Early Childhood Outdoor Learning EnvironmentsProfle example 3

68 Richmond Street

College Park SA 5069

Hackney Kindergarten provides preschool

sessions (eight per week).

Key eatures o their outdoor environment

• The digging patch is positioned near a rain-

water tank to ensure the area can be kept

moist. Mud is used as a sensory experience

allowing children to mould, in a way unlike

other materials, such as sand.

• A large sandpit located in the far corner of the

yard allows for many children to engage in sand

play. The location is very important to ensure

children don’t track huge quantities of sand

indoors. Children enjoy the challenge of trying

to dig to the bottom of the deep sandpit.

• While the sandpit has a water course, it is

not used often due to water restrictions. The

director advised that they are considering an

upgrade so that the tank water can be used

to wet the sand, offering the children the

sculptural properties of wet sand.

• Seats (at child height) are positioned

throughout the area, allowing children the

opportunity to observe activities and choose

when to participate.

• There is seating near the swing area that

allows children to sit and wait their turn, also

providing opportunities for socialisation with

the children who are on the swings.

• The swings are positioned under a large tree

that provides children with the opportunity to

explore shade and light when in motion.

• A path through a dense area of the garden

leads to a quiet area for reading and painting.

This provides ‘nooks and crannies’ for children

to explore and be by themselves while still

being visible to staff.

• The platform and bridge have good access for

children of all ages and abilities. It has been

designed (with hooks, rails, posts and levels)

to offer flexibility of play. Hooks allow staff to

change the environment by hanging curtains

and materials of different textures.

Connected play spaces

The area is a good example of connecting the

play spaces. The outdoor play areas are linked

through varying textures, a large grass space,

paving, a bridge and well-established trees and

gardens.

Hackney Kindergarten

Photographic Captions (see reverse side)

1. Bridge leading to grassed and verandah areas

 2. Large tree providing shade in summer 

3. View from platform

4. Sandpit area

5. Gathering place for children

6. Hidden pathway 

7. Sensory garden with child’s path

8. Access to platform structure

9. Bridge leading to seat area

Early Childhood Services

Department of Education and Children’s Services

31 Flinders Street, Adelaide SA 5000

Early Learning and Curriculum

Phone: 08 8207 2494

Preschool and Centre Based Care

Phone: 08 8226 0095

Contact Details

 

1 2 3

4 5

6 87

9