Terms and conditions for Forest School

Outdoor Tribe CIC Terms & Conditions for Forest School/Nature Ninja Awards/Family Sessions

We try to keep our terms and conditions straightforward. We hope you will agree that what we set out here provides clear guidelines of what you can expect from us and what we, in return, expect from you.

Payment for sessions

Payment in advance by BACS transfer or cheque is required in advance of attending sessions

Cancellation

Forest School/Nature Ninja/family sessions carry on in all weathers, excepting those.considered to pose an adverse risk, such as high winds or thunderstorms. In such an event the session will be rearranged.
If the session leader has to cancel due to illness or unforeseen circumstances then the session will be rearranged.

Cancellation by Parent/Carer

Cancellation with expectation of a refund for a season related booking must be made at least 10 days before the start of the booked-for season or sessions, to allow enough time for others on the waiting list to be given the opportunity to attend. NB There are no refunds given for individual sessions missed during a series, or for one-off sessions.

Medical, Activities and Photography consent Forms

These must be completed, signed and returned at least 48 hours before the commencement of the Forest School session(s) for which you have booked. We also require any changes to information submitted on our medical/consent forms to be shared with us, for the comfort and safety of all attendees. For one-off Taster sessions/family sessions we do not require forms to be completed as parents/carers will be in attendance.

Inhalers/Epipens/insulin dependents

If you or your child requires any of the above then the medication must be brought to the session/s for use in case of an emergency by the parent of the child or a First Aider or Medical Emergency personnel. NB If a child arrives for a session without his/her emergency medication then the sessionlLeader reserves the right to refuse entry to the session (for the protection of both child and staff/volunteers)

Knowing what kit is the right kit for Forest School

“There’s no such thing as bad weather, just poor kit”

Suitable clothing, for the environment and the weather are really important. The following has been prepared as a checklist to help you prepare your child for his/her Forest School experience.

Suitable clothing

  • Long sleeved T-Shirt or shirt
  • Fleecy top or jumper
  • Long trousers
  • Socks that stay up inside Wellington boots
  • Wellington boots or waterproof shoes/boots
  • Waterproof coat
  • Hat
  • Gloves

Unsuitable clothing

  • Short sleeved T-shirts (bare arms can get stung by nettles)
  • Shorts (bare kegs can be scratched and stung
  • Leggings (too thin to provide proper protection from brambles/nettles)
  • Sandals
  • Crocs or similar type footwear (soles do not provide adequate protection)

Safeguarding

We have policies and procedures related to safeguarding for both clients and staff, which we can provide for you to read on request. If you have any questions  relating to safeguarding in relation to a child or vulnerable adult then please contact us. We provide confidentiality in relation to information shared with us by  service-users, except in circumstances where disclosure makes it a legal obligation to share information with appropriate professionals.

Protecting your privacy

Any personal information, stored on paper, relating to adults or children attending sessions will be destroyed after they have finished their attendance. Emails provided for booking purposes will not be automatically added to our mailing list, you will need to subscribe to our list to receive regular news and updates.

Whilst we respect privacy of individuals we do take photographs and sometimes short video clips during the woodland sessions which we like to use to help encourage others to come along. We always ask those who attend whether they are happy for photos/videos to be used for marketing purposes or shared onto our Facebook page.

Feedback and Concerns

We encourage all participants and carers/parents to give us feedback about their experience at any of our Forest School/educational sessions. We actively encourage a two-way conversation about anything that has caused/is causing concern. Feedback can be given verbally, in person, by telephone, or in writing by email.

We aim to be as open, honest and as straightforward as possible with carers/parents in order to maintain a constructive two way flow of communication.