Paddock Block

The Paddock Block is a program whereby children learn through nature play. The Victorian Government has stated that “the development of paddock/bush kinder reflects the mounting body of evidence that outdoor activities such as; exploring natural environments, are beneficial to children and contribute to improving children’s health and wellbeing.”

The Paddock Block has been well researched and the advantages of outdoor learning make the Paddock Block a beneficial extension to our curriculum.

All programs at Mini Miners regularly visit the Paddock Block. These regular outings involve walking from Mini Miners Early Learning Centre to the Paddock Block, where the children engage in nature-led educational experiences.  We are fortunate to have a large block to develop and sustain, where we grow our own produce and foster farm animals. 

Currently we have three chickens at the paddock, as well as a thriving fruit and vegetable patch. The programs have planted, grown and harvested corn, strawberries, watermelon, tomatoes, spring onion, carrots and so much more! 

Families are invited to attend the Paddock Block at their leisure, and many families volunteer to help with the chickens on the weekend.

Our program offers the children a unique learning experience: ‘Paddock Kinder’. Mini Miners paddock kinder is a program held exclusively outside, where children use the natural environment to source their own learning. The Paddock Block is a private block of land, generous in size and filled with natural elements. It is located on a private road, behind the service and easily accessible by staff and children. The paddock block was inspired as a stemmed learning opportunity based on our community's agricultural background, where children explore the natural environment and relish the freedom of the outdoors, while learning agricultural elements such as strengthening their understanding of animal care, gardening and nature, and making sense and connections of the world around them.