FAQs

Answer: Nature Schools, sometimes also referred to as Bush Schools or Forest Schools, are one day per week outdoor programmes for children, typically in a natural setting like a forest, park, or garden. The focus is on experiential learning through hands-on activities like nature walks, environmental stewardship and outdoor exploration, integrating subjects like science, art, and physical education.

Our programme falls under the New Zealand Education Act section 25B Release from school: The principal of a State school may, if satisfied that a student will receive outside the school tuition acceptable to the principal, release the student from attendance at the school, for a period or periods agreed with a parent of that student, to receive the tuition. Schools choose how they mark the children who will be attending Nature School, for example as a ‘Justified absence’ or ‘Learning offsite’. We are happy to inform the school of any days that the student is absent at Nature School for recording purposes. We have a Permission Letter available for you to edit and send to your child's principal to gain permission for your child to be absent from school on nature school days.

Answer: Our nature school is designed for children from the ages of 5 to 11. We offer age-appropriate activities and lessons that cater to different developmental stages, ensuring all students have a meaningful and engaging experience.

Answer: Our programme falls under the New Zealand Education Act section 25B Release from school: The principal of a State school may, if satisfied that a student will receive outside the school tuition acceptable to the principal, release the student from attendance at the school, for a period or periods agreed with a parent of that student, to receive the tuition. Schools choose how they mark the children who will be attending Nature School, for example as a ‘Justified absence’ or ‘Learning offsite’. 

We recommend downloading our Principal's Permission Letter to edit and send to your child's principal to gain permission to be absent from school on programme days.

Answer: Absolutely! We welcome children from all types of schooling backgrounds.

Answer: Enrolment is easy! You can visit our Tui Kids webpage and click the 'Enrol Now' button to fill in the registration form. We will require some basic information about your child, such as their name, age and parent/caregiver contact details. Once completed, we will reach out to start the enrolment process.

Answer: Your child will learn a variety of subjects through nature-based activities, such as:

• Science: Observing wildlife, learning about ecosystems, plant and animal life cycles.

• Literacy & Numeracy: reading, writing and applied learning through problem-solving and discovery.

• Art: Nature-inspired crafts, drawing, and outdoor art projects.

• Physical Education: Outdoor games, team-building exercises, and nature hikes.

• Environmental Stewardship: Learning to respect and protect the environment through sustainable practices.

Our lessons are designed to encourage curiosity, creativity, and a deep connection to the natural world.

Answer: Children should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that they can move freely in. We recommend:

• Layers: Temperatures can change throughout the day, so bring extra layers.

• Sturdy shoes: Waterproof boots or sneakers that can handle mud and uneven terrain.

• Hats, gloves, and sunscreen: Depending on the season, ensure your child is prepared for sun or cooler weather.

• Rain gear: In case of wet weather, bring a rain jacket or poncho and rain pants if possible.

• We recommend clothing that can get dirty, as well as packing spare clothing, because kids will be exploring outdoors!

Answer: We believe in the value of outdoor learning, rain or shine! We will still meet for nature school in most weather conditions, but if the weather is forecasted to be extreme (e.g., thunderstorms, strong winds), class will be cancelled. In the case of weather rapidly turning and becoming dangerous during a session, we will notify you via text or phone call to collect your child. Please see our Refund & Cancellation Policy for more information. 

Answer: Children must bring their own snacks and lunch. We recommend packing a healthy, well-balanced meal and plenty of water. Please be mindful of any food allergies your child may have. We also encourage waste-free lunches (using reusable containers, etc.) to help teach sustainability. In the winter months, we may provide a warm juice during a break period. We will take into account any allergies children have, notify parents of the brand and ingredients and ask permission to serve it to your child. Parents are also welcome to provide their child with their own juice.

Answer: Yes, safety is our top priority. Our experienced and trained staff ensure that all activities are age-appropriate and safe. We maintain a 1:8 staff-to-student ratio to provide adequate supervision, and have a designated area for children to play in. Children are closely monitored during all outdoor activities, and we make sure that they are aware of safety rules for the environment. We will always have a first-aid trained staff member and a first aid kit onsite. We are happy to send out our Risk Assessment if requested, so that parents have peace of mind about their child's safety. 

Answer: No prior outdoor experience is required. We welcome children of all backgrounds and levels of outdoor familiarity. The focus is on learning and enjoying the outdoors, regardless of whether they are new to nature or already passionate about it.

Answer: We have specific drop-off and pick-up windows which allow parents a bit more flexibility around their work hours. Please arrive within the allocated windows, as we begin our activities promptly. For safety reasons, only authorized individuals will be allowed to pick up your child, and we will ask for identification if we are unsure.

Answer: We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for everyone. Please inform us of any special needs, medical conditions, or concerns during the enrolment process, and we will work with you to create a plan to ensure your child’s safety and comfort. In some instances, we may offer parent/caregiver-supported sessions at a discounted price.

Answer: If your child is sick or unable to attend for any reason, please let us know as soon as possible. We ask that sick children stay home to prevent spreading illness to others. Please see our refund policy for more information.

Answer: If your child is sick or unable to attend for any reason, please let us know as soon as possible. We ask that sick children stay home to prevent spreading illness to others. Please see our refund policy for more information.

Answer: Yes! Many of our activities involve interacting with the natural world. Children will learn about local plants and wildlife. We emphasize respectful and ethical interactions with nature to ensure that children learn how to treat the environment with care. 

Answer: The cost varies based on the length of the term, but works out at $60 per full-day class. Each term in 2025 has a varying number of weeks, and this impacts the cost of the full programme. We offer a 20% discount for enrolment of a sibling in the same programme period. Please contact us directly or visit our Tui Kids webpage for more detailed pricing information.

Answer: Feel free to reach out! You can email us, call, or contact us via our Facebook page. We’re happy to answer any additional questions you may have about the programme, registration, or anything else related to our nature school.