11. WEATHER, CLOTHING & CANCELLATIONS
Forest School takes place outdoors throughout the year, and experiencing the changing seasons is an important part of what we do.
We generally continue in rain, cold and muddy conditions, provided it is safe and children can be appropriately dressed and supported.
What to Wear
Children should come dressed for the weather and be prepared to get muddy, wet and active.
As a general guide, please provide:
Severe Weather
Safety always comes first. High winds, storms, extreme temperatures or changing woodland conditions can occasionally make the site unsafe. We consider the weather forecast, wind and gust conditions, weather warnings and the condition of the trees and woodland when deciding whether a session can safely go ahead. We may adapt activities, move to a safer part of the site or, where necessary, cancel a session.
Cancellations & Refunds
If we cancel a session due to unsafe weather or woodland conditions, families will be offered a suitable replacement session or the value of the cancelled session will be credited against their next monthly invoice. Where neither option is appropriate, a refund will be provided. Where possible, we aim to notify families of a daytime cancellation by 1.30pm the day before. Where conditions change overnight, a further decision may be made by 7:30am on the day of the session. If a parent or carer chooses to cancel, or their child does not attend a booked session, the session is non-refundable. Places and practitioner ratios are planned in advance according to the number of children booked. Full cancellation arrangements are set out in our Booking Terms & Conditions.
12. FOOD, DRINK & ALLERGIES
Packed Lunches & Drinks
For our full-day sessions, children should bring a packed lunch and a named water bottle. Please provide enough food and drink for your child for the length of their session. We ask families not to bring nuts or foods containing nuts, to help us manage allergy risks within the group.
Campfire Food
Food is sometimes part of the Forest School experience. Children may occasionally prepare or cook simple foods over the campfire as part of an activity, and we may offer drinks such as hot chocolate. These activities are occasional and do not replace your child's packed lunch.
Allergies & Dietary Requirements
Parents and carers must tell us about any food allergies, intolerances, dietary requirements or other relevant medical needs before their child attends and keep this information up to date. Where food activities are planned, we will take known allergies and dietary requirements into account. If your child has a significant allergy or requires emergency medication, please discuss this with us before their first session so that appropriate arrangements can be agreed. While we take reasonable precautions and do not knowingly provide nuts, we cannot guarantee an entirely allergen-free environment. The woodland naturally contains potential allergens, including Walnut and Hazel trees, insects as well as airborne allergens.
13. TOILETING, HYGIENE & PERSONAL CARE
Toileting
Toilet facilities are available during Forest School sessions, including flushing toilets and a private compost loo. Children are encouraged to manage their own toileting independently wherever they are able to do so, with their privacy and dignity respected at all times. If your child needs additional help with toileting or personal care, please discuss this with us before they attend so that appropriate arrangements can be agreed.
Hand washing & Hygiene
Hand washing facilities with fresh water and soap are available at the woodland. Children are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times, including after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food. We encourage good hygiene while recognising that mud, dirt and getting messy are a normal part of Forest School.
14. WOODLAND HEALTH
Spending time in nature brings children into contact with plants, insects and wildlife. We help children learn how to enjoy and respect the woodland safely.
Ticks, Bites & Stings
Ticks and biting or stinging insects can be present in woodland and long grass. Wearing long trousers, long sleeves and closed footwear helps reduce exposure. We encourage families to check their child for ticks after woodland sessions. Please tell us about any known allergies or significant reactions to bites or stings, and ensure any required emergency medication is available.
Plants, Fungi & Wildlife
Children are taught not to eat unknown plants, berries or fungi and to follow practitioner guidance when exploring the natural environment. We encourage children to observe wildlife respectfully and avoid unnecessarily handling or disturbing animals and their habitats. Any known hazards identified within the session area are managed as part of our ongoing woodland safety checks.
15. PHOTOGRAPHY, CLASSDOJO & PRIVACY
We sometimes use photographs and observations to celebrate children's experiences, learning and development and to help families share in their child's Forest School journey.
ClassDojo Portfolios
Where appropriate, we use ClassDojo to create individual portfolios showing aspects of a child's experiences, achievements and development.Parents and carers will be given information about accessing their child's portfolio where this service is being used.
Photographs & Consent
We will ask for parental consent regarding the use of photographs and images of your child. We respect each family's choices. A child will not be disadvantaged or excluded from Forest School activities because permission for photography has not been given. We also respect the wishes of the child themselves. Where a child does not want to be photographed, this will be respected even where parental consent has previously been provided.
Privacy
Children's personal information is handled with care and only used where there is a legitimate reason to do so. Information about children and families is shared only where necessary for the safe running of the provision, to meet our legal or safeguarding responsibilities, or where appropriate consent has been provided. Further information about how we collect, use, store and protect personal information is provided in our Privacy Notice.
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Forest School takes place outdoors throughout the year, and experiencing the changing seasons is an important part of what we do.
