Forest school Safety

At Woods Forest School, the safety of all children is our top priority; we take this very seriously. Our forest school program may include activities that are considered high risk. We monitor risk by following guidelines and procedures. These include site assessments, tool training, and proper equipment. Taking risks is an important part of learning. We provide a supportive environment for children to manage risk.

Our forest school site will undergo a full risk assessment to identify hazards and implement necessary controls to reduce risk to a safe level.

Forest school risk assessments  

1. We will complete a risk assessment for each session 
2. We will document and keep a copy of our risk assessments
3. A final sweep of the site will take place prior to a session. 

1. Children have all the items they need such as enough water and appropriate clothing. 
2. Forest site is safe.  
3. Risk assessments have been completed.   
4. All guides have had a background check.  
5. Ratios are safe.  
6. Staff and volunteers have read over safety agreement.
7. Accidents/incidents are reported.  
8. Forest guide has a properly stocked first aid kit readily available during sessions and to consistently ensure that it is replenished and up-to-date.

1. Never eat anything you find 
2. Large sticks/branches need to be dragged, not carried. 
3. Be aware of others. 
4. Use tools in the way you have been shown
5. Stay within boundaries. 

Our Forest School site is covered with liability insurance, to see our current policy, please email woodsforestschool@gmail.com to request a copy. 

All children need to have appropriate clothing for the weather and activities. Where possible, we will try to provide suitable outdoor clothing for the children (dependent on what we have available and sizes etc). Families are reminded regularly, particularly when the seasons change. It is the forest school leaders and staff member’s responsibility to check children are suitably dressed before participating. For safety reasons if a child is unsuitably dressed and appropriate clothing cannot be provided by School or parent/carer they will be unable to participate. 

In case of injury to adults or children: In serious cases, 9-1-1 will be called. The rest of the group will be supervised away from the incident and and, if in danger, will be removed to safety. In non-serious issues, a parent will be called to take their child to the hospital or doctor. 

Checklist for all of our learning sites and trails:

1. Shelter 
2. Flat area for base camp/ setting up 
3. Clear pathways 
4. Ensure children hear forest guides above surrounding noises
5. Are there any trip hazzards?
6. Can emergency vehicles access the area?
7. Restrooms available nearby
8. Parking available nearby

Other things to note:

1. If there is runnng water, we will go over water safety and any water conditions. 
2. Climbing trees  ( and boulders) are great to have on the site, but require risk assesment and forest guides 1:1 with child.