Forest School Policies
Contents:
Statement of Intent
My Ethos
Activities
- Admission Policy
- Cancellations & No Shows
- Roles & Responsibilities
- Arrivals & Departures
- Adverse Weather
- Location
- Supervision
- Food
- Tools
- Materials
- Wildlife
- Fire
- Clothing
- Toilet and Hygiene Facilities
- Behaviour
- Inclusivity & Equality
- Incidents & Emergencies
- Safeguarding & Child Protection
- Uncollected Children
- Confidentiality
- Privacy & Data Retention
- Smoking
- Complaints
- Monitoring and review
Statement of Intent
At Hopyard Wood, we appreciate the value of a holistic approach to education which meets the need of the whole person; body, mind and soul. Through our Forest School, we aim to imbue within our children an appreciation and respect for the natural environment through hands-on experiences and exploration, to develop their confidence, social and communication skills, and to encourage teamwork by engaging in outdoor activities. They will learn to develop a sense of pride as they create and participate in our nature led activities but also learn to love and respect the natural habitat of their local community and the wider world.
Utilising the freedom and healing that nature provides, we can understand and embrace the physical and emotional needs of the learner. At the same time, we empower our children to positively interact with their peers, to practice empathy, non-judgement and develop a true sense of belonging.
This policy is designed to ensure that the Forest School is a beneficial experience for children by making staff aware of their duties and expectations, and ensuring that the wellbeing of children is considered at all times and appropriate safeguarding measures are in place for all forest school activities.
My Ethos
At the heart of any Forest School, there is a child led experience combined with outdoor learning, exploration, adventure, imagination and that all important play. This provides our children with a wonderful opportunity to explore and discover the magic of the natural world within their local community.
As a trained Forest School Practitioner, I teach the traditional practical skills that are needed to encourage self-confidence, compassion, collaboration and ownership but also deliver the nurturing which remains at the heart of everything I practice.
By taking a child from the constraints of the conventional classroom, my aim is to provide a holistic approach which meets the need of the whole person; body, mind & soul. Utilising the freedom and healing that nature provides, I can understand and embrace the physical and emotional needs of the learner. At the same time, I empower our children to positively interact with their peers, to practice empathy, non-judgement and develop a true sense of belonging.
Over time, the expectation is that we will see our little ones grow as they learn to work together but also be comfortable in the alone time that Forest School caters for so well. They will learn to develop a sense of pride as they create and participate in the nature led activities but also learn to love and respect the natural habitat and the creatures that live there.
Forest School is not just a place of learning but a place where is magic is discovered, bonding rituals explored, memories made and maybe more importantly, a place of healing where children (and adults) can breathe and just be!
Activities
All activities will be dependent on the age, ability and experience of our learners. Examples of our activities include:
- Exploring nature and the local habitat
- Den building and other temporary structures
- Learner led games and imaginative play
- Mud play
- Natural crafting
- Caring for local wildlife
- Bug & scavenger hunts
- Using tools such as knives and saws (under very close supervision)
- Fire lighting and cooking (under very close supervision)
- Ritual and seasonal celebrations
1. Admission Policy
Hopyard Wood is limited on the numbers of children it can accommodate in any one session. Therefore, places are allocated via our booking system until the maximum number is reached.
Booking forms and full payment must be received before your child’s place is confirmed.
Hopyard Wood is a place of play, discovery, learning, adventure, risk taking and healing for your children. We are not a childcare provision or nursery.
Children will only be allowed to attend our sessions, when a signed and dated consent form has been completed and received from a parent or carer.
Only the nominated person/s listed on the registration form will be allowed to collect the child from a session. In the event of an emergency, please contact the Forest School Leader. In the event that a child needs to be collected by somebody other than the nominated person/s, a password should be provided to the Forest School Leader by the parent/carer. This password will be required upon collection of your child.
We cannot offer your child a session if you do not provide us with a full list of contact numbers including daytime, mobile and emergency contacts. It is the responsibility of the parent/carer to advise us of any changes to contact numbers.
No child will be permitted to leave the session and make their way home alone. They must be collected by their nominated parent/carer.
