FAQ

Where are you located?

Kariong Eco-Garden. 2 Dandaloo St, Kariong, NSW.

And

Pearl Beach Arboretum. 71 Crystal Ave, Pearl Beach NSW 2256

Is Play on Earth Insured?

Yes, Play on Earth has $20 000 000 liability insurance. Part of your weekly fees contribute towards our insurance. Please ensure you read and our terms and conditions and waivers prior to joining us.

Do your staff have Working with Children Check and First Aid Certificates?

Yes, all of our staff have certified Working with Children Checks and valid First Aid Certificates.

What is your cancellation policy?

We are unable to offer a refund, however if you can provide us with 24 hours notice we can offer you a credit for a future session. Contact us via email: contact@playonearth.com.au to discuss options.

Are you a nut free zone?

No. We are a nut aware business. This means we ask our families to not send nuts with their child to our programs. We have a no sharing personal food policy. However it is not possible to totally eliminate the risk. Our staff are trained in anaphylaxis symptoms and how to use Epi-Pens. If your child has any allergies you will need to fill out this in our booking form and also send any medications such as the Epi-Pen with them to our programs.

What happens if it’s raining?

There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. We will still go ahead in wet weather. There is a big shelter in the garden for us to use.

Drop off Program FAQ

What will my kids do at your programs?

Children will engage in activities such as:
– Using real tools to do crafts and building
– Learning to tie knots and build structures with tarps and sticks
– Help prepare foods and cooking
– Play group games
– Explore the bushland
– Climb trees
– Story telling and bush songs
– Fire striking and building fires (terms 2 & 3 only)
– Cooking on the fire (terms 2 & 3 only)
– Nature crafts and art
– Flora and Fauna identification

How many children do you have in your drop-off programs?

In our Bush Kindy programs we have a maximum of 14 with a ratio of 1 staff member for every 7 children. In our holiday programs and bush homeschool programs we have a a maximum of 20 children aged 4-12 with a ratio of 1:10.

Will you provide food?

Some food will be provided over the day such as fruit and campfire food. We do however ask that your child brings their own snacks and lunch to the programs.

What do I need to send with my child to the Holiday Workshops / Bush Kindy / Bush Play School programs?

Please send your child with a small backpack with the following items inside:

  • A change of underwear, shoes(optional) and clothing,
  • Snacks, lunch and a drink bottle,
  • Hat, insect repellant and sunscreen,
  • Wet weather clothing such as rain jacket and rain boots
What is your clothing policy?

Your child should wear the following:

  • Old clothing that can get dirty/ruined
  • Enclosed shoes (compulsory)
  • Hat
  • Long pants and long sleeve shirts (recommended for safety)

Playgroup FAQ

Can I attend for a trial visit?

No we do not offer trial visits. However we do offer casual visits for our programs.

You have ‘family’ tickets for playgroup. What does this mean?

A family ticket allows a parent or guardian to attend with their children (siblings from the same family).

How much does playgroup cost?

Playgroup costs $25 per week for a casual visit and $22.50 per week when booking 5 or more sessions at once.

Do parents/guardians have to attend playgroup?

Yes, parents/guardians need to stay during the playgroup and are responsible for the supervision of their children at all times.

What do I need to bring to playgroup?
  • Dress for the weather and for messy play (raincoat and gumboots in wet weather, old clothes that can get dirty)
  • Snacks and a drink bottle for your children
  • A change of clothes for the drive home (things can get pretty messy!)
  • Hat & Sunscreen
  • Covered shoes (please no sandals or thongs as we will be playing in the bush area.)
  • Insect repellant
  • Keep cup for the attending parent
What can I expect at playgroup?

At Playgroup, you can expect a wide range of engaging activities and experiences designed to promote active play and creativity for children. Each playgroup session offers a variety of play invitations to stimulate imagination and exploration.

These invitations may include:

  1. Mud Kitchen: Children will have the opportunity to engage in sensory play and discover the joys of cooking with mud.
  2. Nature Arts/Crafts: Creative minds will be inspired as children explore and create artwork using natural materials found in the environment.
  3. Large Loose Parts Play: Children will have access to a collection of open-ended objects, allowing them to develop problem-solving skills and unleash their creativity through imaginative play.
  4. Bush Exploration Play: Children will have the chance to venture into the surrounding nature, discovering and learning about the wonders of the outdoors.
  5. Songs and Stories: Playgroup sessions will also include special moments for group activities such as singing songs and listening to stories, fostering a sense of togetherness and nurturing language development.
What age range is your playgroup best suited to?

At Play on Earth, we ensure that our activities are tailored to the ages of the children attending each week. Most of our activities are suitable for any child who can stand or walk. Additionally, we provide age-appropriate experiences for babies who are not yet standing or walking.

We believe that every child, regardless of their developmental stage, should have the opportunity to engage with nature and enjoy the benefits of outdoor play.

Bush Babies

What ages is this program suitable for?

Babies ages 0 to 1 and up to 18months – preferably not walking. Once they are walking our Playgroup may be more suitable.

What happens at Bush Babies?

First we will gather together and connect through conversation and songs. We may go for a bushwalk or spend some time looking around the garden with the babies. There will be different sensory experiences for the babies to explore each week including; musical instruments, herbs and spices, natural materials, bubbles, slime, dirt, grass etc. We will learn some baby massage together each week and also baby sign language. The session will wind down with some time to connect with other parents while your baby explores the space around them.

Can I bring my pram?

Yes, there is some space in the garden to park prams but you will not be able to take the pram for a bush walk. It would be a good idea to bring a carrier to each session.

What should I bring?
  • A baby carrier
  • Water bottle for you and baby
  • Snacks for you and baby
  • Change of clothes for baby and a towel to dry them off with if they get extra dirty
  • Optional – baby rug or mat