At Starfish Early Learning Centre, we believe learning extends far beyond the classroom — it grows in the garden, blooms in teamwork, and thrives through every new discovery.
Our vibrant kitchen garden is a living classroom where little hands plant seeds, nurture growth, and discover the magic of where food comes from.
Harvesting Joy
Picking fresh vegetables together
Fresh & Seasonal
Growing nature's bounty
Hands-On Learning
Tools and skills for life
Learning Through Gardening and Cooking
Through the Kitchen Garden Program, our children are actively involved in every step of the food journey — from planting seeds, watering and caring for the garden, to harvesting produce and helping prepare simple, healthy meals.
These activities don't just teach gardening and cooking; they nurture patience, responsibility, and teamwork.
Aligned with Our Learning Philosophy
At Starfish Early Learning Centre, our participation in the Kitchen Garden Program perfectly complements our play-based learning approach and commitment to holistic child development. We believe that hands-on learning in natural environments helps children grow confident, capable, and connected to the world around them.
This program also supports key outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) — including wellbeing, community connection, and environmental responsibility.
Healthy Habits for Life
One of the key goals of the program is to encourage children to make positive food choices from a young age. By growing and cooking their own produce, children learn that healthy eating can be fun, colourful, and delicious.
These experiences lay the foundation for lifelong healthy habits and an awareness of sustainability.
What Our Children Learn
The Kitchen Garden Program develops essential life skills through hands-on experiences
Growing & Gardening
Understanding plant life cycles, seasons, and sustainable practices
Teamwork & Sharing
Collaborating with friends to care for plants and prepare meals
Healthy Eating
Developing positive relationships with fresh, nutritious foods
Environmental Care
Learning about nature, sustainability, and caring for our planet
A Day in the Starfish Garden
From soil to table, our children experience the complete journey of food
1
1
Planting & Preparing
Children help prepare garden beds, select seeds, and plant with care, learning about what plants need to thrive.
2
Nurturing & Caring
Daily watering, weeding, and observing growth teaches patience, responsibility, and the rewards of consistent care.
3
Harvesting Together
The excitement of picking ripe vegetables and herbs is a highlight — celebrating the fruits of their labor as a group.
4
Cooking & Tasting
Children help prepare simple, delicious meals with their harvest, discovering that healthy food is exciting and fun!
Joyful Learning Every Day
"I love seeing the children's faces light up when they pull a carrot from the soil for the first time!"
— Educator, Starfish ELC
"The program has opened up so many learning opportunities — from science and maths to creativity and teamwork."
— Educator, Starfish ELC
"Children who were hesitant about vegetables are now excited to try what they've grown themselves."
— Educator, Starfish ELC
The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program
We are proud to be part of the renowned Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program, which brings pleasurable food education to children across Australia. Founded by celebrated chef and food educator Stephanie Alexander, the program aims to introduce children to the joys of gardening, cooking, and eating fresh, seasonal food.
This evidence-based program supports children to develop positive food habits through shared, hands-on learning experiences that are led by their natural curiosity and sense of wonder.
Why Nature Matters in Early Learning
Research shows that nature-based learning provides profound benefits for young children's development
Physical Development
Working in the garden helps children develop fine and gross motor skills through digging, planting, watering, and harvesting. These physical activities build strength, coordination, and body awareness.
Outdoor learning also promotes healthy activity levels and reduces sedentary time, contributing to overall physical wellbeing.
Cognitive Growth
Nature-based experiences stimulate curiosity and critical thinking. Children develop scientific thinking as they observe plant growth, experiment with different care methods, and predict outcomes.
Time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in children. The garden provides a calming environment where children can experience wonder, peace, and a sense of accomplishment.
Nurturing plants builds patience and emotional regulation, while the sensory experiences of the garden (textures, smells, colours) support mindfulness and sensory development.
Social Skills & Connection
Garden activities are inherently social and collaborative. Children learn to share tools, work together towards common goals, and communicate their ideas and observations.
These shared experiences foster a sense of community and belonging, while also connecting children to broader concepts of food systems and environmental stewardship.
Supporting the Early Years Learning Framework
Our Kitchen Garden Program directly supports all five learning outcomes of the EYLF: children develop a strong sense of identity, connection to their world, wellbeing, confidence as learners, and effective communication skills. Nature-based learning provides the perfect environment for holistic development across all these areas.
Our Garden in Action
Explore our interactive gallery to see the magic of the Starfish Garden through the seasons
Click any image to view it larger
Planting Seeds for the Future
We're proud to see our little learners light up with excitement as they dig in the soil, smell fresh herbs, or help prepare a garden snack. These small moments create lasting lessons about care, cooperation, and the beauty of growing something together.
At Starfish, we're not just growing plants — we're growing confident, curious, and compassionate young learners.
