Preschool
Kinma’s Bush Preschool offers play-based learning in a child-centred, nature-rich setting. Open 9am–3pm during term, with option for extended hours Tuesday – Thursday.
A World of Wonder at Preschool
Kinma’s Bush Preschool offers a warm, nurturing, and engaging environment where play, imagination, and exploration are at the heart of learning. Our play-based, child-centred approach supports each child’s natural curiosity and encourages them to choose from a wide variety of activities throughout the day.
Our program is thoughtfully designed around the children’s curiosity and development, based on our deep knowledge and experience of child engagement and development. Educators continuously observe and reflect on each child’s growth—socially, emotionally, intellectually, and physically. The skilled educators bring insight and sensitivity to each child’s interests, and offer meaningful strategies for any daily challenges that arise, leading to children feeling empowered, heard and respected.
There are offerings each day that come from children’s requests and ideas as well as planned by educators or input from families. The children explore the stunning environment indoors and outdoors and “vote with their feet” by choosing where, what, how and with who they will play. The educators facilitate learning through questioning, guiding and joining the play.
A smooth and positive transition from home to preschool is central to our philosophy and belief that children thrive when they feel safe and interested. Our caring and experienced educators foster a happy, trusting atmosphere where children feel secure and valued. When starting at Kinma, parents are encouraged to stay and be part of the happenings, decreasing thier presence over time while the child’s confidence and connections grow. We encourage partnerships through strong connections between home and preschool, built with open communication and active parental involvement.
We are proud to have been rated Exceeding the National Quality Standard in our assessment by ACEQCA —a reflection of our commitment to high-quality early childhood education and the Early Years Learning Framework.
True knowledge comes from listening deeply to the land and the stories it holds. We are part of this ecosystem, not separate from it.
We foster a sense of wonder by encouraging, exploring, playing and investigating so that we feel engaged in our learning.
In times of transition, children need connection. We build bridges, not gaps, between where they’ve been and where they’re going.
Playing in Nature
Our Garden
Kinma Preschool garden features native, edible plants, and climbable trees that invite children to connect with nature daily. Through gardening, caring for chickens, and nature-based activities, children develop a deep respect and understanding of the bush environment, woven into their growing curiosity and learning.
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Responsible Nature Learning
We learn about ways to care for our Earth through sustainable practices and by developing an ecological identity. Our growth is supported by hands-on experiences in nature, thoughtful conversations, and daily routines that encourage respect, responsibility, and connection to the natural world. By recycling and considering our waste and usage, we explore and unpack ways to be responsible citizens.
Beyond the Gate
Nature play comes alive when we venture beyond the gate—wandering through the Gai-mariagal bush, spotting wildlife, and sparking curiosity. These adventures help children build a strong, personal connection to nature and a gentle understanding of how to care for our Earth.
Learning is also brought to life through regular excursions and visits from guests who share their knowledge and passions, adding even more richness to the preschool journey. At Kinma, every day offers something new to explore, connect with, and be inspired by.
Risky Play
We consciously encourage risky play while exploring and growing to build strength, resilience and confidence to give things a go. We role model how to analyse risky play such as tree climbing or jumping from a height, by asking questions and being curious about the children’s thought processes. This practice in turn helps children to be self aware, listen to and trust their own instincts.
As Dr. Claire Warden reminds us, risk in nature is not about danger, but about learning. When children are given space to explore, climb, balance, and navigate natural challenges, they build resilience, critical thinking, and a strong sense of self—all while deepening their connection to the Earth.
Dr. Tyson Yunkaporta
Apalech Clan of the Apalech Nation, Queensland
Dr. Tyson Yunkaporta
Apalech Clan of the Apalech Nation, Queensland
Curious Children
At Kinma Preschool, play, imagination and choice come together to form a rich, meaningful, and joyful early learning experience, where children are truly seen, heard, and celebrated.
Play is Central
At Kinma Preschool, play is at the heart of everything we do. It’s how children make sense of their world — exploring ideas, building friendships, solving problems, and enjoying being themselves. Through play, children grow in confidence, develop important life skills, and build the foundations for lifelong learning.
