Nature Base Forest School Handbook; inclusive of Safety procedures/ Health and Safety Policy
Where the policy refers to our ‘Forest School’ procedures; this policy is used to underpin the work within all of our Nature Base sessions.
Introduction
Forest School is all inclusive and benefits all range of abilities. Research shows continued successful outcomes for children, youth and adults in many different contexts. It works well in child care or educational settings, youth groups, parenting groups and community groups. It has also proved extremely successful with engaging disaffected learners and those with complex behavioural needs or/and those with additional learning needs. Family support agencies and Corporate Business’ use Forest School techniques to promote well-being sessions and character and team building sessions.
Forest School offers all children, young people and adults, opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem - through hands on learning experiences. It gives children, young people and adults freedom to develop in their own learning style and at their own pace through small achievable tasks. It promotes a range of reflective learning and well-being skills for the individual.
Working together in small groups and helping each other is a key skill that is encouraged, which promotes a feeling of Community Well-being and offers a positive approach to tasks and activities.
Forest School promotes lifelong understanding, appreciation and care for the outdoor environment, encouraging Pro-social behaviours. The environment is framed by strict safety routines and established boundaries yet allowing flexibility and independence for those that participate.
Learning can be linked to the National Curriculum and the Early Years curriculum. By focussing on small achievable tasks, children can learn most of the curriculum in this environment. This is particularly important for those who find classroom learning difficult.
Forest School offers children, young people and adults the opportunities to take risks, make choices and initiate learning for themselves. It allows for a greater understanding of individual learning styles and abilities. Forest School maximises learning potential by regular experiences over a significant period of time, throughout seasons and weathers. A Nature Play and Therapeutic Workshop approach can be applied to ‘one off’ sessions and visits; these still incorporate Forest School Techniques but differ to ‘Forest School’ sessions.
Regular visits can be weekly, fortnightly for a few hours or a full day for between 6 weeks to 12 months or more. This enables children, young people and adults to become familiar and confident enough to interact with the ever-changing environment. Many of the sessions involve making something to take away. This encourages motivation and interest and reinforces learning.
Forest School is organised and run by nationally qualified Forest School Staff. Forest School Leaders have the BTEC Advanced Forest School Leaders Award or the Lead Practitioners have a BTEC Forest School Skills Award Certificate.
Forest School Handbook
This Forest School handbook aims to equip Nature Base Practitioners and Volunteers with the necessary information to run and participate in Forest School and Forest School activities whilst working with children, young people and adults in a safe environment.
Nature and the Environment
Every activity carried out in the outdoors will have an impact on the immediate environment; steps will be taken before, during and after Nature Base sessions to consider the environmental impact; The ‘Countryside Code’ and ‘Leave no trace’ provide further details around how we can work towards achieving this:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code/the-countryside-code-advice-for-countryside-visitors
https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/
Care and attention will be given to promote; how to use the Woodland area, Green spaces and the Beach in an environmentally sustainable manner, having regard for the conservation of species and habitats to those who attend our sessions and our community.
Nature Base Site Locations:
Site 1 - Jardin des Buttes, St Saviour and using St Saviour Church ground and building
Site 2 – Coronation Park Woodland area
Insurance
Insurers: Self Assured Underwriting Agencies Limited
Policy Number: SALSALIA/J266490/0332/23
Period of Insurance: From: 18 May 2023 To: 17 May 2024
Public Liability: GBP 5,000,000 any one Occurrence, defence costs and expenses in addition (Including volunteers)
Product Liability: GBP 5,000,000 any one Occurrence, defence costs and expenses in addition
Parent Consent and Communication:
Where Forest school Leaders will be running sessions within a school environment. The educational establishment will hold full parent permissions to participate in Forest School on site.
Parent Consent and Communication:
Information and Consent forms will be completed for each child attending Forest School where necessary.
Community Events and small workshops:
Parents will be responsible for their children during these events, this information will be given to parents on booking/sign up; highlighting in brief any particular Health and Safety areas to be aware of during the session.
Photos:
Photos should only be taken; including children by the Forest School Lead, and stored securely on a password protected phone and laptop with consent when children are identifiable. Volunteers and Staff may take photos of activities and should not include capturing any images of children’s faces. Photograph consent will vary depending on the activity session or workshop and parents will be notified or requested for consent prior to the session where applicable.
GDPR:
Nature Base is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. Please refer to our Privacy Policy in Appendix 2 for more detail.
Staffing Qualification:
Leaders who lead Forest School Group activities should have the B-TEC Advanced Forest School Leaders Award or relevant Level 3 equivalent. Leaders inclusive of staff and volunteers accompanying with lesser qualifications can lead some Forest School activities on the site location within the ‘Group’ sessions when a ‘Qualified’ Session Leader is on site, not inclusive of fire.
