Forest School Policy

ST MARY’S RC PRIMARY SCHOOL FOREST SCHOOLS POLICY

Our Mission Statement As the family of St. Mary’s, learning and growing in God’s love, joyfully, we pray, play and respect all, changing our world forever.

The Forest School Ethos Forest School is a unique educational experience and process that offers children the opportunity to succeed and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland environment.

Children engage in motivating and achievable tasks and activities throughout the year and in almost all weathers. Children will work with tools, play, learn boundaries of behaviour; both physical and social, grow in confidence, self- esteem and motivation whilst developing an understanding of the natural world.

The Forest School concept originates in Denmark, originally aimed at pre- school children, where it was found that children who had attended forest school then arrived at school with strong social and communication skills, having the ability to work in groups effectively, generally had high self-esteem and a confidence in their own abilities. These foundations helped them to raise their academic achievements.

A Forest School encourages children to:                

develop personal and social skills work through practical problems and challenges use tools to create, build or manage discover how they learn best pursue knowledge that interests them learn how to manage failures build confidence in decision making and evaluating risk develop practical skills understand the benefits of a balanced and healthy lifestyle explore connections between humans, wildlife and the earth regularly experience achievement and success reflect on learning and experiences develop their language and communication skills improve physical motor skills become more motivated improve their concentration skills

Code of Conduct We will enter the Forest respectfully and know that when at Forest School specific expectations are in place.

We will explore, investigate, learn and play in a manner that will not damage our Forest environment. We understand that we share our Forest School with plants and animals and that when we are in our Forest School we are sharing the environment with them.

We will take into consideration the following: Boundaries Children are always made aware of how far they can explore before a session begins. If children explore hidden areas, an adult should also go into the cover, deep enough to be able to see the children.

Picking up and playing with stones Making patterns with pretty stones and even ‘gentle’ throwing are fine but make sure children are thinking of others and don’t throw them with force at ANYTHING. Picking up and playing with sticks Children can carry sticks shorter than their arm’s length but make sure they think about how close they are to other children. Longer sticks can be dragged, carried or rolled with a child at both ends. Sticks must not be thrown, nor should children be allowed to pull them from living trees.

Tree Climbing Check ground cover for sharp objects and check ‘climbing trees’ for loose and rotten branches. Children are allowed to explore to their own limits but adults should be near enough to catch if one should fall but far enough away to not be invasive. Don’t let children climb higher than your arm reach or chest height.

Rope and string use Encourage connecting and transporting materials. Prevent tying up other children or themselves! If a child has a good idea and wants, for example, to try to build a rope swing do help them and use the chance to model appropriate knot tying.

Carrying & transporting materials The children should be encouraged to roll, lift, drag and pull materials, either by hand or using ropes. The safe way to lift, by bending your knees and keeping a straight back should be modelled by all adults. Heavier objects can be rolled, dragged or carried by more people.

Digging Children love digging and this is fine in the designated area in our school grounds. Show children how to look carefully for insects and their habitats using lolly sticks and fingers.

Toileting Children are always invited to use the toilets before we leave the School. School toilets are close enough for children to be taken to by a responsible adult in groups of no more than 2 at a time.

Eating and drinking Prevent children eating anything found in woods, such as berries or seeds. Keep reminding them about fingers and hands in mouths and noses. If we take drinks or snacks outside ensure children use wipes to clean their hands before eating their snack or drinking from a milk carton.

Around the log circle If we are able to build one we will always behave as we would if we were able to light a fire. So we build a fire square – a small shape of logs with the ‘fire’ within, then a similar shape of seating logs 1.5 metres from the ‘fire’. There must be no running within 5 metres of the fire area and anything being carried must be placed on the ground behind the seating. We then step over the logs to sit down. We will always practise this as if a real fire were being lit – one day we may be able to do it for real!

Leaving the Site

All the sites we visit must always be left as it was found. If artefacts are made using ‘found’ materials these may be taken off site. Shelters should normally be demolished and imported materials taken back to school at the end of each session. Occasionally some large items may be left tidily for the next group.

Collecting Wood Wood should be collected in three thicknesses – matchstick size, pencil size and thumb thickness. This is a great sorting activity and children should be given a chance to do it even if a fire is not to be lit!

Lighting a Fire If we are given permission to light a fire the FS leader will take control of the operation and all accompanying adults will be briefed before we start.

Transport to an external site If we are visiting an external site for our Forest Schools, we will travel in the school mini bus.

Mr Feighan will be the designated driver with Mr Kershaw (and maybe additional adults) as support.

