Page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Every session begins with an educator site sweep. We maintain strict physical boundaries well away from the water's edge and operate with higher educator-to-child ratios. Children learn to observe local birdlife and native animals from a safe distance under constant, direct supervision.
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Basecamp sites are chosen specifically for their quick access to public amenities. Educators always escort children in pairs or small groups, carrying full sanitation kits with fresh water, soap, sanitising wipes, and first-aid supplies.
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We adjust to the seasons. Winter sessions focus on active movement and layered waterproof gear. Hot summer sessions run early under shaded eucalyptus trees with frequent water breaks. If high winds, storms, or severe heat occur, play stays safely indoors.
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Managed risky play allows preschoolers to test their physical balance on logs, climb low branches, and handle sticks safely. Educators observe closely and guide children to assess their own footing and space, building real confidence without compromising safety.
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Not at all. Standard everyday items are all you need: sturdy closed-toe shoes or gumboots, a raincoat, a sun hat, a water bottle, and spare clothes. High-visibility safety vests for off-site walks are provided by the centre.
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Yes. Being outdoors naturally reduces the noise and sensory pressure of indoor rooms. Nature play is entirely child-led, so quiet children can enjoy peaceful birdwatching or leaf collecting without any pressure to join in loud or messy play.
Experience Bush Kindy at Stepping Stones
Give your child the opportunity to build real resilience, self-confidence, and a lifelong love for nature right here in Gungahlin.