As Nature Play SA is a small team, and there’s always lots of interest in our programs, we’ve developed this FAQ page to help answer common Excursion and Incursion related questions.
We have a diverse range of programs featured on our website and suggested ages ranges for these. These are a general guide and have been suggested with children’s development and capabilities in mind. However, we are an innovative and flexible team and can tailor any program to suit with a bit of consultation. We are often asked to deliver whole school incursions, nature play festivals, school ‘day camps,’ buddy programs and more.
Simply let us know on your booking inquiry form what is of interest and we can go from there.
We work with birth to year 12 students and can tailor any program to suit the learning and curriculum needs of your site/school and the students in your care. Our advertised age ranges are simply there to guide you.
The cost of each program varies. This is due to the range of resources needed for programs, time spent preparing for each and the number of staff required to facilitate. All program flyers have specific costs outlined as does our Incursions and Excursions webpage. Further details for the program that you are interested in can be found on the Incursions & Excursions page.
Great news – all education members receive a 10% discount on standard incursion and excursion bookings. All Department for Education sites are members and therefore if you are booking for a Department for Education site you will receive a 10% discount on standard programs. If you are not a member and would like to know more about discounts and other benefits of our membership, learn more here. We welcome new members and would love to have you on board.
There is a minimum spend and this is different for each program. The minimum charge will be applied at the time of invoice. For example:
Cubby Building @ Belair: Minimum $400 spend
Early Learners Go Wild @ Wittunga: Minimum $350 spend
Due to the wide-area we service and our commitment to doing so, there is a small travel fee for incursions and programs delivered outside of the Adelaide Metro area (including regional and country SA.) We endeavour to keep these costs to a minimum. These costs are scaled, based on your location and distance from our home base in Blackwood, SA. Google Maps is used to determine the distance (for the purposes of travel km’s) from our office in the Wittunga Botanic Gardens, Blackwood.
Travel fee Schedule
0 to 24km – no charge
26 to 50km – If your site is within this range, there is a one-off travel fee of $80 applied to your final invoice.
51 km and over – fee to be negotiated with the Education Manager
A $200 cancellation fee applies if your confirmed booking is cancelled by you without rescheduling due to a change of mind. If there is to be a cancellation due to hazardous weather, where possible, NPSA will notify you by 4pm the day before your program offering. In the event of a cancellation due to severe or hazardous weather conditions, we work with you to reschedule programs to a mutually agreeable time.
To support our valued clients, we are pleased to work with you in this trying time with a flexible approach and adjustments as necessary. If your program needs to be rescheduled due to directives to stay at home or limit visitors on-site, we will work closely with you to find a suitable time to reschedule. If your program day needs to be cancelled due to directives to stay at home or limit visitors on-site, there will be no charge.
An invoice will be sent to you immediately following your excursion for payment within 14 days. Attendance numbers will be recorded on the day to ensure invoicing is accurate.
Yes, NPSA will provide all materials for the program you have booked.
We value connection and positive interactions with students and teachers alike. Please ensure everyone has a name tag (name written on masking tape is fine) for your program. We will have ours on as well.
The Teacher-in-Charge remains responsible for all pastoral care and first aid of students (as per DfE guidelines). Please ensure you have all necessary documentation and resources as per school-based policies and procedures.
We do ask that parent volunteers are enlisted to support on excursions. After all, a day out in the fresh SA air is good for everyone. Encourage parents to join in, learn and immerse themselves in the ‘green time’ adventure on offer.
Cubby Building @ Belair: We ask that parent helpers are enlisted for a fun day in the park and recommend a volunteer ratio of one [1] adult to six [6] children.
Early Learners Go Wild @ Wittunga: Please refer to your site-based policies and procedures for guidance regarding ratios. We encourage you to have parent helpers enlisted for a fun day at Wittunga House and recommend a volunteer ratio of one [1] adult to four [4] children.
The space in which the incursion is held has a significant impact on the children’s immersion in nature play. If you have access to a nature play space, school garden or school oval (preferably with some trees nearby) that would be ideal. A sandpit is also a great addition.