Leaders can be left to ‘supervise’ the Fire area should the Session Leader need to step out if they have been adequately trained. See Fire Procedures.
Volunteer Leaders, Students and Outdoor Leads can manage and lead Therapeutic and Nature Play activities within Nature Base sessions who do not hold a relevant Forest School qualification (noting they have been ‘Safely recruited’ and normally have experience or qualifications working with children).
One member of staff must hold a valid First Aid certificate during our sessions.
All staff/volunteers should be Disclosure Baring Service (DBS) certified and trained in Safeguarding as per our Safeguarding Policy and Working and Volunteering with Nature Base Job Description.
Policies & Safety Resources
Routines
Before
• Leaders will conduct a pre-site visit of the area:
• Risk assessments for the area to be completed by the Forest School Leader.
• Leaders to ensure that there is appropriate child to adult ratios in place when necessary.
• Leaders will have planning in place identifying aims, resources, any relevant curriculum links, the role of the leader and the learners’ activity.
• Leaders will have briefed other members of staff/volunteers on the organisation of the activity and of any health and safety issues.
• Children will be briefed on health and safety expectations and purpose of activity where appropriate. Ensure children are appropriately dressed for the time of year and nature of the activity.
• Staff ensure kit/equipment is checked and available for use. Kit bag put together for trip (see section below on Forest School Welfare/Kit Bag).
• Black Forest School kit box to be checked and contain all the equipment, tools for the session.
• Registers completed on arrival and head count taken where applicable.
During
• Prior to the children’s arrival, the FS Leader will conduct a quick on-site Risk Assessment to identify any hazards.
• Boundary flags or cones are put in place, either by children or children/parents are made aware of/reminded not to cross the boundaries or to identify the hazard as per site risk assessments where applicable.
• Leader to introduce activity and how children/parents move around the location for multi-area led activities. Leaders to coach/mentor/support children or their parent to then support the children through activities.
• Head counts to be conducted regularly though out duration of activity where applicable.
• Ensure that all equipment has been collected and nothing left on site.
• Leader to ensure the working area has been left in a suitably safe manner, any potential hazards have been removed with risks to others, including the general public, reduced to an acceptable level.
After
• Any medical or safety issues written up and parents/school staff notified if applicable.
• Leader, Staff/volunteer reflection to assess how the session went. What would you change or how could you extend learning.
• Kit checked and returned to storage in good order.
Roles and Responsibilities
Responsibilities of the Forest School Leader
• To plan and lead Forest School activities Planning should be evident in Short, Medium and Long Term Plans.
• To ensure that planned activities are within the capabilities of the children taking part, amending plans to provide an inclusive curriculum.
• To ensure all Forest School policies are complied with.
• To ensure that all supervisors including teachers and parent/volunteer helpers are adequately briefed and understand their roles and responsibilities at all times.
• To be satisfied that vetting procedures for all accompanying adults are completed as required and that appropriate qualifications for first aiders are in place (Not applicable in Community sessions open to all the public where vetting of parents/accompanying adult is not possible).
• To ensure sessions are adequately supervised and that leaders/staff/volunteers know their role and procedures, e.g. head counts, boundaries flags, safety briefings, identifying hazards, etc.
• To promote Forest School/Nature Connection opportunities through schools, community and in-house.
• To take responsibility for behaviour during Forest School sessions where parent/carer is not attending. (see Behaviour Policy)
• To have an up to date First Aid qualification
• To ensure that all participants are advised of and follow the Clothing Policy as best practice.
• To carry out risk assessments as described in the Risk Assessment Policy.
• To ensure all Forest School policies are regularly reviewed and that any review is informed by observations and developing knowledge of the Forest School setting.
Responsibilities of Accompanying Staff/Volunteers
• To take an active role in Forest School activities and assist with any discipline issues within the group where an accompanying adult/carer is not in attendance. Advice (see Behaviour Policy). To promote and advise all children, young people and adults on any Health & Safety, risk or behavioural concerns that may need immediate attention during sessions in a positive way.
• To assist the Forest School Leader in ensuring equipment meets safety standards and to immediately report any concerns about the state of equipment.
• To assist the Forest School Leader in teaching children to maintain their own and others’ health and safety.
• To report accidents or hazards to the Forest School Leader.
• To take responsibility for making themselves aware of safety issues, such as the whereabouts of the first aid kit.
• To be up to date in Safeguarding training and have a valid DBS.
• To provide their own suitable outdoor clothing and footwear.
• For the protection of themselves and the children/young people and adults; Students and adult volunteers should ensure that wherever possible they are not alone and are generally in view of others during sessions.
