The arrangement
Which day, which term and how it fits with your child’s learning. Your school confirms its approval process.
Taking a day out of school
Let’s talk
to your school.
Almost every family arrives at this question early. How does a regular day at nature school fit alongside the rest of their child’s education? Start with your school’s approval process, and we’ll help with the information they need.
School approval needs to be confirmedThe conversation, in plain words
A day here.
Part of a bigger education.
Ōhinemahuta complements a child’s wider learning. Reading, writing, maths and science show up in useful tasks, practical workshops and time spent exploring with others.
If your child attends another school, discuss the proposed session with their teacher or principal. Ask what approval and documentation they require before making a regular arrangement.
Home-educating whānau can contact us directly to discuss the programme and their child’s needs.
Three things to agree
The supporting information
Programme details, policies and care arrangements. Ask which documents your school needs to review.
The attendance record
Confirm with your school how the agreed arrangement will be recorded. Your school will confirm the appropriate attendance record for your child.
Information for your principal
A useful conversation
starts with clear information.
A place for the documents to take to your school. PDF downloads will appear here as the school adds them.
01 · Start the conversation
The introduction
to your school
A clear explanation of the programme, your proposed session day and the information you would like the school to consider.
Your child’s name · Year level · Proposed day · Term dates · Questions about the school’s process
The Principal Pack
The programme’s educational purpose and care arrangements, brought together.
- Learning and programme overview
- Risk assessments and health & safety
- Child protection and complaints policies
- Insurance and staffing information
- Any agreement requested by the school
What learning
looks like here
Maps and stories. Measuring a shelter. Comparing habitats. Practical examples of literacy, maths and science, with activities adapted for different ages.
PDF to be addedExplore the learning onlineThe questions underneath
You don’t have
to work it out alone.
Tell us where the conversation has got to. We can help explain the programme and provide the information your school asks for.
Talk with the teamCan you guarantee the school will agree?
No. The arrangement needs to be discussed and confirmed with your child’s school.
Will my child miss important learning?
Talk with their teacher about the timetable and learning needs. Nature school complements wider education through practical literacy, maths, science and social learning.
Do you teach reading and maths?
These are woven into practical activities. The programme does not provide formal reading instruction or replace your child’s wider education.
What if we learn at home?
Enquire directly. We can discuss your child’s interests, the regular group and the weekly commitment.