FAQs
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Yes, we are fully insured, ensuring the safety of our wildlings and their families.
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Based in Tasmania, our main location is in Mangalore, with possible locations opening at New Norfolk and Carlton in the future.
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All of our sessions begin with a slow start. The first 30 minutes are an arrival window so families can settle in, explore, and arrive in their own time. After that, we come together for an opening circle where we share any safety information, talk through what’s on offer for the day, and say a short welcome poem together. This helps children feel connected and part of the community.
Throughout the session there are a range of optional activities. Some are available every week, like dress ups, painting, open play, the mud kitchen, and the tyre swings. Each session also includes one special activity of the day, usually linked to our term theme. Everything is always optional and children are free to move between activities at their own pace.
At the end of the session we tidy up together and finish with a goodbye poem, and sometimes a story. For Wild Steps children, this is often when they choose to spend time working in their nature journals.
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I don’t offer single taster days because one session rarely gives children a true sense of whether a space feels right. From a developmental perspective, most children spend their first visit observing and settling in. That’s why I offer a three week Taster Block instead.
Week one is usually observation, week two often brings small connections, and by week three children typically feel confident enough to explore and join in. This gives a much more accurate experience of the space without a large commitment.
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Our locations are often on private property. After booking a session, you’ll receive the address in a confirmation email. This information is only shared with those who have booked.
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Mindful Wild Steps offers sessions for children aged 0 to 13+.
Our Mindful Minis are for little ones aged 0–4, while Wild Steps is designed for children aged 4–13+.
We welcome a beautiful mix of ages and love seeing kids of all stages learning and growing together.
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Four is a bit of a crossover age, so it depends on your family.
If you’re home educating or considering home education, Wild Steps is a great way to connect with other families and be part of that community from the start.
If your child will be going to school, Mindful Minis is the best fit. They can enjoy the sessions until they start school and spend time with other little ones in a relaxed, play-based space.
Both are wonderful options – it really just comes down to what fits your family best.
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Group sizes range from 5 to 15 children, ensuring a nurturing and safe environment.
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Your investment supports resources, materials, the development of a safe outdoor learning environment, business cost, insurance and so much more.
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No, an adult must be present with your child during sessions.
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Yes, I may take photos and videos during sessions, but I ensure children’s faces are turned away or blurred to protect their privacy. If you take photos, please do the same. If you’d like a photo of your child removed, just contact me, and I’ll be happy to take it down.
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Yes - we run in most weather!
Mindful Wild Steps is all about connecting with nature, rain or shine. We embrace the seasons, puddles, mud, and all.
The only time we cancel is for extreme weather (like strong winds, thunderstorms, or unsafe heat). Otherwise, gumboots and raincoats are always welcome!
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Nope, I’m not a childcare or school.
Mindful Wild Steps is a nature-based program designed to complement home education, not replace it.
It’s a space for connection, play, and learning through the rhythms of nature - with parents and caregivers attending alongside their children.
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Nope! Mindful Wild Steps isn’t a school or a replacement for schooling.
It’s a nature-based program designed to complement home education, supporting whole-child growth, connection, and learning through play, exploration, and community.
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I don’t offer casual bookings or mid-term starts because regular participation is essential for building a strong sense of community and belonging. However, I do offer a half-term option for those needing more flexibility, though full-term attendance is preferred for the best experience.
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Half-term consists of at least 5 chose-your-own-days sessions, including the first and last days of the term, to foster community.
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You can cancel within 7 days of booking for a full refund. After that, refunds or credits are considered on a case-by-case basis.
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Mindful Minis is designed for ages 0-4. Older siblings may attend if necessary but might not find the activities engaging.
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For children under 3, we recommend Mindful Minis. Younger siblings can attend Wild Steps sessions but won’t participate in the themed activities.
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Our sessions are held in bushland, which means uneven ground, tree roots, and no paved paths. We always have chairs available and do our best to accommodate everyone, but the setting may not be suitable for all mobility aids. Feel free to message us if you’d like to know more before booking.
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I am so grateful for any support. You can contribute by purchasing an item from our Amazon Wishlist, which helps us refresh and grow our resources.
Or you can support our Green Steps program, which provides community-funded places for families who might not otherwise be able to attend.
Both make a big difference in helping us keep the space welcoming and accessible for everyone.
Green Steps Sponsorship FAQs
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No, contributions to the Green Steps Sponsorship are not tax-deductible. Mindful Wild Steps is a for-profit business, and this initiative is designed to make our programs more accessible to families who may not otherwise be able to attend.
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Once you contribute, your funds go directly toward the specific spot you’ve chosen to support (e.g., Wild Steps, ConnectDAD, or Mindful Minis). Progress bars on the page are updated as funding grows.
When a spot is fully funded, it becomes "Available" for a family to claim. After the spot is claimed, it will be marked as "Claimed." No further updates or details are provided, but your contribution is making a difference—thank you!
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No, the allocation of sponsored spots is determined through an application process. Families interested in claiming a spot complete a short application explaining why they’d love to join. This ensures the spots go to those who need them most.
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You can contribute as much or as little as you’d like! Every dollar helps bring us closer to opening a spot for someone in need. Contributions from the community are pooled together until the funding goal for a spot is reached.