Who are we?

We are Bambi Forest School

At Bambi Forest School, we believe childhood should be a journey of exploration, connection, and growth. 

Nestled on over 2 acres of green space, literally where the forest meets the sea, just 200 metres to beautiful Lake Cathie.

Honoured to share the journey on Birpai Country.

 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.

With onsite Forest School programs, we offer children aged 6 weeks to 5 years the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature, develop essential life skills, and build confidence, resilience, and friendships that last a lifetime.

 
 

The name Bambi Forest School carries deep meaning and inspiration. It draws from multiple sources, including Montessori education, nature-based learning, and local Indigenous language.

Bambi – While many associate the name with the famous Disney character, it actually has broader significance. In Italian, “Bambi” means “child”, reflecting the centre’s commitment to early childhood education.

  Forest School – This represents the centre’s nature-based philosophy, where children learn through outdoor exploration, hands-on experiences, and environmental Leadership.

 Gathang Language – In the Birpai People’s Gathang language, “Bambi” means “baby fire” or “kindling”, symbolizing the spark of curiosity and learning that the school nurtures

 
Meet The Team

Meet Our Dedicated Team of Educators

At Bambi Forest School, our team of passionate and experienced educators is at the heart of everything we do. With diverse backgrounds in early childhood education, nature-based learning, and wellbeing, our educators create a nurturing, engaging, and inspiring environment for every child.

Ashley

Approved Provider / Nominated Supervisor
About Ashley

Janene

Assistant Director / Centre Manager
About Janene

Chris

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp General Manager &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp
About Chris

Adam

Wellbeing and Sustainability Coordinator
About Adam

Alice

School and Life Readiness Early Childhood Teacher
About Alice

Brendan

Active Movement and Events Coordinator
About Brendan

Donna

Mindfulness and Bush Craft Coordinator
About Donna

Emma

Permaculture Coordinator & Forest School Assistant
About Emma

Kate

Waldorf-stream Educator / Leader
About Kate

Kylie

Toddler Program Coordinator
About Kylie

Natalie

Nursery Educator & Chief Cuddle-giver
About Natalie

Emma

Permaculture Coordinator & Forest School Assistant
About Emma

Kate

Waldorf-stream Educator / Leader
&nbsp
About Kate

Kylie

Toddler Program Coordinator
&nbsp
About Kylie

Natalie

Nursery Educator & Chief Cuddle-giver
About Natalie

Piper

Nursery and Toddler Program Support
About Piper

Rachel

Forest School
Leader
About Rachel

Shereen

Nursery
Coordinator
About Shereen

Toni

Nursery and Toddler Support
About Toni

Piper

Nursery and Toddler Program Support
About Piper

Rachel

Forest School
Leader
&nbsp
About Rachel

Shereen

Nursery
Coordinator
&nbsp
About Shereen

Toni

Nursery and Toddler Support
&nbsp
About Toni
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Ready to Enroll? Let’s Get Started!

At Bambi Forest School, we’re excited to welcome new families into our nurturing, nature-inspired learning environment!

Enrolling your child is simple—just follow our easy steps to secure your child’s place.

Whether your little one is ready to explore, grow, and thrive, we’re here to support their journey every step of the way.

Enrol Now

Ashley

Approved Provider

Diploma of Early Childhood Education

As a childcare business owner, I am committed to fostering a space that reflects my values—where nature-based learning, sustainability, and community connection come together to support every child’s journey. From structured play to the simple joys of discovery, I find immense purpose in shaping environments that empower children to develop resilience, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning.

Janene

Director/Centre Manager

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Janene dots the I’s and crosses the Ts, she keeps this ship sailing.

Janene owns a horse named Charlie and when she’s not training, riding or showing horses, she’s off chasing waterfalls and abandoned train tracks and taking beautiful photos of her adventures.

Miss Naomi

Assistant Director

Early Childhood Teacher

 

Miss Jade

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

 I’ve always been passionate about working with children and being part of their journey as they grow, learn, and discover who they are. I love creating a space where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to be curious, creative, and confident. I’m especially drawn to nature-based learning and helping children build a connection to the natural world. I also believe it’s incredibly important to honour and share the cultural wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in meaningful, respectful ways. Being in early education brings me so much joy—every day is full of wonder, imagination, and the chance to make a lasting difference.

Miss Tahlae

Working towards Certificate 3

 

Brendan

Our Gardener & Maintenance Expert

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Brendan is the backbone of Bambi Forest School’s outdoor environment, ensuring that our beautiful green spaces remain vibrant, safe, and welcoming for children, families, and staff.

Miss Donna

Wombat room assistant
Forest School leader

Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care

Donna is passionate about forest schooling and outdoor education. She enjoys nature, gardening and sharing her love of bush crafts with the children. Outside of Bambi you’ll find Donna in the great outdoors, spending time with her kids or in the karate dojo.

Miss Emma

 

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care & Bachelor of Primary Education (Early Childhood Teacher)

Emma is an experienced Steiner educator and qualified primary school teacher with a strong foundation in early childhood education. She brings a deep commitment to inclusive learning, with experience supporting children with additional needs and a dedication to culturally responsive practice, including lived experience working alongside First Nations communities.

With qualifications in permaculture design and teaching, Emma is passionate about connecting children with the natural world. As our Permaculture Coordinator and Forest School Assistant, she nurtures curiosity, resilience, and a sense of environmental stewardship through hands-on, nature-based learning

Kate

Waldorf-stream Educator/Educational Leader

Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care

Kate delivers a fusion of Waldorf inspired learning in a Montessori style environment. Kate is passionate about project based learning, following seasonal rhythms, sustainability and sharing baking experiences with children.

Kylie

Toddler Program Coordinator

Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care

Kylie, or ‘Miss Ky’ is our vibrant bubbly educator and Group Leader of the toddler environment. Kylie has a passion for cultural diversity, sustainability, nature craft and family.

Natalie

Nursery Educator and Chief Cuddle-giver

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Natalie has a big heart, she exuberates love and warmth, no wonder the babies adore her! Natalie has dedicated many years to early childhood and to this day, happily fills your baby’s cuddle quotient.

Miss Misty

Level 3 Forest School Leader
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Misty is incredibly passionate about nature based learning and loves supporting the children to connect with, learn from and care for the natural world around them. She enjoys gardening, cooking experiences, arts and crafts and promoting adventurous play

Miss Jade

 Working towards Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care

Enjoys creating a fun and safe environment, while creating memories with all our little friends.

Shereen

Nursery Coordinator

Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care

Shereen is queen of the upcycle, she loves embracing sustainable play through handmade creations that the children adore.  Shereen has an abundance of experience in early childhood but this hasn’t tampered with her patience and kindness or sense of humour!

Toni

Nursery and Toddler Support

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Toni holds a beautiful loving space for all, she is such a kind gentle approachable soul who loves a good laugh.