Our incursions are generally set up as a series of stations on 3m x 3m outdoor mats and there are usually 6 – 8 mats in total. This requires the use of space akin to the size of a tennis court. This may help you with the allocation of a suitable space.
We ask that you secure an indoor or undercover space to use in the event of inclement weather. We aim to work outdoors whenever possible, but there are times when rain and wind get in the way of a great experience.
For all programs, upon booking confirmation, a risk assessment is provided for your review. Please look over this with care and ensure all staff (and volunteers where applicable) on the day are aware of their roles and responsibilities. We also have copies of these risk assessments available here, for you to access when needed.
Cubby Building @ Belair: The excursion will proceed unless severe weather warnings are in place for the local area or the park is closed due to extreme (or other) weather conditions. In the event of scheduled extreme weather, we may also arrange to reschedule or amend this excursion with a minimum of 24 hours notice. In the event of wet weather, we are fortunate to have the use of the Karka pavilion where a carefully planned indoor experience will be facilitated to engage all students.
Early Learners Go Wild @ Wittunga: We have access to undercover areas when needed. In the event of scheduled extreme weather, we may also arrange to reschedule or amend this excursion with a minimum of 24 hours notice.
Incursions: As the weather can be unpredictable, please ensure an indoor or undercover space has been booked to enable this program to go ahead in inclement weather. The use of a school gym, OSHC room or general-purpose space is appreciated. This information is stored on your booking form to ensure we can resource your day appropriately in the event of unfavourable weather conditions.
At Nature Play SA we’re all about outdoor play and go by the motto ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.’ We still run our programs with a forecast of rain and cold weather and will only cancel the program in hazardous conditions, such as severe weather warnings. If circumstances do require us to cancel, we’ll advise you as soon as possible.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes. All NPSA staff have current DHS Working with Children Checks, Catholic Education clearances and/or Teacher Registration. They also hold up to date first aid and RAN-EC training.
All programs are staffed by experienced facilitators, but they are not ‘in ratio’ for the purposes of your excursion or incursion and cannot be counted as such. Your school/site-based policy and procedures will guide the adult/child ratio for your program. We do encourage you to have parent helpers on hand for excursions.
Cubby Building Excursion: We ask that parent helpers are enlisted for a fun day in the park and recommend a volunteer ratio of one [1] adult to six [6] children. This ensures a fun and relaxing day for adults and students alike.
Early Learners Go Wild @ Wittunga: We encourage you to have parent helpers enlisted for a fun day at Wittunga House and recommend a volunteer ratio of one [1] adult to four [4] children.
Please note that your NPSA facilitator is not included within your ratio and the Teacher-in-Charge remains responsible for all pastoral care and first aid of students (as per DfE guidelines).
Yes. NPSA is committed to ensuring a safe environment for all by following up-to-date SA Government and health advice. Our Covid Safe Policy and Plan forms part of your program’s risk assessment and is provided as part of a package after your booking is confirmed.
You can spread your programs out over several days, as long as you meet the minimum spend each day for the desired program.
Cubby Building @ Belair: Minimum $400 spend per day
Early Learners Go Wild @ Wittunga: Minimum $350 spend per day
Incursions: Minimum $300 spend per day.
Cubby Building at Belair: This incursion runs from 10:30am to 1.30pm. This can be tweaked to suit your travel time and specific circumstances if required. Let us know if you need an earlier departure to get back to school or will arrive a little later. We advise that you arrive at the Belair National Park gates by 10am or half an hour before your agreed start time. This will allow half an hour to enjoy the drive through the park (5 to 10 min), unload, visit the restrooms, gather in class groups, have recess, and settle in for our start time of 10:30am.
Early Learners Go Wild @ Wittunga: Sessions run from either 10.15-11.45 or 12.30 – 2pm and are scheduled in consultation with you. If you have negotiated a different start and finish time with us, this will be recorded in the email communication sent to you at the time of your booking. We advise that you arrive 15 to 30 minutes prior to your session start time, for food and toilet breaks if needed.
Incursions*: Each session runs for 90 minutes, and three sessions can be accommodated in one school day. There are usually three scheduling options based on the structure of your school day i.e., before recess, after recess or after lunch.
