In the homeschooling community, there is a need for flexible, one-day-a-week care options for our children. Many parents desire to take a well-deserved break, pursue part-time work, or simply catch up on their lengthy to-do list. Unfortunately, current options are limited. Traditional schools don’t offer one-day attendance, daytime babysitters are scarce, and existing one-day programs like forest schools are often expensive, difficult to access, and have waitlists.
To address this gap, we’re introducing “The Bush Base”—a one-day-a-week program designed to hit the sweet spot between in-home care and one-day school models. With an unschooling approach, The Bush Base isn't a school, but rather a unique home-based community where we can scaffold each child's interests and support their holistic development, nurturing their inner voice as we learn and grow together.
The program takes place in our home in beautiful Waiatarua, providing a safe, engaging environment for children aged 6-12. In addition, we have the wonderful natural resources of the Waitakere Ranges and West Coast beaches right on our doorstep. There is an acre of land where kids can play, create, grow plants, and explore the native bush, as well as a home-based environment complete with a garage workshop, a kitchen for culinary creations, a little library, and plenty of play-based learning resources.
We aim to maintain a low adult-to-child ratio of 1:8 to allow us to build a connection with each child and ensure that they receive the attention and support they need.
The Bush Base offers children a unique opportunity to connect with nature through guided learning and play. Our program encourages exploration, creativity, and a deep respect for the natural world.
Located in the heart of the Waitakere Ranges, our base is surrounded by lush greenery, offering an ideal setting for learning in nature. We provide activities designed to foster personal growth, critical thinking, and hands-on experiences.
From nature walks to creative workshops, we will cater to various interests and ages. Each day offers opportunities to engage young minds in an organic way, blending exposure to new ideas with natural exploration.
As a mum of three who has always encouraged life-learning for our family, I believe that children are a taonga and I want to help them thrive. I have over 20 years experience working with children and young people in various settings, including in the homeschooling sector, in youth work, and in early childhood education. I recognize that our tamariki are all different and I love creating an environment where children feel warm connection and understanding above all else. I'm excited about sharing our beautiful property here with tamariki.
I am the father of three adult daughters who I have loved nurturing and encouraging to live life as fully as they possibly can. I have spent most of my employment in youth work, and one of my passions in work, in family, and in voluntary spaces is to show respect and attention to every individual regardless of their age or any other life challenges that they may face. I have a variety of experiences with camping, cooking, handyman jobs, sports, etc and look forward to helping tamariki at The Bush Base to feel valued and to enjoy learning, contributing, and participating.
Renda provides such patient, loving care to my children and others. Her many years of experience working with children and youth as well as connecting with them in homeschool spaces is evident in the way she invites children to play, problem solve and feel empowered as they explore social relationships and the world around them. Highly recommend ❤️❤️
Renda has created an amazing enviroment for our children to thrive! With her years of experience as a mother, homeschooler and in education, The Bush Base is a beautiful setting for our children to be curious, looked after and loved.
I love Bush Base. I love making light sabers out of bamboo and painting them. I love the lovely people too.
We will follow the school terms and will be launching in Term 1, 2025.
The Bush Base is for ages 6-12 (we are open to taking very independent 5-year-olds).
We are on Bush Road, Waiatarua, West Auckland. Only 10 minutes from Henderson or Glen Eden, 20 minutes from Westgate or Waterview, and 30 minutes from the CBD.
The cost per child per term is $750, plus a small resourcing fee. Payment plans and bulk payment discounts are available.
Here is our daily routine to give you an idea of how The Bush Base runs…
9am-9.45am Everyone is greeted as they settle in and put away their bag, lunchbox, drink bottle.
Tamariki can find a free-play activity to do e.g. trampolining, tree climbing, playing in the mud kitchen, painting, making a hut, doing a puzzle, reading a book, playing a board game.9.45am Morning circle - a chance to check in and get to know each other. Kaiako introduce the organised activities that are on offer for the day.
10am Morning tea*
10.20 Morning activity (optional) e.g. constructing raised veggie gardens, making plum jam, doing a craft, flax weaving, whittling, knot-tying, learning about native edible and medicinal plants, making a hut together. Otherwise free-play outside or inside with toys like lego, board games, books, drawing/hot glue creating/crafting material.
12.10 Lunchtime circle - quick check in to bring everyone together.
12.15 Lunchtime*
12.45 Afternoon activity (optional) e.g. science experiments, clay creations, kite-making, planting, cooking damper bread over the fire, otherwise free-play.
2.15 Afternoon circle - a chance to share something about your day.
2.30 Clean up and pack all your belongings in your bag.
2.45 Afternoon snack while kaiako reads a story.*
3.00 Home time.
(*Note that although we have set kai times, tamariki are not restricted to only being allowed to eat at those times. If children are hungry at any time, they can grab their lunchbox and have some food.)
Yes - keep an eye on our Facebook page for the details!
We aim for a ratio of 1 kaiako to 8 tamariki, and we ensure we do not exceed a 1:9 ratio.
We will start Term 1 2025 by opening on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Once our spots are full on a Monday, we will prepare to also open on Wednesdays.
