HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

Nature of Learning Health and Safety Policy

Updated by Sarah Alington 09/2024 Due for review 09/2025

Health and Safety of the children, staff and visitors is our primary concern. While the Forest School Leaders of Nature of Learning are responsible for the day-to-day safe running with a duty of care for the children, ALL adults are required to take all reasonable steps to ensure children and adults are safe. All facilitators involved in the sessions have access to activity plans and risk assessments associated with specific activities and children, as well as overarching risk assessments being available to all in our handbook via our website, and in paper form upon request.

Nature of Learning is committed to ensuring the Health, Safety and Welfare of its staff team and it will, so far as is reasonably practicable, establish procedures and systems necessary to implement this commitment and to comply with its statutory obligations on Health and Safety.

For Nature of Learning to run Safely all FSF’s will.

Ensure that at least one qualified first aider is on site at all times.

Establish and maintain a safe and healthy environment.

Follow policy and practice found in the Handbook.

Make sure all adults on site have knowledge of all guidelines.

Ensure that all adults are familiar with all emergency procedures, reporting and recording.

Make and share risk assessments for activities, equipment, children, features of site etc, updating this as appropriate.

Ensure that volunteers are aware of their responsibilities towards the children.

Fully investigate any accidents and use information for future risk assessments.
Make sure all safety equipment is in good working order.

The Lead Practitioners are responsible for the maintenance of the first aid kits and any tools that are used on site.

Nature of Learning is committed to ensuring that all setting practices are carried out within the requirements of the Health and Safety and Work Act 1974 and the Management of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1999.

Nature of Learning recognises that a systematic approach to health and safety, based on risk assessment procedures and will provide and maintain a healthy and safe working environment with the objective of minimising the number of instances of occupational accidents, incidents and illnesses.

Nature of Learning is committed to:

Maintaining the workplace in a safe condition and providing adequate facilities and arrangements for welfare at work.
Developing the appropriate setting structure and culture, that supports the concept of risk management by all members of the staff team.
The provision and maintenance of equipment and systems of work which are safe.
Arrangements for ensuring safety to health in connection with the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances.

The provision of such information, instructions, training and supervision, as is necessary to ensure the health and safety at work of its employees and other persons.
Continual monitoring and evaluation of health and safety requirements in line with current legislation, including the review of all policies and practices to ensure that Nature of Learning continues to improve standards of performance.

Nature of Learning also recognises its duty to protect the health and safety of all visitors to the Forest School, including contractors, temporary workers and members of the public who might be affected by the Forest School’s work operations.

This policy will be issued to all staff as part of the induction process and available at all times on site and on the website.

It is the responsibility of all staff, parents/carers and visitors to adhere to this policy.

Responsibility

While Nature of Learning will take all reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of the staff team, health and safety at work is also the responsibility of the facilitators themselves.

It is the duty of each team member to take reasonable care of their own and other people’s health, safety, and welfare and to report any situation which may pose a serious or imminent threat to the well-being of themselves or of any other person.

It is the responsibility of all members of staff to ensure that health and safety regulations are adhered to and that the health and safety of the children and other members of staff are not compromised in any way.

It is the responsibility of the Lead Practitioner to ensure that the health and safety of the setting as a whole remains within legislative requirements and that the health and safety of all setting users, including children, staff and parents and carers is not compromised in any way.

If a team member is unsure how to perform a certain task or feels it would be dangerous to perform a specific job or use specific equipment, then it is that team member’s duty to report this as soon as possible to the Lead Practitioner.

Alternatively, a team member may, if they prefer, invoke the Forest School’s formal complaints procedure.

Risk Management, Assessments, Benefit analysis

The 5-step approach to risk assessment for all activities:

Look out for hazards.
Decide who may be harmed and how.
Evaluate the risks and decide whether existing controls are adequate or whether more should be done.
Record findings, including daily amendments to standing risk assessments based on site assessments and observations.
Review assessments on a regular basis (or if circumstances change, which may affect the rigour of the assessment) and revise if necessary.

FSL’s and Nature of Learning Lead Practitioners will.

Carry out and record site, activity and child risk assessments in advance of sessions
carry out and record daily on-site checks prior to a day’s activities, as near to the start of the activity as is reasonably practicable
Complete an Activity Risk/benefit assessment for every activity to be undertaken at Forest School if not already covered in main risk assessment document.
Continue to dynamically risk assess all activity on site and stop activities or make changes if considered appropriate
Ensure all staff and volunteer helpers have read the relevant Site and Activity risk assessments prior to the session.
Stop activities, if in the opinion of the Forest School Leader, weather conditions such as high winds or the threat of electrical storms make practice unsafe.
Inform staff, volunteers and children of potential hazards and methods of working in order to minimise their risk further.
Involve staff, volunteers, and children in risk assessment, as appropriate, as part of learning.
Ensure legal guidelines, adequate insurance and parental permissions are met.
Ensure that all staff, volunteers, and children are aware of the emergency procedures for the Forest School site.
Be responsible for teaching children adequate skills in order to keep themselves safe, particularly in relation to the use of hand tools and fire.
Ensure children and adults will have access to drinking water during sessions.

