Natural Elements Merrimac
Our Philosophy

We don't believe in rushing childhood.

At Natural Elements Early Learning, we believe childhood is something to be protected, respected and celebrated.

We don't believe in rushing childhood.

Our philosophy expresses the core values and beliefs that drive our pedagogical practice. Our vision is to deliver meaningful early education and nurturing care in warm, home-like environments where every child and their family feels welcomed, valued and embraced.

This is represented in our three core principles

Connection·Citizenship·Curiosity

We see children as capable, curious and confident learners with their own ideas, strengths, interests and ways of experiencing the world.

Our role as educators is not simply to teach, but to guide, nurture, support and create environments where children feel safe to explore, question, create and grow.

We believe meaningful learning happens through relationships, play, curiosity and connection.

Our environments are intentionally designed to feel calm, natural and welcoming — spaces where children develop a strong sense of belonging and emotional security.

Stone seating circle in the natural outdoor learning environment
Wooden archway leading into the children's garden play space

We value slow, intentional childhood experiences that allow children the time and space to think deeply, build confidence, solve problems and engage with the world around them.

Our educators work alongside children, extending learning through conversation, play, inquiry and reflection. We encourage children to express themselves, take appropriate risks, develop independence and build meaningful relationships with others.

Children playing at the outdoor mud kitchen — hands-on, sensory exploration

We recognise that families are a child's first and most important teachers. Building genuine partnerships with families is central to everything we do.

We are committed to creating an inclusive community where every child and family feels welcomed, respected and valued.

We believe in creating the foundations for a lifelong love of learning through connection, trust, wonder and meaningful early experiences.

Our Three Core Principles

Connection, Citizenship & Curiosity.

Three guiding principles — informed by children, families, educators and the land we learn on — that shape every interaction, environment and experience at Natural Elements.

Stone seating circle — a gathering space for connection and conversation
01

Connection

“We care about the trees and nature.”

Archie, 5 yrs old
  • We believe in building responsive and respectful relationships within our community, using language that is empowering and inspiring as we sit alongside children's learning journeys.
  • We are conscious of the effect our presence has on others, and are mindful in our daily interactions of when to step in, step up, or step aside.
  • Authentic community connection is at the heart of what we do. We invite our families and the wider community to share their knowledge and perspectives to inform our programs.
  • We respect the deep connections the Kombumerri People of the Yugambeh language group have with Country, and strive to amplify their voices in sharing ancestral knowledge with future generations.
  • We embrace the magic of the little moments — creating meaningful rituals and honouring the rhythms of the day through slow pedagogy.
  • We view Country as a teacher and welcome the multitude of learning opportunities the natural world offers as it calls us to be present.
Children working together at the mud kitchen — practising care, collaboration and citizenship
02

Citizenship

“The teachers should help us and we should help them.”

Connor, 3 yrs old
  • We strive for all children to be holistically and equitably supported through inclusion and participation.
  • We ensure children's safety is of the utmost importance and are proud to nurture a thriving child-safe culture.
  • We uphold the rights of every child and nurture their understanding of their rights, autonomy and independence.
  • Research continues to highlight the importance of the early years. As a collective, we advocate for and highlight the professionalism of our sector.
  • We view children as active citizens and custodians of our future, and respect their voices by recognising and amplifying them.
  • We honour the wonder of seeing the world through a child's lens, committing to respectful, empowering partnerships where children are both teachers and learners.
A wooden archway into the garden — sparking curiosity, discovery and imagination
03

Curiosity

“I'm hiding in here.”

Dalton, 4 yrs old
  • We respect children's creativity, uphold their freedom of expression, and value the arts in enriching play, learning and education.
  • We view the environment as an integral part of our curriculum — not just a backdrop for learning, but an active participant as 'the third teacher.'
  • We intentionally design learning environments, interactions and planning that honour and extend play.
  • We commit to providing open-ended resources that evoke wonder, creativity and imagination — materials that can be moved, manipulated, constructed, rearranged and given a destiny determined by the child.
  • Through an inquiry-based framework, we provide a child-focused curriculum supported by early childhood theories, best practices and current research.
  • We recognise that theory, literature and research in Early Childhood Education and Care is ever-evolving, and commit to a continuous search for knowledge.

Now Enrolling

Come and feel the difference at Merrimac.

Book a private tour with our centre director and see how nature, play and care come together in every room.

Book a Tour Start Enrolment
Native garden beds and outdoor learning space at Natural Elements Merrimac