FAQ
Each programme has a suggested age range, but we understand that each child is unique. If you feel your child is outside the designated age range and you feel they might be more than ready for an outdoor programme, please contact us to discuss the possibilities.
WEBS Programmes take place in all weather conditions, including cool and rainy days. We adapt activities and provide with hot drinks, we ask that all families provide children with appropriate clothing following our guide. We also utilise parachute tarps or build shelters when needed. We continuously assess weather risks and only cancel in cases of severe conditions that pose a danger.
No, we are not a traditional school, daycare, or kindy provider. WEBS offers nature-based activities and connection programmes for children and adults. Our programme complements various learning modalities, and we have participants who attend traditional schools, are homeschooled, or unschooled. Bush School is commonplace for all children alike.
For real-time availability and to book sessions, please visit here. Waitlist features are currently being developed, so if a session is unavailable, please email us at hello@wiseearthbushschool.com.au.
Absolutely. Part of the Enrolment fee payment of $100 covers insurance costs associated with your child attending the programs. The organisation’s insurance policy is very comprehensive and covers $20 million public liability, professional indemnity, campfires, bushwalks and general outdoor play.
This applies to Bush School, Skill School and School Holiday Programme. All our programmes are very different to a usual childcare or traditional school settings, and we learn under the open sky every time. There are a few things that children need to be comfortable with before joining the programme. This ensures the safety of your child and of others.
- Ability to listen and follow instructions
- Is independent in toileting
- Ready to to care for self, others and nature starting with carrying their own backpack
We recommend that children who still need a midday rest start attending the 2hr Playgroup session along their loved one.
At WEBS, we wholeheartedly believe in Angela Hanscom’s wisdom: ‘Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children.’ Unstructured outdoor play and engaging in reasonable risks are essential for our little ones to thrive. We ensure a safe space where children can grow, develop vital skills, and build the confidence to face life’s challenges.
Head over to our website for all the details on pricing and availability whenever you’re ready to book with us.
Here at Wise Earth Bush School, we get that plans might need to change. Although we don’t offer refunds, we do provide makeup sessions for kiddos who miss out due to sickness. If you need to cancel, just make sure to let our Family Coordinator know at least 24 hours in advance. This little heads-up helps us manage spots and offer makeup opportunities to other families.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Makeup sessions are available during the current term and may extend into the following holiday program.
- All makeup sessions need to be redeemed before a new term begins and are non-transferable.
- All makeup sessions are personal and cannot be transferred to siblings or other learners; they are intended solely for the enrolled student.
- Vacations are your choice, so they don’t qualify for a makeup session.
- Only one makeup session can be redeemed per term, regardless of how many sessions are missed.
- If you need to customise your term dates, feel free to choose our casual offering and select the dates that work best for you.
- Play Group:
Parents attend with children aged 1-6. - Bush School:
Drop-off program for children aged 3-12. - Skill School:
Drop-off program for children aged 5-12. - Wise Connections:
1-on-1 family support sessions for families wanting to delve into a unique learning framework for their child. - Wise Kids School Holidays:
Drop-off program for children aged 4 and above. - Wise Woman Monthly Circle:
Full moon gatherings for women.
WEBS mentors are trained in risk assessment, hazard management, and first aid. Our mentors have diverse backgrounds and qualifications, including early childhood education, outdoor recreation, mentoring, and nature connection facilitation. We prioritise safety, have specific rules and protocols in place, and conduct ongoing risk assessments to create a safe environment for all participants.
Drop-off programs run for 5 hours each day, from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm. Wise Play sessions for parents and children run for 3 hours. Session durations are carefully designed to balance autonomy, exploration, and growth without overwhelming children.
If you need more information or have specific inquiries, you can sign up for our newsletters, follow us on Instagram, or email us at hello@wiseearthbushschool.com.au with the subject line “Not Answered in the FAQ.”
Every adventure at Wise Earth Bush School is as unique as the young explorers who join us! Our activities are tailored to fit the specific programme, season, and even the day’s weather, not to mention the ever-changing interests of our kids. Here, children enjoy the freedom to pick activities that spark their curiosity, whether they’re flying solo or teaming up with friends. Through play, problem-solving, and hands-on experiences, they learn directly from the world around them, making every day a new journey into nature’s classroom!
Our program takes a unique approach, moving away from the Early Years Learning Framework and other National Curriculum guidelines. Instead, we align with the Australian Adventure Activity Standards, and Rite of Passage Institute focusing on a seasonal program that fosters holistic development through social interactions and sensory integration in nature.
