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About Us
Hi, I’m Ifra, and I’m passionate about two things in life: nature and early childhood education. In 2018, I founded Nature Crew, followed by Little Big Learners in 2019, with a humble team of early childhood educators and teachers. My goal was simple: to provide alternative education options for my two homeschooled daughters and other homeschooling families in the area. Little did I know that within just a few years, both businesses would grow to the point where we now offer sessions across Melbourne!
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In the past few years, we’ve had the honour of being featured on Channel 9 and Channel 31, running a nature festival with Hume City Council, and providing countless opportunities for children and families to explore the natural world through Nature Crew. We've also helped children build their numeracy and literacy skills in preparation for school through our indoor sessions at Little Big Learners.
Our Journey
The inspiration for Nature Crew came from my own experience as a mother. At the time, there were no playgroups in the area that suited my girls’ needs. As a microbiologist, I knew the importance of exposing children to the microorganisms found in nature and the benefits of playing in the mud—something that helps build a strong and resilient immune system. I also understood the urgency of educating children and families about the environment, especially in today’s world. Nature Crew was born from a desire to share my passion for the natural world and give my children—and others—an opportunity to connect with it.
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Running Nature Crew has been incredibly rewarding. My children have made lifelong friends and had the chance to work in the most beautiful office: nature itself. It’s a true win-win!
Little Big Learners
A year after launching Nature Crew, Little Big Learners was born out of a request from families who were part of Nature Crew. We wanted to create a program that gave children the best of both worlds: the opportunity to explore nature, develop social-emotional skills, and simultaneously build a strong foundation in numeracy and literacy. Our approach is balanced and tailored to meet the needs of young learners in a way that prepares them for school, while still nurturing their love for the outdoors and hands-on learning.
A Personal Note
Running both Nature Crew and Little Big Learners while homeschooling my children means I’m often juggling multiple responsibilities. Because of this, I may take 1-2 days to respond to messages. I appreciate your patience and understanding, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support of our amazing community.
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I truly hope that our programs offer valuable experiences for you and your children. I can’t wait to meet you, whether outdoors on our wild adventures or indoors as we nurture the curiosity of our little learners.
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Thank you for being part of this journey with us!
