Health & Safety Policy

CONTENTS

  1. Choosing a Site
  1. Ground Rules within the Forest Schools
  1. Risk Assessments
  1. Tool Use
  1. Shelter Building
  1. Essential equipment and resources
  1. Communications with parents
  1. Legislation
  1. Children Act (1989/2004)
  1. Off site ratios
  1. Insurance
  1. Contact forms and emergency procedures
  1. Travel
  1. Equal Opportunities
  1. Responsibilities of designated person for FS session
  1. Appendices

1. Choosing a Site:

When selecting a site for Forest Schools the following aspects need to be taken into consideration:

  • How far is the site from the drop off point? The farther the children have to walk, the less time they have to explore and experience Forest School.
  • Clearly marked boundaries. The children need to be made aware of how far they can explore and the area used for Forest Schools needs to be clearly marked and shown to the group on arrival.
  • Open Water: Because of the freedom given to the group it is advisable that there is no open water on site that the children could fall into. In addition, mosquitoes are attracted to open water.
  • Dead wood and low branches: The area needs to be scrutinised for any dead wood and low branches. Branches should be cut to above head height. A check of the woods needs to be carried on a regular basis to ensure that there are no branches, which may cause injury. Extra checks will be needed in extreme weather conditions, i.e. high winds and heavy snow falls.
  • Sheer Drops: Any sheer drops should be placed outside of the marked boundaries.
  • Poisonous Plants: Children should be made aware that plants should not be picked and not eaten.
  • Bees/wasps: Look for signs of insects nesting. Likely nests should be isolated from the site.
  • Seasonal change: Throughout the year the area/ground will change. When choosing the Forest School site care should be taken that it is not on a flood plain and/or will not become boggy in wet weather. During spring time the floor of the woodland could be covered in wild flowers and this would restrict the use of this area.
  • The whole site: Over use of an area is unsustainable. It is advisable to change the site on a regular basis so that the site can regenerate.
  • Natural shelters: If possible, the site should have some low bushes to protect the group from wind and rain.
  • Stumbling hazards: Raised tree stumps and rubbish should be removed. Site should be checked for raised tree roots and rabbit holes. Will these affect the site and make it too dangerous for the group or can the group be informed of the hazard and encouraged how to behave sensibly in a natural environment.

2. Ground Rules within the Forest School:

A Forest School experience is all about child-centred learning. However it is important to set ground rules with the group so that everyone is safe.

At the beginning of every session children are reminded of three important points:

  1. Look after yourself.
  2. Look after the forest.
  3. Look after each other.

Discussion can be had as to the implication of these, i.e. not going out of boundaries, looking what you are dong when moving sticks etc

Rules that should be included and the children need to be aware of:

  • Boundaries. How far are they allowed to go?
  • Fire and safety rules. This should have a slow introduction. The rules surrounding the fire area should always be carried out even when there is no fire.

The following can be discussed with the group and be more like guidance rather than rules. Encourage the children to think of appropriate actions/behaviour. For example:

  • Sticks need to be dragged not carried.
  • Not putting their fingers in mouths.
  • Children need to know what they have to ask an adult for, toilet and use of tools.

As the experience grows it is important that the group is aware of acceptable behaviour that will help everyone to enjoy their time in the woods.

  • Be aware of yourself and others at all times.
  • Use tools in a way you have been shown and in no other way.
  • Tools are to be returned to the box or bag when not in use.
  • Look above, below and around for hazards.
  • Check that no one is in the way before starting a task.
  • Think of the consequences of what you are doing.
  • If an adult asks you to stop, you must stop immediately.
  • Remain within the limits of the site where you are working.
  • Respect the trees and all living things in the woodland. Do not pick from the trees or the wildflowers.
  • Never eat anything you find in the woods.

3. Risk Assessments:

  • The Forest School site must be made safe and be easily accessible. A full risk assessment of the site to identify hazards and action needed to reduce risk to a safe level is essential prior to any sessions taking place (see appendix a).
  • A safety sweep of the area must be made before each Forest School session. Look for windblown trees and litter.
  • Different activities and Forest School groups will need risk assessments to be modified (see appendix b & c).
  • The risk assessment should include location of the site, grid reference, phone number of the nearest hospital. All adults should have access to this information, as it could be the leader that is injured.

4. Tool Use:

When using tools, a designated area should be marked for tool use. This should ensure that children not using tools do not go in this area. Using tools with children should be carried out on a 1:1 basis. When using tools with children it should take place in a designated area and tool safety should be taught from the onset.

Tools should be kept in a secure box or tool bag. All tools should be returned to the box or bag when not in use. Tool should not be left unattended.

The Forest School Leader should check and clean all tools after the session.

5. Shelter Building:

If the shelter is for long-term use to protect the group from the elements the following criteria should be used.

