What days and times do the sessions run?

All sessions are scheduled during the NSW school holiday periods. We offer drop off and stay and play sessions of varying lengths to suit your family.
- Half-day drop off play sessions have two time slots, session one runs from 9am through to 12pm and session two runs from 1pm through to 4pm.
- Full-day drop off play sessions can be booked by including both half-day drop off sessions for the same day in your booking. A full-day session runs from 9am to 4pm, with a supervised lunch break in between (lunch not provided).
- Stay and play (non-drop off) sessions have two time slots, session one beginning at 9am and finishing at 12pm, and session two beginning at 1pm and finishing at 4pm.

Do parents attend?

For drop off sessions, parents/carers are welcome to drop children off and pick them up at the close of the session at the designated meeting area. For stay and play sessions, parents/carers are invited to join in the fun!
During stay and play sessions, children must be accompanied by a supervising adult who has duty of care for the duration of the session.

Can my child attend a stay and play session with an adult other than a parent?

Of course! We know how busy parents are and one of our core values is building a nurturing and supportive village around our young people to show them they are valued and cared for. So we would love to see aunties, uncles, grandparents, neighbours, family and school friends at our stay and play sessions, prioritising play for the young people in their life and for themselves! Just be sure to add their details as the supervising adult when booking in.

What should my child bring with them?

For drop off programs children should wear comfortable play clothes that can get wet/dirty, closed in shoes (compulsory), sun hat (preferably wide brimmed) and a sleeved top (no singlets please).
Children should bring, in a bag they can independently carry:
- Food - at least enough for 1 snack break (half-day) and at least enough for 2 snack breaks and a lunch break (full day)
- Full water bottle
- Insect repellent
- A spare change of clothes
- Towel
- Wet bag to put wet clothes in
- Rain wear if rain is forecast e.g. rain jacket, rain pants, gumboots
- OPTIONAL: Sunscreen and insect repellent (if you have a personal brand preference, otherwise these items will be provided)
For stay and play sessions, all participants, including adults, must have closed in shoes to participate. A sun hat, sleeved top, and full water bottles are strongly encouraged for sun safety. Sunscreen will be provided but if you have a personal brand preference feel free to bring your own.

What if it rains?

We love the rain! We value the important sensory experience and learning opportunities the rain can provide so you will see us embracing it in our rain jackets and gumboots! If it gets too wet for the outdoor program to continue, programs may be relocated, modified or cancelled according to our cancellation policy.

What if there are severe weather conditions forecast e.g. thunderstorms or high winds?

In the event of severe weather a play session may need to be cancelled. In the event of a cancellation due to severe weather, we will endeavour to contact you the night before, however the weather can change rapidly. A minimum of 2 hours notice will be given for same-day cancellations. If a play session is cancelled in advance, a change of booking or credit will be offered.

What if my child is sick on the day?

We understand this happens and if it does, it is important for your child to stay home in order to get the rest they need and to reduce transmission to other participants and our staff. Please contact us at essentialelementsplay@gmail.com as soon as possible so we can organise a credit for when your child is feeling better. As our fees, costs, resources and staffing are based on particular ratios we are unable to offer refunds for absence due to illness.

What age groups are best suited to the programs?

We are passionate about providing more play opportunities for primary school aged children in particular, and believe in the power of multi-age play. As such the general age range of our programs is 5 to 12 years, however, some activities require children to be a little older to ensure they have the best chance of successful participation in each activity. Please ensure you check the age range for each activity when booking.
- Stay and play sessions - 5 - 12 years
- Drop off sessions 7 to 12 years

Can I use a Service NSW Active Kids Voucher?

What does my booking fee cover?

Your booking fee is an investment in our small business and your family. It goes toward paying our staff so we can adhere to above average supervision ratios, insurance to ensure the safety of every person who attends our sessions, professional development for our staff to continuously improve knowledge and skills, the hiring of beautiful spaces and purchase of high quality resources to facilitate the best possible experiences for participants. We are so appreciative of each and every booking as it allows us to keep providing these unique and valuable play experiences for our community.

Do you have insurance?

Absolutely! Essential Elements Outdoor Play Club is insured by Beazley and our policy covers $20 million public liability.

Still have questions? Feel free to make an inquiry through our contact form here.