We suggest a maximum of 30 students per session. Please note that we can send more than one facilitator on any given day. This enables more classes to be enjoying an incursion at any one time.
*Please note that our Foundation in Nature Incursion runs to a different schedule to suit the needs of very young children. This is a 60-minute session.
Yes. There are three scheduling options based on the structure of your school day i.e. before recess, after recess or after lunch.
When you enter your details into our online booking request form, we ask for you to provide three preferred dates and we will be in touch to confirm your final booking details. This is (usually) done within 48 hours of the receipt of your email.
Natural Elements: 90 minutes per session
Geocaching: 90 minutes per session
STEAM into Nature with Natural Pigments: 90 minutes per session
Whittling and Weaving: 90 minutes per session
Foundations in Nature (Early Years): 60 minutes per session
You will receive an information pack about your program upon confirmation of your booking. This pack contains information about what you can do with your students in the lead up to the session.
Stay tuned for resources to support your session.
You will receive an information pack about your program upon confirmation of your booking. This pack contains detailed information about the program which you can share with parents/carers to show them what the session is all about.
Your educator/s will arrive about 60 minutes prior to the first session to set up. If you can allocate a space where there is van access, it will make it easier to unload and pack up. Please ensure someone is onsite to unlock any necessary access points and let us know where this space is so that we can plan our resources accordingly.
We value connection and positive interactions with students and teachers alike. Please ensure everyone has a name tag (name written on masking tape is fine) for this incursion. We will have ours on as well.
Cubby Building @ Belair: You will be welcomed by your NPSA educator/s at the drop off area next to the ‘bus turn around’ spot. Look out for their friendly faces and NPSA signs.
Early Learners Go Wild @ Wittunga: Please meet your NPSA leader on the circular lawn inside the Sherbourne Rd entrance at least 15 minutes before your allocated session time.
Incursions: Please meet your NPSA educator at the school’s office when they arrive to sign in and set up. Your educator/s will arrive about 60 minutes prior to the first session to set up.
If you can allocate a space where there is van access, it will make it easier to unload and pack up. Please ensure someone is onsite to unlock any necessary access points and let us know where this space is so that we can plan our resources accordingly.
Cubby Building @ Belair: Detailed instructions and a map are provided in the information pack sent to you after your booking is confirmed. The drop off area is next to the ‘bus turn around’ spot. If the bus chooses to stay it can park in the bus turnaround spot.
Early Learners @ Wittunga: Detailed instructions and a map are provided in the information pack that is sent to you after your booking is confirmed. The drop off location is on Sherbourne Rd next to the entry gate for Wittunga House.
If you need to speak to one of our team, please call the Nature Play SA office on 84900868.
Your NPSA leader will have your contact details and will be in touch if required.
Name tags for all programs: We value connection and positive interactions with students and teachers alike. Please ensure everyone has a name tag (name written on masking tape is fine) for this incursion. We will have ours on as well.
Incursions: Access to water for set up and clean-up is often needed. Please consider this when choosing your location. The space in which the incursion is held has a significant impact on the children’s immersion in nature play. If you have access to a nature play space, school garden or school oval (preferably with some trees nearby) that would be ideal. A sandpit is also a great addition.
[Our incursions are set up on 3m x 3m outdoor mats and there are usually 6 – 8 mats in total. This requires the use of space akin to the size of a tennis court. This may help you with the allocation of a suitable space.]
We understand that not everyone has the same environment to work with, but if you could keep the above features in mind when choosing your location, it would be greatly appreciated.
Dress for the weather and play outdoors – clothing that can handle wild and free play and warm layers work well. Sturdy footwear is recommended, along with wet weather gear for a forecast of rain or showers.
You will receive an information pack about your program upon confirmation of your booking. This pack contains information about post-program suggestions and resources.
We have a diverse range of programs featured on our website and suggested ages ranges for these. These are a general guide and have been suggested with children’s development and capabilities in mind. However, we are an innovative and flexible team and can tailor any program to suit with a bit of consultation. Simply let us know on your booking inquiry form what is of interest, and we can go from there.
