FAQs - Bush Knowing Forest School

We answer your common questions about our sessions, our sites and our services.

What happens at each session?

Each session is a mix of exploring the local bush surrounds, complimented by focused sensory and early learning experiences with quality resources. We complete our time together by packing away before grouping for music or story time.

Where are the sessions held?

Held at a secluded bush space between Leslie Patrick Park oval and the Kedron Brook, Everton Hills — right by the Hills District All Abilities playground. Free parking available.

We also use the Albany Creek Scout Hall beside the South Pine River for special sessions and all our fire learning experiences.

Where do we meet?

Bush Adventurer’s and Bush Kindy meets at our bush site, beside the athletics sandpit area, at the start time – unless otherwise communicated.

Bush Playgroup families meet at the oval, opposite the Hills District All Abilities playground, 10 minutes before the start of the session for the required safety discussion.

Who leads each session?

Each session is led by Joanne Sørensen, a Level 3 Forest School Leader and Early Childhood Teacher.

What do we need to bring and wear?

It’s compulsory for parents and children to wear closed in toe shoes or gumboots, no thongs or sandals please. Please dress for the weather of the day. Please bring a hat, shirt with sleeves, sunscreen/insect repellent or wet weather gear. Please bring your own snacks, water, rug, and/or chair to enjoy the morning tea area.

How old does my child need to be to attend?

Our sessions cater for children from 12 months of age to 12 years.

Bush Adventurer’s is ideal for children 2 to 12 years.

Bush Kindy is suitable for children 18 months to 6 years.

Bush Playgroup is for children from 12 months to six.

We welcome younger siblings to participate with close parental supervision.

How many adults can attend with each family?

Each family can have two adults attend the session. Please ensure that you include all of their details when filling out the compulsory information on enrolment, when booking the session.

Is there a toilet?

Yes. There is a toilet located in the Hills District All Abilities playground, as well as at the Albany Creek Scout Hall.

Is it pram-friendly?

Yes. Baby wearing and prams are very welcome. It’s an inclusive environment and all families and children are welcome.

Can I bring my baby?

Younger siblings are welcome to attend. We welcome baby-wearing and breastfeeding during our sessions.

Is the bush site shady?

Yes. Bush Knowing operates at a bush site with a well-shaded canopy. We also recommend you wear a hat, sun-safe clothing, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Does the morning tea area have any facilities?

No. The morning tea is a grassy area situated alongside our bush site. Please bring food, water and a picnic rug or chairs to enjoy your morning tea. It has limited areas of natural shade from the sun.

What if it’s raining?

Playing in nature is an all-weather experience! Sessions will continue unless it is unsafe to do so — we will contact you and update our social media pages if cancellation is necessary.

I’ve booked to attend a session and my child is sick. Can I re-schedule my session or claim a refund?

Please kindly let us know if you’re unable to attend a scheduled session. We are a small business. When you book a place at one of our sessions, we allocate that place just for you.

All bookings are non-refundable, but transferable.

All sessions – if given 24 hours written notice – we are happy to rebook for a future session within the current term only.

Do you ever cancel a session?

In the event of teacher illness, an adverse weather event or circumstances beyond our control, we occasionally need to cancel a session. We will advise you with as much notice as possible and issue you a refund or if you prefer a rebooking if this happens.

What is considered an adverse weather event?

Bush Knowing Forest School closely monitors the physical environment to ensure we play safely in nature. Natural events that can cause a session cancellation include a fire, storm, poor air quality, flooded waterways, high temperatures or strong winds.