2. Cancellations & No Shows
Should we need to cancel a session due to either staff sickness or dangerous & adverse weather conditions, we will offer a full refund or transfer your session to another date where possible. We will endeavour to provide as much notice as possible regarding cancellations but in the event of dangerous weather conditions, we may have to cancel a session at short notice. Cancellations are at the sole discretion of The Happy Hippy® @ Hopyard Wood.
In the event that you need to cancel a session, we would ask that you give us at least 24 hours’ notice so that we may be able to offer you a refund or transfer your session to another date where possible. If you give less than 24 hours’ notice or the child is a no show, we will be unable to offer a refund.
3. Roles and responsibilities
The Forest School Leader is responsible for:
- Ensuring staff adhere to the relevant policies and that children are aware of their responsibilities.
- Liaising with the landowner to ensure that the Forest School Leader is aware of any potential hazards.
- Ensuring that a separate Forest School Activities Risk Assessment is conducted to identify, evaluate, and manage the specific risks associated with the Forest School, its location and the activities planned.
- Ensuring that there are arrangements in place for monitoring and reporting incidents associated with the Forest School.
- Ensuring the Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy is adhered to at all times during Forest School activities,
- Ensuring that parents are informed with sufficient notice about planned Forest School activities and any requirements, e.g., clothing and equipment needs.
- Appointing a Forest School Leaderwith the relevant experience and qualifications, e.g., a Level 3 Certificate Forest School Practitioner.
- Reviewing the effectiveness of this policy on an annual basis and communicating any changes to staff, parents, and children.
- Arranging the procurement of any equipment or clothing required for the Forest School.
- Ensuring value for money when arranging the procurement of equipment or clothing for the Forest School.
- Ensuring that Forest School Business insurance policy covers the Forest School and all planned activities.
- Conducting a detailed health and safety check before Forest School activities.
- Adhering at all times to the Forest School Activities Risk Assessment.
- Carrying a fully stocked first-aid kit during all Forest School sessions.
- Holding an up-to-date First Aid certificate and leading first aid arrangements.
- Inspecting equipment and tools before use to ensure they are safe for use, and that damaged or defective items are not used.
- Keeping and maintaining an incident log to record any incidents that occur during Forest School activities.
- Planning and delivering Forest School sessions, that are engaging, informative and develop children’ skills and appreciation of the environment.
The Forest School Leader is responsible for liaising with parents & the SENCO (if applicable) of children with special educational needs:
- The Forest School Leader will ensue where possible that the Forest School is inclusive for children with SEND and reasonable adjustments are made to ensure additional needs are accommodated.
- Assessing additional individual needs of children with SEND prior to Forest School activities and promoting measures to ensure children with SEND can participate safely.
- Ensuring the SEND Policy is adhered to at all times during Forest School activities.
- Ensuring that the provision put in place for children with SEND is monitored for effectiveness throughout the duration of the Forest School activities.
Staff members & volunteers are responsible for:
- Adhering to this policy at all times during Forest School activities.
- Ensuring that children are always accounted for and supervised.
- Reporting any concerns and incidents to the Forest School Leader and asking for guidance as appropriate.
- Ensuring that children are always respectful to each other, staff and the natural environment.
- Disciplining children in line with the Behaviour Policy when necessary.
- Adhering to the Staff Code of Conduct Policy at all times.
4. Adverse Weather
Our forest school activities take place in almost all-weather conditions; however, there will be occasions where we will not run sessions or may cancel at short notice due to adverse weather conditions such as high winds (30mph or over), storms and heavy snow. All decisions on weather will be made in conjunction with forecasts from the MET office, local weather warnings and our knowledge of the area.
5. Arrivals & Departures
The route to and from the site will be suitably risk assessed before each first Forest School session.
An attendance register will be taken of children upon arrival and before leaving the location – the group will not leave unless all children are accounted for.
6. The Site
The setting chosen is suitable for allowing children to explore the natural world and build their confidence in an outdoor environment.
Children are reminded of the hazards of the site prior to entering and are reminded to remain vigilant throughout.
The setting will be surveyed weekly by the Forest School Leader who will note and rectify any minor hazards to ensure it is safe for children to use.
The Forest School Leaderwill remove or control any minor hazards. If this is not possible immediately, the Forest School Leader will declare the area out of bounds until such time as the hazard is made safe.
