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LPS Forest School Policy
Statement of Intent
The Forest Schools Policy documents a range of policies and procedures that must be adhered to ensure that the learners can experience some risk-based learning within a controlled environment. All staff present during the sessions will be expected to read and follow the procedures and policies outlined in this document to minimise the risk from any potential hazards as outlined in the separate Forest Schools Risk Assessments.
What is Forest School?
Forest School is a child-centred inspirational learning process, that offers opportunities for holistic growth through regular sessions. It is a long-term program that supports play, exploration and supported risk taking. It develops confidence and self-esteem through learner inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting.
The process helps and facilitates more than knowledge-gathering, it helps learners develop socially, emotionally, spiritually, physically and intellectually. Forest School inspires a deep and meaningful connection to the world, and an understanding of how a learner fits within it. Our approach to risk means that learners constantly expand on their abilities by solving real-world issues, building self-belief and resilience. Forest School, therefore, helps participants to become, healthy, resilient, creative and independent learners.
Forest School @ LPS
Our younger pupils within the Early years will begin their outdoor experiences onsite during Muddy Monday and Welly Wednesday sessions. The Forest School sessions will begin offsite at Llangyfelach Scout Hall grounds from Y1-6. Working in partnership with Llangyfelach Scouts the site offers access to:
All classes will visit the area fortnightly for a full afternoon. Classes will be split into two groups. One group will undertake Forest School experiences while the other half will undertake outdoor learning linked closely to their LPS Learning projects.
Forest School activities will be based on child-led learning while also offering a progressive approach to developing bushcraft skills under the following themes:
Llangyfelach Primary School has many additional policies which will be adhered to alongside this policy during Forest School sessions within our woodland:
Behaviour Policy
Safeguarding Policy
ALN Policy
Health and Safety Policy
Legislation considered for policy
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Children Act 2004
RIDDOR (Accident Reporting)
Principles of Forest School @ LPS
Implementation:
Our Forest School sessions will be delivered by qualified Level 3 Forest School leaders. They deliver this program following the guidance set out in this document. All policies and procedures will be kept on the school website and at the Forest School Site, this contains vital information needed for each session which includes procedures in the event of an emergency etc.
Equality and Diversity
All children will be included with all activities and no form of discrimination will take place, reasonable adjustments will be made to make it inclusive for all. Inclusion is a thread which runs through all of the Forest School activities regardless of a child’s ability, disability, gender, race, culture, etc. Llangyfelach Primary School has an ALN and Equal Opportunities Policy which will be adhered to during Forest School sessions.
Site Policy:
The site will be left in a safe and ordered manner at the end of each session. The FS leader is responsible for the pre-session Site Risk Assessment by:
The FS leader is also responsible for ensuring a site risk assessment is completed after the session by:
Roles and Responsibilities:
Forest School Leader will have the overall responsibility for:
Risk assessments for each session, pre-visit site checks and continuous safety
monitoring.
Planning for sessions, differentiation for individual children’s needs.
Ensuring that once on site rules are followed and continue to risk assess during the session.
Ensuring necessary equipment is taken to the site.
Administration of first aid and checking first aid kit.
Supervision of fire use, following procedures set out in this document
Supervision of tools use, cleaning and storing.
Organising emergency procedures.
Ensure site is left as it was found after every session.
Staff, students and volunteers will:
Model good practice throughout the session.
Extend children’s learning where appropriate by asking extending questions.
Support children to manage their own risk, reminding children of rules and boundaries.
Monitor levels of safety at all times, supporting the Forest School leader to run the sessions safely.
Forest School sessions by their nature encourage children to develop their own risk management skills and will support them to become responsible for themselves and others around them. Children will be reminded of rules and safe play if they are considered too dangerous. Ratios within the woodland area will be 1 adult to 8 children. All staff and volunteers will be DBS checked. Risk assessments will be carried out before each visit and for the use of all tools and equipment. The Forest School Leader will assess weather conditions regularly and will evacuate the area if they become too extreme. All children and adults will wear appropriate clothing depending upon the weather conditions. An open fire risk assessment will be carried out before a fire is allowed and protection procedures followed. A Forest School Leader will be present at all times and children will be reminded of safe practice.
Safety Principles:
Forms will be available at all times for the reporting of accidents and incidents.
Safety checks on the site, both from indoors and outdoors, are made before each session using the safety checklist and recorded.