We work with birth to year 12 students and can tailor any program to suit the learning and curriculum needs of your site/school and the students in your care. Our advertised age ranges are simply there to guide you.
The cost of each program varies. This is due to the range of resources needed for programs, time spent preparing for each and the number of staff required to facilitate. All program flyers have specific costs outlined as does our Incursions and Excursions webpage. Further details for the program that you are interested in can be found on the Incursions & Excursions page.
Great news – all education members receive a 10% discount on standard incursion and excursion bookings. All Department for Education sites are members and therefore if you are booking for a Department for Education site you will receive a 10% discount on standard programs. If you are not a member and would like to know more about discounts and other benefits of our membership, learn more here. We welcome new members and would love to have you on board.
There is a minimum spend and this is different for each program. The minimum charge will be applied at the time of invoice.
Incursions: Minimum $300 spend
Due to the wide-area we service and our commitment to doing so, there is a small travel fee for incursions and programs delivered outside of the Adelaide Metro area (including regional and country SA.) We endeavour to keep these costs to a minimum. These costs are scaled, based on your location and distance from our home base in Blackwood, SA. Google Maps is used to determine the distance (for the purposes of travel km’s) from our office in the Wittunga Botanic Gardens, Blackwood.
Travel fee Schedule
0 to 24km – no charge
26 to 50km – If your site is within this range, there is a one-off travel fee of $80 applied to your final invoice.
51 km and over – fee to be negotiated with the Education Manager
A $200 cancellation fee applies if your confirmed booking is cancelled by you without rescheduling due to a change of mind. If there is to be a cancellation due to hazardous weather, where possible, NPSA will notify you by 4pm the day before your program offering. In the event of a cancellation due to severe or hazardous weather conditions, we work with you to reschedule programs to a mutually agreeable time.
To support our valued clients, we are pleased to work with you in this trying time with a flexible approach and adjustments as necessary. If your program needs to be rescheduled due to directives to stay at home or limit visitors on site, we will work closely with you to find a suitable time to reschedule. If your program day needs to be cancelled due to directives to stay at home or limit visitors on site, there will be no charge.
An invoice will be sent to you immediately following your excursion for payment within 14 days. Attendance numbers will be recorded on the day to ensure invoicing is accurate.
Yes, NPSA will provide all materials for the program you have booked.
We value connection and positive interactions with students and teachers alike. Please ensure everyone has a name tag (name written on masking tape is fine) for your incursion. We will have ours on as well.
The Teacher-in-Charge remains responsible for all pastoral care and first aid of students (as per DfE guidelines). Please ensure you have all necessary documentation and resources as per school-based policies and procedures.
The space in which the incursion is held has a significant impact on the children’s immersion in nature play. If you have access to a nature play space, school garden or school oval (preferably with some trees nearby) that would be ideal. A sandpit is also a great addition.
Access to water for set up and clean-up is also welcome. Please consider this when choosing a space.
Our incursions are generally set up as a series of stations on 3m x 3m outdoor mats and there are usually 6 – 8 mats in total. This requires the use of space akin to the size of a tennis court. This may help you with the allocation of a suitable space.
We ask that you secure an indoor or undercover space to use in the event of inclement weather. We aim to work outdoors whenever possible, but there are times when rain and wind get in the way of a great experience.
For all programs, upon booking confirmation, a risk assessment is provided for your review. Please look over this with care and ensure all staff (and volunteers where applicable) on the day are aware of their roles and responsibilities. We also have copies of these risk assessments available here, for you to access when needed.
As the weather can be unpredictable, please ensure an indoor or undercover space has been booked to enable this program to go ahead in inclement weather. The use of a school gym, OSHC room or general-purpose space is appreciated. This information is stored on your booking form to ensure we can resource your day appropriately in the event of unfavourable weather conditions.
At Nature Play SA we’re all about outdoor play and go by the motto ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.’ We still run our programs with a forecast of rain and cold weather and will only cancel the program in hazardous conditions, such as severe weather warnings. If circumstances do require us to cancel, we’ll advise you as soon as possible.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes. All NPSA staff have current DHS Working with Children Checks, Catholic Education clearances and/or Teacher Registration. They also hold up to date first aid and RAN-EC training.