All children must wear a seat belt when travelling to and from the visit.

If we were to walk to the external site the ratio of adult to child will be 1:6. We will only walk to a forest that is no more than 10 minutes away, so we get more time inside the site.

Activities at Forest Schools Activities for Forest Schools are diverse and numerous but it should be reminded that we are trying to create independent learners who are inspired to try out their own ideas, explore their own interests and to attempt new ideas.

Activities include:

Term

Autumn

Year 1 and Year 2

Year 3 and Year 4

Understanding boundaries of the Forest.

Rules inside Story / Fire Circle.

Puddle splashing and mud Flag Making (Using natural resources) painting Story Telling and meeting imaginary characters.

Team Games / Challenges.

Animal Feeders.

Rope and String Work Natural Art Work.

Art and Sculpture Work.

Natural Christmas Decorations.

Bug Hunts (Studying Wildlife) Carrying and transporting materials.

Spring Mini Beast Hotels / Bug Hotels.

Bog Babies.

Den Building.

Mini Villages / Animal Habitats.

Preparing hot drinks and snacks in the woods.

Using natural resources to create woodland crafts.

Knowledge of trees, shrubs and flowers.

Collecting and Gathering wood for a fire.

Habitats for animals.

Small Tools used to Larger tools for collecting whittle and bore holes. and gathering wood.

Clay Sculptures.

Large Shelter Building.

Being around an open fire.

Summer

Year 5 and Year 6

Building a fire and preparing to light.

Tent / Shelter Peg Tool Building.

Building.

Using and lighting a Kelly Cooking and Eating Kettle to make hot drinks. outdoors.

Gathering/Sourcing natural resources to create woodland crafts.

Using tools to create woodland crafts.

Tools All tools are counted out and back in at the beginning and end of each session in which they are used. When not in use in the Forest they are kept secured away in the tool box. Before each tool is to be used it will be checked for damage and working order by the Forest School Leader.

Each tool type is kept in their own suitable containers, many of which are also lockable. Children must never be allowed to help themselves and will always have adult supervision when collecting, transporting and using tools.

Tools are only used for a specific purpose. All adults should model correct and safe tool use, storage and transportation at all times.

Tool Talk Forest School Lead will deliver a ‘Tool Talk’ which outlines all the safety implications and rules that go with that tool. There will be a copy of the ‘Tool Talk’ inside each tool box.

Potato Peelers and Knives – for peeling or sharpening sticks (whittling) A ratio of 1 adult to 4 children will be observed. This tool must be used seated with elbows placed upon knees and using the tool in a downward motion at the side of your legs.

How to Use Children will start with a Peeler are once deemed to be competent by the Forest Leader they may be allowed to use a fixed blade knife to whittle.

Carrying When carrying a knife return it to its sheath the knife by your side.

Storage Tools must be returned to the tool box when no longer in use.

Bill Hook Children will work in pairs when using the Bill Hook. Each child with have a glove on their helper hand.

How to Use Before the bill hook is hit with the hammer, each child must say they are ready.

Children will use 3 levels of hammering - soft, medium and hard and it is to be agreed before each strike which one they will be doing.

Carrying When carrying a bill hook return it to its sheath and carry by your side.

Storage Tools must be returned to the tool box when no longer in use.

Loppers Ensure hands are clear from blades and only cut wood below head height. Safe storage is to lean How to Use the loppers against a tree trunk blade down and within sight of an adult who has responsibility for them.

Carrying When carrying hold under fixed arm horizontal to ground, ensure blade points toward the floor.

Storage Tools must be returned to the tool box when no longer in use.

Bow Saws – for cross cutting wood up to 12cm diameter Children may be taught how to use a bow saw with a ‘buddy’ helping in a ‘push-pull’ fashion.

Adults must always supervise closely.

How to Use Children should place their hand (gloved) between the child’s hand and that of the saw blade. The safest method of use is to brace the wood through the bow saw itself.

When being carried the bow saw blade should be pointing downwards, and to the back. The saw Carrying blade must be covered when not in use.

Storage Tools must be returned to the tool box when no longer in use.

Palm Drills/Bit and Brace – for making holes The item to be drilled should be placed and held securely on a firm flat surface. A glove should be How to Use worn on helper hand. Children should work in a safe space being aware of others moving around you.

Carrying

Carry these tools by your side facing downwards and remember only to walk.

Storage

Tools must be returned to the tool box when no longer in use.

How to Use

Kelly Kettle The Forest leader may use this to heat water. Never leave the bung in whilst heating water.

