Question 1

What are Wildlings Forest Playgroups?

Accepted Answer

Wildlings Forest Playgroups are accompanied Forest School sessions for babies and toddlers aged 12 months to 4 years. They run termly at Dempsey Hill with two groups: Forest Babies (12 months to 2 years) and Forest Cubs (2 to 4 years). Each 90-minute outdoor session includes a welcome circle, nature-based experiences, child-led play, and a closing circle, facilitated by qualified Forest School practitioners.

Question 2

What ages are Forest Babies and Forest Cubs for?

Accepted Answer

Forest Babies is for children 12 months to 2 years who are walking or close to walking. Forest Cubs is for ages 2 to 4 years and includes more complex activities and challenge. If your child falls between age groups, contact Wildlings or book a trial session.

Question 3

Does a parent or caregiver need to stay during the Forest Playgroup session?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a parent or caregiver must stay for the full 90-minute outdoor session. Wildlings asks that the same adult attends consistently each week. The accompanying adult is an active co-creator in the child's learning, not a spectator.

Question 4

What happens during a Forest Playgroup session?

Accepted Answer

A typical 90-minute session includes a 10-minute settling time with free play, a welcome circle, a physical warm-up, and 2-3 guided nature experiences. The bulk of the session is child-led outdoor play. The session closes with a short reflection circle. An optional 30-minute extended play period follows.

Question 5

Can I send my domestic helper instead of attending the Forest Playgroup myself?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a domestic helper can be the attending adult. The one-adult-per-child rule applies. Wildlings asks that the helper reads the parent handbook and attends consistently.

Question 6

Can I bring grandparents, relatives or visitors to a Forest Playgroup session?

Accepted Answer

Forest Playgroup sessions maintain one adult per child. A grandparent can attend as the accompanying adult, but additional visitors should join Wildlings Nature Playtime sessions instead. Use the Cinnamon Tent waiting area or Baker and Cook cafe during the optional 30-minute extended play.

Question 7

What should we wear and bring to Forest Playgroups?

Accepted Answer

Forest School runs outdoors in all weather. Bring practical kit for active outdoor play.

Wear:
- Old dark clothes that can get dirty
- Long sleeves and trousers (sun and insect protection)
- Socks (prevents ant bites)
- Aqua shoes or trainers
- Hat

Pack:
- Full change of clothes and spare shoes
- Small towel
- Insect repellent
- Large water bottle
- Snack in a sealed container
- Waterproof poncho
- Plastic bag for wet clothes
- Umbrella for the adult

Adult dress: covered clothing, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent. Avoid nice clothes, handbags, heels and sundresses. You will be getting stuck in too.

Question 8

My baby is not yet 12 months or not yet walking. Can we join Forest Babies?

Accepted Answer

Forest Babies is for children from 12 months who are walking or close to walking. If a baby is younger but already mobile, contact Wildlings. If not yet walking, Nature Playtime is a better option until ready. Trial sessions are available.

Question 9

Can I bring an older sibling to a Forest Playgroup during school holidays?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Children 6 years or under can join a Forest Playgroup via single class booking. Older siblings (7 and up) can book Nature Play instead. The one-adult-per-child rule applies.

Question 10

What if my child does not want to join in the activities?

Accepted Answer

Wildlings allows children to join activities at their own pace. Arriving on time helps with settling. Most children settle confidently within 2-3 sessions as they build relationship with the practitioner and become familiar with the outdoor environment.

Question 11

How is a Forest School playgroup different from a regular playgroup or indoor toddler programme?

Accepted Answer

Forest School is fundamentally different from indoor toddler programmes. Wildlings offers outdoor, child-led learning in natural terrain, not structured instruction or entertainment. Outdoor playgroups build genuine physical, emotional, social and cognitive capability through real-world exploration. The tropical Singapore climate and natural environment are core to the experience.

Question 12

Is there somewhere to leave a pram or car seat during the session?

Accepted Answer

Prams can be left under shelter at Dempsey but should not be used during the session. Baby carriers are recommended for keeping hands free during outdoor playgroup activities.

Question 13

When do Forest Playgroups run?

Accepted Answer

Forest Playgroups for babies and toddlers run Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Dempsey Hill with morning and afternoon sessions. Each session is 90 minutes with an optional 30-minute extended play. Schedule varies by term.

Forest School Trials

Forest Babies (Dempsey) Trial

Forest Cubs (Dempsey) Trial

Forest Cubs (West Coast Park) Trial

Sprouts & Sunbirds Trial (West Coast Park)

Sprouts Trial (Dempsey)

Sunbirds Trial (Dempsey)

Hornbills Trial (Dempsey)

Eagles Trial (Dempsey)