AFSA APPROVED PROVIDER:

Indigo ELC

Our Forest School program provides regular nature immersion to children. We offer  at least two or more hours of nature immersion over several sessions during the year,  ideally on a weekly basis. We believe that regular nature experiences over long periods of  time deepen children’s ecological knowledge, increase personal confidence, and provide  opportunities to practice skills and embrace challenges and achievements in their own  learning. 

Indigo ELC acknowledges and respects Australian First Nations people and their  ancient and ongoing connection to the land. Our Forest School program is active in seeking  meaningful relationships with local Indigenous communities, ongoing commitments to  Reconciliation processes, and the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander  perspectives in forest school programs. We have an indigenous support manager, and many  of our Forest School visits are joined by a local Aboriginal elder. 

Our program honours play and provides a flexible structure and learning  environment that allows for the natural flow and rhythm of participants’ intuitive play. We  offer long periods of free play and self-chosen engagement with nature, with specific  activities and games offered based on learner-led interest. We believe that Forest School  programs should be structured to help children move through sessions safely while still  providing ample opportunities for play and exploration. 

Indigo ELC strives to create inclusive and accessible learning environments that are  beneficial for all people regardless of age, race, religion, gender, ability, or financial status.  Our Forest School programs are planned with consideration to anti-bias and social justice  principles. This consideration provides opportunities for participants to access learning  experiences in individual ways that foster identity, community cohesion, and personal  growth. We aim to provide affordable and accessible learning opportunities wherever  possible.

Our Forest School Leaders mentor participants to embrace a sense of adventure and  challenge in learning to develop resilience and a celebration of personal achievements. We  use responsive mentoring practices, allowing participants to be involved in guiding their  own learning and to celebrate and share their learning experiences with others. Our Forest  School Leaders hold appropriate current qualifications for their specific field and engage in a  range of ongoing professional learning to review skills and philosophy relevant to these  principles. 

Indigo ELC prioritizes sustainable practice and environmental preservation. Our  Forest School program operates with an understanding of local ecology and sustainable  practices designed specifically for the local sites we use. Our business decisions include  sustainable considerations, and participants are involved in practices aimed at learning  about and protecting local habitat and species. Sustainable practice is intertwined with  Reconciliation and social justice principles. 

Indigo ELC’s Forest School program aligns with the six key principles of  Australian Forest School programs. We offer regular nature immersion, prioritize connection  to country, honour free play and natural learning, strive for inclusivity and accessibility, use  responsive mentoring practices, and prioritize sustainable practice and environmental  preservation. We are committed to providing a meaningful and transformative learning  experience that fosters personal growth, ecological knowledge, and community cohesion in  all participants.