Equipment is checked regularly and any damaged items removed to be mended or discarded.
All dangerous materials, including medicines and cleaning materials are stored in a lockable box.
Young people do not have unsupervised access to any hazardous materials or tools and equipment.
A register of both adults and young people is completed so that an accurate record of all those present is available in case of emergency.
A correctly stocked Forest Schools first aid kit and burns kit is available at all times.
Essential Equipment
In addition to tools suited to the planned for activities, the Forest School leader will always take an emergency bag with them. The contents of the emergency bag will vary depending on the time of year and weather conditions and the planned for activities according to the relevant risk assessments.
Essential Equipment:
Outdoor First Aid Kit
Emergency Procedures Laminated Card
Access to medical information for each individual and Emergency contact details for every member of the group (adults & children)
Access to Risk Assessments
Communication Devices (mobile phone and/or walkie talkie – checked for working order and signal strength)
Clean Water
Emergency whistle
Accident forms
Medication for individuals
Appropriate spare clothing
Wet wipes, hand sanitiser
Sun cream (parental permission required
Chocolate/sugary food
Plastic bag
Fire safety kit
Poor Weather
Forest School sessions will go ahead in all weather conditions with only a few exceptions (in accordance with the General Welfare and Weather Risk Assessment):
Strong winds that make woodland areas hazardous for use due to falling debris.
When it is dangerous to get around the site by foot due to snow, flooding or ice etc.
Very wet cold conditions where hypothermia is a real possibility.
Exposure to the elements is part of the magic of nature and therefore an integral part of forest school. In more adverse weather we will review the planned activities and site areas and may change plans and in some cases, may complete some of the session indoors or within the shelters. In the summer, sun cream will be applied and trees and shelters will provide shade . Ultimately, SLT will make the decision deeming if the weather is unsuitable for Forest School. Any session that is cancelled will be, wherever possible, rescheduled.
Clothing and Toileting
To ensure that the children are sufficiently protected from the weather and the forest environment we require children to be wearing appropriate clothing and footwear. Clothing will get muddy so old home clothes are required. Forest School sessions will take place in all weathers unless the safety of the participants is in question, due to high winds or icy ground.
The general rule is to wear lots of layers which keep in the heat and can be removed if needed. All children should come dressed appropriately for their Forest School session wearing suitable clothing.
Long sleeved t-shirt, even in warm weather to help protect against bites, stings and scratches.
Trousers will be worn to reduce the risk of bites, stings and scratches.
Waterproof over trousers or dungarees and a waterproof jacket (really important when wet to prevent under clothing getting wet/damp as we have no-where to dry clothing between sessions).
Long socks, wellies, walking boots or old trainers (in very hot dry weather)
During the summer, a sunhat and sunscreen should be supplied
During the colder months, extra layers such as a fleece, leggings, tights, hats and gloves etc are required.
Toileting
We will ask the children to use the toilet before leaving the setting, however toilets are available on site along with hand washing facilities.
Tools and Tool use
We are committed to providing children with access to a wide range of equipment that stimulates enjoyment, learning and development, both indoors and outdoors. Using small hand tools is an important part of Forest School as it enables children to develop new, practical skills that help them develop self-confidence.
To enable that this is safely carried out, hand tools are to be maintained in good order by the Forest School Leader.
The Forest School leaders will inspect the tools before each session to ensure safety.
Children and adults will be taught how to handle tools properly and to treat them with respect by learning ‘Tool Talks’.
Whilst using hand tools, the staff to child ratio is increased depending on the tool in use. The ratios will vary from 1:1 to 1:3.
Tools will be kept in the tool bag and only removed by the Forest School Leader.
Adult and child rigger gloves will be available and are only to be used for the ‘helping hand’. It is not advisable to use any hand tools with gloves on as it detaches the user from the tool.
Running with tools is prohibited as it pointing with the tools.
Children will lose permission to use tools if the guidelines are not followed.
General rules for tool use
All tools have a separate risk assessment (please see the school website for copies of the separate Risk Assessments and Forest School Policy).
The Forest School Leader is nominated to ensure safe storage of tools on school premises.
All staff to ensure safe storage whilst at the Forest School Site.
All tools should be signed out when in use.
We do not walk around with tools, wherever possible.
Tools should be kept clean with oily rag, sharp and checked before every use.
Tools should only be used with a designated trained adult.
Knives
Children must be supported 1:1 or 1:2 depending on age range by a Forest School Leader, initially demonstrating good practice.