Supervision Requirements

Children are supervised at all times whilst in the setting. Nature of Learning uses three levels of supervision dependent upon the activities that are taking place and the location that they are occurring.

Constant Supervision: Being with the children at all times, actively supporting them using a physical presence or playing with them directly. This level of supervision is most often required when the children are playing high-risk games or using equipment or materials that have a high-risk assessment.
General Supervision: Being in vicinity of the children but not having an active part in their play, being on hand to support if the children require help or guidance. Being on hand to respond to play cues and observant of the behaviour of the children. This is the most common form of supervision and allows for an overview of the play setting, most commonly used with play activities that have a medium level of risk.
Low Supervision: Keeping a watchful eye on the children from a distance and making sure that they are playing safely but freely. Keeping an overview of what the children are doing whilst not interfering. This is most commonly used with low -risk activities.

Daily Site Risk Assessment

Before a session begins, a Daily Site Check is carried out, either by Nature of Learning Leader or another Forest School Facilitator.

This includes a sweep of all areas used, to ensure that there are no changes to the site which could cause harm. For example, loose branches after high winds. Following the Daily Site Risk Assessment, the Nature of Learning leader will carry out anything that is needed to make the site safe (e.g., remove any hazards, mark off any unsafe areas). At the same time, they will consider specific circumstances which make it appropriate to cancel a Forest School Session.

Activity Risk Assessment

When planning activities for Forest Schools, any hazards associated with that activity, that are at risk of causing harm, should be considered. These should be recorded in a Risk Assessment with suitable control measures taken to control and minimise the risk. Due to the nature of Forest Schools the children may come up with a new activity during a session and therefore reasonable steps will be taken to ensure the activity is safe and any new activities or necessary changes will be added to the Risk Assessment document.

Risk Assessments

All Risk Assessments are kept securely and able to be accessed by FSL’s and other interested parties.

Child Protection / Safeguarding

All members of staff will receive training in child protection as part of their induction training.

All members of staff are instructed in the specific procedure for Nature of Learning, especially as regards to disclosures and suspicions of child abuse. (See the Safeguarding Policy for further information).

Accident & Emergency

In the event of an accident and emergency, one person stays with the injured child, one remains with the other children. A first aid assessment is made by a qualified first aider and appropriate medical attention is sought as quickly as possible.

All staff, volunteers and participants will be briefed by the Nature of Learning Leader on what to do in the case of an emergency.

The whistle will be blown as a signal to stop what you are doing, gather with a member of staff, and wait for instructions. The Nature of Learning Leader will assess the situation, the nature and extent of the injury/accident. They will ensure the rest of the group are safe from danger and adequately supervised.

An accident form will be completed later. A RIDDOR record will be created, along with an Accident report for any death, serious injury or 7 day injury.

https://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/report.htm

RIDDOR - Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013

In the event of an injury

If anyone sustains an injury or illness which cannot be treated by first aid on site and requires medical assistance:

In serious cases, the Emergency Services will be contacted (see below). The Nature of Learning Leader will contact the family.

The rest of the group will be supervised away from the incident and if in danger, will be moved to safety.

An adult will meet the ambulance on arrival and direct the crew to the incident site.

If the injured party is taken to hospital, either the parent (if on site) or one member of staff will go with them, and the injured party’s emergency contact will be updated about the situation by a Forest School Leader
In minor cases, the Nature of Learning Leader will arrange to contact the injured party’s emergency contact so that they can be collected and taken to hospital, doctor or home – as appropriate.

Emergency Contact Numbers:

Ambulance/Fire Brigade = 999

Requesting attendance by Emergency Services

Dial 999 and ask for ambulance or fire brigade. Be ready with the following information:

Site post code – CB10 2HG

Grid reference: 52.049820, 0.380135

What 3 Words: pigtails.charcoal.horses

First Aid

The first aid red rucksack is visible and accessible at all times

The Forest School lead practitioners will ensure this is adequately stocked and replenished.

All accidents are recorded with details of the treatment given.

The leader will also ensure a mobile phone is available and in working order at each session.

All members of staff are required to obtain a paediatric first aid qualification when qualifying as FSL’s. In addition, all members of staff are instructed in the correct procedures for dealing with accidents and incidents including completion of documentation.

