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 Venture, our daily activities adapt to reflect the changing seasons. We respond to the opportunities the weather creates for us and are led by the children's desire to discover.
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The gate at the entrance of the wood at Venture Hope Cove plays an important part in our day, presenting opportunity for the children to challenge themselves. So much learning takes place at the gate but perhaps the most important aspect is that we can try and fail many times and that’s ok. If we keep going eventually we will get there. A great lesson for the children to discover for themselves and carry through life.
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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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