The centre director at Busy Bees at Shepparton represented Australia in this year’s Busy Bees Global Talent Exchange Program, a three-week international learning experience themed ‘Outdoor Education Without Borders’.
Ms Pyle was one of 40 educators from 10 countries selected to take part in the program that spanned England, Scotland and Ireland.
Along the way, she encountered approaches to early learning that were enlightening and, at times, eyebrow-raising.
One moment in particular stood out: a visit to a nature kindergarten in Ireland, where kids learn almost entirely outdoors.
“They’re very big on children taking risks and learning to risk assess,” she said.
“While we were there, this girl climbed up a tree about 3m high.
“Colleagues from the UK, who are very risk-averse, saw that and had panic attacks, and I, even though we’re a bit more relaxed in Australia, was still a bit shocked.
“But the girl managed it fine because she’d been taught how to climb and how to assess and manage risks.”
In addition to professional development, there was fun to be had.
Participants attended a performance of Six the Musical, visited the Harry Potter Studios and toured iconic landmarks including the Tower of London and Edinburgh Castle.
Ireland delivered plenty of jigs and a Viking boat tour, while Scotland offered a lively ceilidh — and some unexpected inspiration.
“Seeing the highland cows was a real highlight for me; I’ve convinced my husband that we need to get some,” she said.
Back home, Ms Pyle has not only acquired new livestock for her farm but also a new sense of liveliness in her work, with plans to expand the centre’s Bush Kinder program.
“This year was our first year of Bush Kinder … and next year, I’m going to be able to bring this knowledge to really elevate it,” she said.
“It’s about giving children time and space to explore, imagine and connect — not just with nature, but with each other.
“I’m very excited about what the program will look like.”
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