About Us
Enchanted Childhoods exists to bring a little of nature's magic to every child. We do this through the programs we run connecting children to the natural world; the blogs we share that draw upon contemporary science and research regarding fostering healthy child development; the ideas and inspiration we seek to provide for families and educators; and through conducting scientific research and sharing our learnings at conferences. Our programs are inclusive and welcome children who are neurodivergent or living with disability.
Our Story
As a nature loving family, we have observed personally how children thrive when given time and space to engage with the natural world. This is supported by a large body of scientific research that has demonstrated that outdoor play is a key contributor to children’s holistic development- supporting physical health and fitness, motor skills, healthy sensory systems, thinking and problem solving, creativity, psychological well-being, resilience, and social skills.
Enchanted Childhoods was created to bring a little of nature’s magic to every child and play a positive role in supporting children’s health, happiness, and lifelong connections and caring for nature.
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Our Team
We have an incredible team of professionals who create the magic of Enchanted Childhoods! Collectively, we have over 20 years of experience facilitating nature-based learning and play for children here in SA. We also have a diverse range of professional experiences and qualifications we draw upon in our work supporting children's development. Our team have backgrounds in education, psychology, and health which ensure the experiences we provide for children are evidence-based and designed to support their holistic development.
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Our Farm
Our property is located on 10 acres in the Range, South Australia, just outside of McLaren Vale providing abundant space for children's exploration, learning, and play. On the property we have a dedicated nature-play space for children, farm friends who help us to maintain our paddocks, and also a 'bush block'.
We also grow a lot of our own food and have a bush tucker garden, large vegetable patch, and an orchard. These enable us to share about life cycles and where our food comes from, as well as allowing us to harvest our own food for fire-side cooking experiences in our programs.
Our Animals
Our property is fortunate to be home to a host of farm animal friends, as well as native wildlife.
Visitors to the property will have the opportunity to meet our horse, cattle, sheep and alpacas.
Our property is also frequently visited by native animals including echidna, koalas, possums, kangaroos, kookaburras, yellow tailed black cockatoos, sulfur crested cockatoos, honey eaters, lorikeets, and blue fairy wrens.
Our Approach
Our approach values the WHOLE child and celebrates diversity. We seek to inspire a love of nature-based learning and play among our explorers and build connection and care that ultimately supports the well-being of both children and our environment.
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Our programs carefully balance intentional teaching and activities with time for unstructured outdoor play, allowing children the time and space to lead their own learning and follow their natural curiosities and interests. The provocations in our environment are carefully chosen to foster holistic development across physical, cognitive, and social and emotional domains based on the latest science regarding children's development.
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We also utilise an emergent curriculum to ensure we can develop activities based on a deep understanding of the unique individuals we have and their goals and interests.
Our Vision
We partner with the natural world to engage each unique child in what brings them joy, connection, learning and growth.
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We value:
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Inclusion: We recognise that ALL children benefit from contact and connection with the natural world
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Celebrating the whole child: At Enchanted Childhoods, every child is appreciated and celebrated for their unique personality, strengths, and interests
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Growth: We believe in supporting children to build sturdy roots, grow at their own pace, and reach their goals.
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Connection: With each other, with nature, and our community
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Joy: We love seeing children engaged in deep and meaningful outdoor learning and play. and the simple joy that comes from being 'wild and free' - as childhood ought to be!