Staff & volunteers will communicate clearly to children the areas they are permitted to explore and issue frequent reminders, where necessary.
Children will be taught to show respect for the environment, e.g., they do not litter and will always leave the area clean and tidy.
Areas of open water, will have a suitable barrier, e.g., fencing, that is in good condition to prevent the danger of children falling in.
7. Supervision
Staff and volunteers will supervise children at a ratio of 1:8 at all times.
Head counts will be conducted regularly to prevent the risk of children going missing or leaving the sight of staff and volunteers.
In the event of a child going missing, staff will have due regard for section 16 of this policy.
Supervising staff and volunteers will be adequately trained to ensure they can safely assist children during Forest School activities.
Supervising staff will be informed of any hazards present by the Forest School Leaderand ensure mitigating measures are in place and adhered to by children.
8. Food
During our sessions, children will be offered refreshments which may include camp fire snacks. It is important therefore, that we are advised of any dietary requirements or allergies. We would ask that all children bring a water bottle which is labelled with their name. For longer sessions we may also ask that a packed lunch is sent with your child. This will be conveyed via the BookWhen site.
9. Tools
Children will be taught how to use tools and equipment independently and safely during activities.
Qualified level 3 practitioners will demonstrate the safe use of all tools before children are allowed to use them.
The Forest School Leader assesses the risks posed by particular tools and consequently implements suitable staff: child ratios to supervise children using these tools.
All activities planned, including those using tools, will be risk assessed by the Forest School Leader.
All tools will be kept clean and fit for use; tools which are damaged or defective will not be used.
An inventory of all tools is kept to ensure they can be accounted for and any lost or misplaced items identified.
If a member of staff, volunteer or child suffers an injury during the use of a tool, the activity will be suspended, and the injury will be handled in line with the First Aid Policy.
10. Materials
Children will be encouraged to interact with the environment, which includes touching and moving materials e.g., rocks and sticks safely and are warned about not ingesting poisonous plants and berries.
Children will be allowed to carry sticks, provided they are shorter than the length of their arm and they maintain a suitable distance from others when carrying the stick to avoid injury.
Staff will supervise and encourage children to work together to move larger materials e.g., branches.
Children will be asked to return any materials to the environment before leaving the Forest School.
Staff will supervise all interactions with the natural world, e.g., climbing, and intervene where there is a substantial risk posed by the child to themselves or others.
Children will be taught about the importance of not damaging or defacing living nature, e.g., trees and plants, when interacting with the environment and its materials.
The Forest School Leader will provide materials during sessions, e.g., rope, and encourage children to use them to interact with their environment.
11. Wildlife
The Forest School Leaderwill plan sessions in order to allow children to engage with wildlife as much as possible while considering safety at all times.
Children will be encouraged to discover and learn about the variety of wildlife that lives within the Forest School.
Children will be taught the importance of not disturbing natural habitats and respecting wildlife.
When collecting materials for nature activities, children will be encouraged to forage responsibly and to be mindful of what and how much they take.
Staff, volunteers and children will be instructed by the Forest School Leader about potential risks from local wildlife and the necessary precautions to take, e.g., how to spot and avoid stinging nettles and poisonous plants.
Children will only be allowed to get close to, touch, move or pick up plants or wildlife where it is safe to do so.
Instances of deliberate harm or damage to wildlife will be managed in line with the Behaviour Policy.
Children will be instructed that they are not to consume any food they find, e.g., berries. The “no pick, no lick” policy will be in place at all times and reinforced at the beginning of and throughout the session.
In order to minimise our impact on the environment, we will always reinforce the forest school principal of “Leave No Trace.” At the end of every session, children will be asked to collect up their rubbish so that it may be disposed of responsibly before leaving the site.
12. Fire
Fires will only be lit in designated areas surrounded by a safe zone and under the direction of theForest School Leader.
A suitably trained member of staff who is equipped to manage fire safety is on site at all times when fire is being taught about or is present.
The fire will only be lit once it is confirmed that all safety equipment, e.g., a sand/water bucket, is in place.
The fire will be supervised by an adult at all times.
Activities taking place near to the fire involving children, e.g., cooking, are supervised at a ratio of 1:2.