All programs are staffed by experienced facilitators, but they are not ‘in ratio’ for the purposes of your excursion or incursion and cannot be counted as such. Your school/site-based policy and procedures will guide the adult/child ratio for your program. We do encourage you to have parent helpers on hand for excursions.
Yes. NPSA is committed to ensuring a safe environment for all by following up-to-date SA Government and health advice. Our Covid Safe Policy and Plan forms part of your program’s risk assessment and is provided as part of a package after your booking is confirmed.
You can spread your programs out over several days, as long as you meet the minimum spend each day for the desired program. For example:
Cubby Building @ Belair: Minimum $400 spend per day
Early Learners Go Wild @ Wittunga: Minimum $350 spend per day
Each session runs for 90 minutes*, and three sessions can be accommodated in one school day. There are usually three scheduling options based on the structure of your school day i.e., before recess, after recess or after lunch.
We suggest a maximum of 30 students per session. Please note that we can send more than one facilitator on any given day. This enables more classes to be enjoying an incursion at any one time.
*Please note that our Foundation in Nature Incursion runs to a different schedule to suit the needs of very young children. This is a 60-minute session.
Yes. There are three scheduling options based on the structure of your school day i.e. before recess, after recess or after lunch.
When you enter your details into our online booking request form, we ask for you to provide three preferred dates and we will be in touch to confirm your final booking details. This is (usually) done within 48 hours of the receipt of your email.
Natural Elements: 90 minutes per session
Geocaching: 90 minutes per session
STEAM into Nature with Natural Pigments: 90 minutes per session
Whittling and Weaving: 90 minutes per session
You will receive an information pack about your program upon confirmation of your booking. This pack contains information about what you can do with your students in the lead up to the session.
Stay tuned for resources to support your session.
You will receive an information pack about your program upon confirmation of your booking. This pack contains detailed information about the program which you can share with parents/carers to show them what the session is all about.
Your educator/s will arrive about 60 minutes prior to the first session to set up. If you can allocate a space where there is van access, it will make it easier to unload and pack up. Please ensure someone is onsite to unlock any necessary access points and let us know where this space is so that we can plan our resources accordingly.
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We value connection and positive interactions with students and teachers alike. Please ensure everyone has a name tag (name written on masking tape is fine) for this incursion. We will have ours on as well.
Please meet your NPSA educator at the school’s office when they arrive to sign in and set up. Your educator/s will arrive about 60 minutes prior to the first session to set up. If you can allocate a space where there is van access, it will make it easier to unload and pack up. Please ensure someone is onsite to unlock any necessary access points and let us know where this space is so that we can plan our resources accordingly.
Name tags for all programs: We value connection and positive interactions with students and teachers alike. Please ensure everyone has a name tag (name written on masking tape is fine) for this incursion. We will have ours on as well.
Dress for the weather and play outdoors – clothing that can handle wild and free play and warm layers work well. Sturdy footwear is recommended, along with wet weather gear for a forecast of rain or showers.
You will receive an information pack about your program upon confirmation of your booking. This pack contains information about post-program suggestions and resources.
This excursion can be differentiated to suit multiple year levels and is best suited to Reception to Year 7 students. We are able to offer a cubby building experience for Kindy groups upon request.
All program flyers have specific costs outlined as does our Incursions and Excursions webpage. The cost of the Cubby Building excursion can be found on the Incursions & Excursions web page and on the program flyer.
Great news – all education members receive a 10% discount on standard incursion and excursion bookings. All Department for Education sites are members and therefore if you are booking for a Department for Education site you will receive a 10% discount on standard programs. If you are not a member and would like to know more about discounts and other benefits of our membership, learn more here. We welcome new members and would love to have you on board.
There is a minimum spend and this charge will be applied at the time of invoice.
Cubby Building @ Belair: Minimum $400 spend
There is no entry charge for adult helpers attending this program. Simply let the friendly National Park staff at the entry gate know that you are attending the Nature Play SA Cubby Building excursion.
