On the day
Being outside in the elements - rain or shine - is part of what Forest School is all about, which is why we want to make sure you are prepared :)
Forest School clothing guide
Parents/carers – We value and recognise the effort it takes to ensure your child comes prepared, so that they can get the most out of Forest School sessions. In particular, this means making sure they are appropriately dressed. It can be hard to predict just how many layers a child will need but it is always colder in the shaded woods.
Please see below for our recommendations. Your other crucial role is to embrace the mud! Please do not send your child in their best clothes as they will almost certainly get dirty during the session!
Layers!
• THE best way to keep warm.
• add one more than you (We can always remove a layer but once cold, it can be hard to warm up)
Waterproof trousers
• Essential!
• Standard ‘thin’ pair in summer for protection
• Ski trousers ideal in winter OR extra layer under trousers
• All-in-ones not advised for potty/toilet users
Trousers
• Full length for protection
• Extra pair of leggings/tights/thermals under normal trousers in cold weather.
Warm socks
• Wellies get very cold!
• Extra pair of wool/ fleece/ fluffy socks inside wellies (Normal socks in wellies are not warm enough for cooler weather)
Waterproof coat
• Preferably with a hood
• Thick and warm in winter (or use an extra fleece layer)
Warm hat
• Preferably covering ears.
Mittens/Gloves
• Thermal and waterproof (Knitted gloves get damp and do not keep little hands warm enough during the colder months. Don’t worry about mittens limiting finger movement as the cold is much more limiting!)
Tops
• ALWAYS long sleeves (to minimize risk from stinging nettles and biting insects etc)
• At least 3 layers under coat in winter (eg. top, jumper, fleece and coat, or 'base layer', top, warm jumper and coat)
Waterproof boots
• Wellies are essential! (Alternatives include snow boots and walking boots)
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Please Note! In summer, wellies, waterproof trousers and light long sleeves are still essential, to protect from thorns, nettles, ticks, insect bites etc. Please also send a sunhat in hot weather.
Facilities
We have sheltered toilet on site and hand washing using our tippy tap system.
Please feel free to bring your own travel mug, tea and coffee refills are available.
We will be offering a drink and snack, please let us know if you or your accompanying child/children have any allergies or dietary requirements.
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Robin Woods is a strictly no smoking site.
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Unsafe weather
We will assess the weather and wind speeds on the day for each session. If wind speeds are unsafe the session will be cancelled.
Tool Use
Once it is felt that the children are settled and confident in the setting and are able to adhere to safety agreements tools can be introduced. Tools use (bow-saw, vegetable peelers, hand-drill, hammer, loppers, and secateurs) is taught on a 1:1 basis and are kept in suitable containers in one designated spot. Tools are given out for a purpose and all adults model their correct use, storage and transportation at all times. We use tools in a safe space, away from other active children, and only walking is permitted when carrying them. We have detailed Risk Benefit Assessments (RBA’s) for all Forest School activities including tool use and these are available for parents/carers to access and read on request. The specific RBA for each tool includes specific details on the procedure for using that tool.
Use of fires
Use of fire Fires are an important part of our Forest School sessions, we aim to ensure that everyone participating in sessions with fires will do so safely and with as little risk to their health as possible. Fires will only be used in sessions once the children are familiar with the setting and the Forest School leaders feel they are able to adhere to agreements regarding fire safety. We have a specific risk assessment referring to the use of fires which details the procedure.