The fire will be created using safe fire-lighting equipment with no accelerants used.
Safe means of extinguishing the fire, e.g., a sand/water bucket, will be located nearby in the event of an emergency.
The Forest School Leaderwill consider what food can be cooked and eaten by children using the fire, with any allergies of staff and children considered in addition to any other dietary requirements.
Food that is to be eaten by children will be inspected by a member of staff to ensure it is fit for consumption, e.g., it is thoroughly cooked.
The Forest School Leader will ensure the fire is extinguished safely before the sessions ends.
13. Clothing
The Forest School Leader will communicate to parents in advance of Forest School sessions the children’ clothing requirements.
Clothing requirements are subject to change and weather dependent but will always include the following:
- Long sleeved t-shirt
- Trousers
- Waterproof trousers or dungarees and jacket
- Wellington boots
- Trainers
- Sunhat
- Winter gear, e.g., fleece jacket, leggings, gloves
Children are to bring any additional clothing in a named bag to minimise the risk of misplacing or losing items.
Clothing and footwear appropriate to the Forest School environment, activity and weather are to be worn at all times.
Children will not take part in Forest School activities if they do not have the appropriate clothing; alternative arrangements will be put in place for the child.
Clothing will be worn to suit the weather; in cases of severe weather, the Forest School Leader will decide if it is safe for the session to begin or continue.
Parents will be asked to provide sun lotion for children where necessary, and the Forest School Leader will also keep a spare supply of sun lotion to be provided (with permission from the parent) when required.
14. Toilet and Hygiene Facilities
Any accidents will be managed in line with the Forest School’s Intimate Care Policy.
The Forest School Leader will make staff aware of the toilet facilities available for use during sessions.
Children using the toilet will only be supervised by a member of staff where necessary and not by volunteers.
Anti-bacterial wipes or hand sanitiser will be available to allow children to clean their hands when necessary.
Clean drinking water will be supplied.
15. Behaviour
Here at Hopyard Wood our main goal is to ensure that everybody has a positive experience whilst playing and learning in beautiful surroundings. We will promote an attitude of mutual respect and care which is built on the understanding that everybody and everything has worth. Therefore, our behaviour policy looks to embrace 3 main rules which are:
- Care for self
- Care for others
- Care for our environment and everything that lives and grows within it
The Forest School Leader will build on the 3 golden rules and establish further rules in collaboration with the children. These rules are repeated during each session in order to promote children’s ability to explore independently while keeping themselves and others safe and whilst behaving appropriately. The expectation is that the “ground rules” will be followed by staff and children alike.
All staff will model good behaviour, e.g., co-operation and in particular caring for the environment and the planet, during Forest School activities.
Positive behaviour will always be reinforced with praise and encouragement.
Positive behaviour, e.g., teamwork and consideration for others and the environment, will be promoted through planned activities.
Children will be made aware that positive behaviour, e.g., displaying respect for the environment, means they will be trusted to explore and lead sessions with greater independence.
Staff should consider the activities and anticipate behavioural issues arising from boredom and lack of stimulation. They should try to steer a situation and engage the child in an activity and negate the need for children to display behavioural issues due to being bored, uninterested or perceived exclusion from an activity.
Children will be informed of their behavioural expectations and that poor behaviour may result in them being unable to participate in the Forest School.
Challenging behaviour is managed in line with this Behaviour Policy. Emphasis will be on what is the unacceptable poor behaviour and not on the individual.
Challenging behaviour will initially be dealt with by one-to-one adult support, where possible, to identify its cause. The behaviour will be challenged in a calm and assertive manner. Staff will avoid shouting. The child may be asked to take some time out to rethink their behaviour.
Staff will encourage mediation between children in order to diffuse conflict through discussion and negotiation.
In the event of cruelty shown to any living creature found in the wood or wilful destruction of trees and flora, the child will immediately be removed to a time out area. In a one-on-one conversation with the child, we will ask them to explore the reasons for their actions and how they could maybe make better choices in the future regarding the wildlife in the wood.
Children persistently displaying challenging behaviour, or acting in a manner that places themselves or others at risk of harm, will not be allowed to participate in the rest of the Forest School session; they will be escorted away and supervised away from other children.
