Bush Kinder

No toys, no tools, no art supplies: children and adults benefit from using only what nature has provided.

Westgarth Kindergarten began, and remains central to the growing bush kinder movement in Australia. Westgarth Bush Kinder was established in response to evidence clearly indicating the benefits for children of playing and learning outdoors in nature, while children were spending increasing time indoors.

Appreciating the importance of early childhood education, Westgarth developed a curriculum in which children could lead their own play and learning in and with nature: ‘Bush Kinder’.

Bush Kinder is a special part of a Westgarth child’s total kinder experience. A model to suit our community’s and children’s specific needs. It recognises the place the bush has in Australian folklore and the significance of the land in aboriginal culture.

It is inextricably linked to the philosophy and pedagogy of Westgarth Kindergarten.

The program is held on Wurundjeri land at Darebin Parklands in partnership with Darebin Council and the Darebin Parklands Management Committee. The Darebin Parklands is adjacent to the Darebin Creek in Alphington (approx 2.5km from the Home Kindergarten).

For more information please contact director@wgkg.vic.edu.au