Studies show that children are drawn to nature and intrigued by the world around them.

Australian kindergartens and childcare services typically include both indoor and outdoor spaces for children to play and learn in.

However, sadly, these spaces are now so often architecturally-designed to please the parents’ eyes, missing the importance of unstructured, messy play for children.

Fixed play equipment and constructed spaces that are set and can’t be moved are outdated and limit children’s play options.

This of course means their learning opportunities are restricted too and that leads to children spending their days saying, “I’m bored” or “there’s nothing to do”.

There are a myriad of benefits from playing and learning in real nature.

It’s not enough for children to simply be “outdoors”, the quality of the space matters.

The quality of outdoor play lies in the natural state of the outdoors rather than manufactured paths and man-made equipment.

Early Childhood Australia encourages children’s outdoor environments should be natural and spacious; have lots of lush green grass, dirt and worms, trees and sticks, leaves to collect and animals in their midst and of course, plenty of room to run.

Yes, run.

Fortunately, Mansfield children have this opportunity.

“Government legislation requires just seven square metres per child outdoor space.

"Children at The Farmhouse have over 65 square metres per child, and that’s even with everyone outside at the same time," explained Kim Stoney, Founder and Director of The Farmhouse.

“We value outdoor play so much that we now have five outdoor play spaces.

"Children have room to run, fly kites and be curious about the world around them.

"All children deserve a childhood; their education depends on real and natural experiences," said Kim.

“We’re proud to serve our community and deliver a quality education to Mansfield’s children”.