Aim

We aim to give children and practitioners a shared understanding of the ethos of a Forest School experience. This powerful approach enables young children to be independent, self-motivated, courageous, considerate and sets them up for life long learning. It particularly supports the development of self-esteem and self-confidence.

There are many important issues to be considered here and we aim to remain true to the Forest School ethos and approach.

Environmental Considerations

Forest School has environmental awareness at the heart of its ethos. Environmentally friendly products and recycled materials will be used when appropriate. Good practice should be modelled by adults showing children that the world in which we live in should be cared for. Involving children in site checks and planning environmental games will help support this.

Health and Safety Considerations

The Forest School programme will support young children to develop responsibility for themselves and others. It will even encourage early risk management strategies that will ensure that young children start to consider the impact of their actions on themselves and on others.

Child and Vulnerable Persons

Forest School Leaders and practitioners regard their duty of care when working with young children as extremely important. To ensure all individuals (children, workers, and volunteers) are safe and protected we will carry out the following:-

  • Everyone involved in Forest School is fully briefed on health and safety, risk assessment of sites and activities. Staff and volunteers should be made aware of the relevant school policies and ensure that they adhere to the guidance contained in them
  • All staff will have Child Protection Training and the  named Child Protection member of staff is Mary Pond
  • Forest School Leaders delivering training will have an enhanced level CRB check. All staff and any regular volunteer attending Forest School should also have this. Where a volunteer or member of staff does not hold a current CRB certificate then they should not be left unsupervised with children.
  • Any concerns about a child’s physical or mental wellbeing should be shared with the schools named Child Protection Person, so that the schools child protection policy can then be followed.
  • We regard safety and good practice as extremely important and it is the responsibility of individual staff and volunteers to ensure general safety during working.

Confidentiality should be maintained at all times. Any concerns should only be shared with those who need to know such as the Forest School Leader or Class Teacher who can then ensure the correct channels are then informed

 

Considerations for Equality and Inclusion

In Forest School sessions all persons should be treated equally.

We aim to and are committed to:

  • providing a secure environment in which children can flourish and in which all contributions are valued;
  • including and value the contribution of all children and adults to our understanding of equality and diversity;
  • make inclusion a thread which runs through all of the activities of Forest School

The legal framework for this guidance is:

  • Race Relations Act 1976;
  • Race Relations Amendment Act 2000;
  • Sex Discrimination Act 1986;
  • Children Act 1989; and
  • Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001.
  • Disability Equality Duty 2006

Cancellation Procedure

There may be times when Forest School sessions have to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. These may be:-

  • Staff illness – which prevents staff / child ratios being met.
  • Severe weather conditions.
  • Any situation that poses a health and safety risk.

In the event of this situation arising

Cancellation decisions will be made as soon as possible and the, staff and volunteers will be notified by the nursery school

We will endeavour to run Forest School sessions whenever possible, however reserve the right to cancel on the day, but will aim to inform client group as soon as possible.

Evaluation Procedure

In order to develop the Forest School program and to ensure good practice is maintained, evaluation of activities will be undertaken.

  1. Evaluation of session – looking at what dispositions and attitudes are being developed.
  2. Evaluation from children.
  3. Evaluation from all staff involved in Forest School.
  4. Evaluation from parents