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Forest School Policy - Martock Church of England VA Primary School. V2 Reviewed October 2015.

Martock Church of England VA Primary

School

Elmleigh Road, Martock, Somerset, TA12 6EF Head teacher: Mrs E A Wilson-Chalon (MEd)

Forest School Handbook and Policies.

October 2015

Document Owner – Mrs Mandy Cregan, Forest School Leader.

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Contents

1. Statement of Intent & Policy. 2. Ethos of Forest School. 3. Health and Safety Policy. 4. Risk Assessment Policy. 5. Emergency Procedure Policy. 6. Inclusion. 7. At Martock Primary Forest School. 8. Tool Policy. 9. Tool Talk. 10. Fire Safety. 11. Policy. 12. Eating Policy. 13. Document Control

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Statement of Intent & Policy.

Martock School Web Site

Martock School Policies

INTRODUCTION. The aim of this policy is to safeguard and promote our pupils’ welfare, safety, health and guidance by fostering an honest, open caring and supportive climate. The pupils’ welfare is of paramount importance. Martock Church of England VA Primary School fully recognises the responsibility it has under the Education Act 2002 and the contribution it can make to protect children and support pupils in school. All staff involved with children (teaching and non-teaching) have a responsibility to be mindful of issues related to children’s safety and welfare and a duty to report and refer any concerns. Signed

http://www.martockschool.ik.org/p_home1.ikml

http://www.martockschool.ik.org/documents/12645109470.ikml

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Ethos of Forest School Martock School Forest School Link. The ethos of forest school is based on a fundamental respect for children and young people and for their capacity to instigate, test and maintain curiosity in the world around them. It believes in children’s right to play; the right to access the outdoors; the right to access risk and the vibrant reality of the natural world; and the right to experience a healthy range of emotions, through all the challenges of social interaction, to build a resilience that will enable continued and creative engagement with their peers and their potential. Forest School came to the UK in 1993 after a team from Bridgwater College visited Denmark and saw how outdoor education was valued and used to educate young learners, encouraging appreciation of the natural world and promoting awareness of a responsibility to conservation in later life. Forest School at Martock aims to encourage and inspire children by setting achievable tasks in an outdoor environment. We encourage the balance between adult directed and child initiated activities thus promoting positive self esteem and the opportunity to encourage children to listen to one another as well as the adult in charge. Each child is good at something; our job is to help them discover what this is. We can then encourage independent decision making and give children a realistic view of their own potential.

http://www.martockschool.ik.org/p_Forest_School.ikml

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Martock Primary Forest School Health and Safety policy

The Forest School Health and Safety Policy is an addendum to the school’s Health and Safety Policy and does not change the school’s position on health and safety matters set out in the original document. In order that Forest School sessions may be run safely, the Forest School Leader will:

Ensure that at least one appropriately qualified first aider is on-site.

Establish and maintain a safe and healthy environment.

Establishing, maintaining and evaluating appropriate procedures,

policies and risk assessments, as set out in this Handbook.

Ensure the provision of sufficient information and instructions for

all adults so that they can contribute to their own health and safety

and that of the children they are working with.

Establish and be familiar with, all emergency procedures including

the reporting and recording of procedures.

Ensure that risk assessments and pre-visits take place before

children are permitted on to the site.

Ensure alternative plans are in place should a planned activity be

compromised by health and safety concerns.

Ensure that all Forest School Volunteers and staff are aware of

their responsibilities towards the children.

Investigate any accidents and use information gathered to inform

future risk assessment and policy making.

Teach all members of Forest School to maintain their own and

others health and safety by involving them in the risk assessment

process at appropriate opportunities.

Maintain the legal adult-child ratio.

Ensure that safety equipment is in good working order and is used

appropriately.

Forest School Leader assumes responsibility for maintenance of First Aid Kit, Kit Bag(s) and any tools brought into the Forest School area.

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Martock Primary Forest School Risk Assessment Policy

Martock Primary Forest School aims to develop children’s self-esteem, independence and motivation to learn in a safe environment, In order that these aims cam be met, the Forest School Leader will:

Will risk assess all the Forest School area before any children

arrive;

Look for Hazards;

Decide who may be harmed and how;

Evaluate the risks and decide whether existing controls are

adequate or whether more should be done. Forest School

activities may only proceed if the remaining risk is deemed to be

low.

Record findings, including daily amendments to standing risk

assessments based on the site visits or observations.

Review assessments on a regular basis (or if circumstances

change which may affect the rigour of the assessment) and revise

necessary.

Ensure of activities are planned for extreme weather conditions

such as high winds or the threat/occurrence of electrical storms

which makes working outdoors unsafe.

Note risks related to a specific activity on the appropriate lesson

plan.

Inform staff, volunteers and children in risk assessment, as

appropriate, as part of learning

Be responsible for teaching children adequate skills in order to

keep themselves safe, particularly in relation to the use of hand

tools and fire.

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Martock Primary Forest School Emergency Procedures Policy

All participants will be briefed in what to do in case of emergency. A whistle will be blown as a signal to stop (and will only be used in an emergency) what you are doing, gather with a member of staff, be silent and wait for instructions. The Forest School Leader will assess the situation, the nature and extent of the injury/accident. They will ensure that the rest of the group are safe from danger and are adequately supervised. They will attend to the casualty, giving first aid if necessary.