Responsibilities of the Children and Parents/Carers
• To listen to instructions and information given by the FS Leaders and volunteers
• To take responsibility for their own safety as well as the safety of others To avoid taking unnecessary risks.
• To tell the leaders of any hazards or concerns on site and stay within the boundaries.
• To bring appropriate clothing and footwear to Forest School sessions
• Parent and Child sessions; the Parent/Carer is responsible for the overall safety and supervision of their child(ren) during these sessions with leaders support and guidence
Health and Safety Policy
Nature Base Health and Safety Policy complies with the Health & Safety at Work (Jersey) Law 1989.
In order that Forest School sessions may be run safely, the Forest School Leader will:
• Ensure that at least one appropriately qualified first aider is on-site
• Establish and maintain a safe and healthy environment:
• Establish, maintain and evaluate appropriate procedures, policies and risk assessments.
• Boundaries flags or cones are used in sessions on a number of sites, these are set up at the beginning of each session.
• Ensure the provision of sufficient information and instruction for all adults, so that they can contribute to their own health and safety and that of the children they are working with. Including parents at community events.
• Establish and be compliant with emergency procedures, accidents and incidents: including the reporting and recording of these.
• Ensure that pre-site visits and risk assessments take place before children are permitted on to the site. Risk assessments will be completed within 48 hours before the session. These will be kept on file and a copy on the Nature Base Laptop.
• Ensure additional plans are in place should a planned activity be compromised by health and safety concerns.
• Ensure that Forest School Staff/volunteers are aware of their responsibilities towards the children and general public.
• Investigate any accidents and use information gathered to inform future risk assessment and policy making.
• Teach and promote to all those attending Nature Base sessions to maintain their own and others health and safety by involving them in the risk assessment process at appropriate opportunities.
• Maintain the legal adult-child ratio (according to the level of need of the student) where applicable.
• At Community and Parent/Carer events; brief adults and highlight where applicable ‘potential’ risks to ensure and promote good Health & Safety practice where children remain the responsibility of parent/accompanying adult. Parents should be briefed at booking or in a pre-event information letter of this.
• Ensure that safety equipment is in good working order and is used appropriately.
• Forest School Leaders assume responsibility for the maintenance of the First Aid Kit, Welfare Bag and Tool Kit brought to Forest School sessions.
Site Risk Assessments
The Forest School/Outdoor Leader will need do the following when running Forest School sessions.
Site Risk Assessments
Site Pre-visit: The Forest School Leader or another Forest School level 1 or 3 trained staff/volunteer should visit the site within 48 hours prior to the Session. A risk assessment should be completed or updated if this is held on file, with appropriate changes made and dated. On the day risk assessment. This should be done prior to any ‘Participating’ children, young people and adults arriving on site and the wider staff or public community. The site should be made safe and the Risk Assessment signed and dated. This gives time to cancel the session should there be a change and a significant hazard appeared.
In addition to the above a Seasonal Risk Assessment will be carried out during the seasons the site will be in use. The seasonal Risk Assessment can be carried out the same day as the Pre-sit visit or at another time.
This should be kept on file with the Risk Assessments and maps of the area so it can be easily located by others in the team planning a visit. The seasonal Risk Assessment will look at any major issues within the site e.g. caused by weather, trees and fencing needing maintenance and poisonous plants. Some of the solutions to these identified risks may be fairly long term, such as tree surgery, replacing fencing and removing hazardous plants. However, some shorter term solutions should also be suggested, such as marking areas out of bounds, changing regular access routes etc until the longer term solution is in place. This will be done in liaising with the person who maintains the grounds or site.
The Relevant seasonal Risk Assessment should be referred to whilst completing and updating the Pre-Site visit and on the day Risk Assessment.
All staff/volunteers using Forest School must consistently apply the same approach to risk assessment for all Forest School sites and activities:
• Look for and identify hazards.
• Decide who may be harmed and how.
• Evaluate the risks and decide whether existing controls are adequate or whether more should be done. Forest School activities may only proceed if the remaining risk is deemed to be low.
• Record findings, including daily amendments to standing risk assessments based on site visits or observations
• Review assessments on a regular basis and site review every 3 - 6 months.
• Carry out full risk assessments for off-site activities. The Forest School Leader will make pre-site visits.
• Note risks related to a specific activity on the appropriate lesson plan/Activity guide.
• The Forest School Leader will inform staff, volunteers and children of potential hazards and discuss how to minimize the risk.
• Involve staff and children in risk assessment, as appropriate, as part of learning.
• Ensure legal guidelines regarding on and off-site activities, such as adequate insurance, parental permission and staff ratio are met, where appropriate.
• Ensure that all staff, volunteers and children, young people and adults are aware of the emergency procedures for all sites.
