Forest School

Same place, every week

Forest School is not an excursion with a nature theme. It’s a repeated visit to the same site, so children stop being visitors and start knowing a place — which log is slippery after rain, where the ants nest, what changed since last week.

Sessions are child-led. Educators bring rope, tools, tarps and a plan they’re happy to abandon. Mostly we sit back, watch, and only step in when we’re genuinely needed.

Real risk, carefully held

Children climb, balance on uneven ground, carry heavy branches, use hand tools with supervision, and light fires with educators on cooler days. Every site is risk-assessed before the season starts and again on the morning, and educators hold current first aid qualifications. Risk-benefit is the frame: what does the child gain, and how do we make it safe enough rather than risk-free?

What it grows

Balance, grip strength and stamina, obviously. But the part families notice is the confidence — the willingness to try something hard, fail in front of friends, and go again. Forest School children get very good at working out a plan together.

Practical things

Junior Kindy and Kindergarten children attend Forest School sessions; Pre-Kindy children take part in bush-play experiences closer to home until they’re ready. Excursions and program resources are included in your daily fee — no extra charges. Families are told the day before so you can dress your child for mud and pack a spare change of clothes.