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 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 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 or product in certain circumstances.

Drop-Off Kinder Program Information & Guidelines

About Our Program

Our Drop-Off Kinder program is a privately run bush school designed for children to learn about nature and connect deeply with their environment. Sessions are held 100% outdoors, regardless of weather conditions, and provide opportunities for children to explore, discover, and develop resilience.

As a privately operated program, we are not funded or subsidised by the government. Our approach includes a variety of high-risk activities and exposure to diverse terrains. These experiences are carefully planned and facilitated by experienced educators, but they require children to participate respectfully, follow instructions, and engage safely.

Due to the nature of our program, we cannot cater for children who do not wish to participate or who are unable to follow the group’s safety expectations.

Participation Requirements

Sign-In & Sign-Out

• A sign-in/sign-out form must be completed at the start and end of every session by the responsible adult.

Safety Vests

• Safety vests must be worn at all times throughout the session for visibility and safety.

Toileting

• Children must be toilet trained unless prior arrangements have been discussed and agreed upon before the term begins.

Capacity & Behaviour

• As a small, privately run program, we do not have the staffing capacity to manage children who are unwilling to participate, unable to follow instructions, or who consistently disrupt the safety of the group.

High-Risk Activities

• Our sessions involve high-risk activities such as fire use, tool work (e.g., saws, hammers, peelers), and exploration of natural environments with uneven terrain, water, and other hazards.
• All children are expected to respect safety rules and follow educator instructions at all times.
• Any child unable to participate safely will have their position in the drop-off program reviewed.

If a Child Cannot Participate Safely

• If educators determine that a child’s behaviour or engagement poses a safety risk or is too difficult to manage within the group, the family will be offered a “Stay & Observe” enrolment instead of a drop-off position.
• The difference between the drop-off and stay-and-observe fees will be refunded.
• If this arrangement does not suit the family, a pro-rata refund for the remainder of the term will be issued.

By enrolling your child in our Drop-Off Kinder program, you agree to these guidelines and understand the expectations for participation and safety.

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.