The Forest School Leader will discuss with their team the strategy for dealing with disruptive, unacceptable, rude or potentially risky behaviour displayed by a child/ren. This strategy should then be adopted and implemented by all staff.
The Forest School Leader will decide if it is necessary to exclude a child indefinitely from Forest School activities due to persistent breaches of the Behaviour Policy. Exclusion will only occur if behaviour is deemed dangerous to themselves, others or the setting. This harm can be determined as physical or psychological.
16. Inclusivity
Here at Hopyard Wood we are committed to creating a natural space in which all are equal. We want to ensure that we are inclusive and that the wood can be experienced by all who wish to come and spend time here,
Forest School activities will be planned in line with the Forest School’s SEND Policyto ensure that children with SEND can participate as much as possible.
The Forest School Leader will liaise with the parents and the SENCO (if applicable) of children with SEND to identify and assess any additional individual needs for consideration prior to Forest School activities.
The Forest School Leader will liaise with the parents of children with medical conditions or allergies to identify and assess any additional individual needs for consideration prior to Forest School activities.
The Forest School Leader will identify if the location poses accessibility issues to any children and whether any accessibility means will be required, e.g., accessibility ramps.
Children with SEND will be provided with supervision during Forest School activities where required; this supervision will not count towards other relevant staffing ratios.
Sensitivity to the religious and cultural beliefs of children will be displayed at all times, e.g., in regard to their clothing or foods they may not wish to eat.
All children will be encouraged to participate and will be made to feel that their experiences and contributions are valued in order to build their confidence and self-esteem.
17. Incidents and Emergencies
At least one trained first-aider will be present during all Forest School activities.
The Forest School Leader will create and explain to staff and children the procedures to be followed in the event of an incident, e.g., the area where all children are to gather in order to be easily supervised.
The Forest School Leaderwill carry a fully stocked first-aid kit at all times during Forest School sessions.
All incidents, injuries and illnesses will be managed in line with the First Aid Policy.
Staff will be aware of any allergy’s children may have and carry suitable medication, e.g., an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI) as part of the first aid kit.
Staff will carry walkie talkie radios & mobile phones to be able to contact each other or the emergency services in the event of an incident.
In the event of an injury, staff will provide immediate assistance and a trained first aider will remain with the injured person until the situation is resolved.
The Forest School Leader will assess injuries and decide if further medical attention is needed; the emergency services will be contacted where necessary and the child’s parents will also be contacted immediately.
Any incident/accident resulting in injury to a child (or staff member) will be recorded in the accident report book and a copy of the slip handed to the parent/carer.
In the event of a missing child, staff will gather all children together at an agreed point. One adult will supervise the group while the remaining staff conduct a search of the area and call the missing child’s name.
If the missing child is not found after 10 minutes, the police will be contacted immediately and informed of all necessary details; the child’s parents will be contacted immediately afterwards.
18. Safeguarding & Child Protection
Staff & volunteers for the Forest School will only be allowed to supervise children alone if they have an enhanced DBS check with barred list information.
Volunteers without an enhanced DBS check will be supervised by a member of staff at all times.
Measures will be implemented to ensure that children’s contact with members of the public during Forest School activities is minimised as much as possible.
Children will be instructed and reminded frequently to remain close to the group, and to avoid leaving the sight of staff and interacting with members of the public.
No member of staff or volunteer will ever be required to take a child anywhere in their own car nor agree to meet a child outside of the Forest School setting.
Any disclosure by a child or young person will be recorded and appropriate action is taken in all cases. We will not promise a child that we will “keep their secrets.”
If we have concerns regarding a child’s behaviour, physical condition or appearance, then these will be recorded and the appropriate action will be taken.
All members of staff will report any safeguarding concerns to the Forest School Leader immediately.
The Forest School Leader will deal with safeguarding concerns in a timely and appropriate manner in line with the Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.
19. Uncollected Children
In the event that a child is not collected at the end of a session by their designated parent or carer, the Forest School Leader will, after 15 minutes attempt to contact the designated parent using the details on the registration form.
After waiting a further 15 minutes, the Forest School Leader will contact the alternate emergency contact listed on the registration form.
