MCMC had to swiftly adapt the first year of a three year grant from Hume City Council for the A Little Nature Play project because of the Covid-19 pandemic. In consultation with early years educators, we moved delivery on-line. In October, Hume’s early years educators came together with other educators to talk over the experience of listening to children and exploring local 'nature play' areas. 

This conversation was documented in a 2020 webinar Stepping out: Leadership beyond the kindergarten setting. New plans to get out and about locally were supported, and recognition given to the importance of communicating with families about the value for children of time spent beyond the kindergarten setting. 

In response to the webinar, early years educators from four centres in Hume have come forward to enjoy support from the project.  Next year we will work with centres in Broadmeadows, Craigieburn, Coolaroo and Roxborough Park to get educators and kids out into nearby natural areas.