Weather
To ensure an ejoyable experience if weather is extremely poor or unsafe e.g. very windy (force 6 and above) or extremely wet we will rearrange.
Clothing
The key requirement is to have long sleeves and long hardwearing trousers (NOT thin LEGGINGS) in both winter and summer. This is particularly important in the summer to protect from tick bites, sun burn, stinging nettles and thorns. (NO SHORTS)
Winter Clothing
The general rule is to wear lots of layers which keep in the heat and can be removed if needed.
- Warm hat
- Gloves - not mittens
- Vest
- Long sleeved t-shirt/shirt
- Jumper/fleece
- Waterproof coat
- Waterproof trousers
- Wellies with warm socks/walking boots
- Thermal underwear
Summer/hot weather Clothing
- Sun hat
- Sun cream applied before session
- Light long sleeved top
- Light long trousers
- Waterproof coat (you can still get cold in the summer)
- Wellies or enclosed shoes/boots (no sandals)
- Insect repellent
Medical and Photos
By booking I hereby give permission for my son/daughter to attend the session(s) and accept that all personal property brought to the site is the responsibility of the family not Woods for Learning. We also hereby declare that all relevant medical and behavioural information has been provided. Woods for Learning therefore accept no responsibility for injuries or medical issues arising from undisclosed issues.
We give permission to provide medical first aid if required, use hand tools and participate in fire lighting activities under adult supervision.
I give permission for photos and videos to be taken to be used for printed, website or marketing material, no personal information will be used.
FAQ
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
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 time learning our craft, teaching outdoors.
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.
Q. Is it beneficial for all?
Woods for Learning unique combination of freedom and responsibility is beneficial to all
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 above force 6 we have to cancel. Although with availability of the Club house this is less likely.
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. Are all Forest School sites all the same?
All sites will to some extent look different in different settings – but its ethos, intentions and operational features will be the same and will always reflect the guiding principles of Forest School.
Q. Do you have to be specially trained to run Forest School, Outdoor Learning and Bushcraft?
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, Mountain Leaders, even Community First Responder with the Ambulance service; as we believe in providing the BEST!
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. For Teenagers we challenge them far more and develop far greater to ensure each get what they want from the session.
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
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.
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.
