Nature First: Junee Kids leads the way with outdoor learning

IN a world of screens and overstimulation, one of Junee’s youngest early learning centres is standing out with one of the region’s oldest teachers — nature.

Through its dedicated bush kinder and farm daycare programs, Junee Kids Early Learning is putting the outdoors at the heart of children’s learning and development.

The modern 102-place centre, which opened in 2022, is the only service in Junee to offer a comprehensive nature-based education model.

It also happens to be the largest, with natural outdoor spaces including paddocks, vegetable gardens and animal enclosures — giving children the chance to connect with the land, observe seasonal changes and learn sustainable practices from an early age.

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

From growing empathy and curiosity to building confidence and connection, Centre Director Michelle Bennett says the centre’s back-to-basics approach has been transformative.

“The children have embraced the farm and bush spaces with so much curiosity and care. It’s become a really special part of their day,” Michelle said.

“Whether it’s feeding the animals, planting in the garden or just exploring the paddock, they’re learning life skills without even realising it.”

“You can see their confidence and empathy grow in real time. It’s such a grounding, beautiful way to learn.”

Michelle, who helped establish the programs and owns the animals cared for by the children, is a driving force behind the centre’s nature-first philosophy.

Speaking with The Junee Bulletin, she said her involvement has been “deeply personal and purposeful,” drawing from her lifelong passion for the natural world.

“Drawing on my own experience, passion and connection to the land, I’ve worked to bring these programs to life so that our children can learn through real, hands-on encounters,” she said.

“By bringing my farm animals into the centre, establishing routines for caring for them, and embedding these experiences into our daily program, I’ve helped shape a learning environment that reflects my belief in nurturing children through genuine, meaningful experiences.”

Junee Kids Early Learning centre director, Michelle Bennett | Photo: Supplied

Photos: © The Junee Bulletin

Michelle said the programs have also transformed how staff and families engage with learning.

“It has been incredibly rewarding to watch the programs grow, to see the educators embrace them, and to witness the children develop confidence, empathy and a love for the natural world.”

“These programs represent not only an extension of my own values, but a commitment to offering the children of Junee Kids unique opportunities they may not otherwise have.”

“I’ve always loved animals and nature, and to see the children thrive in that environment is honestly the best part of my job.”

Photos: © The Junee Bulletin

HR Manager Samantha Gugliotti agreed, describing Michelle’s impact as “extraordinary” and a major driver behind the centre’s success.

“Our families love Michelle. She is such an animal lover, and what she’s brought to the kids over the last year through bush kinder and farm daycare is out of this world,” she said.

“It’s incredible to have her involved because she’s so passionate.”

Samantha said Michelle’s hands-on approach to early learning is what helps set Junee Kids apart — not just from other local centres, but from much larger city-based chains.

“We’re proud to do things differently,” she said.

“Our children don’t just read about animals and gardens, they live it. Every day they’re learning through real-life experiences.”

“Bush kinder also gives kids a chance to slow down, breathe and reconnect. There are so many screens in children’s lives now. We’re creating something different.”

For Samantha, the programs go well beyond nature play, they offer a foundation for life.

“We’re country people ourselves, and we saw the need for a service that reflects where we live.”

“We wanted to teach kids about the seasons, how things grow, and how to look after animals, because these are lifelong skills.”

“And when you pair that with caring, passionate educators like Michelle, the difference is incredible.”

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Privately owned and locally run, Junee Kids is part of a small, family-owned network of centres across the Riverina, with sister sites in South Albury, Corowa and Leeton.

But while its footprint is growing, the heart of Junee Kids remains deeply local.

Bread is sourced from Junee Bakery. Groceries are bought through Junee IGA. Even the centre’s new excursion bus was wrapped by a local dad whose children now attend a sister site.

“We believe in supporting local families and businesses because what goes around comes around,” Samantha said. “It’s part of our DNA.”

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

With its new branded bus now on site and the farm daycare program continuing to evolve, Junee Kids is growing steadily while staying grounded in its nature-based roots.

“We’re not a corporate chain. We’re hands-on, responsive and community-focused,” Samantha said.

“Whether it’s investing in better food, filtered water, new play spaces or real-world learning tools — when our educators need resources, we never say no.”

Junee Kids is now taking enrolments for 2026, with families encouraged to book a tour and experience the difference for themselves.