In case of injury If anyone sustains an injury or illness which cannot be treated by first aid on site and requires medical assistance:

Forest School Leader to make final decision.

Forest School Leader to phone school office 01935 823486

Explain there is an emergency and a member of the party is

injured- give following information;

-Name of injured party, description of injury, location, past

history/medical conditions as appropriate.

Office to phone 999 (if necessary) giving all the information given

Office to contact parents and discuss their wishes

First Aid person to stay with injured party

The rest of the group will be supervised away from the incident

and if in danger, will be moved to safety

One member of staff will meet the ambulance at site entrance and

direct crew to the incident

If the injured child is taken to hospital, one member of staff will go

with them, and keep the school updated about the situation.

An incident report will be completed.

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Inclusion

Outdoor learning offers such a different climate that children who might struggle in the classroom, become capable learners outside. At Forest School we hope that the improvement in self-esteem is reflected in the child’s social conduct and academic performance in the classroom. Martock School has an SEN policy which stated that we constantly strive to achieve the highest quality of educational experience for all SEN pupils by:

Having high expectations and clear goals.

Presenting appropriate tasks to each individual.

Encouraging respect and cooperation. At Forest School we aim to achieve these standards and treat each child as an individual, including them in all aspects of the outdoor curriculum.

All learners will be given the opportunity to develop

Sense of security

Sense of belonging

Sense of personal competence

Sense of identity

Sense of purpose This will be achieved by allowing each child to talk about their feelings, encouraging each child to understand their own rights and work towards accomplishing specific goals. The children will acquire new skills and grow in confidence; we will encourage them to set new goals and master new challenges. We will help children to approach problems with confidence by defining what is expected and guiding them to make their own decisions. To ensure all children can take part in Forest School, all participating children will be provided with waterproof trousers and coat. Each child is asked to bring:

Wellington boots or walking boots

Change of clothes

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Sun hat and sun cream OR

Warm hat, gloves and warm socks If an individual cannot bring in these items the school will provide clothes for that session in order that the child can participate, and reminder will be sent home.

Forest School at Martock will take place in most weather conditions, if there is extreme wind and thunder storms alternative activities will be arranged. Under no circumstances will anybody be put at risk from inclement weather.

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Martock Primary Forest School Behaviour Policy Forest School aims:

Build self-esteem, independence, motivation to learn whilst always maintaining a safe environment

Promote awareness, respect and care for other individuals and for the natural environment

Reinforce collaborative behaviour

Develop continuity of expectations and of approach to behaviour management both inside and outside Martock Primary School

Develop awareness of acceptable behaviour and responsible behaviour in an outdoor environment

Develop in both children and adults a pride in their achievements. In order that these aims are achieved, certain standards of behaviour must be sustained and reinforced as a continuum of expectations within conventional school time. Children are always made aware of how far they can explore before a session begins. The Role of the Forest School Leader. The Forest School Leader will:

Create a positive environment which encourages and reinforces caring, nurturing and acceptable behaviour towards one another, the environment and equipment

Promote effective relationships in which all are accepted, valued and treated equally

Be mindful of the need to maintain safety at all times

Establish clearly defined standards of behaviour

Provide a positive role model for all children and volunteers

Involve school staff, parents, children and outside agencies in the establishment of acceptable standards of behaviour

Place the needs of the children, including needs linked to their preferred learning styles, social and behavioural needs at the centre of the Forest School curriculum to maximise individual success and raise self-esteem.

Give verbal praise to children demonstrating good work, good behaviour, cooperation and good group work.

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The Role of the Children. The children, to the best of their abilities and with or without support will:

Listen carefully and respond to instructions and requests, especially those concerning safety

Develop and maintain an acceptable attitude towards one another, the environment and all equipment

Sanctions See Martock School Behaviour and Anti-Bullying Policy If a child needs to be removed from Forest School for their or the other children’s safety, a sensible child will be sent to the school office and ask for assistance.

http://www.martockschool.ik.org/attachments/Martock_Behaviour_and_Anti-Bullying_Policy_2011.pdf

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Martock Primary Forest School

At Martock Primary School we are very lucky to have our Forest School on the school grounds. Before each session, children will be given the opportunity to go to the toilet, take appropriate breaks and undertake personal hygeiene tasks to minimise infection risks . Whilst working out at Forest school, children will be allowed to go back into school via Foundation door if the toilet is needed. Children will know that they have to let a member of staff know where they are going so we can watch them cross the car park safely, and watch out for their return. Children with special needs, who have an attached teaching assistant, will be escorted to and from the toilet.

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Martock Primary Forest School Tool Policy

Using small hand tools is an important part of Forest School as it enables children to develop new, practical skills that help them devlop self confidence. Hand tools are to be maintained in good order by the Forest School Leader and will be inspected before each session to ensure safety. Children and adults will be taught how to handle tools properly and to treat them with respect. Forest School Leader has overall responsibility for organising and supervising the safe use of tools throughout the session. Whilst using hand tools the staff to child ratio is increased. This will be acheived by following these guidelines:

Children will be taught the ‘Tool Talk’ for each tool before using any new tools. (see Tool Talk sheet)

Staff ratio for all tools and all ages of children will be 1:2

Tools will be kept in the Forest School tool box and only removed by an adult.

