Nature immersion and nature play are synonymous terms. They involve connecting with nature and the outdoors through the power of play. Nature immersion programs typically include regular access to nature spaces where learning is play-based, child-led anhttps://australianforestschoolassociation.org/d unhurried. Key elements of nature immersion programs are children being given the opportunity to develop independence and risk intelligence while exploring through hands-on experiences. You can read more about nature immersion at the following Australian-based organisational websites:

Australian Forest School Association
Nature Play Australia

We are neither. We are an outdoor activity provider like gymnastics or soccer. Although we are not a regulated childcare service, given some of our programs are drop off services, we do adhere to many National Quality Standards set by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACEQUA) particularly in relation to child safety, staff to child ratios and qualification requirements. Despite the bush kindy title, our bush kindy program is not a kindergarten that replaces kindergarten for three or four year old children but instead can be attended in conjunction with an approved kindergarten program if so wished.

Are you questioning which program might be best for your little one? Generally speaking, the nature playgroup is suitable for 0-3 year olds whereas the bush kindy tends to suit pre-school age children (4-6 years). The difference between the programs comes down to the focus and duration of each session. For example, while nature playgroup will involve lots of sensory play, bush craft and flora and fauna exploration, bush kindy participants will have the opportunity to be involved in more authentic play experiences such as rope play, hand tools, fire and bush cooking and tree climbing. When choosing which program might be best for your child, you may wish to also consider the length of the program as the playgroup runs for 90 minutes while bush kindy runs for three hours.

WildPlay Co programs are all weather programs which means that we run rain or shine! Provided there is no lightening and/or hazardous winds, the session will go ahead when it is raining. Please dress your child/ren appropriately with a rain jacket, gumboots, warm socks and wet weather pants and also pack a spare set of warm clothes. We will provide appropriate shelter out of the rain but find that children often have the best fun on rainy days playing out in the puddles!

Our nature playgroup requires a parent/guardian to accompany your child/ren. The WildPlay Co bush kindy program is a supported drop off program meaning that you may attend with your child for as long as you need to for them to feel comfortable about attending independently. We acknowledge that some children may never get to this level of comfort and respect that boundary. School holiday workshops and our homeschooling program are drop off programs for children aged 7 years and older.

You will receive a link following enrolment to an orientation video that will outline what you need to bring but briefly you will need;

• Hat, sunscreen and insect repellent

• Wet weather gear if needed (rain jacket, gumboots and wet weather pants)

• Water bottle and lunch box with lunch and snacks (kids get very hungry at bush kindy!)

• Closed in shoes

• Wet bag

• Spare clothes!

We are comprehensively insured with Ansvar Insurance which includes $20 000 000 of public liability insurance.

The safety of children in our programs is critically important to us as WildPlay Co. Having said that, our philosophy celebrates children developing independence and risk intelligence therefore we choose to ensure children are as safe as necessary, not as safe as possible. This might look like a child climbing a tree with an adult supervising, checking the tree for suitability, looking up for wildlife, maintaining three points of contact with the tree at all times and climbing to a heigh within the child’s limits. If we were to keep that child as safe as possible we would avoid climbing the tree altogether however, abiding by the WildPlay Co philosophy the child is able to experience authentic play opportunities while remaining as safe as necessary. We believe there are many benefits to nature play that far outweigh the risks involved particularly when an extensive risk management plan is in place such as the plan we have here at WildPlay Co. In addition to risk management, there are two additional human resource processes that significantly contribute to keeping everyone in our programs safe. These are above industry standard staff to child ratios and extensive staff training that is refreshed annually. A risk management plan, high staff to child ratios and staff training are the three aspects of the WildPlay Co program that combine to ensure child safety is of the highest priority to us here at WildPlay Co.

We are not an educational provider nor are we a not for profit organisation therefore we do not qualify for any funding. We are a small, independently run, local business who has a passion for restoring a sense of wonder and curiosity in our children while developing a life-long and meaningful connection with nature. This requires robust insurance that is more expensive than most businesses due to the perceived higher risk by insurers of working outdoors with children in nature. Additionally, we exceed the industry standard for staff to child ratios and therefore need to employ more staff on the ground to accommodate this. Our programs are unique, high-quality and well-resourced which in turn filters down to our pricing structures. We hope you see the value that WildPlay Co programs can provide for your children.

Most of our sessions are booked by the term as we value regular, uninterrupted time in nature. We often build on child interests week to week and develop skills in a child-led progression therefore we see the most benefit to children who attend regularly. If our term programs are not full prior to the start of term, we will open casual spots for children. Keep an eye on our social media channels for the announcement of any casual spots that are available. While trials are not something we offer, we will be hosting an open day prior to our launch which you will need to register for but will be free to attend. There will be a limited number of spots, so you will need to get in early.

Unfortunately, no. We will however, offer make-up sessions for all sessions cancelled due to weather i.e. thunderstorms or catastrophic fire danger alerts. More information about make-up days due to weather events will be provided within the term.

We want to ensure our programs are accessible and inclusive as possible. In a small step towards this, from term 3, 2024 and beyond we will be offering a discount to black, indigenous or people of colour, families in our community who are LGBTQIA+ or single parents/carers.

This is not pity, it is empathy, compassion and acknowledgement that not everyone in society is awarded the same opportunities.

We hope that this helps to promote equity and inclusion for all children in being able to access nature immersion.

Please use the following discount codes at checkout: BIPOC or LGBTQIA or SINGLE

Yes, if you self manage or have a plan manager for the NDIS funding for your child, you are able to claim for WildPlay Co programs. Payment must be made in full to WildPlay Co from which you can then use the invoice to claim back following the delivery of the service.

Families have found the following NDIS categories to be the most suitable.

CORE

Social Community and Civic Participation

CAPACITY BUILDING

Increased Social and Community Participation

Development of Daily Living & Life Skills

Please contact admin@wildplayco.com.au to arrange for a suitable invoice to be developed for you.