Users should preferably be sat down in a designated area.
Knives should be used away from the body.
Ensure knives are clean and covered when not in use.
Bow Saw
Children will be supported 1:1 by the Forest School Leader and good practice demonstrated and when confident and competent, can be paired up with the Forest School Leader observing.
Guard is in place when not in use.
Use in a designated area away from others.
Use with a glove on the non-sawing hand (helping hand).
Loppers and Secateurs
Children must be supported 1:1 by the Forest School Leader and good practice demonstrated and when confident and competent, can be paired up with the Forest School Leader observing.
Use in a designated area, away from others.
Loppers and secateurs must be kept closed except when in use.
Fire Safety Policy
Fire poses a threat to life through fume, smoke, burning and structural collapse. The aim of the fire safety policy is to minimise the risk of fire by taking the adequate safety precautions.
So far as practicable, forest school leaders must ensure that children and volunteers who attend forest schools sessions are aware of any aspects of the fire safety measures which affect them. Volunteers and other supporting staff will be expected to read the Fire Risk Assessment document prior to any forest schools sessions involving fire. The policy, procedures and risk assessment for fire use will be regularly reviewed and any recommendations will be fully implemented by staff. Any major changes to policy and risk assessments will also be reviewed by Governors.
Use of Fires procedure
A Forest School Leader must always be present when a fire is lit and must never be left unattended.
There must always be water available to extinguish the fire.
Fires will be built in a designated fire area.
Seating will be at a distance of 1.5 meters.
Relevant personal protection equipment will be used during fire building.
Children will be reminded of the fire pit procedures at each and every visit.
Walk behind the log seats and stand behind the log.
Step over and sit down on the log seat.
Stand up, turn around and step over the log.
Children are not allowed to cross the inner circle (adults should be role models of this)
The fire safety kit containing fire retardant gloves, first aid kit and fire blanket should be placed close to the fire circle along with a covered bucket of clean cold water.
Fire Prevention
Fire prevention measures centre upon the removal or control of available fuel and ignition sources. Fuel includes waste, debris, flammable gases and liquids and flammable materials.
Waste materials must not be allowed to accumulate in and around the Forest School site areas. Waste bags and bins are provided each session and must be regularly emptied and rubbish disposed of.
Flammable liquids are never stored on site. Any used will be in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and removed after each session.
When fires are being lit in the fire pit during forest schools sessions, the leader will ensure all staff and learners adhere to the fire procedures and risk assessment. Children will be strictly supervised when using the fire pit and fire lighting materials. A set of fire gloves and a fire blanket will be kept close to the fire area but away from naked flames. A jerry can filled with water and fire bucket will be prepared beforehand.
Risk Assessments will include:
The site of the Forest School
Equipment and Activities
Open Fire
Individual Risk Assessments for tools
Emergency Procedure:
In the event of an emergency the following will happen;
Emergency Whistle blown
Children advised to put tools down by other adults in surrounding areas and to await further instructions.
Forest School Leader to assess situation and remove any hazards.
Once any hazard has been removed the leader will deal with the incident or follow the first aid procedures in the case of an accident.
Lost child Procedure
As soon as it is discovered that the head count at any particular moment does not agree with that recorded at the start of that session, the Forest School Leader will be informed, if unaware. If an immediate recount still shows a shortfall, all activities will be suspended.
The Forest School Leader will use the whistle to gather all group members.
One adult will be released for a search of the immediate area, whilst another adult stays with the remaining children.
If the initial search does not discover the missing child/children, the Forest School Leader will take the group back to school, retracing the paths taken earlier.
One adult will stay in the area to continue looking,
Contact will be maintained by mobile phone.
The Headteacher will be notified by the Forest School Leader of the current situation.
Headteacher may choose to alert Police and Parents and follow the appropriate policy and process.
Forest School Staff should immediately make a record of events and timings and last known position of the child/children.
First Aid Procedure:
A number of staff within the school (including the current Forest School Leader) are qualified first aiders and will administer the care needed.
A First aid kit will be taken to all sessions and will be checked regularly.
Ensure all staff are aware of medical conditions of the children and inhalers, epi pens etc. are taken to the site.
Whilst dealing with a first aid incident, the leader will ensure the safety of all other children within the group.
Seek emergency help if needed.
Contact the parents and complete the accident report forms.
