Play and Learn Professional Development

real life, rich experiences, making learning more meaningful.

Local walks around the local community-library, parks, shops, public transport, post box/office had always been a regular part of our programme, however the purchase of a allowed us to regularly explore further afield to venures such as the Botanic Gardens, bush walks, Ambury Farm,  beach, local parks etc , 

In 2003 we undertook a study tour of ‘forest schools’ .in  Denmark., which was the catalyst to establish a centre at Clarks Beach. We were were committed  to getting call hildren out into nature on a regular basis. We have also studied Forest programmes in the U.K., Ireland, Hawaii and Germany. 

In 2009 we sent two teachers on a study tour of Forest Schools in the UK and to train as qualified forest school leaders. We wanted to ensure we were aligned with international best practices, current research and pedagogy and to ensure  our safety systems were  in place. Since then we have developed Nature Kindergarten programmes and playgroups around Auckland and Dunedin.

Our manager is undertaking  a Master of Education focusing  on language and children in outdoor settings 

 In 2015  we established a traing programme focused on nature programmes in Aoteoroa. We have training, study and over 20 years experience  of delivering early childhood education in Nature and Community and decided to share our wealth of knowlege through our  Professional Development programmes. It is critical that educators who take children into the outdoors are knowlegeable, understand the benefits and  safety is a priority.