Our Story
Established by Zoe Purkis and Jenny Papenfus in early 2018, Venture Outdoor Kindergarten is the South Hams' first fully outdoors Early Years setting.
At Venture, we are a family. Our highly qualified, experienced and dedicated team respect each child as an individual, working closely with each family to ensure every child makes exceptional progress as an inquisitive, intrinsically motivated, active learner.
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Each kindergarten offers rich stimulation inspired by their unique and multi-sensory environment in which our staff conscientiously scaffold opportunities for learning that prioritise preparation for life, building self confidence and independence, and above all else, mental health.
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"Experience is not the preparation of life. It is life." – John Dewey
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We currently operate across two sites (third one on the way!) in the South Hams. To discover more about each location and find your nearest site, click below.
Venture in Spring:
A Weekly Window
At the top of the woodland path is a narrow entry where children have to come through one by one. As each child comes down the path, they focus entirely on what they are doing. Adults stand back, watching on with supportive smiles, but without warnings of “be careful!” or instructions on how best to come down. Adults do not jump in if children stumble or need more time - tumbles and trips are all part of the learning process. This respectful, unobtrusive approach leads to a sense of empowerment, resilience and a problem solving mindset in our children, qualities that stay with them long after they leave Venture.
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To read more about what your child might get up to on a typical day with us, click below.
Our Approach to Early Years
Child Led:
We empower children to master
and discover things for themselves
Physical Play:
We encourage children to challenge themselves, assess risk and develop physical independence
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Outdoor Learning:
We inspire a connection with the natural world in a multi-sensory outdoor environment
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