Holiday club joining instructions

We are pleased that you have booked your child on to have a unique nature connection experience in the most beautiful woodland. We thought it would be helpful to have some joining instructions to help you understand what you and your child might expect in the woods!

Check out our holiday club video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeRuPvvDeQc

PLEASE NO TOYS OR ELECTRONICS INCLUDING MOBILE PHONES. YOU CAN CONTACT A LEADER ON THE NUMBERS BELOW. IF YOUR CHILD DISPLAYS ANY SICKNESS OR COVID SYMPTOMS, PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND.

What is Forest School?

Forest school is an inspirational and fun learning experience your child. It is a long-term programme that offers learning and development through child led play, exploration and risk taking. Its hands on learning in a natural setting and helps build self-confidence, self-esteem, nature connection and well-being.

Forest school involves risky activities such as use of fire, tools, tree climbing and mud play. We do a risk benefit analysis of every activity but please be aware that we cannot remove all risk and we encourage children to understand and manage their own risk in a real-world setting. We complete accident report forms for all accidents, and you will be informed when you collect your child. In the event of an incident, we follow our emergency procedures, staff debrief and review all risk assessments. All staff are first aid trained, have walkie talkies and we have well stocked first aid backpacks that is always with the leader.

Forest School Leaders are highly trained facilitators and will work with the children to develop their connection with nature, they are also trained in Safeguarding, First Aid and are all Enhanced DBS checked.

At Muddy Feet nature connection runs through everything we do, in fact it’s all based on a growing body of research which we use in our programme development. We use natural items found in the woods for the activities, we believe that Forest School should be a wild experience and not just bringing the indoors outdoors. All the activities are planned as part of a long-term programme to develop your child, so the more you attend the more you get out of it.

The Forest School Association has produced this video on Forest School, if you want to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8b2vC-ecUuU

What are the benefits of Forest School?

There are so many benefits to Forest School including:

Social development
Building self esteem
Builds confidence
Improved mental and physical health
Creative, independent learners
Building resilience
Development of motor skills
Nature knowledge and connection
Fun

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will we meet the Forest School Leader?

Your forest school leader will meet you at the site entrance and lead your child to the forest school site. They have a list of who is attending and will be wearing a Muddy Feet top. You will pick up your child from the entrance, staff will sign children in / out.

What are the staff ratios?

We work on a 1:8 ratio, all staff are First Aid trained, DBS checked and have walkie talkie contact at all times on site.

Do we have to pay a site entrance fee?

No, these are included in the ticket price.

Do you supply snacks and drinks?

At the moment, we are only able to offer very limited refreshments due to Covid security. Your Forest School Leader will advise but please ensure your child has plentiful lunch, water and snacks. With regards to snacks for the sessions, please can we ask that you do NOT bring anything containing NUTS due to allergies within the group. We do appreciate your co-operation on this matter.

How shall we dress?

We are outdoors in all weathers. Even if there is a little rain or drizzle it will be muddy so come in waterproofs. In summer there are nettles, brambles, stings and ticks so please no shorts! You and your child will enjoy the experience much more if they are dressed appropriately. Your child will carry all their kit, so please make sure they can carry it! We travel some distance around the wood garden and often cover over 7 miles a day, through mud and water. We do like to paddle in the stream too, this often leads to wet children. You may wish to bring a change of clothes and a bin bag for wet muddy kit at the end of the day (see KIT LIST on page 5).

What do you do throughout the day?

Holiday clubs are extremely physical we offer a true wild nature-based experience so please ensure your child is able to cope with the demands of the day. Please do let us know if your child has additional needs so we can support them throughout the day.

We have a core structure that we follow on the holiday club, but the forest school leaders will also work with the children on their interests. You can ask the leaders what we did throughout the day or look at the chalk board near the entrance at the end of the day to see what we have done and check out the updates on Facebook.

Core routines: sign in, hand wash, walk to site, boundaries, risks/ health and safety talk and intro talks three principles: look after self / others / environment, exploring wood garden, reflection, sit spots, stream walking, sign out.

Child’s interest: free play, shelter building, tool use, bug hunting, mud play, games.

Facilitated activities: Fire Skills, making things using tools, nature connection – listening observation / education/ journaling, games, nature art

Are there toilets and hand washing available?

Yes, toilets are available and we have solar showers for hand washing at the Forest School site.

Is there shelter?

We do provide parachute and tarpaulin shelters to protect from the rain but be prepared for the weather.

Is parking available?

Yes, there is a car park available.

We can’t make it do you offer refunds?

No, if you can’t come, we do not offer refunds as we are unable to fill your place. We require 2 weeks advance notice if you wish to cancel your booking.

When do you cancel?

We cancel in heavy snow or strong winds 30mph +, we will offer you a credit note for these sessions.

What if I have concerns regarding managing a child’s behaviour

We believe children should be able to discuss and work through their differences and the Forest School Leaders facilitate these conversations. We have a behaviour policy that is based on restorative practice. If you would like to see a copy of this policy, please contact us.

What about Covid security?

We have a detailed Covid Risk Assessment that is reviewed regularly. You will be asked to wash your hands on entrance / exit to the site and you will be asked to ensure you socially distance from other adults. Your Forest School Leader will advise on managing group work, fire and tool skills and wearing of masks when in close contact. We keep your contact details for 21 days for track and trace. If you wish to have further details on our Covid policy and risk assessment, please contact us.

Who is Muddy Feet?

Muddy Feet is a business providing outdoor education. Muddy Feet runs educational programmes including forest school training and outdoor education courses, family events and social projects. Muddy Feet was founded in 2013 by Alex Williams who has 20 years’ experience in working on environmental projects with a range of different communities. Alex is experienced in working with additional needs and is an approved therapeutic practitioner. We work with a number of associate forest school leaders.

Who do we contact if we need to speak to someone?

Call 07432 611008

Email: muddyfeettraining@gmail.com

Holiday clubs run from 9am to 4pm.