BUSH BUDDIES Nature Play Policies

Book a BUSH BUDDIES nature play session today, but firstly some housekeeping.

Please read through our policies below, by booking you agree to adhere to them.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Let’s get exploring!

  1. Supervision Policy:

  • Parents/carers are responsible for the supervision and safety of their children at all times during nature play sessions.

  • Children must remain within sight and reach of their parent/carer and should not wander off alone. 

  • It is the responsibility of parents/carers to ensure that their children engage safely in all activities and respect the natural environment.

    2. Health and Safety Policy:

  • Parents/carers are responsible for ensuring that their children are healthy and well enough to participate in outdoor activities.

  • First aid supplies will be available on-site, and parents/carers are encouraged to bring any necessary medications or medical equipment for their children.

  • In the event of an accident or emergency, parents/carers should immediately notify staff and take appropriate action as necessary.

    3.      Behaviour Policy:

  • Parents/carers are responsible for managing their children’s behaviour and ensuring that they interact respectfully with others and the environment.

  • Aggressive or disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated, and parents/carers may be asked to address any behaviour issues promptly.

  • Staff reserve the right to intervene or ask a parent/carer to leave with their child if necessary to maintain a safe and positive environment for all participants.

    4.      Environmental Stewardship Policy:

  • Participants are expected to respect and care for the natural environment during nature play activities.

  • Parents/carers should encourage their children to leave no trace, dispose of waste properly, and avoid damaging plants or wildlife.

  • Staff will provide guidance on sustainable practices and promote environmental awareness among participants.

    5.      Attendance Policy:

  • Parents/carers are encouraged to attend nature play sessions regularly and arrive on time to maximise their child’s participation and enjoyment.

  •  If unable to attend a session, parents/carers should notify Staff in advance if possible.

    6.      Communication Policy:

  • Staff will communicate important information, updates, and announcements to parents/carers via email, text message, or in-person at nature play sessions.

  • Parents/carers are encouraged to communicate any concerns, feedback, or special considerations regarding their child’s participation in the nature play sessions to staff promptly.


    7. Refund Policy:

  • Refunds will not be issued for missed booked in sessions or cancellations by participants.

  • Bush Buddies Nature Play operates in all weather conditions, and participants are required to dress appropriately for outdoor activities. Suitable clothing may include hats, sunscreen, closed-toe shoes, raincoats, and warm layers depending on weather conditions.

  • In the event of an emergency situation, such as severe weather conditions (e.g., extreme heat, thunderstorms, bushfires) or other unforeseen circumstances that pose a safety risk, sessions may be cancelled.

  • If a nature play session is cancelled due to an emergency event, participants will be notified as soon as possible via email, text message, or phone call.

  • Refunds will only be issued in the case of cancelled nature play sessions due to emergency events. Participants who have paid for a session that is cancelled will be entitled to a full refund of the session fee.

  • Refund requests must be submitted to Staff within a reasonable timeframe following the cancelled session. Proof of payment may be required to process the refund.

  • Refunds will be processed using the original payment method whenever possible. If a refund cannot be issued to the original payment method, alternative arrangements will be made.

  • Participants are encouraged to check weather forecasts and other relevant information before attending bush play sessions and to use their discretion regarding attendance during inclement weather conditions.

    8. Nut-Free Food Policy:

  • To ensure the safety of all participants, the nature play sessions have a strict nut-free food policy.

  • Parents/carers are requested to refrain from bringing any food items containing nuts or nut products to nature play sessions, including peanuts, tree nuts, and nut spreads. This policy applies to all food brought onto the premises, including snacks, packed lunches, and treats for sharing.

  • Participants are encouraged to check food labels carefully to ensure that products are free from nuts and nut traces before bringing them to a nature play session.

  • In the event of special occasions or celebrations where food is shared among participants, such as birthdays or holidays, parents/carers are asked to provide nut-free alternatives to accommodate all dietary restrictions.

  • Staff will monitor food brought onto the premises and may request that any nut-containing items be removed or consumed outside of the nature play session area to prevent cross-contamination.

  • If a participant has specific dietary requirements or food allergies other than nuts, parents/carers are encouraged to communicate these needs to Staff in advance to ensure appropriate accommodations are made.

           
    9. Appropriate Clothing Policy:

  • Participants are required to dress appropriately for outdoor activities during nature play sessions.

  • Suitable clothing may include;

  • Comfortable, weather-appropriate attire such as t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, pants, shorts, and dresses.

  • Closed-toe shoes with sturdy soles to protect feet from rough terrain and potential hazards.

  • Hats with wide brims or caps with flaps to provide shade and protect the face, neck, and ears from sun exposure.

  • Sunscreen applied to exposed skin, including the face, arms, and legs, to prevent sunburn.

  • In cooler weather, layers of clothing and outerwear such as jackets, sweaters, and raincoats to stay warm and dry.

  • Participants should avoid wearing clothing with loose or dangling accessories that could pose a safety risk during outdoor activities.

  • Brightly coloured or reflective clothing may enhance visibility and safety, especially during bushwalking or when exploring wooded areas.

  • Parents/carers are encouraged to check weather forecasts before attending nature play sessions and to dress their children accordingly to ensure comfort and protection from the elements.

  • Staff may provide additional guidance or recommendations regarding appropriate clothing based on specific activities planned for each session.

  • By dressing appropriately for outdoor adventures, participants can fully enjoy the nature play experience while staying safe and comfortable in nature.

    10. Sunscreen and Insect Repellent Policy:

  • Bush Buddies nature play will provide sunscreen and insect repellent for general use during nature play sessions.

  • Staff will ensure that sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF (30 or higher) and insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin is available for participants to use.

  • Participants are encouraged to apply sunscreen and insect repellent to themselves and their children before outdoor activities to protect against sunburn and insect bites.

  • While Staff will make every effort to provide safe and effective products, participants with known allergies or sensitivities are advised to bring their own sunscreen and insect repellent to nature play sessions.

  • Parents/carers should notify Staff in advance if their child has any allergies or medical conditions that may require special accommodations or precautions regarding sunscreen or insect repellent use.

  • Staff will monitor sunscreen and insect repellent supplies and replenish them as needed to ensure availability for all participants.

  • Participants are encouraged to reapply sunscreen and insect repellent regularly throughout nature play sessions, especially after water play or sweating, to maintain protection.

  • By providing sunscreen and insect repellent for general use, the Bush Buddies nature play aims to promote sun safety and minimise the risk of insect bites during outdoor activities while respecting individual needs and preferences regarding allergies and sensitivities.

Exploring nature, growing together