• Be responsible for teaching children adequate skills in order to keep themselves safe.
• Ensure children and adults will have access to drinking water during sessions (by informing them to bring their own and having spare available)
• Ensure a nil-by-mouth policy is adopted in all Forest School sessions, except where pre-purchased products in packaging has been brought in by the FS leader e.g. biscuits and children’s own packed lunches and snacks can be consumed during the session where appropriate.
• In cooking activities within ‘Fire use Activities’ the Forest School Leader will follow the Food Safety Policy section below
Clothing FS Policy
Children, young people and adults Clothing:
It should be noted that ‘Clothing’ should not become a barrier for participating in Forest School. Where a child may for example; experience sensitivity around certain clothing due to e.g Special Educational Needs, a risk assessment should be carried out by the Practitioner; incorporating the child/care giver’s voice where possible, in order to seek out implementing any supportive adaptions and using a ‘Risk Benefit’ approach to participation.
Staff/volunteers to ensure that the weather is appropriate for the children, young people and adults (checking the forecast).
• Suitable footwear (preferably waterproof with a good grip)
• Weather appropriate clothing:
• During colder weather – layered clothing, warm top, warm trousers, winter/waterproof coat, thick socks, gloves, scarf, and woollen hat.
• During warmer weather – t-shirt that covers shoulders (preferably long sleeve to prevent prolonged sun exposure), thin trousers, sun hat, sun cream. Parents will need to be advised (by letter) to apply sun cream before school.
• During wet weather – Waterproofs
• Parents are advised to bring a change of clothing for children
• Children to wear shoes at all times (in case of glass, needles etc) unless on a pre-risk assessed area.
• Clothing should not act as a barrier to attending Forest School, parents are advised of a risk benefit approach to clothing
Forest School Weather Policy
Forest School activities should take place whatever the weather (unless there are high winds or electrical storms) All activities must however, be suitable for the weather that day. Whatever the weather conditions, we need to ensure that the activities are pleasurable.
• Hot and sunny days need more sedentary activities, with shade and water available. Arms and legs should be covered.
• Cold days will need active involvement and a faster pace to ensure that no one becomes too cold. A hot drink could be provided or parents advised to bring along a flask.
• On wet and rainy days children need to be warm and dry as possible with the provision of a shelter e.g. tarpaulin.
• The decision about whether to curtail activities if the weather is extremely unpleasant (e.g. torrential rain) or dangerous (an electrical storm, winds) rests with the Forest School/Outdoor Leader. The Forest School/Outdoor Lead will use the ‘Cambridge Forest Schools; Indicator for unsuitable conditions for working with children/adults in woodlands’ chart displayed at the end/bottom of this policy to support their Safety decision:
Safety & Welfare/Kit Bag
First Aid Kit Containing:
A First Aid Kit in sealed carton including:
3 x ambulance dressing no 4 - 20cm x 32cm
3 x ambulance dressing no 3 - 20cm x 28cm
4 x eye pad dressing
2 x triangular bandage
1 x burn shield large dressing 20cm x 20cm
2 x low adherent dressing 10cm x 10cm
2 x sterile swabs 7.5cm x 7.5cm
2 x conforming bandage 7.5cm x 4m
2 x conforming bandage 10cm x 4m
10 x wipes 7.5cm x 7.5cm
1 x micro-porous tape
3 x disposable glove - pair
1 x saline eyewash 500ml
1 x paramedic scissors
1 x Foil blanket
Welfare/Kit Bag/ on FS Leader:
Emergency Procedure; where applicable
Medical/Contact details where applicable - Register
Pen and paper
Medication [named and separate bag/s] where applicable
Whistle/Mobile Phone/Mobile Communication
Water
Tissues / Wet wipes
Carrier bags/Bin bags
Gloves for Rubbish pick up
Camera or mobile use of camera
Watch
1 LED torch
Sun cream
High visibility vest
1 Hand Sanitizer
Eating FS Policy
Forest School adopts the following Policy on the eating of food during Forest School sessions:
Forest School sessions on-site will adopt a nil-by-mouth policy (children will be informed of this) with the following exceptions:
Hot drinks made in Kelly kettles for the group or pre-prepared flasks, from commercially available products.
Drinks and foods which will only be sourced from commercially available products.
School Groups and the use of food: The Forest School Leader should check children information forms regarding allergies or if on a site visit to school, with the classroom teacher at least 24 hours before the planned session. Forest School staff should monitor that children do not share food items due to food allergies when children are consuming their own snacks or lunch and when accompanying parents are not within a session.
Snack time and lunches. Children, young people and adults can consume their own food items for designated food times whilst at Forest School sessions and during Community sessions at their own time. Children are asked to not share without parental/adults consent and monitoring.