Our Program Statement guides mentors in creating sessions that capitalise on local, place-based opportunities and incorporate essential Aboriginal perspectives. While working with the children to develop hands-on skills, we recognise the manifold benefits of nature, including the development of risk assessment skills, sensory integration, and growth in physical, social, emotional, and cognitive aspects.
Children spend their days with a mixed age group in this environment, learning valuable bush and life skills that enhance their autonomy, confidence, and resilience. Simultaneously, they build meaningful friendships and refine their social and emotional abilities.
We understand that it can take time for children to develop this skill. Mentors are happy to assist children to use the toilet (such as sitting on the toilet, assisting to put their clothing on/off, and using toilet paper), but are unable to offer places to children who use nappies due to the additional time taken to manage this. Most of the day we are out exploring the land where there are no toilets, children are offered toilet visits at basecamp at the start and at the end of the day. We apologise if this may be inconvenient for your child, and look forward to offering a place to them in the near future.
Bush School, also known as Bush Kindy, Forest Kindy, Nature School, or Earth School, is a developmental mastery approach. At WEBS, we offer regular nature immersion programmes in natural, cultivated, and wild spaces. We aim to foster meaningful relationships between participants and nature, others, and themselves. Through supervised risk-taking and exposure to elements like weather, plants, and animals, children develop resilience and a deep connection to the Earth.
WEBS stands out with its emphasis on community, connection to Country, regenerative practices, and the integration of birth stories. Our approach aligns with the laws of gratitude, respect, and responsibility. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and engaging children in holistic learning experiences that extend beyond the immediate environment.
No matter the session, whether it be Playgroup, Bush School or Skill School, we recommend children bring the following:
- Food
- Water
- Closed-in shoes (we recommend aqua shoes, gumboots or canvas shoes they’re happy to get wet and muddy).
- Long lightweight pants to minimise the risk of bites and scratches
- Insect repellant/sunscreen
- Swimmers, rashie, towel
- Wet gear if rain is predicted – rain jacket, pants and gumboots
- Spare change (or two) of clothes
Our top priority is safety and individual attention! For our programmes, we maintain a ratio of 1 adult to 5 children, ensuring a safe and engaging experience. Each program with children aged 3 to 5 years will never exceed 15 children. We always have a minimum of 2 facilitators on-site for child protection, and throughout the day, there will be 3 facilitators present while all children are with us. Your child’s well-being is our focus!
Our sessions take place in various locations spanning from Lennox Head and Tintenbar to Brunswick Head, and pop up events all around the Northern Rivers region. These sites are carefully selected to prioritise the safety and well-being of the children. As part of our security measures, we do not publicise specific sites but gladly provide general information upon inquiry. Once enrolled, families receive the locations for the full term.
We have obtained permits from different landowners, including private individuals. For Skill School sites, the locations remain constant for the term, while Bush School follows a rolling schedule, occasionally changing due to extreme weather warnings to ensure everyone’s safety. Our commitment to environmental preservation leads us to rotate programs from site to site. Each location undergoes a thorough risk assessment and daily safety checks, ensuring a secure environment for exploration and play. WEBS team carefully selects places with specific characteristics, offering ample open space, bushy areas, and safe distances from major traffic routes.
We take care to choose spaces that are not overly humid, avoiding the attraction of mosquitoes, leeches, and ticks. Our intention is to responsibly explore different areas within the community, ensuring they are used respectfully by children and families.
Our Programme Statement guides mentors in creating sessions that capitalise on local, place-based opportunities and incorporate essential Aboriginal perspectives. While working with the children to develop hands-on skills, we recognise the manifold benefits of nature, including the development of risk assessment skills, sensory integration, and growth in physical, social, emotional, and cognitive aspects.
Children spend their days with a mixed age group in this environment, learning valuable bush and life skills that enhance their autonomy, confidence, and resilience. Simultaneously, they build meaningful friendships and refine their social and emotional abilities.
WEBS understands that it might seem like a significant amount of money upfront, however, this will minimise administration time, processing fees and invoices. This ensures our team spend more time and effort with the children rather than on administration. WEBS is a Profit for Purpose organisation, and the goal is to spend the majority of the income on programme delivery.
We do however recognise that upfront payment of fees can be difficult for some families, so we are currently trialling a payment plan for annual attendees. It is our hope that this will make our programme more accessible for all families. For further information on fees and payment, please contact us on hello@wiseearthbushschool.com.au
If you are interested in volunteering or working with us, please email hello@wiseearthbushschool.com.au with details about your experience and desires. Working with children’s check and first aid certifications are required for all volunteers and staff.