  • Wood should be strong, not rotting, (Can it hold your weight?)
  • Strong rope or cord should be used.
  • Secure knots should be used.
  • The shelter should be checked on a regular basis for wear and tear.
  • Tarpaulin sheets can be used but keep them secure so that you do not loose them in winds. Make sure no cord or rope is left hanging for children to get caught up in. Keep the tarpaulin taut so that puddles do not form. Water is very heavy. A 45° angle will help water to run off

Children can be shown how to make small structures for dens. However the same basic rules apply. The structure needs to be strong and children should be instructed on how to make secure knots.

6. Essential equipment and resources:

  • Parental consent forms, contact details and medical forms.
  • Mobile phone, especially if site is remote.
  • Accident book.
  • Bin bags, not only useful for rubbish but also to keep injured people warm.
  • Shelters for group and equipment.
  • Fire area. This are can be incorporated within the seating area, however, ideally it should be a separate area. Children should be taught that they should not cross the fire area. Children and adults walk around the outside of the area at ALL times, not only when fire is lit.
  • Water. These are essential for washing hands and also for fire safety.
  • Tools. These vary on age and experience of groups. Bow saws, billhooks, knives, potato peelers and loppers are all suitable with groups. Tools should be sharp and clean. At the end of each session, tool should be cleaned and sharpened for the next session.
  • First aid kit. Plasters, med-wipes, dressings and micro pore should be found in the basic kit.

7. Communication with parents:

Information will be sent home to parents about the Forest School programme. There is a need for suitable footwear, such as wellies and extra socks for warmth in winter but old trainers may be adequate in summer. This will be kept in school at all times. The season will denote the need for woollen or sun hats. Permission is needed for the use of sun cream, insect repellent or antiseptic cream for stings, bites or scratches.

An initial meeting with parents or carers can be useful to inform them and help to eases any concerns they may have.

8. Legislation:

Health & Safety at Work Act 1974

This act attempts to provide a comprehensive system of law to cover the health and safety of people at work. The objectives are:

  • To raise the standards of safety and health for all persons at work.
  • To protect the client group whose health and safety may be put at risk by the activities of the persons at work.

It is a criminal offence not to comply with its provision.

Employers have a duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of their employees by:

  • Assessing all risks.
  • Ensuring emergency procedures are in place.
  • Providing adequate sanitary and washing facilities.
  • Ensuring that all equipment is safe and in good working order.
  • Providing adequate training on substances that may damage health.
  • Providing protective clothing.

Employees are responsible for the health and safety of themselves and other people who might be affected by their acts.

9. Children’s Act 1989/2004:

Key Areas;

  • Ratios for off site activities.
  • Equal opportunities.
  • Communication with parents and carers.
  • Police checks - CRB Forms.

10. Off - site ratios:

The adult to pupil ratio must reach the minimum standard laid down by the authority. Activities involving tools should be kept to 1:1, this figure depends on the behaviour and ability of the group. Ratios can be increased accordingly.

11. Insurance:

It is important that the site is covered by insurance. Forest School sessions are covered by the schools Liability Insurance.

12. Contact forms and emergency procedures:

Effective liaison with staff and parents is essential for the smooth running of a Forest School.

The school has contact forms with information about each child. These are updated regularly.

13. Transport

The Forest School is approximately a 10min walk away through forest fields. The children will have clear instructions about safety procedures when walking outside school grounds. The ratio of adults to children is also in place for the journey.

For those small minority of children who cannot walk the journey to the site, but can take part in the session alternative transport will be arranged with prior agreement from the school and the parents.

14. Equal Opportunities:

Commitment:

Essex County Council (ECC) is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in its employment practices and all the services for which it is responsible.

ECC believes that by implementing this policy, and its associated code of practice will maximise the effective use of human resources and the efficient delivery of services.

Equal Opportunities Statement:

ECC will ensure that all pupils receive equal consideration and are committed to the elimination of unlawful or unfair discrimination on the grounds of gender, race, disability, colour, ethnic and national origin, nationality, sexuality, religion and age.

The school will ensure that any service provided to children in its care will follow the ECC statement shown above. We will also ensure that should harassment or bullying occur they are dealt with promptly in accordance with ECC policy.

15. Responsibilities of designated person for Forest School session:

It is the responsibility of the Forest School leader to assure that:

  • There is the correct ratio of adults to children in each session.
  • Contact numbers and medical forms are available during each session.
  • There has been a sweep of the Forest School area to check for loose branches and litter.
  • Adults have CRB clearance.
  • Tools are in a secure container and are in a clean and usable condition.

16. Appendixes:

a)Site Risk Assessment

b)Group Risk Assessment

c)Individual Risk Assessment

d)Tool Risk Assessment

e)Activities Risk Assessment

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