HOW WE STAY SAFE
In our Forest School Benefit and risk assessments booklet you will find all of our assessments. these have been designed to sensibly balance health and safety procedures.
In Forest Schools the practitioners take a reasonable and proportionate approach to safety which accepts a degree of risk. Forest School leaders take their responsibility for the safety of the students seriously and take heed of all their legal duties, risk is effectively managed and is seen as not only inevitable but positively desirable. Benefit and risk assessments are made for all activities and an in-depth knowledge of the process of learning these skills is always used and applied.
Chandler's Ford Infant School
To view these documents. Please click on the links
Twyford St Mary's Infant School
For quick reference here is guide to how we teach:
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Tools
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Knots
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Fire
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Den Building
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT WHEN WE WOULD CANCEL A SESSION
"There's no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing" Sir Ranulph Fiennes
This is an old Scandinavian saying which is of great importance for Forest School as sessions take place in almost all weathers. It is important that all participants (children and adults) are suitably dressed for Forest School. Otherwise, they will feel uncomfortable and miserable and are unlikely to enjoy the experience. Assessments of weather conditions will be taken prior to a visit and the forecast will be monitored. Sessions will be cancelled if:
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the temperature is deemed extreme,
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if the wind speed is assessed as amber on the scale.
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if there is lightening in the woods.
Where possible, the sessions will carry on regardless of the weather as long as it is deemed as safe. If the weather deteriorates suddenly during a session, the Forest School leaders will decide whether to leave the site, use alternative accommodation or return the participants to their setting/contact parents for collection. If it is possible an indoor nature or skills related session (such as knot tying and crafts),or an outdoor learning session away from trees if the weather is suitable will take place.
Our First Aid and Emergency Procedures
Take some time to learn First Aid and CPR. It saves lives and it works." Bobby Sherman
At least one adult will have the paediatric and outdoor first aid training and an up to date, stocked First Aid Kit, along with relevant emergency equipment, which will always be readily accessible. There will also be a mobile phone on site and in the event of a serious accident the emergency procedures will be followed. A record should be kept of injuries that required first aid for audit and monitoring purposes. Parents/carers will be informed at the end of the day of any injuries and the treatment given. Forest School leaders are responsible for keeping the First Aid box up to date and stocked. Near misses are reflected upon and actioned in the risk assessment. It is ESSENTIAL that parents/carers complete the booking form fully, giving all the details of any allergies or intolerances.
Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety for catering
At Canopy Forest School we provide healthy snacks in our out of school sessions and we can reassure you that these snacks have been carefully put together in a safe and hygienic environment. At least one of our Forest School leaders has trained and achieved the Level 2 qualification in food hygiene and safety for catering. Please do refer to our Food Hygiene Policy if you would like more detailed information about our processes and procedures. We are very conscious of food allergies or intolerances so it is essential that parents/carers fill out in full our booking forms and make us aware of any food types to avoid. We also label all allergens in each half term menu card to ensure safety.