Forest School cooking – Should only be cooked and consumed in-line with a basic Food Hygiene certificate.
Emergency Procedures Policy
Accident minor - Cuts, grazes, small bruising, minor bumps:
• The Forest School Leader will assess the situation, with class teacher or parent/carer if applicable; securing area, and making sure everyone is safe and accounted for.
• First aider to assess the nature and extent of the injury/accident and treat the causality, giving first aid if necessary.
• The Forest School Leader/class teacher if applicable will instruct another member of staff/volunteer/parent to ensure that the rest of the group are safe from danger and are adequately supervised
• The Accident book should be completed, if the injury is sustained by a child, his/her parents/carers are notified and made aware on site. If this is within a school environment they will be notified by the school or by one of the Forest School Team when the child is collected. Parents/carers will be asked to sign the accident log.
Accident – Serious Injury
1. A whistle is blown to signal to everyone to stop if appropriate to that group, the Forest school leader will identify a member of staff/volunteer or if they are not available an accompanying parent; who will raise their arm and children are to make their way to that adult (away from the injured person). That Forest School staff member is responsible for taking a headcount to make sure everyone is accounted for in school groups. Leader is to reassure children and await further instructions.
Forest School Leader to assess the situation, secure the area and make sure everyone is safe.
2. First aider to assess and treat the casualty and monitor as deemed necessary. Insulate and shelter casualty as required by weather conditions and first aid procedures.
3. Forest School Leader or delegated staff/volunteer/Parent/member of the public is to call the emergency services (using the Forest School Leader phone or their own if appropriate) with the following location guidelines:
Their Name
Name of injured person and any allergies/medical information
Nature of injuries
Emergency Forest School mobile number: 07700888076
Location of Forest School Site:
Jardin Des Buttes/St Saviours Woodland 10 minute response rate
Coronation Park 5-10 minutes
4. If a child is taken to hospital and a parent/accompanying adult was not on site; a member of staff/volunteer must accompany them instead of the parent or arrangements made to send another adult if required/applicable to ensure adequate child-staff ratios be maintained, considering safeguarding practices. If this cannot happen then parents should be called and asked to collect children from the site. School locations will have additional staff on hand.
5. Forest School leader to instruct a staff member/volunteer to contact the emergency contact of the injured child(ren) or next of kin of the injured adult to be phoned and kept up to date with the situation.
6. Accident book/log completed as promptly as possible. A copy is to be passed to the child’s parent/carer for signing.
7. RIDDOR assessment to be completed in the event of an injury that needs hospital treatment or the death of a Forest School participant. (http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/reportable-incidents.htm for examples of reportable incidence and guidance on reporting).
Major Incident and Missing Child FS Policy
A missing child may constitute a Serious Emergency as defined by the Government of Jersey guidance on emergency procedures, see below.
A Serious Emergency is defined as:
A fatality, life-threatening injury or illness to an individual, injury to a large number of pupils or adults, any injury or illness which may leave the Casualty disabled or disfigured, any serious physical assault, any sexual assault, any missing persons (the time period for this will depend on location and age.)
In the case of any serious emergency the following Emergency Procedures should be followed:
Forest School Leaders should be aware of the procedures and the priority is to keep all children, young people and adults in a group safe.
• Establish the nature and extent of the emergency as quickly as possible;
• Ensure that all the group are safe and looked after;
• Establish the names of any casualties and get immediate medical attention for them;
• Ensure that all group members who need to know are aware of the incident and that all group members are following the emergency procedures;
• Ensure that a Staff member/Volunteer accompanies casualties to hospital and that the rest of the group are adequately supervised at all times and kept together;
• when appropriate, notify the Education Department via the Serious Emergency contact number.
+44(0) 1534 449206 (8:30 – 4:30)
• Inform the school contact where an accident includes the supervising teacher of a School Group. The school contact number should be accessible at all times. Details of the incident to pass on to the school should include: nature, date and time of incident; location of incident; names of casualties and details of their injuries; names of others involved; action taken so far; action yet to be taken (and by whom);
• Notify insurers, especially if medical assistance is required
• write down accurately and as soon as possible all relevant facts and witness details and preserve any vital evidence;
• keep a written account of all events, times and contacts after the incident. The Group Leader may appoint a “loggist” to perform this;
• no-one in the group should speak to the media;
• names of those involved in the incident should not be given to the media as this could
cause distress to their families.
• no-one in the group should discuss legal liability with other parties;
• If children, young people and adults have mobile telephones with them, the group leader should inform the group not to discuss the incident with anyone outside the group until told to do so, to avoid inaccurate and upsetting reports from circulating. Social media will make it very difficult to avoid details of any incident being in the public domain.
If it is discovered that a child is missing from the group, the situation will be taken very seriously.