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As educators, we support play by:
- Giving children time and space to play deeply and meaningfully
- Providing open-ended materials for exploration and creativity
- Encouraging pretend play and social interaction
- Respecting children’s ownership of their play and learning
- Observing and reflecting to help extend ideas and development
We value play as a process — not always with a clear outcome, but rich in meaning.
Imagination Sparks Learning
At Kinma, imagination is at the heart of learning. Whether building cubbies, creating stories, or pretending to be dragons, children explore identity, emotions, relationships, and ideas—through their own creative lens.
The Power of Imagination
Imaginative play helps children:
- Build empathy and emotional understanding
- Explore language, storytelling, and early literacy
- Create and experiment with new ideas
- Make sense of real-world experiences
We nurture imagination daily—in our stories, learning spaces, and by giving children the time to wonder and invent.
Anne Haas Dyson, 2009
Choice Builds Confidence
At Kinma, children are trusted to lead their own play and learning. Choice empowers them to take ownership, stay curious, and confidently take thoughtful risks.
We support choice by:
- Creating flexible learning spaces
- Responding to children’s interests
- Allowing time to revisit, change, or extend play
- Valuing their voice in shaping the environment
Choice isn’t doing anything at any time—it’s about trusting children as capable decision-makers, with respectful guidance along the way.
Bruce, 2011; Gray, 2013
Bruce, 2011; Gray, 2013
Preschool Transition to Primary
Starting School with Confidence
We know starting school is a big milestone for children and their families. That’s why our transition to school program is designed with care, flexibility, and input from our Preschool and Primary teams, as well as parents and children.
Whether your child is continuing at Kinma or moving on elsewhere, we support their individual journey every step of the way.
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Readiness Begins in Preschool
At Kinma, school readiness is woven into everyday life. Through rich play, real-world experiences, and nurturing relationships, children grow the skills they need to thrive socially, emotionally, and intellectually.
We focus on:
- Confidence, independence, and problem-solving
- Asking for help and expressing needs
- Self-help skills like caring for belongings and others
- A love of learning through play and curiosity
- Respectful relationships with peers, educators, and nature
When children feel safe, respected, and excited to learn, everything else follows naturally.
A Gentle, Supported Transition to Primary
At Kinma, the move from Preschool to Primary isn’t sudden, it’s a gradual, thoughtful journey guided by trusted educators and shared with families. Each child’s pace, personality, and sense of belonging are honoured every step of the way. Preschoolers already feel connected to Primary through regular visits and shared experiences, making the transition smooth and exciting.pibus leo.
Growing Confidence Over Time
In Term 4, children begin a tailored transition program — visiting the Primary group a few times a week, slowly increasing their time. With a trusted Preschool teacher alongside them, they explore the classroom, join in playful activities, and start building relationships with staff and peers.
Buddy System
Every Preschooler is paired with a caring older Primary buddy who helps them explore, settle in, and feel part of the community. These connections are real, supportive, and make becoming a ‘big kid’ something to look forward to.
Families as Partners
We know transitions impact the whole family. That’s why we invite parents to be fully involved — from information sessions and classroom visits to staying with your child during the early days if needed.
A gentle four-day week until your child turns 6 supports rest and adjustment, making the move to Primary feel calm, connected, and joyful.
At Kinma, transitions are guided by our core values: strong relationships, deep respect, and care for each individual child. It’s not a leap — it’s a warm, supported next step that leads to many more throughout their Kinma journey.
Kinma Programs
Kinma Play Group offers nature-based play for young children every Monday, 9:30–11:00am. No booking needed. $5 casual sessions during school terms.
Kinma fosters critical thinking and self-awareness through rich dialogue, feedback, and supportive, multi-age classes—nurturing confident lifelong learners.
Kinma’s After School Hours Program offers a calm, small-group setting for play and relaxation on our bushland campus. Open Tuesday–Thursday, 3–6pm during term.
Kinma Primary offers diverse in-school and after-school activities like swimming, surfing, taekwondo, music, Spanish, and drama to enrich student learning.