Emergency Action Plan
In the event of an Emergency ring the Emergency Services on 999 stating your name and the following location details:
Llangyfelach Primary School,
Pengors Road,
Llangyfelach
Swansea
SA5 7JE
The nearest hospital is Morriston Hospital
Heol Maes Eglwys, Cwmrhydyceirw, Swansea, Wales.
Behaviour Procedure
The Forest School leader will follow the school’s Behaviour Policy, however if the behaviour of an individual, or group of individuals is such that it puts their own and others safety at risk then the individual(s) may be required to return to the school building with an accompanying adult. This will be at the discretion of the Forest School leader.
Weather conditions
Following the Forest Schools ethos of......‘there is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing!’ Children
are advised to dress warmly and wear waterproofs if necessary. However, there are some occasions where it may not
be safe or practical to go ahead with a planned session due to extreme weather;
In the case of high winds of 25mph or more determined by the met office online.
In the case of extreme temperature determined by a met office amber weather warning
In the case of extreme cold of below ‘0’ a session will be cancelled or sessions will be made shorter
Activities will be adapted according to the weather
Food safety and Hygiene Procedures:
Children at Forest Schools are taught a strict NO eating rule, unless it is a specific activity led by an adult to prepare and
cook food. Initially, when children are ready they will participate in simple cooking on the fire activities which include;
Popcorn, toasting marshmallows, wuffums, chocolate bananas and orange cake.
Food Preparation, transport and storage;
Hands will be washed thoroughly and any cuts/grazes covered in the correct manner (blue plaster or ideally gloves) before handling and preparing food.
Any food needing preparation will be prepared in the school kitchen e.g. bread dough
Food will be stored in clean containers and transported in a cool bag to and from the site, with any clean utensils and cooking pans required.
The box will remain closed in between use with food covered in bags or boxes; to avoid attracting flies and other insects.
All ‘use by’ dates will be checked on foods before eating.
Water for cooking will be provided in cleaned sealed storage container.
Handling, cooking and eating Food;
Handwashing facilities will be available on site.
Children are taught how to cook food safely following the activity risk assessment and fire procedure.
All food will be checked by an adult to ensure it is fully cooked before eating.
Children will be asked to sit still around the fire circle or to move to a designated eating area from the fire to keep numbers to a minimum near the fire circle.
Clearing away and cleaning up;
ALL food not eaten or cooked will be placed in black bin bags and disposed of in the school bin at the end of the session by one of the adults.
The area is checked to ensure there is no food traces to avoid vermin being attracted to the area.
ALL utensils and pans will be washed at the station in hot soapy water and stored away correctly.
Use of Tools procedure
Children and adults will be informed of rules, safety and trained in the use of each tool before they use it.
Tool use guidance documents will be carried by the leader during each session and tool use ratios will be at the discretion of the Forest School Leader.
Ratios will be set out in the session risk assessments.
Relevant personal protection equipment will be worn at all times.
Tools will be counted in and out and checked against an inventory.
Tools will be stored safely and kept out of the reach of children.
They will be cleaned after each use to prolong their life, broken and damaged tools will not be used.
Environmental Considerations:
One of the main principles of Forest School is to promote environmental awareness and encourage sustainability. Each activity carried out as part of Forest School will have impact on the environment, some positive and some negative. We aim to keep the negative impact to a minimum by regularly inspecting the site. All those involved in Forest School will be encouraged to learn greater awareness of the world around them and to show respect to the wildlife by ‘nurturing nature’.
Wherever possible environmentally friendly products and recycled materials will be used. Llangyfelach Primary School will promote environmental awareness and care for our environment. Conservation issues and sustainability will also be supported. The site will be maintained to ensure the survival of all native flora and fauna and new flora will be introduced if needed. We will remove all litter and debris we take into the site and have regular litter picks to remove other refuse which is in the area. We will be caring towards our neighbours and try to minimise the amount of smoke and noise produced. Brambles and nettles will be removed from the main pathways but will be allowed to grow in other areas of the site. Dead and fallen branches will be removed, cut down and stored in the log store and used as fire wood. During the winter months, large stones and logs will be left alone to avoid disturbing hibernating creatures. There will be areas created where wood is allowed to rot to encourage insects to thrive, wild flowers will be allowed to grow and children encouraged to enjoy them growing rather than pick them.
Monitoring of Policy:
This policy will be reviewed regularly or before should any incidents arise or laws and policies change.