Wild Wood Explorers - Policies

Safeguarding Policy

At Wild Wood Explorers, we are committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where all children can explore, learn, and thrive in nature. The safety and welfare of all participants is our top priority. This policy outlines our approach to safeguarding and child protection, ensuring all staff, volunteers, and visitors understand their responsibilities and act accordingly to protect children and vulnerable individuals from harm.

2. Policy Statement

• Promote a safe and supportive environment where children feel valued, listened to, and respected.
• Take all safeguarding concerns seriously and respond to them promptly and appropriately.
• Follow statutory guidance and best practices, including Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government) and the Forest School Association Code of Practice.
• Ensure that all staff and volunteers are appropriately recruited, trained, and supervised.
• Encourage children to talk openly about their feelings and experiences.
• Work closely with parents, carers, and relevant external agencies.

3. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to:

• All children and young people under the age of 18 attending Wild Wood Explorers sessions.
• All staff, volunteers, contractors, and visitors working with or around children on behalf of Wild Wood Explorers.

4. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

DSL Name: Claire Terry
Position: Forest School Leader
Contact Information: 07741 281377 | claire@wildwoodexplorers.co.uk

The DSL is responsible for:

• Acting as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
• Ensuring this policy is implemented and reviewed.
• Referring concerns to external agencies (e.g., local authority children's services).
• Keeping records of safeguarding incidents securely and confidentially.

5. Recognising Abuse

Abuse can take many forms, including:

• Physical abuse: Deliberate physical harm or injury.
• Emotional abuse: Persistent emotional maltreatment, bullying, or rejection.
• Sexual abuse: Involving a child in sexual activity, including online.
• Neglect: Failing to meet a child’s basic physical or emotional needs.

Signs of abuse may include unexplained injuries, changes in behavior, fearfulness, withdrawal, or poor hygiene.

6. Responding to Concerns

• Listen calmly and without judgment.
• Reassure the child they have done the right thing by telling you.
• Do not promise confidentiality – explain you may need to share this information.
• Record the information accurately (date, time, facts, who was present).
• Report immediately to the DSL.
• If a child is in immediate danger, contact the emergency services on 999.

7. Safer Recruitment

• All staff will undergo enhanced DBS checks.
• All staff will complete an induction process.
• A culture of vigilance is promoted at all times.

8. Staff and Volunteer Conduct

• Treat children with respect and dignity at all times.
• Avoid being alone one-to-one with a child unless absolutely necessary and in line with risk assessment.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries – no inappropriate language, behavior, or physical contact.
• Use positive behavior management strategies.
• Report any concerns or incidents immediately.

9. Training and Awareness

All staff will be made aware of their roles and responsibilities with regards to safeguarding. The DSL will complete Designated Safeguarding Lead Training and stay updated with best practices.

10. Record Keeping

All safeguarding concerns will be recorded factually and securely by the DSL. Records will be stored in a secure, password-protected system or locked cabinet. Records will be shared only with relevant authorities, in line with data protection laws.

11. Working with Parents and Carers

• Share our safeguarding policy with parents/carers.
• Keep them informed of any issues concerning their child, unless this would place the child at risk.
• Encourage open communication and mutual respect.

12. Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

• Any allegation will be taken seriously and reported immediately to the DSL.
• Concerns will be referred to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) as appropriate.
• All allegations will be investigated thoroughly in line with statutory guidance.

13. Online Safety and Photography

Wild Wood Explorers may take photographs or videos for promotional or educational purposes with prior parental consent. No names will be shared alongside images. Children will never be identified or tagged in public social media posts.

14. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to significant changes in legislation or incidents.

Next Review Due: September 2026

Contact Information for Reporting Concerns

• MASSH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding and Support Hub): 0161 217 6028
• LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer): 0161 474 5657
• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
• Police (Emergency): 999

Health and Safety Policy

1. Policy Statement

Wild Wood Explorers is committed to ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all children, staff, volunteers, parents, and visitors. We believe that learning in an outdoor environment offers significant benefits, and these should be balanced with robust health and safety measures.

