Our 4 year old programs are a balanced curriculum, where play and intentional teaching sit alongside each other to support children’s skills, knowledge and characteristics. Music and movement are important to us and the children, we deliver a rich creative environment which allows children to learn through a variety of mediums. Children are provided with learning experiences that enable them to develop a strong sense of agency, learning to care for ourselves, others and the environment.
Our Bush Kinder Program (Budup Weelam) runs at The Briars for 3 ½ hours a week during Term 2 – Term 4.
This is a unique opportunity for children to learn in nature – there are opportunities to track animals, bird watch and get creative using natural materials like sticks, leaves, feathers, rocks and any other treasures we discover.
The children learn about the local Bunurong Aboriginal Culture, acting out stories, dancing, singing and learning about Bush Tucker.
Bush Kinder
At South Mornington Pre School we believe in the importance of nature and outside play in a childs learning and development. Children are natural learners and South Mornington Pre-school is very excited to offer The Bush Kinder program to the local children as part of our multiage program.
In 2025, we are excited for our 3 year olds from the multi-age classes to join in the fun at bush kinder.
Bush Kinder will be held at The Briars in Mount Martha in terms 2 and to the end of term 3 on a Wednesday (view timetable here) which will provide children with the ideal learning environment.
Features of The Briars include:
- Parkland of approx 220 hectares
- A farm
- Vineyard
- Environmental education camp
- Coffee shop
- Astronomical society
- 96 hectare Wildlife Sanctuary with natural woodland and artificial wetlands
- Visitor information centre
- 1840 Homestead and its outbuildings
- Community forest
Bush Kinder Offers:
- The ability to seek knowledge and skills from the Rangers at The Briars Park
- The ability for children to learn through play to connect with and learn to respect and love their natural environment
- The ability to connect with nature in ways that cannot happen under a roof or within walls
- Children to be able to engage with an amazing array of plants, birds, wildlife, insects and animals and there is ample open space for children to explore and enjoy
- An all weather program (within safe parameters) that will offer children experiences of learning in rain, hail and shine
The kinder has sourced wet weather gear which will be loaned to children for a small deposit for the year saving costs to families.
The Bush Kinder Program is run with a staff ratio of no more than 1:8 and with the aim for 2 parent helpers per session it will significantly reduce.
Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, carers are all encouraged to participate as an adult helper at our Bush Kinder sessions, all you require is a working with childrens check.
Without the support of the kinder community this unique and amazing opportunity for your children won’t be able to continue.
To contact the Teacher in charge during your child’s Bush Kinder sessions please call 0457 058 063
For general kinder and bush kinder enquiries please call the kinder during business hours on (03) 5975 3514.