A childcare facility in Australia has pony rides and mud pits, and we want in

Australia has long been a leader when it comes to connecting to our earth and enjoying the outdoors. 

So it comes as no surprise that they have a unique childcare facility which caters to families who appreciate their surroundings. 

The daycare centre which is situated 40-minutes from central Brisbane, has become renowned for their unique take on childcare. 

Barefoot Early Childhood is focused on connecting children to the earth through old-fashioned outdoor play, allowing children go through a natural course. 

Director, Nicole Duncombe, believes that instead of teaching children to adhere to a regimented routine, they should be allowed eat when they're hungry, sleep when they're tired, and play to their hearts content whatever way they want. 

A massive part of Barefoot's concept is teaching children how to be kind to animals, such as their resident donkey, as they believe if you are kind to animals you will be kind to your fellow humans. 

The centre prides themselves on teaching the concepts of connection; to yourself, others and the earth, even quoting the Dalai Lama: "It is vital when we are educating our children’s brains that we do not neglect to educate their hearts."

The children are free to explore their surroundings which consist of relaxing music, painting, hammocks, picnics with goats, pony rides and playing in mud. 

Furthermore, the children are visited each week by several teachers – yoga, art, music and bushcraft, who teaches the children how to keep a fruit garden, build shelters and camp fires. 

We're fascinated with the idea. Is this something which you would like to see introduced on our shores instead of the normal facilities we have become accustomed to?