A $200 cancellation fee applies if your confirmed booking is cancelled by you without rescheduling due to a change of mind. If there is to be a cancellation due to hazardous weather, where possible, NPSA will notify you by 4pm the day before your program offering. In the event of a cancellation due to severe or hazardous weather conditions, we work with you to reschedule programs to a mutually agreeable time.
To support our valued clients, we are pleased to work with you in this trying time with a flexible approach and adjustments as necessary. If your program needs to be rescheduled due to directives to stay at home or limit visitors on site, we will work closely with you to find a suitable time to reschedule. If your program day needs to be cancelled due to directives to stay at home or limit visitors on site, there will be no charge.
An invoice will be sent to you immediately following your excursion for payment within 14 days. Attendance numbers will be recorded on the day to ensure invoicing is accurate.
All programs are staffed by experienced facilitators, but they are not ‘in ratio’ for the purposes of your excursion and cannot be counted as such. Your school/site-based policy and procedures will guide the adult/child ratio for your program. We do encourage you to have parent helpers on hand for this excursion.
Please note that your NPSA facilitator is not included within your ratio and the Teacher-in-Charge remains responsible for all pastoral care and first aid of students (as per DfE guidelines).
We ask that parent helpers are enlisted for a fun day in the park. It’s a great way for adults to connect with nature and replace their own screen time with ‘green time.’
We ask that parent helpers are enlisted for a fun day in the park and recommend a volunteer ratio of one [1] adult to six [6] children. This ensures a fun and relaxing day for adults and students alike.
NPSA will provide all of the materials necessary for a great day of cubby building.
Yes. All rubbish must be taken out of the park. This is part of Belair National Park’s code of conduct. Did you know that there are no communal bins in Belair National Park? This fact alone provides a great opportunity to teach students about conservation and sustainability. Please ensure you have rubbish bags with you, or students are aware of the need to put all rubbish back in their bags at the end of Recess and Lunch.
We value connection and positive interactions with students and teachers alike. Please ensure everyone has a name tag (name written on masking tape is fine) for this excursion. We will have ours on as well.
The Teacher-in-Charge remains responsible for all pastoral care and first aid of students (as per DfE guidelines). Please ensure you have all necessary documentation and resources as per school-based policies and procedures.
We are fortunate to have the use of the Karka pavilion, which provides a place of respite and shelter in the event of warm weather. There is also plenty of shade around our Cubby building site. We do understand that, in the event of extreme heat, site-based policies regarding excursions and incursions will need to be followed.
In the event of wet weather, we are fortunate to have the use of the Karka pavilion where a carefully planned indoor experience will be facilitated to engage all students.
The excursion will proceed unless severe weather warnings are in place for the local area or the park is closed due to extreme (or other) weather conditions. If circumstances do require us to cancel, we’ll advise you as soon as possible. We aim to do this by 4m on the day prior when possible. At Nature Play SA we’re all about outdoor play and go by the motto ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.’ We still run our programs with a forecast of rain and cold weather and will only cancel the program in hazardous conditions, such as severe weather warnings. If circumstances do require us to cancel, we’ll advise you as soon as possible.
For all programs, upon booking confirmation, a risk assessment is provided for your review. Please look over this with care and ensure all staff (and volunteers where applicable) on the day are aware of their roles and responsibilities. We also have copies of these risk assessments available here, for you to access when needed.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes. All NPSA staff have current DHS Working with Children Checks, Catholic Education clearances and/or Teacher Registration. They also hold up to date first aid and RAN-EC training.
Yes. NPSA is committed to ensuring a safe environment for all by following up-to-date SA Government and health advice. Our Covid Safe Policy and Plan forms part of your program’s risk assessment and is provided as part of a package after your booking is confirmed.
This incursion runs from 10:30am to 1.30pm. This can be tweaked to suit your travel time and specific circumstances if required. Let us know if you need an earlier departure to get back to school or will arrive a little later.
We advise that you arrive at the Belair National Park gates by 10am or half an hour before your agreed start time. This will allow half an hour to enjoy the drive through the park (5 to 10 min), unload, visit the restrooms, gather in class groups, have recess, and settle in for our start time of 10:30am.
When you enter your details into our online booking request form, we ask for you to provide three preferred dates and we will be in touch to confirm your final booking details. This is (usually) done within 48 hours of the receipt of your email.