Once the fire is going in the Kelly Kettle base carefully add the chimney top to it by holding the

handle parallel to the ground, and supported on each side by your hands. When lit, do not stand directly over, or look straight down the chimney. Never blow into the top.

When pouring out the water support the base by holding the bung chain in one hand and the Pouring handle with the other.

Extinguishing To put the fire out, pour the remaining water into the base.

Personal Protective Equipment - PPE Gloves - Only wear a glove when instructed to.

Glove should be worn on the ‘Helper Hand’. The ‘helper hand’ will be the hand holding / gripping or supporting the object being worked on.

Storage and Maintenance When not in use all tools will be securely locked away in the tool shed. Tools should be checked and cleaned before they are put away. Half termly the Forest Leader will ensure that each tool is thoroughly cleaned and oiled.

Wear and tear will be monitored daily.

When not in use all tools will be securely locked away in the tool shed. Tools should be checked and cleaned before they are put away. Half termly the Forest Leader will ensure that each tool is thoroughly cleaned and oiled. Wear and tear will be monitored daily.

Equipment For each Forest School Session the FS Leader will always take out an emergency bag.

The contents of the emergency bag will vary depending on the site location being used and the time of year and weather conditions. Contents of the bag may also vary as a result of risk assessments. However, there are some essential items that should be carried on every session.

Essential Items:            

First Aid Kit (appropriate for number of people out during sessions and remoteness of site; kit to be regularly checked and restocked as necessary).

Burns Kit (if planning on lighting a fire).

Emergency procedures.

Medical information and emergency contact details of all in group (including adult helpers and leaders of sessions).

Risk assessments.

Means of communication (mobile phone or radio – checked in working order and that receives signal) Clean water.

Emergency whistle.

Emergency bivi bag.

Accident sheets Medication for individuals (if not appropriate for individual to look after their own medication – clearly labelled and staff trained to administer it and parental consent received) Roll mat and blanket

Other Possible Items: Wet wipes, hand gel, nappy sacks and toileting things, trowel, sun cream (parental permissions required); spare clothing; thermos of hot water; chocolate/sugary food.

Clothing

"There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing!"

During Forest School being dressed properly, children can enjoy their experience in the outdoors regardless of the weather.

The following list of appropriate clothing is for EVERYONE participating in Forest School; children, staff and other adult helpers/volunteers. During Forest School arms will need to be covered at all time Winter Vest or T-shirt Long sleeved top Hooded Top/Fleece or Thick Jumper Waterproof Jacket.

Thick Socks (thermal or two pairs of thin ones) Trousers Waterproof Trousers.

Wellington Boots.

Hat, Gloves and Scarf.

Summer Long-sleeved T-shirt or top.

Light trousers or long shorts.

Thick Socks.

Trainers, shoes or Wellington boots.

Sunhat Sunglasses (if required).

Sunscreen (if required)

Health & Safety and Risk Assessments

Health and Safety and Forest School The Governing Body recognise their responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and will take all reasonably practicable steps to provide safe and healthy working conditions, equipment and systems of work for all employees, pupils and others affected by their activities, actions or omissions.

The Governors are committed to providing and maintaining a working and learning environment that is safe and without risk and this is established by the allocation of duties and particular arrangements detailed in parts 2 and 3 The Health and Safety Policy (found on Staff Drive) All those involved in providing and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment will be responsible for assisting in achieving the aims and objectives identified and will play a positive role in promoting a healthy and safe working environment.

In relation to health, safety and welfare, the Governors will act within the framework of action advised by Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council and the LEA. The Health and Safety Policy of the Council will be observed and acknowledged.

The following list show the additional measure relating to our Forest School Activities  

  

The Forest School Leader has overall duty of care for the children in his/her charge, but all adults are required to take all reasonable steps to ensure children are safe.

All adult helpers must sign and date a form to show they have read this handbook and appropriate risk assessments and understand and agree to comply with the general operating procedures for Forest School. .

The Forest School Leader and/or Assistant will carry a First Aid kit.

The Forest School Leader and/or Assistant will always carry an Emergency Bag The Forest School Leader will ensure that the Emergency Bag contains:  essential survival equipment  a contact list for each child undertaking the activities  the School’s telephone number

  

The Forest School Leader will always carry a mobile phone and will ensure that there is easy access to a land line if the group is out of range.

In the event of an emergency, the Forest School Leader will ensure that the School contacts the emergency services. If contact with the School is lost, the Leader will contact the emergency services.

The Forest School Leader will review the risk assessments before every trip Alkrington Wood, Hopwood Wood, Bowlee Community Park, Chadderton Park and Queens Park and before every school-based session.

