ACECQA Publishes New Guidance Information On QA1 Nature Programs

There are many different natural settings where in-nature programmes might be held, including your neighbourhood park or reserve, the beach, a lake, or the woods. ACECQA has published new guidance information to guide services for the approved regulatory changes that started on 1 October 2023.

There are several advantages for children to spend time in natural settings, according to research. The following are benefits that Dr Sue Elliot has noted for children who take part in a bush kinder programme.

• Physical activity: In all weather conditions and during in-nature programmes, children engage in increased physical activity outside. Given that more and more kids and families have restricted access to natural settings at home, this is a significant result for the kids. •
• Nature dispositions: according to numerous parents, their child showed a stronger interest in and favourable views towards natural elements.
• Social skills: Teachers and educators noticed an increase in cooperative play and children who interacted with others in a considerate, respectful, and encouraging manner. 
• Respect and equity: Compared to the service premises, educators and teachers saw less gender-stereotypical play at bush kinder. Siblings who attended the school were able to seamlessly integrate into the play settings, and all children were encouraged to play.
• Curiosity: Bush Kindergarten supports the learning framework's authorised outcome, which states that students should "develop dispositions for learning such as creativity, imagination, persistence, commitment, and reflectivity." 
• Reflection skills: Kids adjusted how they engaged with their surroundings and sat for extended amounts of time, thinking and engaging in intellectual conversations with teachers, educators, and peers. 
• Creativity: According to parents, kids started gathering rocks, twigs, and other natural items for imaginative play at home rather than relying as much on commercial toys (Chancellor and Elliot, 2014).

For guidance on: 

• The Theory of Nature Play 
• Leading Practice With Your Service Philosophy 
• The Value Of Community
• The Benefits Of Risky Play During An In Nature Program 
• Practical Things To Consider When Developing An In-Nature Program 
• Child Safe Principles 
• Questions To Guide Development Of Your In Nature Program 

Please read the following: QA1 - The How and Why Of In-Nature Programs

Further Reading

Bush Kinder -  The following article provides information about the Benefits of Bush Kinders, Supervision, Planning and more.

Benefits Of Outdoor Area -  The following article provides suggested learning objectives that support a child's overall development.

How Does Nature Affect A Child's Development - The following shows how nature benefits a child's overall development.

Learning With Nature - Here are a few ways educators can facilitate learning with Nature.