whats on your mind?
Where do I go to find you?
There are two sites. One at ‘Upham’ outside Winchester the second is in Titchborne outside Alresford. Each course will indicate which site. A specific meeting spot and directions will be emailed just before the start of a session or course.
What do I need to wear?
Your common sense will let you know how many layers you need to wear and bring. Please always wear long trousers and tops. This is to protect you from the elements, brambles and insect bites, including Ticks.
Wellies/walking shoes as the ground is often wet and there will be a short walk into the woods.
Waterproof coat and if possible waterproof trousers.
A small rucksack or bag for your sunscreen, water bottle, hat and gloves.
What do I need to bring?
Suitable layers, water bottle, hat/gloves. Any specific medication you need to have with you. You may wish to bring a folding chair to sit on. As you may find them more comfortable than the tree stump seats.
Please can I also encourage you to bring your own hand towel/drying up cloth and own hand sanitizer in your rucksack.
Do I need to bring my own food and snacks?
Holiday Camps A packed lunch, snacks and refillable water bottle. No nuts please. However, hot drinks and a small amount of food cooked on the fires is available within the session.
After School clubs Please bring a significant snack/sandwich if your child has not been able to have one after school finished. Remember a refillable water bottle too. However, hot drinks and biscuits are available throughout the session.
Adult/Young people experiences. You are very welcome to bring your own snacks and hot drink. However, hot drinks and biscuits are available throughout the session. Adult Forest School has a focus on fire and lunch. This in the main will be soups and ‘hot sandwiches.’ Eaten just before the end of each session.
Cups, plates, bowls and crockery is provided. Please do feel free to bring your own.
About you and your session.
What happens if it is raining or cold?
Sessions will continue in all weathers. With the exception of strong winds, lightning and thunder. More often than not the promised rain never appears and if it does we are protected by shelters and the tree canopy.
Why might a session be cancelled?
High winds, thunder/lightening as the woodland setting can become dangerous. The other reason for cancelation is if I am ill. In all situations I will try to give as much notice as possible. However, it can often be the morning of the session that the final call is made.
What happens if I cannot make the session?
If you are unable to make the session because of a prior commitments or sudden change of plans I am unable to offer a catch-up class. This is because of the nature of the 10-week term. However, if you are feeling cold or a bit blue please come and join us. In my experience being outdoors is a great tonic and can blow most cobwebs away. DO reach out to me in confidence if you are feeling very unwell. please see my cancelation policy on my home page.
What happens if I am not enjoying myself?
The most important thing to do is to talk to me. In person, on the phone or via email. I hope that I can support any reservations you are having and offer you more directed support during the sessions. If you are suffering anxiety within the group, please know you can always arrive early and help me set up, of have your first cup of tea of the day in the woods. Removing the pressure of ‘arriving’ can really help.
I am always around at the end of the session tidying up – so please use this time to come and have an informal chat.
What happens if I need the toilet?
There are ‘woodland style facililties’ at both sites. Which are private. However, there are also a ‘real’ loo at the Upham site.
How can I wash my hands?
We have one or more wash hand stations in the woods. Clean water is tipped carefully from a suspended watering can or simular. Soap and towels are provided. You are very welcome to bring your own hand towel/tea towel.
How do you keep your clients safe?
I have a series of specific risk benefit policies. These are for both the site but all the tools I bring on site. They also cover all the activities I do. There is a safety talk at the start of each session, covering fire safety, tool use and movement around the site.
Where do I go to find you?
There are two sites. One at ‘Upham’ outside Winchester the second is in Titchborne outside Alresford. Each course will indicate which site. A specific meeting spot and directions will be emailed just before the start of a session or course.
last few.. these are about me.
Are you insured? Are you first aid trained? Do you do risk assessments?
The simple answer is Yes Yes Yes.
I have an annual insurance policy with Birkbeck. I am more than happy to answer any specific questions you may have regarding my cover.
I recently renewed my first aid training. The course is specific to Forest School Teaching. I have an extensive first aid kit on site. Please ensure you fill out the medical section of your personnel information and bring any specific medication with you to site each session. Please contact me if you would like to know any more specific detail related to first aid.
I have ‘risk benefit assessments’ for all the aspects of Forest School. These include, but not limited to fire, tools, cooking, tree climbing, den building and bug hunting. Please contact me if you would like to see a copy of these documents.
Part of my professional development has included child protection. I have specific documents regarding this.
Have you done any other training since you qualified in 2016?
I have made it a priority to keep learning and sharing. A full list of my recent courses/qualifications are within the all about me section.
