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Frequently asked questions

What to wear?

Cold/wet days:

  • Lots and lots of layers (these can always be taken off)

  • Long-sleeved tops

  • Trousers

  • Coat

  • Waterproofs

  • Welly boots/walking boots

  • Hat, snood and gloves

  • Lots of socks

  • We also recommend skins/thermals

Hot/warm days:

  • Sun hat

  • Lightweight long-sleeved top

  • Lightweight long trousers

  • Coat

  • Sun cream (to be applied before session)

  • Walking boots 

  • Waterproofs

What to bring?

Depending on the session, this will vary. You will be informed of the necessary equipment before the session.

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Quick list:

  • Water bottle

  • Waterproofs

  • Layers (depending on weather conditions)

  • Healthy snack

Will the session still run if it is raining?

Forest School will run in all weathers, unless it is deemed un-safe. Being out in all weathers can be a fantastic learning opportunity, it can be lots of fun and is a great experience.

What happens if I don't come to my session?

If you cancel up to 21 days before the session you can either request a refund or rebook the session (depending on availability).
Unfortunately if you are unable to make the session at shorter notice, we will not be able to offer a refund, but we will try to offer another session/option.

What if I am not satisfied with Acer Forest School?

In the event that you are dissatisfied with a session, please contact us to discuss the situation and we will do our best to rectify the issue/reach an agreeable outcome.

We ask that you refrain from posting on social media but urge you to talk to us directly instead.

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In the event that you wish to discuss something with us whilst other children/parents are still on site, please be aware that we may ask you to wait to discuss the situation until the end of the session/all other children/parents have left.

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We expect participants and observers to be respectful to our staff and aware of all others around. Aggressive or abusive behaviour or language will not be tolerated.

Do you have toilets or nappy-changing facilities?

Our private pop a loo toilet provides a comfortable seat, while your waste goes into an eco bag. We then dispose of the bag appropriately at the end of the day. 

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We also provide a private stand-up enclosed hay bale area.

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For nappy-changing we provide a private nappy-changing area, but we do ask that you take your nappies home with you and dispose of them appropriately.

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We also offer a tippy tap handwashing station and use of anti-bacterial gel.

Do you have a car parking area?

We have a small parking area and we ask that you park respectfully and sensibly. For Stay & Play sessions it is likely that you will need to stack/block cars.

 

Acer Forest School and the landowners are not liable or responsible for any damage caused to vehicles when entering, parking, exiting or at any time whilst on site. 

 

To access our site you will be driving down a long, single-track, private driveway that is also used by the landowners. Please drive slowly and respectfully when using the driveway and at all times on site.

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Please follow or adhere to the highway code and all or any signs or instructions shown or given to you whilst on site.

Where do we drop off and pick up?

Once you have safely parked in the designated parking area, walk down the driveway following the signs, being careful as the driveway is used by the landowners at all times. Continue to walk down the drive and on the left-hand side there is a sign-posted meeting point. We will meet you there to enter the site or for you to collect your child. Please do not come to base camp unless previously agreed.

What if my child has allergies?

Please inform us of any known allergies by completing the booking form. If necessary we can then discuss the allergy further and put appropriate measures in place. You may be asked to complete another form if we require further information.

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In a woodland environment there are constant changes and an element of risk. There is a heightened risk of coming into contact with flora and fauna that may induce or trigger an allergic reaction. However we have an extensive knowledge of local flora and fauna on site and follow Good Practice when dealing with allergic reactions however minor or severe. If you would like more information on our Good Practice please ask to see our Handbook.

Are there risks at Forest School?

The honest answer is yes.

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Part of Forest School is learning to risk assess. There is always an element of risk involved in Forest School activities (climbing, slipping, tripping etc.) however through following Good Practice, Forest School qualified staff and guidance we aim to safely risk-assess situations with the children thereby minimising the potential risk.

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If you would like more information on our Good Practice please ask to see our Handbook.

What are Tania & Chris's qualifications?

We are both qualified:

-Level 3 Forest School Leaders

-Outdoor First Aid Band 3, Emergency Paediatric First Aid  including AED training

-Outdoor Food Safety In Catering Level 2

-Designated Safeguarding Leaders

-Enhanced DBS

-NVQ Levels 2 & 3 Early Years and childcare (Tania)

-Advanced GNVQ in Health & Social care

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and of course busy parents to two beautiful daughters.

Do you cook food onsite?

 Yes! We love to cook over our wonderful fire pit. However cooking depends on the session and age of attendees. We cater for personal choices, allergies and what is really yummy on a fire.

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We are very proud that in May 2022 we achieved a food hygiene rating of 5 (the highest possible rating). 

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