As regional winner for South Australia, Lobethal Community Kindergarten has plenty to be proud of. This wonderful kindy, located about 40 km from Adelaide achieved a KindiCare Rating of 9.3 and holds an Excellent Rating from ACECQA.

Lobethal Community Kindergarten has a strong focus on nature play, both within its existing kindergarten site and as part of its ‘Nature Connect’ Bush Kindy program. “We are strong advocates for the importance of nature as a place of learning and discovery for children and aim to build children’s independence and self-esteem through meaningful and authentic experiences in nature. We recognise this can only be achieved by providing the opportunity to revisit these experiences on an ongoing basis” Nature play is not restricted to fine weather at Lobethal Community Kindergarten and outdoor learning is available all year. “We embrace the seasons, and all they have to offer, and run an all-weather program both at our Kindy, and whilst off site at our Bush Kindy sessions. We promote and encourage the use of our outdoor learning environment whenever possible at kindy.” “Our off-site Nature Connect program aims to develop children’s skills to take and manage risk, build resilience, and promote and encourage skills to question, explore and become successful lifelong learners.” In addition to outdoor learning, Lobethal offers a play-based curriculum which offers children the opportunity to engage in a wide range of developmentally appropriate activities as well as sensory play, exploratory play, pretend/symbolic play and social play. Lobethal Community Kindergarten focuses on sustainability progress as their goal is to continuously improve their sustainability practices. Children have an opportunity to: be involved in meaningful maintenance of their play areas, grow vegetables, learn about composting, water conservation and recycling, raise chooks and observe and protect native animals and insects. The kindergarten also collaborates with youth leaders at a local primary school to share and improve upon sustainability practices. All in all Lobethal Community Kindergarten is providing an outstanding and meaningful contribution to its local community and the families and children who are fortunate enough to attend.