`Out and About in the Community’ Program

We are excited to introduce our new Out and About in the Community program, launching in 2026 as the next evolution of our Bush Kinder offering. This initiative honours our acknowledgement of country and deepens children’s connection to the land, its traditional custodians, and the living culture that surrounds us.

Inspired by the philosophies and practices of our previous Bush Kinder and immersive play-based programs, Out and About in the Community takes learning beyond the classroom and into the heart of our local environment. Children will engage meaningfully with nature and community—exploring local places, building relationships, and developing a strong sense of belonging and stewardship.

The program is closely aligned with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and exemplifies exceeding practice in early childhood teaching and learning. It offers rich, authentic experiences that nurture curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.

We will be piloting Out and About in the Community in 2026 and embedding the program in the following years. It will be implemented across all groups throughout the year but look different for each group, depending on the ages, abilities and needs of each set of children.

Objectives

  • Community Engagement: Strengthen ties between the kindergarten and the broader Hobsons Bay community.
  • Experiential Learning: Provide hands-on learning opportunities that complement our play-based curriculum.
  • Social Development: Encourage children to interact with diverse people and environments, building confidence and communication skills.
  • Civic Awareness: Introduce children to local services, spaces, and roles within the community.

Program Structure

  • Frequency: Weekly, fortnightly or monthly excursions, depending on the location and purpose of each outing.
  • Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours per outing.
  • Possible Locations: Local parks such as Edwards Reserve or Newport Lakes, primary schools, libraries, community gardens, post office, local community businesses, and other safe, accessible venues.
  • Transport: Primarily walking excursions; Parents may be asked to drop children off at certain locations, bus transport may be considered for further destinations and for the safety of children if needed.
  • Supervision: Staff-to-child ratios will be maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements, with additional support from parent volunteers.

 

What will the children be learning:

  • Inclusivity: Families and carers are invited to actively participate, fostering a shared sense of belonging and community connection.
  • Local Awareness: Children will deepen their understanding of their place within the local community, exploring the roles and contributions of people around them.
  • Environmental Learning: Through regular engagement with natural spaces, children will observe seasonal changes, explore local flora and fauna, and develop a sense of wonder and respect for the environment.
  • Sustainability Education: Visits to community gardens, recycling centres, and nature reserves will support children in learning how communities care for the environment. Activities such as composting, water conservation, and waste sorting will lay the foundation for lifelong sustainable habits.
  • Indigenous Cultural Learning: Children will be introduced to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives through storytelling, art, and visits to culturally significant sites. This fosters respect, understanding, and appreciation for Indigenous knowledge systems, connection to Country, and sustainable practices rooted in thousands of years of custodianship.
  • Road safety education: Children will engage in road safety learning, building awareness and confidence in navigating their surroundings safely.
  • Promotes Physical activity: Regular walking excursions encourage movement, exploration, and physical wellbeing.

Conclusion

The Out and About in the Community program offers a meaningful extension of our kindergarten’s learning experience beyond the classroom walls. It beautifully reflects our core values—embracing the outdoors, fostering community connections, promoting inclusion, and supporting holistic development.

Importantly, this program deepens our commitment to learning about Country and the rich cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. By embedding Indigenous perspectives and encouraging respectful engagement with the land, we support children in developing a sense of connection, care, and responsibility for Country. This journey aligns with our broader reconciliation efforts, helping to nurture understanding, respect, and authentic relationships with First Nations communities.