Procedures to be followed: These ensure that a systematic approach to find the child is taken and consideration is given to the levels of risk to the child.
• The Forest School Leader shall be informed immediately
• Activity for the rest of the group shall be suspended in order that up to two members of staff, volunteers or nominated adults in the group may be released to conduct an initial search, which shall last no more than five minutes.
• The remaining children will be brought together by an instructed staff member/volunteer, a head count taken with the register where applicable and checked to make sure that no other child has also gone missing.
• The Forest School Leader, in discussion with the group will attempt to establish who last saw the missing child, when and where.
• The remaining children will be given a low risk activity to complete, within the area by the remaining staff/volunteers, reassuring the children and focusing their attention on the activity to decrease anxiety.
• If, after the five-minute search, the child has not been located, using the FS leads Emergency phone, the Forest School Leader will phone 999 and alert the police with the name of the location at which the child was last seen or an appointed adult.
• At an appropriate point all Forest School participants not involved with the emergency will
• Leave the site or where a school group; return to school when it is safe and practical to do so.
• Staff/volunteers should corroborate details of the incident, including last known position of the missing child and any timing. These will be recorded on the Emergency Action Plan For Visits
• When the child is found sensitive attempts to establish the course of events that led to their absconding should be made.
• Parents/carers, Emergency Services, staff/volunteers will be informed that the child has been found and is safe and well.
• After the incident, the Forest School Leader will discuss with the parents/carer the events that led to the disappearance of the child.
• A log of the incident will be recorded on the Emergency Procedures located in the Health and Safety Folder on the Nature Base computer.
• Staff and parents should be asked to refer any enquires they have or any enquiries from the media, or other sources, to the lead Nature Base Practitioner.
• Liability should not be discussed until after any investigation by the appropriate authorities is complete.
Transport FS Policy
At this time Nature base is not involved in transporting children to and from sites. Group Leads will bring the children to site for the start time and are responsible for the children at all times prior to this and after the end time. Sessions that include parents and an accompanying adult the same applies.
Children, young people and adults will be required to walk off site to St Saviour Church grounds to access the toilets at Site 1 Jardin Des Buttes/St Saviours Woodland and in the event of extreme weather, or if an indoor venue is required.
The Forest School lead will advise on the toilet location and remind parent/accompanying adult that the children remain their responsibility at all times where applicable. School groups will follow their own ‘Outdoor Visits’ Guidance.
At Coronation Park the toilets recommended are in the Playground facility, where parents are advised the location and the same applies as above.
Toileting Policy
Consideration should be given to the welfare of the children during Forest School sessions and toileting.
School site:
• An appropriate school staff member will accompany any groups of children to the toilets as per their in house policy.
All site locations:
• Parents have been pre-advised to encourage Children to visit the toilet before attending the Forest School site.
• Nominated Toilets will be checked prior to the start of a session to ensure good hygiene, handwashing facilities are available and toilet roll. Spare toilet roll is available in the Welfare/Kit bag. Hand washing facilities and Hand gel are also available on the site location.
Behaviour Policy
Nature Base Forest School aims to:
• Build self-esteem, offer choices, grow in independence, offer connection times (with parent, adults, children, nature, self)
• Maintain a safe learning and development environment.
• Promote awareness and respect for others and for the environment.
• Promote collaborative work and partnership.
• Uphold clear expectations of behaviour management
• Develop awareness of acceptable and responsible behaviour in an outdoor, activity led environment e.g. wearing safety goggles during an ice activity
The Role of the Forest School Leader or accompanying staff/volunteers:
The Forest School Leader, Staff and Volunteers will:
• Create a positive environment which encourages and reinforces caring, nurturing and acceptable behaviour towards one another, the environment and equipment.
• Promote effective relationships in which all are accepted, valued and treated equally.
• Be mindful of the need to maintain safety at all times.
• Establish clearly defined standards of behaviour.
• Provide a positive role model for all children and adults.
• Place the needs of the children, including needs linked to their preferred learning styles, social and behavioural needs at the centre of the Forest School curriculum to maximise individual success and raise self-esteem.
• Give validation and verbal praise to encourage children, young people and adults in their accomplishments at Forest School.
The Role of the Children and accompanying adults that should be promoted:
• Listen and respond to instructions and requests, especially those concerning safety.
• Create a positive environment which encourages and reinforces caring, nurturing and acceptable behaviour towards one another, the environment and equipment.
• Where behaviour is not meeting acceptable standards, the Forest School Leader will ensure the following steps are adhered to:
• The Forest School leader, a member of staff/volunteer will try to re-engage the child, young person or adult in the first instance
• A gentle verbal warning/positive reinforcement of the instruction/desired outcome will be given by the Forest School Lead, a member of staff/volunteer; by reminding the child of the reason for the desired outcome or behaviour and why this is important. The accompanying adult/parent may be given this instruction to pass on to the child, where appropriate.