A full and comprehensive risk assessment has been carried out for the site, the general environment, and the typical range of forest school activities; this document is available on request. This policy provides the framework by which safety is maintained and reviewed.

2. Scope & Responsibilities

Role	Responsibilities
Forest School Leader / Coordinator	Overall responsibility for implementing this policy; ensuring that risk assessments (site, activity, tool, fire, etc.) are in place, up to date, and communicated; ensuring staff and volunteers are trained; leading emergency procedures; reviewing incidents and policy.
Staff & Volunteers	Adhere to this policy; read and understand relevant risk assessments before sessions; supervise children; carry out dynamic risk assessments; report hazards, near misses or incidents.
Participants (Children / Young People)	Cooperate with safety instructions; follow rules and guidance given; treat equipment, environment, and others with respect.
Parents / Guardians / Visitors	Provide relevant health/medical information; ensure children arrive in appropriate clothing; support adherence to the safety procedures.

All staff, volunteers, and regular visitors will receive induction training, including familiarisation with this policy, emergency procedures, first aid arrangements, site layout, and risk assessments.

3. Risk Assessment & Management

Baseline & Detailed Risk Assessments

• Full baseline risk assessment covers terrain, water, vegetation, access, etc.
• Activity-specific assessments are in place and reviewed regularly.
• Portfolio is stored securely and accessible as required.

Daily / Pre-session Checks

• Site walk-through before each session to check for new hazards.
• Hazards addressed or sessions adapted accordingly.

Dynamic Risk Assessment during Activity

• Continuous monitoring by staff during sessions.
• Activities altered or stopped if risk increases unexpectedly.

Risk/Benefit Balance

• Benefits of learning balanced with safety; residual risk managed.

4. Safety Procedures & Controls

a) Tools & Sharp Implements

• Used under direct supervision only.
• Stored securely when not in use.
• Subject to age-appropriate risk assessments.
• PPE must be worn (gloves, goggles, etc.).
• Staged teaching approach: demonstration ? guided ? supervised use.

b) Fire & Cooking

• Only in designated areas under supervision.
• No accelerants; only natural materials used.
• Fire safety kit must be nearby.
• Strict rules around fire area behaviour.

c) Terrain, Trees, Vegetation & Site Hazards

• Trip hazards and dangerous trees managed appropriately.
• Tree climbing governed by policy.
• Water features supervised with boundaries.
• “No licky, no picky” rule for flora.

d) Clothing, PPE & Welfare

• Outdoor clothing required for all conditions.
• PPE provided as needed per activity.
• Hygiene and hydration protocols followed.
• Health conditions declared and mitigated.

e) First Aid, Emergencies & Incident Management

• Qualified first aider on site each session.
• First aid kit available.
• Emergency procedures clearly documented.
• All incidents logged and reviewed.

f) Supervision, Ratios & Boundaries

• Supervision ratios depend on age/risk.
• Boundaries clearly defined and explained.
• Volunteers must be inducted.

g) Weather, Environmental Conditions & Cancellation

• Sessions may be changed/cancelled due to weather or safety risks.
• Leaders monitor forecasts and act accordingly.

5. Communications & Consent

• Consent forms required before participation.
• Photography permission managed.
• Key information provided to families before sessions.
• Policy updates communicated promptly.

6. Training, Monitoring & Review

• Staff/volunteers must have relevant training (first aid, safeguarding, etc.).
• Policy reviewed annually or after incidents.

7. Insurance & Legal Compliance

• Appropriate liability insurance is in place.
• All activities comply with health and safety laws.

8. Policy Approval & Implementation

This Health & Safety Policy is approved by the management of Wild Wood Explorers and is issued to all staff, volunteers, parents, and other stakeholders. It becomes effective from the date below and supersedes any previous versions.

We commit to supporting a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and shared responsibility so that participants may enjoy the benefits of forest schooling in as safe an environment as possible.