Tools will only be used in the designated area

All tool must be counted back into the tool box at the end of the session

All staff must receive basic training on the use of individual hand tools before being allowed to use them with children

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Martock Primary Forest School Fire Safety Policy

Campfires and the use of Kelly Kettles are an important part of Forest School and are used in many sessions. Martock Primary School aims to ensure that all children and adults participating in Forest School sessions with fires and/or Kelly Kettles will do so safely and with as little risk to their health as possible. Before we light a fire:

Before considering lighting a fire with a group of children it is essential that the children are aware of the fire circle rules and can follow them accordingly.

The children will have at least three sessions preparing and talking about fire safety

We will play games around the fire to show children how they need to move around the fire circle safely.

Positioning of Children and Adults:

Fire areas are surrounded by seating logs at least 2metres from the fire pit

Bucket of water will be available at all times while fire is lit

The fire pit should be kept in good working order and checked before use each time

Adult supervision around the fire circle at all times

When the campfire is in use, children are not permitted to access the area without permission.

When allowed to access the campfire, children must walk around the outside of the seating logs and wait for permission to enter the fire circle. Once permission has been given, they must follow the adult’s instruction.

Only 2 children will be invited in at one go

Once seated around the campfire, the children must remain seated until directed by an adult

Children will be taught how to change seats by standing, stepping over the logs and then walking around the outside of the seating area. They must never cross the inner circle.

Children are not permitted to throw anything onto the fire

Advice on the appropriate way for dealing with smoke will be given to the children: they are advised to turn their heads to

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one side, placing their hand across the face, to close their eyes and count to 30(or ask an adult/peer to count for them)

If there is a clear wind direction, seating in the line of smoke is to be avoided

Safety and Responsibility.

Only adults are permitted to light fires, unless children are under the direct supervision of the Forest School Leader.

Fires are lit using cotton wool, wood chippings, kindling sticks

No Flammable liquids are to be used to light or accelerate fires

No plastics are to be burnt

Sticks/wood must be placed, not thrown, from the side of the fire with permission from an adult, and an fire glove is to be worn.

Extinguishing.

All fires must be extinguished at the end of a session

Water should always be to hand during campfire sessions

Whenever possible, all fuels should be burnt off to ash

Forest School Leader should ensure that any large remains of wood, are separated from one another

At the end of the session, the fire must be doused down with water and stirred until smoke and steam has ceased

Large build ups of potash, from several fires, needs to be dispersed. This must be done when it has totally cooled, preferably the following day. It should be finely scattered throughout the woodland to enable natural decomposition

Kelly Kettle

Only adults are to light the fire in the fire pan unless children are directly supervised by Forest School Leader (see Safety and Responsibility section)

The Kelly Kettle must be placed on flat, clear ground

Children must be seated at least 2metres away from Kelly kettle

Children can feed the fire with one to one supervision but must have been shown how to do so safely. (Stick held at the end and dropped in from the side; hand should never be placed over the top of the kettle)

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Fuel should burn itself out, but if it doesn’t it must be extinguished with water (see above)

Kelly Kettles should never be boiled with the cork in

Martock Primary Forest School Eating Policy

Martock Primary School recognises that raising awareness of the woodland environment increases children’s interest in edible berries and fruits which may be found outside. However, there is no safe way of ensuring that children will always eat correct berries and/or fruit, or that appropriate berries and/or fruit will be clean. There is also the possibility that by promoting the correct ingestion of berries and/or fruit in Forest School sessions may lead to incorrect identification by children when out of school.

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So all children attending Forest School will know not to pick any plants, seeds, berries or fungi without checking with an adult first. (If adult is in doubt do not touch) With these considerations in mind, Martock Primary School adopts the following Policy on the eating of food during Forest School sessions:

Forest School sessions will provide water, hot chocolate and a biscuit. (last session we may cook marshmallows on campfire) Some weeks will have popcorn and introduce other foods cooked on the fire.

In such cases, the Forest School Leader will be responsible for checking that no member of the group has any listed allergy to any of the products; if they have, the Forest School Leader will use their discretion as to whether a substitute product or different activity will be most appropriate.

Children will be taught, at an age appropriate time, reasons why berries and/or fruit from woodland may not be eaten during forest school sessions. They will be reassured that fruit from woodland can be safe to eat, but can equally dangerous and that adult (i.e. parent) supervision is very important in ensuring only the correct berries are eaten.

Children will be taught about composting food waste, as this is how we dispose of food waste at Forest School.

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Document Version Control.

Document Version

Changes Added By Reviewed By

V1 Jan 2013

Created Mandy Cregan

V1 March 2013 Statement of intent, policy & links to school policies added.

Mandy Cregan Liz Wilson-Chalon

V2 October 2015 Martock Primary Forest School Eating Policy

Mandy Cregan Liz Wilson-Chalon

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