You will receive an information pack about your program upon confirmation of your booking. This pack contains information about what you can do with your students in the lead up to the session.
Stay tuned for resources to support your session.
You will receive an information pack about your program upon confirmation of your booking. This pack contains detailed information about the program which you can share with parents/carers to show them what the session is all about.
You will be welcomed by your NPSA educator/s at the drop off area next to the ‘bus turn around’ spot. Look out for their friendly faces and NPSA signs.
Detailed instructions and a map are provided in the information pack that is sent to you after your booking is confirmed. The drop off area is next to the ‘bus turn around’ spot. If the bus chooses to stay, it can park in the bus turnaround spot.
If you need to speak to one of our team, please call the Nature Play SA office on 84900868.
Your NPSA leader will have your contact details and will be in touch if required.
We value connection and positive interactions with students and teachers alike. Please ensure everyone has a name tag (name written on masking tape is fine) for this incursion. We will have ours on as well.
Dress for the weather and play outdoors – clothing that can handle wild and free play and warm layers work well. Sturdy footwear is recommended, along with wet weather gear for a forecast of rain or showers.
You will receive an information pack about your program upon confirmation of your booking. This pack contains information about post-program suggestions and resources.
We have a diverse range of programs featured on our website and suggested ages ranges for these. Early Learners Go Wild @ Wittunga has been designed with our youngest nature warriors in mind, for children aged 3-5 years old. This has been carefully planned with children’s development and capabilities in mind. However, we are an innovative and flexible team and can tailor any program to suit with a bit of consultation. We can meet primary classes/students within the grounds of the Wittunga Botanic Gardens to facilitate a differentiated Early Learners Go Wild experience.
We work with birth to year 12 students and can tailor any program to suit the learning and curriculum needs of your site/school and the students in your care. Our advertised age ranges are simply there to guide you.
All program flyers have specific costs outlined as does our Incursions and Excursions webpage. The cost of the Cubby Building excursion can be found on the Incursions & Excursions web page and on the program flyer.
Great news – all education members receive a 10% discount on standard incursion and excursion bookings. All Department for Education sites are members and therefore if you are booking for a Department for Education site you will receive a 10% discount on standard programs. If you are not a member and would like to know more about discounts and other benefits of our membership, learn more here. We welcome new members and would love to have you on board.
There is a minimum spend and this charge will be applied at the time of invoice.
Early Learners Go Wild @ Wittunga: Minimum $350 spend
A $200 cancellation fee applies if your confirmed booking is cancelled by you without rescheduling due to a change of mind. If there is to be a cancellation due to hazardous weather, where possible, NPSA will notify you by 4pm the day before your program offering. In the event of a cancellation due to severe or hazardous weather conditions, we work with you to reschedule programs to a mutually agreeable time.
To support our valued clients, we are pleased to work with you in this trying time with a flexible approach and adjustments as necessary. If your program needs to be rescheduled due to directives to stay at home or limit visitors on site, we will work closely with you to find a suitable time to reschedule. If your program day needs to be cancelled due to directives to stay at home or limit visitors on site, there will be no charge.
An invoice will be sent to you immediately following your excursion for payment within 14 days. Attendance numbers will be recorded on the day to ensure invoicing is accurate.
NPSA will provide all materials necessary for the program you have booked.
We value connection and positive interactions with students and teachers alike. Please ensure everyone has a name tag (name written on masking tape is fine) for this excursion. We will have ours on as well.
The Teacher-in-Charge remains responsible for all pastoral care and first aid of students (as per DfE guidelines). Please ensure you have all necessary documentation and resources as per school-based policies and procedures.
Please refer to your site-based policies and procedures for guidance regarding ratios. We encourage you to have parent helpers enlisted for a fun day at Wittunga House and recommend a volunteer ratio of one [1] adult to four [4] children.
For all programs, upon booking confirmation, a risk assessment is provided for your review. Please look over this with care and ensure all staff (and volunteers where applicable) on the day are aware of their roles and responsibilities. We also have copies of these risk assessments available here, for you to access when needed.
