What exactly do children do at Forest School?

Forest School provides children the time, space and tools to develop hands-on learning experiences in a completely natural setting. It’s a long term program that supports the holistic development of children through play, exploration and supported “risk taking” - such as using hand tools and climbing trees. The learning environment is completely guided by children and observed by the Forest School Leader.

What’s the difference between your Programs?

Play Group is a nature immersion and child-led sensory play program for families. Children will be offered an activity but, naturally, they will want to explore nature and play with the other children. This group is not structured, it's about creating the space and time to let children play authentically.

Forest Kindy is a nature immersion and child-led risky play program for preschool aged (3-6years) children, their primary carer and younger siblings. Children will be offered access to Hand Tools (such as bow saws, pen knives, hand drills) and invited to partake in age appropriate bush crafts, games and Nature Play.

Homeschoolers is an intergenerational (4-12years) nature immersion and child-led risky play program for Homeschooled children. Children will be offered access to Hand Tools (such as bow saws, pen knives, hand drills) and invited to partake in bush crafts such as shelter building, fire striking and whittling.

After School Program is an intergenerational (4-12years) nature immersion and child-led risky play program that runs after 3pm. Children will be offered access to Hand Tools (such as bow saws, pen knives, hand drills) and invited to partake in bush crafts, whittling and tree climbing.

Do parents attend?

Yes! Parents attend Forest School as a special way to attune with their child’s needs, abilities and interests within the natural environment. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to create new friendships with other like-minded conscious parents in a serene outdoor space.

In saying all of that, if your child is seven (7) years old or older you are welcome to drop them off for their Home School or After School session for an additional cost.

We also offer a drop off kindy program in which children aged 3.5 years and older can attend without their parents. We run this program with higher ratios of staff due to the age of the children.

What are the term fees?

Play Group

• $180.00 per family

Forest Kindy

• $360 for 3 Hr Sessions
• $315 for 2 Hr Sessions
• $450 for Bardon “Drop Off” Kindy Sessions

Homeschoolers

• $360.00 per child if attending with a Guardian
• $450.00 per child if being dropped off

After School

• $315 per child if attending with a Guardian
• $405 per child if being dropped off

  Do I need to pay for a full term?

  Children are encouraged to attend weekly as it helps them settle into the space and build strong connections. We do offer the ability to attend Homeschoolers and Forest Kindy Programs fortnightly for a term if you are unable to attend weekly due to other commitments.

  What do my term fees pay for?

  For a long time society has created many barriers to children being in natural “risky” spaces; however, we are committed to putting in the time to bring these important learning environments to your child/ren. This does mean we must deal with the additional costs of wages, permits, training, high insurance premiums and other expenses to bring you the authentic Forest School experience.

Can older and younger siblings also attend the session?

We are BIG believers in intergenerational learning. We encourage families to attend together and for younger children to learn from their older peers and vice versa. Sibling discounts are available and children under the age of two (2) attend for free.

WHAT IS THE ‘EQUITY DISCOUNT’?

We want to acknowledge that not all members of society are afforded the same opportunities. In an effort to create greater equity we wish to extend a reduced program rate to individual children who are from marginalised or single parent families. In doing this we hope to promote equal opportunity and inclusion for all children who would benefit from play based education. Please make use of these checkout codes if you wish to access this program: BIPOC, LGTBQIA or SINGLECAREGIVER

WHAT HAPPENS IF IT’S RAINING?

A bit of rain is nothing to be worried about - it’s just a part of nature’s process. Most importantly children LOVE wet weather! It provides wonderful learning experiences but also opportunities for PUDDLE JUMPIN’ and MUDSLIDES! Just make sure you (the carer) are also dressed appropriately (such as: waterproof jackets, pants and gumboots) so you’re comfortable.

WHAT IF THERE’S STORMS, FLOODING OR HIGH WINDS?

If the weather is deemed unsafe WE will contact YOU via email a MINIMUM of 2 hours before your session and you will be offered a credit. We’re REALLY good at reading the weather radar - trust us we work in a Forest!

I am bringing more than one child. What if I need a hand keeping an eye on them?

We are incredibly grateful for the kind, considerate families that come to our Programs. Naturally, we all help each other out but there will always be a facilitator at your session that you can ask if you need any extra help.

My child has additional needs (such as ASD, ADHD, ODD) will your sessions be suitable?

The beauty and brilliance of Forest School is that it is completely child-led. Other than our initial safety briefing and “tool rules”, children require very little direction or instruction from Forest School Leaders. The learning environment that we create is guided by the child’s natural rhythm rather than rigid structure. Trust us, ALL children thrive in this kind of learning environment.

We can also work closely with your child and their carer (if they have one) at their first session to work out what feels comfortable and safe. We ask that you list any strategies and additional notes into their Medical Needs when booking. We also suggest arriving early to discuss strategies and needs with the Session Facilitator/Forest School Leader.

Can I use NDIS funding for your Programs?

Yes, many families who attend self manage claim NDIS funding through the following categories:

CORE

• Social Community and Civic Participation, assistance with daily life
• Support workers

CAPACITY BUILDING

• Increased Social and Community Participation, development of daily living and life skills

Can you run a private session for our group?

Yes, we require a minimum of 13 participants for a 2 hour session and 15 participants for a 3 hour session. Please get in touch with us to discuss dates, session types and prices.