Cancellations & Missed Sessions Policy

Play-Groups

• Any missed play-group sessions may be made up at any of our other play-group sessions during the same term.
• To arrange a make-up session, you must email: littlewildlingplaygroup@gmail.com with:
• The date of your missed session
• The session you wish to attend as a make-up
• The week you plan to attend
• A full schedule of available sessions is listed on our website: https://littlewildling.org
• Please allow sufficient notice so the educator can be informed and additional resources can be prepared.
• Make-up sessions for play-groups cannot be taken at our kinder programs.
• If three (3) or more consecutive sessions are missed within the same term, a credit may be applied for three (3) sessions toward a future term with us.

Bush Kinder

• Any missed bush kinder sessions may be made up at any of our other kinder or play-group sessions during the same term.
• To arrange a make-up session, you must email: littlewildlingplaygroup@gmail.com with:
• The date of your missed session
• The session you wish to attend as a make-up
• The week you plan to attend
• A full schedule of available sessions is listed on our website: https://littlewildling.org
• Please allow sufficient notice so the educator can be informed and additional resources can be prepared.
• If more than three (3) sessions are missed in the term, a credit for theree (3) sessions may be applied toward a future term with us.

Pre-Planned Absences & Booking Adjustments

• Any pre-planned holidays, activities, or events can be removed from your enrolment before booking the term.
• To alter your enrolment prior to booking, please email: littlewildlingplaygroup@gmail.com.
• If you are concerned about losing a place in our program, you may book first and request a refund for the adjusted amount immediately after booking by emailing us promptly.

Payment Plans & Alterations

• No alterations will be made to payment schedules once they have commenced.
• Payment plans for play-groups will only be available if the full amount is paid prior to the term start date.

Change of mind

• No refunds for change of mind.A credit may be applied for another term in certain circumstances.

Play-Group & Bush Kinder Weather Policy

The safety and wellbeing of children, families, and staff is our highest priority. To ensure safe outdoor play and learning, we have established the following weather-related guidelines. This policy applies to all scheduled outdoor sessions.

Extreme Heat

• Sessions will be cancelled and rescheduled when the temperature is forecast to reach 35°C or higher at the time of the session.
• Families will be notified no later than 8:00 AM on the day of the session based on the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecast.

High Winds

• Sessions will be cancelled and rescheduled if sustained winds are forecast to be greater than 40 km/h, particularly in wooded or exposed areas where falling branches may pose a risk.
• A combination of wind speed and location conditions will be assessed when making the final decision.

Torrential Rain

• Sessions will be cancelled if heavy rain is forecast with no significant breaks, especially if: There is a risk of flash flooding or unsafe track conditions. Shelter is insufficient for the predicted rainfall duration.
• Light to moderate rain will not automatically result in cancellation, and wet-weather gear is expected.

Communication of Cancellations

• All families will receive cancellation notices via their whatsapp group by 8:00 AM on the day of the session.
• In some cases, sessions may be rescheduled or moved to an indoor alternative if available.

Rescheduling & Make-up Sessions

• Where possible, sessions will be rescheduled within the same term.
• If rescheduling is not possible, a credit or make-up session may be offered based on availability.

General Weather Preparedness

• We encourage all children to attend sessions dressed appropriately for the weather: Hot days: hat, sunscreen, and adequate hydration.Wet days: waterproof jacket, boots, and spare clothes.Cooler days: layers, beanies, and gloves if needed.

Child Safety & Wellbeing Policy

Commitment to Creating a Safe Environment

At Little Wildling we are committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where all children can play, explore, and grow. The safety and wellbeing of children is at the heart of everything we do.

This policy reflects our responsibility under the Child Safe Standards and guides how we ensure children are protected, respected, and supported in our programs.

Our Commitment

• safety and wellbeing of all children above all else.
  
• valued, respected, and empowered.
  
• prevent harm, abuse, and neglect.
  
• welcome diversity, embracing the strengths of all cultures, abilities, and family structures.
  
• child-centred practices, ensuring children’s needs guide our decision-making.
  

How We Keep Children Safe

• All staff and volunteers hold current Working with Children Checks and receive ongoing training in child protection and safe practices.
  
• Children are always supervised, with safe ratios maintained during all programs.
  
• Potential risks in natural environments (terrain, weather, animals, fire) are assessed and minimised.
  
• We use respectful behaviour guidance that builds trust and supports children’s development.
  
• We protect children’s privacy and only share information with families or agencies as required by law.
  

Children’s Rights

We believe every child has the right to:

• safe and protected from harm.
  
• respected and listened to.
  
• identity, culture, and individuality.
  
• to decisions that affect them.
  

Speaking Up

We encourage children, families, and staff to speak up if they have any concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing. Concerns can be raised directly with our staff or by contacting 000 if a child is in immediate danger.

Continuous Improvement

We regularly review our practices to ensure we meet and exceed the Child Safe Standards. Feedback from children, families, and staff is actively sought and valued in this process.

Policy Statement

At Little Wildling child safety is not negotiable. Every child has the right to feel safe, protected, and respected while in our care, and we take every step to ensure this is upheld in all aspects of our work.