• If the behaviour continues and this is felt that the child’s actions are placing the group and/or an individual at risk, or causing others distress or discomfort: A staff member/volunteer or (where applicable) the parent/accompanying adult will be asked/encouraged to either move with the child to another area of the site/activity in order to re-regulate/give opportunity to change the ‘at risk behaviour’ e.g this could include using the Hammocks or exploring another activity, a reminder of the ‘Visual timetable’ and what is coming up, or may be asked to leave the session for that day in extreme cases. During a school session the teacher will follow the School ‘Behaviour Policy’ or the child’s individual plan’
• Where the behaviour is deemed to have been very unsafe, the child may have to be excluded from the next Forest School session. In this case the Forest School Lead will look to offer a one to one session to encourage and promote Forest School safety awareness and activities in order to re-enter the group sessions. We must ensure the ‘whole group’ safety.
• In all of the above cases, the Forest School Lead will complete an incident report. This is located in the Nature Base ‘Behaviour Policy Documents’ folder.
Fire FS Policy
This fire policy must be read by all staff and volunteers prior to a fire. Some Forest School sessions involve open fires.
General Safety:
• Fires will only be used on School Site visits with prior consent from the Head Teacher.
• Fires will only be used on site locations with permission from the site main contact.
• Only B-TEC Advanced Forest School Leaders/Level 3 should lead Fire activities. Adults, who have completed the level 1 Forest School training can light the fire at the discretion of the Forest School Leader with them on site.
• It is essential that there is an adult at the fire circle at all times, so the fire is never left unsupervised. This can be a briefed staff/volunteer and in the event of an emergency a briefed parent/accompanying adult.
• A first aid kit, water & fire blanket should be present at every fire.
• A fire session should not go ahead if the leader does not have confidence with the group or the weather is unsuitable e.g. changing wind conditions.
• Fires are only allowed in the designated fire area within a circle which has a fixed boundary 1 ½ metres away from seated areas.
• Fires are lit using cotton wool, dry twigs and a flint. If alternatives must be used in case of bad weather then these must be carefully assessed in regards to Health & Safety (e.g. kindling).
• A fire blanket or extinguisher must be available for use when the fire is in situ and instructions available to the adults prior to the session. Water should also be on hand to extinguish the fire at the end of the session if required.
• A site check should be carried out prior to the fire to assess and address the ground surface, overhanging branches and nearby foliage. If unsafe-a fire should not be lit until the area is cleared.
• Advice on the appropriate way for dealing with smoke will be given to the children: they are advised to turn their head to one side, placing their hand across the face and to close their eyes. If there is a clear wind direction, seating in the line of smoke is to be avoided. If wind direction is variable, the leader should rearrange the seating.
Routines:
• There is strictly no thoroughfare when the fire is in situ.
• Children, young people and adults must walk closely to the fire seats/boundary role or markers. Once seated around the fire, they must remain seated until directed by an adult to move.
• Children, young people and adults are not permitted to throw anything onto the fire unless instructed too.
• Adults and children are only allowed in the inner fire circle if invited in at the discretion of the leader. When asked by the Leader to join the inner fire circle, children must kneel down behind the fire marked boundaries/listen to the leaders instructions.
• Fire ratio maximum is 1:6 without supervising accompanying adults.
• Children must be briefed about Forest School rules prior to a fire to ensure safety.
• Do not overfeed the fire.
• If sessions involve children adding fuel to the fire, this must be done with one to one adult supervision. Children can feed the fire but they must have been shown how to do so safely. (Stick held at the end and dropped in from the side; hand should never be placed over the top of the kettle)
• Fires need to be extinguished at the end of the session by letting it naturally go out with continued supervision or pouring water onto the fire are making sure it is thoroughly extinguished and no embers are still smouldering.
Extinguishing:
• All fires must be extinguished at the end of a session.
• Water should always be to hand during these sessions.
• Whenever possible, all fuels should be burnt off to ash.
• At the end of the session, the fire must be doused down with water and stirred until all smoke and steam has ceased.
When and if using Tools or Fire on sight this must be led by a Forest School level 3
Fire Tools:
• Kelly kettles, pans and tins must only be used on flat surfaces.
• Kelly kettles should never be boiled with the cork in.
• Children are not allowed to lift or pour from Kelly kettles.
• If water is to be heated, Kelly kettles are recommended. Different containers/methods could be used with older children at leader’s discretion following a risk assessment .
