Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
The cost per day is $35.
If your child is attending once a week for 12 weeks the cost for the term would be $384 (the length of terms will vary). Most families pay before the start of each term but other payment schedules can be arranged. We understand that outdoor programs are not right for every child and some children find time away from family hard. If, after the first two sessions, you find the program is not a good fit we are happy to offer a refund for the remaining weeks. After the initial settling in period of two weeks, if you can no longer attend the program we require one months paid notice.
How long is a session?
Each session is 3 hours long.
What does a typical day look like?
For our younger students: our day begins at the drop off location. From there we wander to one of our nature classroom spaces, where the children are free to play or engage in the activities offered by the educators. At about the halfway point, we come together for snack (each child brings their own) and stories. We take this time to share tea (provided by us) and conversation. After snack we usually wander to another area of the park for more play and exploration.
Our homeschool programs are student led and therefore do not always follow this schedule.
What is the Educator to Child ratio?
The usual number of children in a session ranges from 10-13 with 2 educators. The maximum group size is 15 children, this only occurs when we have sibling groups, a qualified volunteer or if most of the children are returning forest school students with lots of experience in the forest and our program. We believe a minimum of two educators is best practice and the only way to provide adequate supervision and ensure the safety of the group.
Can we come for a visit to see if the program is a good fit for our family?
Yes, please contact us in advance to arrange a suitable time.
Can my child receive childcare funding or subsidy for this program?
No, as an outdoor education program we do not qualify for any childcare funding.
Can I use my homeschool funding for your homeschool programs?
Yes, some homeschool programs allow families to use their government funding to pay for our programs.
Does my child have to be potty trained?
Yes. The teachers will help your child with all their gear if needed but your little one needs to be able to tell us that they have to go and what they need help with. However, accidents still happen and that is ok. We will help your child to change into their clean clothes for emergencies. Please send a Ziplock bag with a change of clothes in your child's backpack for this purpose. If your child has a poo accident (depending on the weather and severity) the teachers may call you to pick up your child.