Child Protection – Taken from Child Protection Policy St. Mary’s believes that the protection of children should be an integral part of the ethos of the school, and that this should be a ‘listening’ school which seeks to create an atmosphere in which children feel secure, that their viewpoints are valued, and that they are encouraged to talk and are listened to. Our commitment to the protection of children flows from our common belief in the dignity and sanctity of every human life.

Our Mission Statement of’ As the family of St. Mary’s, learning and growing in God’s love, joyfully, we pray, play and respect all, changing our world forever ‘ is central to all our endeavours in protecting children.

Based on our values and mission each child, regardless of age, gender, race, culture or disability, has a right to expect the highest level of care and protection, love and encouragement that we can give in order that s/he might grow towards maturity and fulfill their potential in a supportive and nurturing community where they are safe from harm.

Risk Assessment of Woodland Area (Onsite or Offsite) Hazard

Potential Harm

Existing measures / New measures

Who will do it?

Very cold, hot, wet or windy weather

Exposure and dehydration, hypo/ hyperthermia

Advise all to wear appropriate outdoor clothing. Wear sun cream and sun hat if very hot. Leave woodland in high winds with falling branches. Area under leaning trees or loose branches to be cordoned off.

FS Lead to assess the weather prior to session.

Poisonous or thorny plants, berries or fungi

Poisoning, stings, scratches, rashes and sickness, infected wound and damage to clothing

M Inform all children of the Code of Conduct for Eating and Drinking.

Keep arms covered at all times. Advise to clean hands before eating or drinking. Advise to wear appropriate clothing.

All adults during each session.

Slippery/mud dy or uneven underfoot

Sprain, fracture or concussion

Tree roots and stumps Tree branches Animals and public present Missing child Sticks/ Stones Animal Faeces Debris / rubbish

Tripping Branches falling, children falling.

Unwanted attention from animals, confrontation.

Advise group to wear appropriate outdoor footwear. Adults to identify areas appropriate to the access needs of the group. Advise all to walk carefully.

Inform all to take care in woods. No running reminder applies at all times.

Forest School leader sweep and remove all low hanging branches Encourage all children to keep quiet and still if dogs approach them. Remind them not to talk to strangers

Hitting and throwing

Walk the boundaries with group. . Staff familiarise themselves with Lost or Missing Person Procedure Inform children of rules. Use a stick no longer than your arm. No hitting

Contamination

During sweep, remove any faeces

Glass, drug use, metals

Ask children not to pick up rubbish, but instead to inform an adult if they find something. Adult to remove safely.

Exposure, injury, panic and shock

All adults during each session All adults during each session Prior to session All during each session All during each session At the beginning of each session Prior to each session All adults prior to and during each session

Risk Level L MH

Fire

Burns, sparks

Food preparation

Food poisoning, allergies.

Stinging and biting insects

Stings leading to allergic response.

Tick bite leading to Lyme disease

Tools

Trees

Keep a clear space free from equipment or undergrowth around the fire area. Have extra water available to put out fire. Have burns kit, heat-proof gloves and fire blanket available.

Check medical forms for allergies. Ensure all food is stored correctly prior to cooking.

Ensure all children use hand sanitizer before cooking. Ensure all cooking equipment is clean Brief group on potential for bee and wasp stings and possibility of ticks in the woodland. Check area for nests, avoid contact, first aider always on site, seek medical aid (999). Ask about any history of allergic responses.

Reminder during each session

Prior to each session

All adults during session

Cuts, grazes, amputation

Tools stored away in locked FS Shed.

Strict supervision, correct use of tools.

During each session where there is a tool based activity

Falls out of trees

First aider on site at all times, support children to manage their own risks. Adults should be near enough to catch if one should fall but far enough away to not be invasive.

All adults during each session

Risk Assessment - Guidelines and Forms A site risk assessment is carried out every week and a daily checks made before every Forest School session in our School grounds.

In addition, an activity risk assessment will be in place for any activity that may require it, such as stick whittling, wood cutting, shelter-building, and fire-lighting.

Additional risk assessments will be carried out for children whose behaviour or medical condition demands them.

The Forest School leader carries out a site risk assessment before every visit to an external site. If the site to be visited is further afield a transport risk assessment will also be carried out.

The risk assessment process is as follows:       

We look for the hazards We decide who might be harmed and how this might happen.

We evaluate the risks and decide whether the existing precautions are adequate or whether more should be done We record our findings We review our assessments and revise them if necessary.

We post the resulting risk assessments in the Y2 cloakroom.

