Children are encouraged to make a connection with the natural environment and begin to learn and understand about the world around them. Play amongst nature is incredibly beneficial for children’s wellbeing, and Lakeside Creative Minds Early Education Centre in Raymond Terrace offers opportunities for this. Outside children can actively explore, engage with and experience the different types of natural environments that Explorers offer. Children can also engage in risk taking behavior, moving in and around spaces and obstacles. The education and care service has aesthetically pleasing, safe, flexible and functional play and learning environments. Educators, children, and families are supported to consider environmentally sustainable practices. Children’s emotional, physical, social, cognitive, and spiritual wellbeing are supported by the design and functions of the indoor and outdoor environments. The environment complements the educational and care aims of the service, supporting children to have a strong sense of being and belonging, as well as facilitating their growth and development.

When children are resting or sleeping at Lakeside Creative Minds Early Education Centre in Raymond Terrace, the brain is still actively working, helping children process information from the day. Furthermore, this is also when the brain stores old memories, so a good rest is vital for this processing to take place. By taking some time out to relax, it allows your body to be physically restored and your mind mentally alert. If your child is of kindergarten or preschool age and still required a sleep, a study has found that naps can enhance learning by cementing memories that were acquired earlier in the day. “This means that rest time allows children to better remember what they learned prior to their nap".