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Where the wildlings play in Lake Cathie, just 11 minutes south of Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie.
Offering a truly unique early learning centre with onsite forest school/bush kindy programs, catering for children 0-5 years.
Our nature immersion program is embedded within our early learning centre.
Our nature immersion program is embedded within our early learning centre.
7am till 6pm 51 weeks / year
CCS Approved
At Bambi Forest School, we believe childhood is a time for exploration, connection, and growth. Nestled in the heart of Lake Cathie, NSW, our unique early learning centre blends nature-based education with a nurturing environment, allowing children to learn, play, and thrive in harmony with the world around them.
1-3 sessions delivered weekly between March-October by our qualified Forest School Leaders. Sessions run for at least 90 minutes from our base camp.
The indoor spaces are designed to be calm and uncluttered, supporting children’s ability to focus and engage meaningfully with their surroundings
Our Woolworths Junior Landcare Food Forest Project was established in 2022 and is lovingly tended by the children and our team of Permaculture enthusiasts.
Nature-Based Learning – Forest School programs immerse children in outdoor exploration, fostering curiosity and resilience.
Experienced Educators – Our passionate team is dedicated to nurturing each child’s confidence, creativity, and wellbeing. Warm & Inclusive
Environment – We create a safe, supportive space where children feel valued and encouraged to grow.
Sustainability & Mindfulness – We teach children to care for the planet while embracing mindfulness and emotional wellbeing.
CCS-Approved – Families can access childcare subsidies, making quality early education more affordable.
At Bambi Forest School we believe in creating a nurturing and safe environment where children can thrive, explore, and grow. Our philosophy is focused on these key principles:
Natural and Safe Environments: We prioritize natural, sustainable spaces that inspire curiosity and connect children to the world around them. Safety is paramount, ensuring every child feels secure while discovering the joys of nature.
Forest School Program: Our Forest School Program offers children the unique opportunity to engage with nature in meaningful ways. By exploring the outdoor environment, they develop resilience, creativity, and a deeper connection to the world around them. This program nurtures problem-solving skills, teamwork, and self-confidence through activities like bush walks, environmental care, and outdoor play.
Diversity and Inclusion: Our centre celebrates diversity, embracing the unique cultures, backgrounds, and experiences of all children and families. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected.
Building Relationships with Families and Communities: Strong partnerships with families are the foundation of our practice. We collaborate and communicate openly to support each child’s journey, creating a community of trust and shared understanding. Embracing our local community, we enrich the experiences of every child in our care.
Learning Through Interactions and Play: Play is at the heart of learning. We encourage children to explore, interact, and experiment in a way that ignites their imagination, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Each interaction is an opportunity for growth.
Circle of Security Approach: Our educators are guided by the Circle of Security, focusing on building secure relationships with children. We provide love, comfort and reassurance while encouraging independence and exploration.
Dedicated Educators: Our team of passionate and skilled educators are committed to creating a warm, supportive environment where every child’s potential is nurtured. We prioritize ongoing professional development to ensure the highest standard of care and education.
Through these principles, we aim to empower children to become confident, resilient individuals who love learning and value the world around them.
Beautiful nature based grounds, peaceful lovely atmosphere and caring staff. So impressed with our child’s transition to preschool!
clarissa veilBeing part of Bambi Forest school was such a beautiful experience for not only my daughter Scarlett but for us as a family. Mandy and her amazing team of staff were the most wonderful crew whilst our daughter was in the Koalas room. Watching Mandy create The Bambi Forest School from the concept she had as a ypung girl was just magical. Her ability to know how children develop through play and learning, not just about their own environment but using their understanding and knowledge on how to implement their learnings gave them a beautiful appreciation of life, animals, respect, sustainability and such wonder about their world. I was so privileged to watch this concept become a reality. This really helped me affirm that it is a combination of the Montessori structure integrated into our Australian preschool prepatory environment was truly a success. I also am so grateful for Mandy and her team to bring Bambi School to life so Scarlett and all her friends were able to learn, grow and become such amazing young children prepped and ready for Kindergarten. My husband and I could not have hoped for a more valuable and educational school for our daughter. Thank you Mandy and your wonderful team at The Bambi Forest School.
Jacqui AdcockThe most welcoming and friendly staff and owner. This is the only preschool I felt comfortable having my daughter attend in the area.
Brittany De BonoGrow, Live & Learn In Harmony With Nature.
Our nature immersion program is embedded within our early learning centre.
– Bush Kindy a fully fenced natural designated bush kindy zone suitable for toddlers (2-5 years)
– Forest School sessions 1-3 sessions delivered weekly between March-October by our qualified Forest School Leaders. Sessions run for at least 90 minutes from our base camp situated at the rear of our property and adventures can be implemented onsite or along the walking trails in the forest reserve (3-5 years)
– Food Forest Our Woolworths Junior Landcare Food Forest Project was established in 2022 and is lovingly tended by the children and our team of Permaculture enthusiasts.
– Sustainability Education – our team are dedicated to immersing our children in symbiocene – living and learning in harmony with nature
Wellbeing
– Daily hatha yoga delivered by yoga enthusiasts
– Dance yoga
– Guided visualisation meditation
– Nature-walks
Prana
Join us in 2023 as we reveal our exciting new educational program, ‘Prana’. Prana is a Sanskrit name that translates to English as ‘life force’ or ‘vital principle’.
– Daily hatha yoga delivered by yoga enthusiasts
– Dance yoga
– Guided visualisation meditation
– Nature-walks
Join us in 2023 as we reveal our exciting new educational program, ‘Prana’. Prana is a Sanskrit name that translates to English as ‘life force’ or ‘vital principle’.
Bambi Forest School is tucked away on over 2 acres in Lake Cathie, nestled behind the lush forest and lake reserve that beckon for exploration.
Adventure is literally at our back door. A complete nature immersion awaits, be surrounded by nature, with regular sightings of kangaroo, deer, egrets whilst being greeted by birdsong that is all part of the daily experience.
Offering an expansive playground, onsite forest school, designated bush kindy area and our own food forest, there is every excuse to be outdoors.