Forest Education Initiative (FEI)

Cluster Group Meeting on 3/02/11

Present: Chris Childe, (Scottish Native Woods), Jane Holmes Headteacher/Auchtermuchty PS), Marian Laing (Ceres/Dunnikier), Dorothee Widemann (CT – Auchtermuchty PS),
Kath Webster (BTCVFife), Miranda Macdonald (Landscape Designer), Judy Dowling (Lawhead Nursery), Rona Maclean Ross (HT/Freuchie PS), Lynn Jopling (Scottish Golf Environment Group), CarronPour(BellBaxterHigh School),
Apologies: Murray McBain, Aline Hill, Tess Davidson, Vivien Collie, Jon Warnes
Discussed:
Purpose of Meeting:
Group update re. what we are doing at the moment, followed by a discussion about the direction of the group, with reference to the group’s constitution. / Notes:
Corrections and matters arising from the minute of the previous meeting: / Agreed that these were covered within the agenda.
Forest Schools “Practitioners’ Course” Training update:
Intensive training completed in September 2010. The 3 x day practicals taking place 16/17/18 Feb 2011 from 9 – 5pm.
Chris gave a brief summary of “Forest Schools” for new members to the group.
One traineefrom the Practitioners Course has dropped out. Mike King from a previous course may be able to complete his practical training and work with Dorothee in Auchtermuchty PS. / Kath Webster to get key and open up
Chris to action
Child Protection Policy/Risk Assessment/Health and Safety:
Chris confirmed that each FEI Cluster group should have their own CP policy and training and that each group should have a designated CP Co-ordinator.
Dorothee pointed out that part of the course work for the Forest Schools “Practitioners’ Course” is for all trainees to produce a handbook, incorporating Child Protection, Risk Assessments and Health and Safety. This to be included in future agenda re. developing a cluster policy. / Jane to add most recent CP training Powerpoint to this minute.
To be carried forward to future agenda.
Insurance:
Chris has contacted “Birnbeck” who are geared up for Forest Schools.
Cath discussed BTCV insurance. It is Forest Schools specific. There was discussion about costs.
Discussion re. personal/individual insurance and events insurance.
At the moment trainees on the Forest Schools “Practitioners’ Course” are insured through the course organisers* but we do need to think about this for the future.
*(Note from Chair - Since this meeting I have become aware that FS trainees are not insured through the course organisers and do have to have their own insurance for practical sessions if they are not covered by the school.) / To be carried forward to future agenda.
Jane to discuss present levels of Public Liability insurance in place in Fife schools with Budget Manager – specifically is the activity insured re. making fires and using tools.
First Aid Course (Paediatric Outdoor First Aid):
This was funded through “Awards for All”
All 8 Forest Schools trainees attended along with staff from local schools.
Feedback was very positive
Roles within the group:
Chris discussed the fact that he has a number of roles within the group and it would be helpful if these roles could be shared out within the group. / Lynn – to be send FEI information and email out to cluster group members.
Chris – to email a list of tasks/roles to all group to be discussed at March meeting.
Aims of the group:
General discussion about what the group is about/future roles and direction:
- Network/directory of ‘low cost’ minibus availability from other organisations
- Events
- More Forest Schools training
- New ventures e.g. Beach Schools (Cath and Lynn)
- Holding resources e.g. tools and other equipment. Chris stores these at the moment and lends them out as needed.
Should we charge for loan of resources? It was agreed that this was too complicated and could put people off borrowing. Charging may also go against the principle behind getting funding for resources. It was agreed that a way forward may be to have a signed agreement along the lines of “items will be brought back in good condition or replaced by the borrower”.
- Website – with all the information related to our cluster group.
- Group membership discussed briefly
Nothing was firmly decided and this discussion will continue.
Steering Group/Management Group – discussed. It was agreed that a steering group would most likely be made up of the people who have clear roles within the cluster. / Chris to send resource list round so we know what is available to lend.
To be carried forward
Fundraising – general discussion:
-Raffle a flight – probably need more prizes.
-Dorothee suggested linking with local artists to focus on outdoor art.
-Could we “piggy back” on a bigger event, like The Big Tent?
-Venues? St AndrewsBotanic Gardens, Cambo House
-We need to think of other ideas. / Lynn Jopling has experience in this area and is aware of local businesses that might sponsor fund raising initiatives.
To be carried forward
Publicity:
Kath Webster has written an article for the “Clan” Bulletin (BTCV Publication) re. the Forest Schools Practitioners Course.
FEIUK- Chris (and any other member) can now post items on the website.
Other Business:
-It was agreed to apply for an FEI small grant towards future insurance costs. (£200)
- Bonnie has asked that everyone subscribe to FEI. This means we will be able to access the website so we don’t have to send round emails. (see ‘Roles within the group’ above) / Chris

Date of next meeting: Wednesday 23 March 2011 (3.45 – 4.45pm) at AuchtermuchtyPrimary School