WILD Ones Forest School FAQs
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about WILD Ones Forest School:
What to Bring?
What is Forest School?
Are You a School?
What Makes WILD Ones Different?
What Happens When it Rains?
What About the Heat?
Drop-Off Policy
Insurance
Payment
Cost
Equity
Food & Water: Pack a healthy snack or light lunch and a refillable water bottle to keep your child fuelled for their adventures.
Clothing: We recommend long pants, closed-toe shoes (ideally waterproof for winter like gum boots or sneakers for summer, not thongs please), and layers that can be adjusted for changing weather. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also a good idea. Bring a spare change of clothes (including shoes) in case of unexpected splashes or spills.
Wet Weather Gear: If rain is forecast, pack a raincoat, rain pants, and waterproof boots. Remember, puddles are part of the fun!
Forest School is an educational approach that utilises the natural environment to provide hands-on learning experiences. Through exploration, play, and discovery in the wild, children develop confidence, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
While our name includes "School," WILD Ones is not a traditional school. We are an outdoor activity provider that uses the Forest School pedagogy to create engaging and enriching experiences for children.
WILD Ones focuses on child-led exploration in an outdoor setting. We prioritise experiential learning and fostering a love for nature, unlike programs that emphasise curriculum-based activities. Our goal is to raise environmentally curious children who are empathetic, kind, and can engage in critical thinking and have good communication skills.
We embrace all kinds of weather! Rain offers a unique opportunity to explore the environment and learn new things. Just dress your child appropriately with rain gear and warm layers.
We are outdoors all year round. In summer we encourage frequent water breaks and will engage in water play. All children are welcome to rest at any point, should the heat be too much for them.
Drop-off policies vary depending on the program. Most programs are drop-off, while others require parent participation. Please refer to the specific program description for details in the booking zone.
WILD Ones carries comprehensive 20 million dollar liability insurance.
We offer a few options: pay for the entire term upfront, attend individual sessions on a casual basis or for those who attend for a full year, payments can be spread across the year to make the payment process easier. Memberships are available in the booking zone. Paying upfront helps streamline administration and allows us to spend more time creating amazing programs.
WILD Ones is an Activity Provider, not a childcare service. This means we operate independently and do not receive government subsidies. Our fees reflect the cost of providing high-quality instruction, insurance, equipment, and maintaining a safe and stimulating outdoor environment. We are also not registered as an Education Provider by the Department of Education or ACECQA. Our aim is to be an Activity Provider and are working closely with DETE and ECIS to ensure we stay within the bounds of National Education Laws.
We believe all children deserve the benefits of Forest School. We offer a discounted program rate for multiple children attending and for families experiencing financial hardship and members of marginalised communities. We collaborate with Warren Blackwood Mental Health Services to provide subsidies. Please contact them if you need assistance in joining the program.
We are also open to alternative options of exchange (non-monetary). Please contact us to discuss should you need assistance.
We hope this information answers your questions! If you have any further inquiries, feel free to contact us.