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Forest Kindergarten Parent Information

 

Forest Foxes  kindergarten offers the opportunity for children to explore and enjoy the freedom and the changing environment of the great outdoors. We believe in the growing recognition and research that supports the benefits this brings: increased self-esteem, building resilience, independence, curiosity, team building and risk-taking. 

 

A Typical Forest Kindergarten Childcare Session

The children will be dropped off with the childminder, Susan or Becky, that they are registered wit. We then drive or walk to our meeting point and walk as a group from there.  On arrival we will do a risk assessment of the area and set up boundary markings. We will set up our base and chat about our ideas and aims for the session.  Our sessions will usually start and end with a game or song. We will then pack up and head back to the childminders house for pick up.

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Settling In

When you make an inquiry  we can chat over your child's likes and interests and you can ask all the questions you may have. This can be facet-to-face outdoors or over a zoom call or telephone call. If you decide to make a booking your child will be registered with either Susan or Becky who  will gather information about your child including: contact, medical and development information as well as personal likes and dislikes so that I can ensure your child is happy and settled at Forest Foxes.

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Booking

It is the regular visiting to the same or small variety of outdoor spaces that provides the best learning experience; children gain confidence in their surroundings, develop ideas of play and see their space change with the seasons. This is in line with the Forest School ethos and principles which we follow. For this reason I would encourage a weekly session for at least one term but ideally as on ongoing activity in the child’s weekly routine.

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This Term's Dates

Follow school term dates 

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Fees

Fees are paid four weeks in advance;  childcare vouchers and tax-free childcare payment accepted.

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Policies

Foxes have policies and procedures that cover the following topics: clothing, toileting, weather, first aid, accident and medical policy. It would be greatly appreciated if you could take time to look through these prior to your child starting. 

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​Clothing Policy:

Children are happy if they are warm and dry so having the right clothing for outdoor play is vital. Clothes that can get muddy (very muddy) and wet are perfect. Long sleeves and trousers should be worn even in summer, to protect them from sun, scratches and insect bites. 

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Each child should have a small backpack with the following: spare gloves and socks, water bottle, nappies and wipes if needed, any medication they need. 

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Good waterproof trousers, jacket and gloves can be borrowed similar to these for a deposit of £30. https://www.muddypuddles.com/ has a good range.

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Winter Clothing 

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The general rule is to wear lots of layers which can be removed if needed. Children require: 

• Sturdy boots (waterproof walking boots or warm wellies) 

• Waterproof jacket and trousers or an all-in-one suit 

• Warm hat 

• Ideally waterproof gloves, not mittens 

• Thermal underwear 

• Long-sleeved t-shirt/shirt 

• Jumper/fleece 

• (spare gloves and socks) 

 

Summer Clothing 

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• Wellies or hard shoes 

• Sun hat 

• Sun cream applied before session 

• Lightweight long-sleeved top 

• Lightweight long trousers 

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Toileting Policy:

​Please encourage your child to use the toilet or have a clean nappy before drop off. For young age groups, we will set up a portable potty and shelter for toileting and nappy changing. For older groups, we have a portable toilet and shelter or a spade. Warm water, soap and paper towels or hand wipes will be used for hand hygiene. 

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Poor Weather and Shelter policy:

​Outdoor sessions will go ahead in all weather conditions with a few exceptions: 

• ​Strong winds that make woodland and outdoor areas hazardous for use due to falling debris. 

• When it is dangerous to get to our location by foot due to snow, flooding or ice etc. 

• Very wet cold conditions where hypothermia is a real possibility. Exposure to the elements is part of the magic of nature and therefore an integral part of the forest school and kindergarten experience. 

 

​Trees provide good rain cover and sun cover, however in wet weather a shelter will be erected out of tarpaulins. Tarpaulins will also be used for sitting on and some activities. 

 

First Aid:

​Susan has a valid first-aid certificate in outdoor and pediatric first aid; all other childminders will have a pediatric and young person first aid qualification.​

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Travel:

We may use the childminder's own car for travel; the correct car seat will always be used.

 

Any Other Information:

If there is something additional you would like to know please email: info.forestfoxes@gmail.com

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