Bush kindy builds strength, confidence and connection at Clearview Early Learning

At Clearview Early Learning and Kindergarten in Nerang, Queensland, nature is more than a backdrop, it’s a teacher. Through an evolving Bush Kindy philosophy, the service is embedding physical development, emotional growth and a sense of calm into the daily rhythm of early learning.

With the support of Queensland’s Kindy Uplift initiative, the Clearview team has strengthened its commitment to outdoor learning by focusing on Social and Emotional Learning and Physicality, two core areas aligned with the benefits of Bush Kindy.

Located in the northern Gold Coast hinterland, Clearview’s bush kindy program is grounded in the belief that real learning happens under open skies, with nature offering space for children to build confidence, resilience and connection.

Through Kindy Uplift, Clearview educators engaged in targeted professional development led by Bush Kindy Australia’s Bec Burch. Her mentoring encouraged educators to reframe their role, stepping back, observing more intentionally, and trusting children to lead the learning.

“Bec reminded us that meaningful learning doesn’t need walls, worksheets or pre-set outcomes,” Centre Manager Darrien Horn explained. “She helped us reconnect with the value of risk-taking, open-ended play, and the calm that nature can bring to children and educators alike.”

The impact has been significant. Educators report seeing deeper engagement, improved self-regulation and stronger peer relationships among children participating in Bush Kindy sessions.

Jess, an early childhood teacher, observed: “Parents are surprised to see their child doing a safety check before climbing. It shows such awareness and confidence.”

Wallabies room educator Sharmaine added: “We’re seeing children become more focused and resilient. The more time we spend at Bush Kindy, the calmer they are.”

Clearview’s approach to Bush Kindy actively includes families. In September, the service hosted a Family and Community Bush Kindy Walk, where parents and carers followed the trails their children explore each week.

“It’s great for them to spend time in nature and explore their surroundings,” one parent said. “They investigate with their friends in ways I can’t provide at home.”

Another parent, Tracy, shared how her child’s respect for nature had shifted: “Before, he’d squish bugs. Now he observes them and wonders where they’re going and why.”

Today, Bush Kindy is no longer a standalone program at Clearview,  it’s a whole-service philosophy. From Nursery children on community walks to Kindy groups adventuring off-site each week, every age group experiences nature as a meaningful part of their curriculum.

The journey has included challenges, particularly supporting new educators to embrace the philosophy, but the service has learned that overplanning can limit the spontaneity of nature play. “The most powerful learning often happens when we follow the children’s lead and the rhythm of the land,” Ms Horn said.

With support from Kindy Uplift, Clearview Early Learning and Kindergarten continues to grow a practice that honours children’s voices, strengthens educator capacity, and deepens connections between people and place.

“Bush Kindy is no longer something we do,” Ms Horn said. “It’s something we are.”