Devon's premier beach and forest outdoor kindergarten. Offering two unique settings for your child to learn in and explore: Venture Kitley Farm, Yealmpton and Venture Hope Cove, near Kingsbridge.

"We don't go outside. We are outside"

Venture Outdoor Kindergarten was established in 2018 as an alternative to the standard nursery or preschool offerings available in the South Hams. Like every other preschool and nursery, we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. But at Venture the children's experience goes above and beyond the statutory curriculum and what can be experienced at a conventional preschool or nursery.

What makes our kindergarten different to a conventional preschool or nursery?

Child-led. We recognise that each child is a unique child and a competent child. We empower children to master and discover things for themselves.

Physical Play. We encourage children to challenge themselves, assess risk and develop physical independence.

Outdoor Learning. We inspire creative thinking, problem solving and a connection with the natural world in a multi-sensory outdoor environment.

At Venture Outdoor Kindergarten we spend the whole day outside exploring within our beautiful, carefully chosen outdoor environment. The nursery corridors are replaced with hedgerows and the roof of our preschool roof is the sky!

We recognise that preschool children can be competent and independent learners and our approach is child-led, allowing each child to play and be motivated by their own curiosity about the natural world.

At Venture we place emphasis on self confidence and independence which is achieved through each child’s negotiation of physical, social and personal challenges.

We respect children and place trust in them, allowing them to take ownership of their own learning and empowering them to make their own decisions. The children learn to manage their own risks and relationships with others whilst respect for one another and the environment is promoted.

The adults at Venture stand back and observe the children and this means that we can understand each child individually and plan for their next steps effectively. The adult takes a back seat and simply ‘scaffolds’ the children’s play and learning.

Session times

Venture Kitley Farm, Yealmpton is open five days per week during Devon Schools term time, to children aged 2.5 - 5 years.

• Monday, 9am - 3pm
• Tuesday, 9am - 3pm
• Wednesday, 9am - 3pm
• Thursday, 9am - 3pm
• Friday, 9am - 3pm

Please note that at the moment, Fridays at Kitley Farm are out and about at the beach. These sessions are for children aged 3+ who attend Venture for at least one other day during the week.

Venture Hope Cove is open 4 days per week during the Devon Schools term time. Monday to Thursday sessions are open to children aged 2.5 to 5 years. 

• Monday, 9am - 3pm
• Tuesday, 9am - 3pm
• Wednesday, 9am - 3pm
• Thursday, 9am - 3pm

Please note that drop off and pick up times are flexible to accommodate those with children attending local Primary Schools.

In order to benefit fully from the education that we offer, we recommend that your child attends Venture Outdoor Kindergarten for the entirety of their early years education. Some families choose to send their child to Venture alongside another nursery or preschool, but to ensure continuity of care for your child we recommend that they attend at least two sessions per week.