Medical Needs Policy

At Wild Wood Explorers, we are committed to safeguarding the health, safety, and wellbeing of all children in our care. This policy outlines how we support children with medical needs and manage medication safely.

1. Parent/Carer Responsibilities

• Disclosure: Parents/carers must inform us of any medical conditions, allergies, or health concerns before attendance.
• Medical Form: A completed Medical Information & Consent Form is required before the first session.
• Providing Medication: All medication must be:
  • Clearly labelled with the child’s name
  • In original packaging with dosage instructions
  • In-date
  • Handed directly to a staff member

2. Staff Responsibilities

• Staff are trained to administer medication and handle emergencies.
• Medication is stored securely and made accessible in emergencies.
• Records are kept of all medication administered, including child name, dosage, time, and staff signature.

3. Emergency Situations

In an emergency, staff will administer first aid, call 999 if needed, and contact the child’s parent/carer as soon as possible.

4. Ongoing Medical Needs

For children with complex needs (e.g. asthma, allergies), a Medical Care Plan may be created with input from parents and health professionals.

5. Refusal to Administer

If staff are not confident administering a medication safely, parents will be contacted and a suitable plan will be discussed.

6. Confidentiality

All medical information is treated as confidential and shared only with staff who need to know to keep the child safe.

7. Review

This policy is reviewed annually or after any relevant incident.

Behaviour Policy

1. Policy Statement

At Wild Wood Explorers, we aim to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive outdoor learning environment where all children can thrive, play, and grow in nature. Positive behaviour is essential for the wellbeing, safety, and enjoyment of every child and adult involved in our sessions.

This policy outlines our expectations for behaviour and how we support children to manage their own actions in a respectful and responsible way.

2. Our Approach to Behaviour

We use a positive and proactive approach to managing behaviour that is based on kindness, respect, natural consequences, and clear boundaries. Our forest school ethos encourages children to develop independence, emotional regulation, teamwork, and resilience through play and exploration.

We support children by:

• Setting clear, consistent boundaries.
• Using calm, respectful communication.
• Reinforcing positive behaviour.
• Helping children reflect on their actions and understand how they affect others.

3. Behaviour Expectations

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone, all children must:

• Stay within the set boundaries of the forest school site and never wander off.
• Follow adult instructions promptly, especially during tool use, fire lighting, and risky play.
• Treat others with kindness – no hitting, name-calling, or exclusion.
• Respect nature – care for plants, wildlife, and the environment.
• Use equipment safely and responsibly.
• Communicate if they feel unsafe, unsure, or upset.

We understand that children may need reminders and support to meet these expectations, and we are here to guide them with patience and understanding.

4. Parents and Suitability

We believe parents and carers know their children best. Forest school is an open, natural setting that includes risk, challenge, and less structure than indoor environments. Some children may find this setting stimulating, while others may find it overwhelming.

We ask parents to:

• Reflect honestly on whether Wild Wood Explorers is the right fit for their child.
• Share any relevant behaviour, emotional, or sensory needs with us before their child attends.
• Understand that our environment is not suitable for children who are prone to absconding, aggressive behaviour, or require one-to-one supervision unless agreed in advance.

If you're unsure whether your child is ready for a forest school experience, we are happy to discuss this with you.

5. Managing Challenging Behaviour

If a child’s behaviour becomes unsafe or persistently disruptive:

1. They will be reminded of expectations and supported to re-engage.
2. If needed, they may take time away from the group with an adult to calm down or reflect.
3. For serious incidents (e.g. running away, harming others), parents will be contacted, and the child may need to be collected early.
4. If unsafe behaviour continues over multiple sessions, we may review the child’s place in the club in consultation with the parents.

6. Working Together

We aim to work in partnership with parents to support children’s positive behaviour. We encourage open and honest communication and will always raise concerns with sensitivity and respect.

7. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or after any serious behavioural incident.

Date of issue: 04/10/2025
Review date: October 2026
Signed: Claire Terry – Forest School Leader