We have access to undercover areas when needed. In the event of scheduled extreme weather, we may also arrange to reschedule or amend this excursion with a minimum 24 hours notice.
We aim to work outdoors whenever possible, but there are times when rain and wind get in the way of a great experience. We do have the use of an undercover decking area, and indoor spaces to retreat to if needed.
At Nature Play SA we’re all about outdoor play and go by the motto ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.’ We still run our programs with a forecast of rain and cold weather and will only cancel the program in hazardous conditions, such as severe weather warnings. If circumstances do require us to cancel, we’ll advise you as soon as possible.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes. All NPSA staff have current DHS Working with Children Checks, Catholic Education clearances and/or Teacher Registration. They also hold up to date first aid and RAN-EC training.
Yes. NPSA is committed to ensuring a safe environment for all by following up-to-date SA Government and health advice. Our Covid Safe Policy and Plan forms part of your program’s risk assessment and is provided as part of a package after your booking is confirmed.
All programs are staffed by experienced facilitators, but they are not ‘in ratio’ for the purposes of your excursion or incursion and cannot be counted as such.
Your school/site-based policy and procedures will guide the adult/child ratio for your program. We do encourage you to have parent helpers on hand for excursions.
We encourage you to have parent helpers enlisted for a fun day at Wittunga House and recommend a volunteer ratio of one [1] adult to four [4] children.
Please note that your NPSA facilitator is not included within your ratio and the Teacher-in-Charge remains responsible for all pastoral care and first aid of students (as per DfE guidelines).
You can attend every term as we have a seasonal program that changes – with each season! Discounts for multiple visits are available. Simply ask us about these.
You will have a 90-minute session for this excursion, and we generally offer an ‘am’ or ‘pm’ timeslot.
A morning session runs from 10.15am to 11.45am
An afternoon session runs from 12.30pm to 2pm
These sessions are scheduled in consultation with you, and we can tweak them to suit your travel time and eating/playtime schedules. Please let us know if you would like a later start time. If you have negotiated a different start and finish time with us, this will be recorded in the email communication sent to you at the time of your booking.
We advise that you arrive 30 minutes prior to your session for food and toilet breaks if needed. During this ‘pre-program’ time, we leave you to attend to the needs of the group while we complete our set-up and prepare.
Please note that we cannot start sessions later than the scheduled time due to other bookings.
When you enter your details into our online booking request form, we ask for you to provide three preferred dates and we will be in touch to confirm your final booking details. This is (usually) done within 48 hours of the receipt of your email.
You will receive an information pack about your program upon confirmation of your booking. This pack contains information about what you can do with your students in the lead up to the session.
Stay tuned for resources to support your session.
You will receive an information pack about your program upon confirmation of your booking. This pack contains detailed information about the program which you can share with parents/carers to show them what the session is all about.
This incursion will be held within the grounds of Wittunga House at 328 Shepherds Hill Road, Blackwood 5051.
Access to Wittunga House is via the main gate on Sherbourne Road and parking/drop off is also available along Sherbourne Road. (See image below)
Handy hint – If using a GPS unit to navigate on the day, enter ‘Sherbourne Road’ as your destination. If you navigate to the ‘Wittunga Botanic Garden’ on a GPS you will be directed to the public car park within the garden. This is a 5 to 10-minute walk from Wittunga House.
Please check in with your NPSA leader on the circular lawn inside the Sherbourne Rd gate 15 to 30 minutes before your allocated session time. They will show you where to leave your bags, eat recess and point out the location of bathrooms.
The drop off location is on Sherbourne Rd next to the entry gate for Wittunga House. We do not provide bus parking on-site.
If you need to speak to one of our team, please call the Nature Play SA office on 84900868.
Your NPSA leader will have your contact details and will be in touch if required.
We value connection and positive interactions with students and teachers alike. Please ensure everyone has a name tag (name written on masking tape is fine) for this incursion. We will have ours on as well.
Dress for the weather and play outdoors – clothing that can handle wild and free play and warm layers work well. Sturdy footwear is recommended, along with wet weather gear for a forecast of rain or showers.
You will receive an information pack about your program upon confirmation of your booking. This pack contains information about post-program suggestions and resources.