We inform all adults accompanying the group and require them to sign to show they have read and understood the concerns.

Forest School Accident and Emergency Procedures off-site If an emergency occurs on a school visit the group leader should maintain or resume control of the group overall.

They will, however, delegate responsibility when necessary, so all adults accompanying the visit must read and sign the visit handbook before the trip begins.

The Group Leader Will: Establish the nature and extent of the emergency as quickly as possible Ensure that the entire group are safe and looked after and kept together.

Establish the names of any casualties and get immediate medical attention Phone for an ambulance if appropriate Ensure that a teacher or teaching assistant accompanies casualties to hospital with any relevant medical information.

Inform the school of the name of the casualty and details of their injuries plus action taken so far.

Pass on to school details of nature, date and time, location of the incident.

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.

Complete an accident report form as soon as possible.

Contact HSE or LA (R.I.D.D.O.R.) Keep receipts for any expenses incurred – insurers will require these.

Details See Scenarios All other adults will be told as soon as possible and allocated roles; roles may be changed as needed Children’s names and medical details will be in the emergency bag. First Aid box will be on site.

Another adult may be asked to do this.

In extremis a CRB checked adult may have to take this role Will notify parents, providing as full a factual account of the incident as possible

The group leader will give copies of notes and reports to the Headteacher.

Report forms are kept in the Headteacher’s office.

Accident and Emergency Scenarios First Aid 1. Ensure the rest of the group is safe – where appropriate delegate responsibility.

2. If appropriate, remove the danger or people from the danger.

3. Qualified First Aider to check and administer First Aid and if necessary call for further assistance (999).

4. Have medical form details available in emergency bag and call parent/guardian as appropriate.

5. Record full details through school incident procedure back at school.

6. Follow up to parents as usual.

Lost or Missing child 1. As soon as child is found to be missing, make an immediate search of vicinity.

2. Assemble rest of children and ensure they are safe.

3. Call School to alert and then School calls police (and parent/guardian).

4. Follow School critical incident procedure.

Poor Weather Conditions 1. If trees blowing more than 20 degrees, or if group leader feels uncomfortable take.

2. Use Outdoor Classroom (away from trees) as alternative.

3. Make decision to stay on school site if weather conditions at alternative site is poor.

Transport Accident 1. Ensure safety of passengers/children by removing from danger if appropriate.

2. Undertake First Aid as appropriate.

3. Call School contact to inform of situation.

4. School to contact parent/guardian informing them of situation.

Behaviour Problems 1. Trained members of staff to use deescalation strategies.

2. Remove other children from area of risk (if deemed necessary).

3. If thought necessary, trained members of school staff to use appropriate restraint technique. As school policy on restraint.

4. Debrief child after calm down period.

5. Log incident.

6. Inform parents/guardian

Environmental Impact Assessment We aim have a high level of respect for the natural world and encourage everyone who is involved to make good decisions about their environment. By operating in a way that minimises waste, optimises recycling and promotes the reuse of materials we hope to demonstrate and encourage a wider respect for the environment.

On all sites we will following practices in order to   

Reduce the impact we have on wildlife.

Look after Habitats.

Not leave behind anything we believe will cause any long term damage.

Minimising Impacts Activity

Impact

Collecting Wood

Dead wood is important to any woodland ecology as it has a multitude of uses, from homes for mini beasts to beds for fungi, so a lack of it is bad for any woodland habitat

Fires

Cooking Tree Climbing, Shelter Building & Swings.

Collecting Natural Materials Toilet Use

Changes in soil chemistry can lead to increases in PH levels, carbon, phosphorous, etc. which can be harmful to some plants, whilst other essential nutrients may be depleted. Fire can travel underground to roots even after appearing to be extinguished.

Food waste may attract animals to the site or increase numbers of certain species, potentially leading to adverse changes in biodiversity.

Damage to trees

Solution Limit the frequency of fires and evaluate the amount of dry, dead wood before having a fire. Collect only the minimum amount required for any given fire. Reserve specific areas for dead wood conservation.

Designate a fixed location for the fire. Ensure that all fires are extinguished fully before leaving the site.

Take all left over food back to school in a bin bag for suitable disposal.

Restrict these activities to suitable trees that will tolerate them.

Damage to plants - some plants are far No picking no licking motto applies at all more sensitive to losing their leaves or times. Ensure that only fallen leaves or flowers than others and different seasons flowers are collected. affects this too Children will be encourage to go to the toilet before we go to Forest School

Before leaving our site we will ensure that any litter is collected and disposed of suitably