FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Where does Woods for Learning Take Place?

Our new woodland home at Horsham Rugby Club: Hammerpond Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 6PJ

What3Words: https://w3w.co/wounds.shift.plates      OSLOCATE: (Grid Reference) TQ196299

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We are also able to offer an outreach programme subject to a risk assessment at your own site.  Toileting: in the club house; children will need to be able to toilet themselves if they on our camps. On the rare occasions accidents happen we will contact you to let you know however we abide by "locoparentis" if no parents/adults in charge e.g. a party" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_loco_parentis 

 

Q. Do we accept Childcare vouchers

Short answer: NO

Long Answer: We have always maintained that we are not a childcare service, we are much more than that. Also the system in place for childcare vouchers is very labour intensive and complicated and we prefer spending times learning our craft, teaching outdoors. However, our staff have key essentials such DBS and First Aid, and fully insured.

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Q. What are the main benefits of Woods for Learning programme for children?

There are significant personal, social and emotional benefits for the children, including increases in confidence and self-esteem. There are also potential learning advantages, including the development of language and thinking skills.

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Q. Is it beneficial for all?

Forest School's combination of freedom and responsibility is beneficial to all

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Q. Do we go out in all weathers or cancel?

We have a saying there is no such thing as bad weather only bad clothes, however we always want to keep people safe, we unfortunately have to cancel in high winds and high expectations of lightening.  Like many other providers we use the Beaufort Scale to determine safety and if it is force 6 and above we have to cancel, due to the higher than expected falling branches..

We vary rarely have to cancel, but if numbers are below 5 we will offer you an alternative day or 100% money back

 

Q. Is it safe?

Health and safety issues are important, and safety procedures are very much part of our routine. These are shared with children, who learn to understand and assess risk for themselves. However, accidents can happen anywhere, we minimise the risk, but we are in a Woodland environment.

 

Q. Do you have to be specially trained?

Yes, it is important that all Forest School Leaders are all qualified through attendance on an approved course. Our staff are minimum of Level 3 Forest School Trained with Minimum 2 day First Aid course. Most staff are also qualified teachers as we believe in providing the BEST! Our Director Gary is qualified PE teacher, Mountain Leader, Forest School Leader, Early Years trained, over 20 years specialising in children with disabilities and additional needs, and a First Responder with Ambulance service.

 

Q. Is Woods for Learning just for young children?

No! All ages of children and young people can benefit from Forest School, Outdoor Learning or Bushcraft. Due to our new site lots of exciting programmes are now available for adults including Sunset and serenity, corporate wellbeing events.

 

Q. It sounds really interesting – can I volunteer?

We try and ensure there is a very high child:adult ratio at Forest School and welcome volunteer helpers – not only parents, but grandparents, students, and other friends of the setting. Of course, these volunteers will need to be properly briefed, and to understand the philosophy upon which Woods for Learning is based, as well as Health and safety procedures. We do necessary DBS checks

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Q.What are some the activities that take place?

Shelter building, environmental issues, whittling, wood carving, safe fire building, basic plant knowledge, knots and others – all activities are age appropriate. watch our video to find out more: https://youtu.be/g8ZlMAMzWX0?si=ZQ3ZiH5ULcjnrUCy

 

Q. Can we bring pets to our activities?

Although we all love pets, having pets (especially dogs) can cause problems so sorry NO DOGS or PETS allowed - unless they are stuffed or a puppet.

 

Q. Will I or my child get dirty and what can I do about it?

Short answer "Probably" and "not a lot". Long answer. Mud is really good for children, and adults  it helps build up the immune system, as well as many other positive benefits.  For the adults, it saves you lots of money paying for SPA treatments.

Just remember to bring spare clothes for afterwards, or a bag to sit on in the lovely nice clean car.