All staff are made aware of the First Aid rucksack, and of where additional First Aid supplies are stored. Emergency medication, such as epi-pens, must be stored out of reach of children, but easily accessible to staff.

Accident/incident forms should be completed as soon as is safe to do so. The procedure for such events is:

all accidents / incidents are recorded by the member of staff who witnessed the event.
Parents/carers/guardians are notified.
The Lead Practitioner/s will review accident/ incident forms on a monthly basis, in order to implement any further actions or highlight any trends or problem areas.

Administration of Medications

All administration of medications is carried out by the child’s parent or carer, with the exception of emergency medications which are required when a parent/carer is not on site.

Emergency medications such as asthma inhalers or epi pens must be made known to the Forest School Lead Practitioner/s and stored in a safe but accessible location. Emergency medications are given by a First Aid trained member of staff, in accordance with prescription instructions on the medication. Dose and administration is checked and observed by a 2nd member of staff and a record of this is made. If an emergency medication is given, medical attention is also sought in line with the First Aid section of this policy, and parents are informed as soon as is practicable.

Illnesses

Nature of Learning uses guidance from Public Health England (PHE) to determine the exclusion guidance for contagious illnesses.

If a child becomes unwell during the course of the session, members of staff will ensure that the child is comfortable but does not pose any risk to the other children in the setting. The member of staff will contact the child's parent/carer and observe the child closely until they are collected.

Sickness

any child who has had diarrhoea or vomited (for any reason) should not attend sessions until 48 hours have passed since last episode of sickness it diarrhoea.

Personal Hygiene

All members of staff and children are encouraged to maintain an acceptable level of personal hygiene.

Maintenance and Storage of Equipment

Nature of Learning has a wide variety of equipment and materials that are used by the children in the course of their play and enjoyment at the setting. All equipment is is checked by a Lead Practitioner to ensure it is safe for use when newly acquired and at the start of each session or period of use.

All equipment is well maintained and checked on a regular basis to ensure that it presents no risk to the health and safety of the children. Equipment and materials which do pose a hazard, but which have an evidenced benefit for the development of children are used in accordance with appropriately recorded risk assessments and are stored securely after /between use/s.

The Woodland Site

The woodland that Nature of Learning operates from is privately owned. Internal audits are completed regularly by Lead Practitioners, with advice sought from Tree Surgeons in the form of regular surveys and for additional issues arising, in line with risk assessments and insurance requirements. Site checks are carried out each day to ensure that there are no risks or hazards that would compromise the health and safety of the children, parents and carers or staff.

The footpath and churchyard access are checked daily before sessions and any issues are reported to the church wardens or local authorities as appropriate, with alternative routes to site used if required.

At the end of the session members of staff ensure that the premises are left clean, safe and tidy.

Smoking

Nature of Learning operates a strict no smoking policy, this means that there is no smoking at any time on any part of the site.

Any adult wishing to smoke is required to leave the site and remain out of sight of the children in order to do so. Staff may not smoke during their working times.

The no smoking policy also applies to parents, carers, and visitors to the setting. Nature of Learning has this policy in the best interests of the children and staff.

Accident Reporting & Investigation (RIDDOR)

All injuries sustained by a person at work must be reported to the Lead Practitioner and recorded on an accident form. Accident records are crucial to the effective monitoring of health and safety procedures and must therefore be accurate and comprehensive. Lead Practitioners will inspect the accident forms on a regular basis with any necessary action being taken to prevent a recurrence of the problem.

Managers will investigate any accidents if necessary, and the appropriate enforcing authority will be notified under the Reporting of Injuries Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR), where necessary.

Cooking- including food hygiene

Everyone who prepares or cooks food for other people have Food Hygiene level 2 Certificates.

Everyone involved in Nature of Learning should be involved in food safety and follow the food hygiene rules as follows:

Wash hands before and during cooking

Not handle food if they are ill with stomach problems, such as diarrhoea or vomiting

Cover sores and cuts with a waterproof dressing

Avoid handling food when possible, and instead use spoons, tongs or other suitable implements.

Tie hair back if appropriate

Keep food that is waiting to be cooked separate from food that is ready to be eaten.

Prepare food on a suitable surface, e.g. chopping board, cup, saucepan and not on the ground.

Ensure food is cooked thoroughly before serving.

Food should be cooked right through and piping hot in the middle.

Not reheat food more than once

Keep utensils clean and regularly wash tea towels and cloths.

Store food in clean plastic containers with non-leaking lids

Take all rubbish and food scraps away at the end of the session to avoid attracting vermin to the site.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

COSHH is the law that requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health and includes nanomaterials. Prevent or reduce workers' exposure to hazardous substances by finding out what the health hazards are; deciding how to prevent harm to health (risk assessment).