If this is unsuccessful and no contact is made with either the designated parent/carer or the with the emergency contact, the Forest School Leader will contact social services for advice.
Forest School staff will stay with the child in the setting. They will not be left alone.
20. Confidentiality Policy
All information given by the parent or carer of a child will be considered confidential and will not be shared other than for the purpose of program planning and supporting the child in the Forest School setting. Care is taken to only divulge what is absolutely necessary.
As part of our duty to maintain the confidentiality of the children that attend our sessions, we will ensure that all personal details are password protected or secured in a filing cabinet or locked box when on site.
During our sessions, we may wish to take photos of the children participating in activities which may be used for promotional purposes on our website and/or on our social media. We will always seek permission via our consent forms from a parent or carer before taking or using photographs of the children. In order to respect the privacy of all children, we request that parents or carers do not take or share photographs of children whilst they are in the wood.
We will never share information without permission from a parent or carer. We do understand however, that there may be occasions where you may wish us to share progress reports and evaluations with other child care providers. Permission for this will always be sought in writing and can be relinquished at any time.
In order to maintain confidentiality for all of our children attending sessions, staff will be asked not to discuss any aspect of the child’s attendance outside of the setting, this includes discussing any child with a parent or carer of another child.
If a child’s personal safety is of concern, then in line with our child protection and safeguarding policy, we will override confidentiality on a need-to-know basis.
21. Privacy & Data Retention
Here at Hopyard Wood we record, process and keep personal information relating to you and your child in accordance with Article 6 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR – May 2018).
When you first register with us, you will be asked to fill in an online booking form which asks for information; names, contact, phone and email details. Emergency contact details, details regarding your child such as date of birth, age, medical information and dietary requirements. The form will also request your consent for permission for us to take photographs for the purposes of sharing on our website and social media for marketing purposes. No child’s name will be published alongside any photos.
For each session we will hold a paper register on site which will record the arrival and departure of each child, the emergency contact details for each child, photographic consent, medical and dietary requirements. These documents will be shredded after each session.
In the event of an accident/injury, details will be recorded in our accident book which will be kept in a lock box whilst on site. Information regarding any safeguarding concerns will also be stored in this secure box. All safeguarding notes will be shared as per safeguarding regulations with the local authority.
All information collected about you and your child is considered as confidential and will be shared with Forest School Leaders and staff. You may give us permission in writing to share any information relating to your child with third parties such as SENCO. You have the right to access the personal data that we hold about you and your child.
When registering and making online bookings, your data is managed by the password protected system BookWhen which is fully GDPR compliant. The information is accessed by the Forest School Leader and other staff as required.
We will hold your data for the following amount of time:
If your child does not attend sessions for a period of 18 months, then your personal records will be deleted.
Any accident reports relating to your child will be held for a period of 21 years which complies with the Limitation Act 1980. For an adult, we will hold the accident report for 3 years.
Any safeguarding notes will be kept for a period of 3 years.
Under the GDPR right of “erasure”, you can withdraw your consent for us to hold information about you or your child. Should you wish to exercise this right, please email the Forest School Leader at admin@hopyardwood.co.uk However, should we need to legally retain records for authorities such as HMRC then this is classed as an exception to the “right of erasure.”
Our website is hosted by GreenGeeks who promises enhanced security and reliability.
Our full privacy notice can be found at Privacy Notice – Hopyard Wood
If you are not happy with any aspect of how we collect and use your data, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK supervisory authority for data protection issues (www.ico.org.uk). We should be grateful if you would contact us first if you do have a complaint so that we can try to resolve it for you.
22. No Smoking Policy
Smoking or vaping is not allowed anywhere in the wood or the surrounding fields.
23. Complaints
If you have any concerns or complaints about any element of our Forest School provision here at Hopyard Wood, please get in touch as soon as possible so that I can endeavour to try and resolve any issues promptly. Please submit your concern/complaint in writing and email to me at admin@hopyardwood.co.uk and I will do my best to respond within 48 hours.
24. Monitoring and review
This policy will be reviewed on an annual basis by the Forest School Leader.
Any changes to this policy will be communicated to all relevant members of staff, volunteers and other stakeholders.
The next scheduled review date for this policy is 24th August 2024