Bush school proves popular

A SEDGEWICK-based bush kinder is expanding to two new locations in the region following its success in its first six months of operation. 

Founder of WildPlay Co, Courtney Sullivan, said the business started with one nature playgroup and one bush kinder session per week and two more sessions had to be added to cater to growing demand.  

“It really took off, we had a lot of interest and because of that in term four we added some extra nature playgroups,” she said. “They were all booked out, which was great.” 

All up, Ms Sullivan said 150 kids attended WildPlay sessions last year. 

“We’ve reached capacity here in Sedgwick in terms of the number of programs we can run and the land that we’re using which is private land which has led to the need for expansion,” she said. 

The two new locations from term one will be at Number 7 Park Crusoe Reservoir out of Kangaroo Flat and Huntly Streamside Reserve in Huntly North.  

“A lot of people come from that way, so I wanted to be able to provide something for them a bit closer to home,” said Ms Sullivan. 

Also new this coming term is a three-hour program on Friday mornings at the Sedgwick location for homeschooled primary-age children. 

“To come out and experience nature immersion, so lots of flora and fauna, outdoor skills, bush cooking, and we do bushwalking and all kinds of things associated with nature,” said Ms Sullivan. 

Currently, the organisation has five staff, and the groups are at a ratio of one staff member to seven children which Ms Sullivan said is higher than centre-based environments because of the additional risks and supervision required in the outdoor environments. 

“They’ve all got a background in either early childhood education or in wildlife conservation and ecosystem management,” she said.  

“So, it’s really nice to have that balance of experience with working with younger children but then also being able to appreciate the natural world and guide and mentor kids as well.” 

Ms Sullivan said she was “amazed” by the community developed through WildPlay. 

“The parents didn’t know each other before we started, and they’ve just found each other,” she said. 

“It’s just beautiful to see the little community that we’ve created, and the kids are just thriving in this outside environment.”