Nature of Learning has a duty under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 to prevent staff from coming into contact with substances hazardous to health.

Chemicals and Material: It is Nature of Learning policy to, wherever possible; avoid the use of substances that have the risk of being hazardous to health. Safety data sheets under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) or Chemical Hazard Information Packaging (CHIP) information supplied by manufacturers will be held on file for all substances and available for staff reference purposes and risk assessment. Staff who use these chemicals and materials have the duty of care to make themselves aware of the potential hazard, contradictions, and treatments.

Measures and Provisions:

We have conducted a risk assessment in relation to all substances used on our premises and concluded that no substance presents a high risk.

The majority of substances used on site are of domestic standard for household use and therefore do not present any threat to health and are safe to use.

The Forest School has general hygiene measures in place, together with the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) to further ensure the safety of employees.

Cleaning substances are of domestic standard.
All substances are correctly stored in clearly labelled containers.
Cleaning substances are safely stored out of reach of children and in the shed
Adequate washing facilities are available
PPE Aprons and rubber gloves are provided where required.
All waste products, including medical waste is disposed of safely in accordance with statutory regulations.
For any hazardous substances brought onto site, COSHH information sheets will be accessible to all staff (in shed lockbox) and provide information such as:

Product name, Ingredients, First Aid information and Safety requirements.

FireLighting

Nature of Learning Forest School Leaders are qualified and trained regarding the correct way to construct and light a fire.

Safety and Responsibility

A Fire Blanket, bucket of water and Burns kit are sited close to the campfire.

Only adults are permitted to light fires, unless children are under the direct supervision of the Nature of Learning Leader

Fires are lit using natural tinder or materials assessed as safe for use by the Forest School Lead, such as natural fire lighters, cotton wool and vaseline.

No flammable liquids are to be used to accelerate fires.

No plastics are to be burnt.
Only wood assessed as safe and appropriate for burning by the Forest School leader will be used on the fire

If sessions involve children adding fuel to the fire, this must be done with one-to-one adult supervision.

Sticks/wood must be placed, not thrown, from the side of the fire.
A hand should never go near the fire.
Fire proof gloves are available at all times
All adults and children are required to come down to a low and stable position when around the fire – this will be demonstrated and reminded by Forest School Lead

Extinguishing

Whenever possible, all fuels should be burnt off to ash.

The Nature of Learning Leader should ensure that any large remains of wood, especially when using logs, are separated from one another.

At the end of the session, the fire must be doused down with water using a watering can and rose and stirred until all smoke and steam has ceased.

Large build ups of potash, from several fires, needs to be removed from site. This must only be done when it has totally cooled, preferably the following day.

Manual Handling / Tools

The Nature of Learning Leader is responsible for overseeing safe use and maintenance of all tools.

Knives are kept in a locked box unless being used directly and blades are covered by sheaths. Other sharp tools are kept out of reach and locked away in the Shed when not in use. The Nature of Learning leader is responsible for the safekeeping of all tools

The Nature of Learning leader ensures PPE is used when necessary eg gloves

Detailed Risk Assessments are completed for all activities involving the use of tools.

Welfare including clothing, PPE, toileting

Clothing policy

We advise every season on appropriate clothing. Participants are encouraged to provide and wear clothing which will protect them from extremes of heat or cold, keep them covered to reduce the likelihood of cuts and scrapes, that fits appropriately for comfort. Children and parents/carers are encouraged to think about the usefulness of their clothing for outdoor activities, and to be aware they are likely to take some of our mud home with them after a session. In the forest it can often be cooler than expected under the shade of the trees and prolonged periods outdoors require additional clothing considerations. Forest School Leaders will work with children and their parents to support the wearing of appropriate clothing when on site. Where barriers to this exist, such as for a child with sensory differences, additional support will be given and alternatives will be suggested and made available where possible. In the event that a child or adult is considered by the Forest School Lead to be unsafe due to their clothing eg in extreme cold or wet, then they may need to leave the session early or in extreme circumstances to miss a session, if all other possibilities have been exhausted.

Nature of Learning leaders carry items of spare clothing in the shed which can be borrowed by participants as necessary.

Welfare - Toilet Policy

The Compost Tree bog toilet is available on site at all times. If children are able, they will escort themselves to the toilet. If support is required, this will be given by a DBS checked member of staff and the Forest School lead will also be informed.

In the event that a child has a toileting accident on site, support will be offered as required by a DBS checked member of staff and the Forest School Lead Practitioner will be informed, as will parents upon collection. Gloves will be work as appropriate to prevent cross contamination of bodily fluids