All children have different experiences and opportunities throughout life which may affect their development positively or negatively, for those with negative developmental opportunities we try and offer sensitive additional support.
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Recommended Reading

Children in Wild Nature, A practical guide to nature-based practice by Niki Buchan

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Adventurous Play - developmentally appropriate play, challenging and stimulating play

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STEM Detectives - Lots of innovative, practical ideas. identifying the STEM in play

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Children in Wild Nature
Nature-based practice in Australia including Bush Schools

With more than 35 experience working directly with children in nature, many years as head of Nature kindergartens in Scotland and the author of the Australian specific book, Children in Wild Nature, Niki is considered an expert in the field of nature-based practice. She has the passion, enthusiasm and deep knowledge to support educators and children in their journey exploring the beautiful natural wild spaces in Australia including bush, forest, beach, river, creek as well as small spaces with a couple of trees.

In this research based, theoretical and practical professional development day, Niki shares the benefits of nature exposure, what nature-based practice looks and feels like and supports adults to experience practical aspects of working with children and nature. She will share the concept of developing rigorous benefit-risk assessments and the value of dynamically assessing risky opportunities. 

Niki can support you as you initially explore the idea of taking children out into nature as well as offer support and ideas if you have been working with children and nature for many years and are looking at extending your knowledge and ideas. Niki has supported educators in setting up bush and beach schools in Australia since 2012 

This inspiring and motivational day can be delivered in a flexible manner including a day of practical experiences and discussions outdoors.  
 Suggested Resources ​
Fire Laboratory, Fire Steel, Palm Drill, Junior Hacksaw, Mora Safe Knife, Rasps, Whittlers, Hand Help Microscope, Ropes
This course can also be delivered internationally, Niki has extensive international experience of working with children and nature.
Recommended Reading

Children in Wild Nature, A practical guide to nature-based practice by Niki Buchan

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Understanding Behaviour in the Early Years - a practical guide for supporting each child

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Helping Young Children Cope with Difficult Times - Supporting wellbeing and identity

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Effective Leadership and Management - Early Years

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The Healing Power of Connection and Nature
Supporting children through building resilience and making a difference

With a growing concern in the rise in mental health issues in even very young children (under the age of 5), educators are increasingly looking for support in dealing with children with diagnosed and undiagnosed issues which may lead to a range of 'challenging behaviours' at home and in the class.

Natural disasters such as earthquakes, fires and floods can have a profound and prolonged negative effect on communities, families and children. Trauma can be inherited or passed on to future generations through Epigenetics. Trauma, Anxiety, PTSD, Depression, ADHD are more prevalent in society than realised and currently diagnosed. Educators themselves may be suffering mental health issues and need support and understanding. All adults are in a position to make a big difference in the lives of these children. 

We will explore how 'challenging behaviours' may be a trauma response and the child's way of communicating and asking for help. We will look at simple, practical strategies adults can use to gently support children and work towards healing them through a combination of nature and a strong nurturing connection.
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Developing Nature Play in Primary Schools
Exploring the growing movement of developing nature rich play spaces in schools

Having access to Nature and play is vital for all children including children in schools and other education and care settings. Having access to Nature play has unexpected academic benefits at a structured school setting: 

We will discuss some of the findings of a report from the National Wildlife Federation, Back to School: Back Outside, which shows how outdoor education and time is connected with wide-ranging academic, motivational, and wellbeing benefits including; improved classroom behaviour, better performance in maths, science, reading and social studies and reduced ADHD.

​Niki has been supporting numerous primary schools in developing and implementing Nature play opportunities during school breaks through consultation, parent evenings and teacher professional learning. We will explore examples from primary schools and the concept that children are seen as capable and competent, that they are able to self risk assess and that most children can self regulate behaviour through 3 simple rules. 
Suggested Resources ​
Fire Laboratory, Fire Steel, Palm Drill, Junior Hacksaw, Mora Safe Knife, Rasps, Whittlers, Hand Help Microscope, Ropes
Recommended Reading
Children in Wild Nature 

Children in Wild Nature, A practical guide to nature-based practice by Niki Buchan

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Natural Creativity Outdoors
Imagination and creativity using Natural Elements and Resources 

Albert Einstein states that imagination is more important than knowledge.

In this imaginative and creative practical session we will explore this statement looking at how imagination promotes creativity. Niki will offer a range of practical ideas and creative opportunities for working with children in the outdoor environment.

We will explore imagination, creativity and innovation through the natural elements including soil, fire, air and water as well as through modern technology.

​Niki will share examples created by children using loose parts found in natural spaces and how these can be presented to children as provocations for natural creativity.
Suggested Resources
​Palm drill, fire laboratory, junior hacksaw, rasps, Mora safe knife, whittlers, sun print paper,, hand held microscope