Daily Operating Procedure

Forest School sessions will be held on the school premises and school allotment.  Ratios of staff to children will be maintained.

Staff supporting the session have read through the digital handbook prior to familiarise themselves with the expectations.

Prior to the session:

• A class register with any key pupil information (eg medical / SEN support) will be kept in the forest school file.  The First Aid kit is available on site. 
• The Forest School leader will conduct a safety and usability check on any equipment/tools/areas being used in the session. 
• The 'Daily Procedures Log' will be actioned. 

During the session:

• On arrival to the site children will be encouraged to help with a visual risk assessment, which will help to identify potential risks and help to make children aware of their surroundings.
• Staff supporting will be briefed on the session alongside the pupils.  Visual checks will continue throughout the session by adults.
• Staff and children are aware of the safety whistle used to gain children’s attention if needed throughout the session (this will be practiced during every session).
• Snacks provided by staff may be eaten at basecamp only and waste disposed of accordingly. 

When the whistle is blown, pupils should stop what they are doing safely and meet at base-camp.

Children are aware of the boundaries and spaces to explore in.

After the session:

At the end of each session, children will be asked to gather at base camp. Pupils have the choice to share what their experience and adventures in an encouraging, relaxed, calm atmosphere.

If it is a morning session, children will be led back to their classroom, where they remove muddy boots or clothing and change in to dry clothes and clean footwear.

Once children are in their classroom, the Forest School Leader will conduct a maintenance/safety check of any equipment that has been used and ensure all is returned to the shed secure.
 

The Forest School Leader will evaluate the session noting comments/views from the support staff, which will be considered in future planning.