We generally continue in rain, cold and muddy conditions, provided it is safe and children can be appropriately dressed and supported.
What to Wear
Children should come dressed for the weather and be prepared to get muddy, wet and active.
As a general guide, please provide:
- comfortable long trousers and long sleeves
- sturdy, closed-toe footwear such as boots or wellies
- waterproof coat and waterproof trousers
- suitable layers in colder weather
- hat and gloves when needed
- sun hat and sun protection in warmer weather
- a change of clothing
Severe Weather
Safety always comes first. High winds, storms, extreme temperatures or changing woodland conditions can occasionally make the site unsafe. We consider the weather forecast, wind and gust conditions, weather warnings and the condition of the trees and woodland when deciding whether a session can safely go ahead. We may adapt activities, move to a safer part of the site or, where necessary, cancel a session.
Cancellations & Refunds
If we cancel a session due to unsafe weather or woodland conditions, families will be offered a suitable replacement session or the value of the cancelled session will be credited against their next monthly invoice. Where neither option is appropriate, a refund will be provided. Where possible, we aim to notify families of a daytime cancellation by 1.30pm the day before. Where conditions change overnight, a further decision may be made by 7:30am on the day of the session. If a parent or carer chooses to cancel, or their child does not attend a booked session, the session is non-refundable. Places and practitioner ratios are planned in advance according to the number of children booked. Full cancellation arrangements are set out in our Booking Terms & Conditions.
12. FOOD, DRINK & ALLERGIES
Packed Lunches & Drinks
For our full-day sessions, children should bring a packed lunch and a named water bottle. Please provide enough food and drink for your child for the length of their session. We ask families not to bring nuts or foods containing nuts, to help us manage allergy risks within the group.
Campfire Food
Food is sometimes part of the Forest School experience. Children may occasionally prepare or cook simple foods over the campfire as part of an activity, and we may offer drinks such as hot chocolate. These activities are occasional and do not replace your child's packed lunch.
Allergies & Dietary Requirements
Parents and carers must tell us about any food allergies, intolerances, dietary requirements or other relevant medical needs before their child attends and keep this information up to date. Where food activities are planned, we will take known allergies and dietary requirements into account. If your child has a significant allergy or requires emergency medication, please discuss this with us before their first session so that appropriate arrangements can be agreed. While we take reasonable precautions and do not knowingly provide nuts, we cannot guarantee an entirely allergen-free environment. The woodland naturally contains potential allergens, including Walnut and Hazel trees, insects as well as airborne allergens.
13. TOILETING, HYGIENE & PERSONAL CARE
Toileting
Toilet facilities are available during Forest School sessions, including flushing toilets and a private compost loo. Children are encouraged to manage their own toileting independently wherever they are able to do so, with their privacy and dignity respected at all times. If your child needs additional help with toileting or personal care, please discuss this with us before they attend so that appropriate arrangements can be agreed.
Hand washing & Hygiene
Hand washing facilities with fresh water and soap are available at the woodland. Children are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times, including after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food. We encourage good hygiene while recognising that mud, dirt and getting messy are a normal part of Forest School.
14. WOODLAND HEALTH
Spending time in nature brings children into contact with plants, insects and wildlife. We help children learn how to enjoy and respect the woodland safely.
Ticks, Bites & Stings
Ticks and biting or stinging insects can be present in woodland and long grass. Wearing long trousers, long sleeves and closed footwear helps reduce exposure. We encourage families to check their child for ticks after woodland sessions. Please tell us about any known allergies or significant reactions to bites or stings, and ensure any required emergency medication is available.
Plants, Fungi & Wildlife
Children are taught not to eat unknown plants, berries or fungi and to follow practitioner guidance when exploring the natural environment. We encourage children to observe wildlife respectfully and avoid unnecessarily handling or disturbing animals and their habitats. Any known hazards identified within the session area are managed as part of our ongoing woodland safety checks.
15. PHOTOGRAPHY, CLASSDOJO & PRIVACY
We sometimes use photographs and observations to celebrate children's experiences, learning and development and to help families share in their child's Forest School journey.
ClassDojo Portfolios
Where appropriate, we use ClassDojo to create individual portfolios showing aspects of a child's experiences, achievements and development.Parents and carers will be given information about accessing their child's portfolio where this service is being used.
Photographs & Consent
We will ask for parental consent regarding the use of photographs and images of your child. We respect each family's choices. A child will not be disadvantaged or excluded from Forest School activities because permission for photography has not been given. We also respect the wishes of the child themselves. Where a child does not want to be photographed, this will be respected even where parental consent has previously been provided.
Privacy
Children's personal information is handled with care and only used where there is a legitimate reason to do so. Information about children and families is shared only where necessary for the safe running of the provision, to meet our legal or safeguarding responsibilities, or where appropriate consent has been provided. Further information about how we collect, use, store and protect personal information is provided in our Privacy Notice.
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