Kelly Kettle:
• When using a Kelly kettle ensure you use a level non-flammable surface to place the base on as the Kelly Kettle has a high centre of gravity. Stone or granite flat surface is ideal.
• The Kelly Kettle must never be left unattended when a fire is lit.
• The air hole should be on the opposite side to the spout, keep the spout away from you to avoid splashes, remove the cork when the kettle is placed on the flames.
• Feed the fuel through the chimney and have fire gauntlets nearby.
• Ensure there is ample emergency water close by to douse flames.
• Ensure there is a first aid box with burns kit included.
Hand Tool Policy
Children, young people and adults may be using a number of tools during Forest School sessions. Whatever the activities, the safety of all involved is of paramount.
When using tools, there must be a qualified First Aider and a First Aid kit available
The following Safety points and expected to be discussed and behaviour adhered to during activities.
• B-TEC Advanced Forest School Leaders/Level 3 should lead tool activities or train staff; prior/and during the session to use ‘simple tool’ activities e.g. Palm drill and Hammers on the site under their supervision. Adults, who have had fire training, can light the fire at the discretion of the Forest School Leader.
• Tools should be taken to the site by the Forest School Leader.
• Tools should be locked away safely when not being used for Forest School.
• Proper use of tools should be demonstrated at initial use and reinforced regularly by staff/volunteers.
• Everyone should know where the tools are to be stored during or after a session; designated by the Forest School lead when not in use by the children, young people or adults under direct supervision
• Gloves, helmets and safety goggles to be used when appropriate.
• Forest School Leads are responsible for the suitability of the tools for the activity chosen.
• Adults should support, with learning. They should be shown how to use tools and encourage the learner to use them; where they are not competent yet the adult will support them to enable the learner to develop confidence, the skill and carry out the task.
• Forest School Leaders must count tools back to ensure they are all safely returned.
• Tools must be checked for damage and cleaned, sharpened and stored correctly after use.
• If children, young people and adults are moving around with tool they will be shown how to carry the tools correctly and safely by an adult.
• The primary duty of all staff/volunteers is to ensure the children are being safely supervised when using tools and that the tool use is safely demonstrated.
The Tool Box – Not all tools will be taken to site only the ones matching the planned activities
• Bow saw
• Pen knives
• Bill hook
• Hacksaws
• Potato peelers (for young children)
• Various types of string
• Ropes
• Tent pegs
• Clothes pegs
• Lopper
• Secateurs
• Tinder material e.g. cotton wool
• Storm/Kelly kettles
• Fire flint or matches
• Crook Carvers
Using and storing tools
Tools will be introduced to children (and accompanying adult where appropriate) with a safety briefing, they will be shown the correct way to use this and an adult will encourage this continued use with guidance. Children and adults should be fully aware of any protective equipment required and understand the correct body posture when using the tool. They will also be aware of its purpose and the type of activity it may be used for.
when on School Site visits, the use of tools by children must be pre-agreed with the Head Teacher.
Potato peelers, tent pegs and knives – for peeling or sharpening sticks, vegetables – whittling, removing pith from Elder
1:2 ratio, this tool can be used seated on a log or on a kneeler mat, with elbows placed upon the knees using the tool in a downward movement, between the legs, away from the body or Kneeling on one knee, supporting wood on bent knee ensuring a safe distance from other people.
Tent pegs should always have a blunt end, never push into a hand. Once a child/parent is deemed to be competent at the instructional task by the Forest school Leader they may progress to using a knife to whittle. The above rules still apply. Adults will open and close folding Knives. Potato peelers and knives should be carried by your side and returned to the appropriate container when no longer in use.
Bow Saws – for cross cutting wood up to 12cm diameter
Children may be taught to use bow saws with 1:1 supervision if able with a ‘buddy’ helping in a ‘push- pull’ fashion. Adults must always supervise closely and should place their gloved hand between the child’s hand and the saw blade. The wood can be braced through the bow saw itself. Keep hands away from the blade, ensure blade is covered when not in use and is carried by your side, pointing downwards, blade facing backwards.
Loppers – for cutting and pruning sticks up to 5 cm
1:1 ratio, ensure hands are clear from blades and only cut wood below head height. When carrying hold under fixed arm horizontal to ground, ensure blades points towards the floor. Safe temporary storage is to lean against a tree trunk, blade down and within sight of an adult who has responsibility for them.
Palm drills/ Bit and Brace – for making holes
The item should be placed and held by an adult securely on a firm flat surface to demonstrate. When the activity lead is confident that the parent/adult/teacher can take on supervision they will pass on the supervision to them, whilst still overseeing the group. Children will work under the supervision to develop their competence in this task. Work in a safe space being aware of others moving around you, think ‘blood bubble’, safe space. Carry these tools by your side facing downwards and remember to walk when transporting tools.
