At Redhead Community Preschool, beach kindy sessions are thoughtfully planned to maximise children's engagement with our coastal environment. Each visit is guided by intentional teaching practices, where our educators observe children's interests and extend their learning through hands-on exploration and inquiry.
The beach itself becomes an outdoor classroom, where children can follow their curiosity, ask questions, and make discoveries in real time. This immersive approach not only strengthens children's connection to place, but also fosters independence and critical thinking skills, as they learn to navigate and respect the natural world around them.
Redhead Community Preschool is a small, family-oriented coastal community on the outskirts of Lake Macquarie. Our not-for-profit service is rated as Exceeding the National Standard and has been a cornerstone of the community for nearly 60 years. Attending the preschool has become something of a rite of passage for local children.
Beach kindy offers children the chance to learn and play by the sea, fortnightly on a Friday. This approach takes advantage of our preschool's close proximity to Redhead Beach, giving children the opportunity to explore, discover, and connect with the natural world just a stone's throw from our classroom.
For parents, educators, and the wider community, beach kindy represents a commitment to early childhood education that is hands-on, nature-based, and deeply rooted in our local environment and community context.
Origins of beach kindy: Reflection and community context
The idea for beach kindy was born when we paused to reflect on the unique setting of our service. With the beach so close by, we began to consider how we could make better use of this incredible natural resource.
We saw an opportunity not just for outdoor play, but for meaningful learning experiences tied to the land, the water, and the rhythms of nature. This reflection sparked a conversation about how to enrich the curriculum and offer something truly special to the children.
Consultation with children, families and management
Before launching the beach kindy program in early 2025, we undertook a consultation process with children and families.
Educators spoke with children to hear their thoughts and ideas about visiting the beach, which was recorded in our floor book.
Families were invited to share their hopes and concerns via a survey, ensuring everyone felt included in the planning.
With these perspectives on board, we worked together to shape a program that endeavoured to reflect the community’s values and priorities. This collaborative approach helped build trust and enthusiasm, laying a strong foundation for this new program.
Keeping children safe: Clear protocols and robust educator ratios
Safety is at the heart of beach kindy. Our team conducted a detailed risk assessment, identifying potential hazards and putting robust measures in place. From sun safety to water awareness, every aspect was carefully considered, and a beach kindy policy was developed along with a beach kindy handbook to give to new employees as part of the induction process.
Our insurance provider was also consulted to ensure effective governance.
Our preschool maintains staff-to-child ratios that are well above the required regulations daily and especially on beach kindy days. This ensures that children are closely supervised and supported while they explore, giving families peace of mind and allowing our educators to focus on each child’s needs.
Benefits for children: Learning outcomes and developmental advantages
Children benefit in countless ways from participating in beach kindy. The open environment encourages children to be active, curious, and resilient. They develop gross motor skills as they climb dunes, balance on rocks, and run along the sand.
Sensory experiences occur organically, from the feel of wet sand between their toes to the sound of waves crashing nearby. Social skills are scaffolded as children work together to engineer sand creations, as they research together and make discoveries.
Educators weave in learning about marine life, weather, and caring for the environment, sparking an early love for STEM and sustainability.
Being outdoors also supports children’s mental health and wellbeing, nurturing a sense of calm and belonging.
A part of our research undertaking, we were inspired by the work of Ann Pelo, who is known for her theory on the development of an ecological identity on children through nature-based pedagogy. Ann identifies identity and belonging, the pedagogy of listening, relationships, inquiry and wonder, ethics and responsibility and documentation and reflection as the key indicators of a high-quality nature-based program.
Connecting to Culture: Learning on Awabakal Land
Redhead Community Preschool is proudly situated on Awabakal land, and this connection to Country is at the heart of our beach kindy program. Our children and educators strive to continually learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and the rich traditions of the Awabakal people, deepening our respect for the land and its stories.
Where possible, it is important to consult with local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people to build Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing and being into the curriculum.
Birabahn the eagle, who is the totem of Awabakal people, is believed to watch over us from his silhouette on the edge of the cliff face, offering protection and guidance during our time at the beach.
Before leaving beach kindy, we gather in a circle to reflect, give thanks, and express our gratitude for being able to play and learn in such a beautiful environment. This practice helps foster a sense of respect, responsibility, and appreciation for the natural world and the history of the land we are privileged to enjoy.
How the beach environment supports learning
The beach is a living classroom, full of opportunities for discovery. Children learn to observe changes in the tide, identify different shells and sea creatures, and understand the impact humans have on coastal environments. Educators use natural materials found on the beach for creative projects and problem-solving activities (it is important to return materials as they are a part of the ecology and could be a creature’s home).
Through these hands-on experiences, children build confidence, independence, and respect for the natural world. The lessons they learn at the beach extend far beyond the sand and surf, shaping their understanding of community, stewardship, and lifelong learning.
Ongoing commitment to quality and connection
Beach kindy at Redhead Community Preschool is more than a program. Its elements are woven throughout our philosophy, which values connection to place, community input, and the holistic development of every child.
By embracing our local environment and working together, we create rich learning experiences that inspire children to explore, care for, and appreciate the world around them.
Further information
Redhead Community Preschool website
Redhead Community Preschool Instagram
Find out more about the Awabakal language and Culture via the Awabakal Language Program website.