How I Intend To Return To Forest School Following The 2020 Pandemic

Today, I’m going to be addressing the measures that will be in place for my return to Forest School following the pandemic and it may provide an interesting reference for fellow practitioners.

So how do I intend to get the session back up and running following what’s just happened?

I’ve split it down into 5 key areas;

Pre session

Drop off and pick up

The session — food and drink

Procedures for unwell children

What is required from parents.

Pre session;

So booking will be undertaken through the booking portal. Here parents will be asked some further questions regarding COVID 19 due to guidance from the government. Don’t panic they’re not an exam.

The session will run over the summer period from 09:00–15:00 with a limit of 12 children per session and all attending children will be booked on for a full day. Half day options will not be present.

The reason being that it increases the safety of all children if the same group members are maintained throughout the day, in the famed ‘bubble’ type approach.

Block booking is recommended, however for some families this may not be possible and therefore is not compulsory. There will be a discount for those that choose this method also.

Also during booking, parents will need to self declare that they have read our operational policy. That is done by confirming a booking.

Drop off and pick up;

Parents are respectfully, not like they wouldn’t, to follow the following protocols at these times.

Only one parent is permitted to accompany a child for drop-off and collection, with families maintaining the 2 metre distance if they arrive at the same time as other families.

Parents will be asked to drop off and pick up as swiftly as possible with a small amount of time for handover information.

If they need to pass on a lot of information or would like to speak for longer about their child, it is advised parents message or call the Forest School leader at a convenient time.

By attending, parents are self declaring that they, their child and household are symptom free. If there is even the smallest chance, parents are advised to take a moment to stop themselves. Complete refunds will be provided to those families unable to make the session on these grounds.

At drop off and just before pick up children will be asked to use child friendly hand sanitiser.

Another super important thing to mention at this moment is that if and when , more than likely, children see their friends or someone they know who is attending at this time they will no doubt want embrace or become in close contact with that person.

It is my opinion that they will not be stopped or prevented from interacting or hugging. Let me absolutely stress and be in no doubt when I say that this contact is paramount for their mental wellbeing and development!

The embrace will last for only a few short moments and if it was to go on beyond 5 minutes then there would be a need for re direction of their attention, admittedly.

However children need this more than we can imagine.

Their worlds became flipped literally upside down overnight 14 weeks ago with very little understanding why.

How we react now at this moment is crucial for their future and mental health.

With all the research and all the evidence, children are so much less likely to contract the virus and following this embrace the fresh air will dissipate the virus, if it is on their clothing.

To be extra sure each child will be given some hand sanitizer to wash their hands with.

The same can be said for the role of the Forest School leader.

During a session they are a caregiver and in my opinion should not hesitate to comfort, support or ensure the wellbeing of the children that attend, if they should need it.

I make no secret of that.

To sound my own trumpet, that’s what makes me so good at my job and why families trust me and the business. Children’s health and wellbeing comes first and foremost and that is what Forest School is about.

The session — food and drink;

The session will run in much the same way as normal, through the medium of child led play.

The only difference is that the Forest School leader shall be running a tiny bit less and sanitizing common surfaces more.

Obviously not the trees or natural materials, but things like the table and portable toilet facilities if they are present.

Again, as mentioned just a moment ago children’s play may get close and once again it should not be prevented, for the same reasons outlined above. Once again if the embrace last longer than 5 minutes then there would be that need to re-direct.

With regard to food and drink communal cooking is, as before lockdown suspended until probably September or beyond just to mitigate all potential comeback.

Children should ensure they have a full and hearty packed lunch and a water bottle. The Forest leader should make provision to be able to refill these with water as many times as they need.

Food should not be shared, why would you anyway, but it will be ever closely monitored. Emergency rations should be carried incase of just that an emergency, but these will be wrapped in their packaging and stored safely.

Procedures for unwell children;

So what happens if someone becomes unwell with Covid 19 symptoms at the session. Well they will be sent home, much like any other illness. While awaiting collection they will be moved away from others, but kept close to the Forest School leader, again maintaining their mental wellbeing.

On return home that child and their family will need to self-isolate for 7 days and will need to request a COVID-19 test. From 1st June these will be available to all key worker staff and to children attending school.

· Families who need to test children need to call 111 to arrange their children’s test — requesting their results via text.

· Under 5’s cannot use the 111 online coronavirus service but can be tested using 111 as a call service.

If the test is negative the child can come back to Forest School as soon as symptoms disappear. If they test positive, they must self-isolate with their family for 14 days.

If any child or staff member tests positive within the setting, anyone from that group (no more than 12 children ) will need to self-isolate for 14 days. Families will be notified and advised.

In this instance Eco Ed Forest School will contact ll families personally and Public Health England to discuss the case.

Lastly,

What is required from parents;

If any family members are unwell, they should not chance it.

Families are to provide their child with a healthy packed meals and their own water bottle, full of water. Nutrition is key to maintaining a healthy immune system.

Families should not send any toys from home with their child.

Families should wipe down waterproofs daily and to change children into different clothing when they return home, placing that days clothing in the wash.

Parents are asked to also apply long lasting suncream and insect repellent to their child before they arrive at Forest School. Staff will encourage each child to re-apply this themselves but will be there to assist where a child may need help. Staff will be provided with PPE for this.

These are the main consideration in my mind when planning for a return to Forest School . I hope this has provided some thoughts to ponder.

You’re Just One Session Away…