Early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong learning, wellbeing, and development. While traditional childcare settings often focus on indoor classrooms and structured activities, nature-based childcare offers a different approach, one that places the natural environment at the center of early learning. Across Australia, this model is gaining attention for its ability to support children’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development in meaningful and lasting ways.
Centers such as Bush Kids in Bunbury demonstrate how thoughtfully designed nature-based programs can provide young children with rich learning experiences that go far beyond the classroom walls. By engaging with the outdoors as a primary learning space, children are encouraged to explore, experiment, and grow in ways that feel natural and deeply engaging.
What Is Nature-Based Childcare?
Nature-based childcare is an early learning approach that prioritizes outdoor environments as key learning spaces. Rather than viewing nature as an occasional activity, it integrates natural settings, materials, and experiences into daily routines.
Children may spend extended time outdoors exploring bushland, gardens, sand, water, and natural play areas. Learning is guided by curiosity, hands-on discovery, and child-led exploration, with educators supporting and extending learning through observation and intentional teaching.
This approach aligns closely with play-based learning philosophies while emphasizing the unique developmental benefits of regular interaction with nature.
Supporting Cognitive Development Through Exploration
Nature-based childcare encourages children to learn through direct experience. Outdoor environments are unpredictable and constantly changing, which naturally stimulates problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity.
When children build cubbies from branches, navigate uneven terrain, or observe insects and plants, they are actively engaging in scientific thinking. They ask questions, test ideas, and adapt their approach based on outcomes. These experiences support early cognitive skills such as reasoning, memory, and attention.
Unlike pre-determined activities, nature-based learning allows children to follow their interests, which increases engagement and supports deeper learning.
Language and Communication in Natural Settings
Outdoor learning environments provide countless opportunities for language development. Children naturally describe what they see, negotiate with peers, and ask questions as they explore together.
Educators play a key role by modeling rich language, introducing new vocabulary related to nature, and encouraging storytelling and reflection. Conversations that arise organically during play are often more meaningful than those prompted by structured lessons.
Over time, this supports vocabulary growth, communication skills, and confidence in expressing ideas.
Physical Development and Health Benefits
One of the most visible benefits of nature-based childcare is its impact on physical development. Outdoor environments encourage movement in ways that indoor spaces often cannot.
Running, climbing, balancing, digging, and lifting all help develop gross motor skills, coordination, and strength. Fine motor skills are also supported through activities such as collecting small objects, drawing in dirt, or manipulating natural materials.
Regular outdoor activity contributes to overall physical health, supports healthy sleep patterns, and helps children develop an awareness of their bodies and capabilities.
Emotional Wellbeing and Resilience
Nature-based childcare supports emotional development by providing children with space, autonomy, and opportunities to manage risk in a supported way. Natural environments can be calming and grounding, helping children regulate emotions and reduce stress.
When children encounter challenges outdoors, such as navigating obstacles or resolving conflicts during play, they learn perseverance and emotional resilience. Educators guide children through these experiences, helping them build confidence and problem-solving skills.
This sense of competence and independence plays an important role in developing positive self-esteem.
Social Skills and Collaboration
Outdoor play often lends itself to collaborative experiences. Building structures, creating imaginative games, or exploring together requires communication, cooperation, and shared decision-making.
Nature-based settings tend to be less restrictive than indoor classrooms, allowing children to form their own groups and roles. This flexibility supports social development by encouraging empathy, leadership, and negotiation skills.
Children learn to respect others, work as part of a group, and navigate social dynamics in a natural and supportive environment.
Creativity and Imagination
Nature offers open-ended materials that inspire creativity. Sticks become tools, rocks turn into treasures, and leaves form the basis of imaginative worlds. Unlike fixed toys, natural materials can be used in countless ways.
This open-ended play supports creative thinking and imagination, both of which are essential for early learning. Children are free to invent stories, experiment with ideas, and express themselves without predefined outcomes.
Creativity developed in early childhood supports flexible thinking and adaptability later in life.
Environmental Awareness and Responsibility
Spending time in nature from an early age helps children develop a sense of connection to the environment. Nature-based childcare fosters respect, curiosity, and care for the natural world.
Children learn about plants, animals, weather, and ecosystems through direct experience rather than abstract instruction. This builds early environmental literacy and encourages responsible attitudes toward sustainability.
Developing this connection early can influence lifelong values related to conservation and environmental stewardship.
Alignment With Early Learning Frameworks
Nature-based childcare aligns well with established early learning frameworks that emphasize holistic development, play-based learning, and child-led exploration.
Educators use the outdoor environment to support learning outcomes related to identity, wellbeing, confidence, communication, and learning skills. Observations made during outdoor play inform planning and ensure learning experiences are intentional and meaningful.
This approach demonstrates that nature-based childcare is not less structured, but differently structured, with learning embedded naturally into everyday experiences.
The Role of Educators in Nature-Based Learning
Educators are central to the success of nature-based childcare. Their role involves observing children closely, recognizing learning opportunities, and extending experiences through thoughtful questions and guidance.
Rather than directing play, educators support children’s curiosity and help them reflect on their experiences. This balance of freedom and support ensures that learning remains both child-centered and purposeful.
Well-trained educators also manage safety, assess risk, and create inclusive environments where all children can participate and thrive.
Why Nature-Based Childcare Matters in Early Learning
Nature-based childcare offers a powerful model for early learning that supports the whole child. By combining physical activity, emotional wellbeing, cognitive development, and social learning, it provides experiences that are both enriching and developmentally appropriate.
In a world where children increasingly spend time indoors and on screens, access to nature-based learning environments is more important than ever. These settings allow children to learn at their own pace, build resilience, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
By embracing nature as a teacher, nature-based childcare supports strong foundations for early learning and helps children grow into confident, capable, and curious individuals.
