Are you open in all weathers?

Yes, except in excessively high winds. We still open if possible but use the field or Leigh scout hut (if available) – we may need to prioritise places on these days for children whose parents need to go to work.

 

Are there toilets on site?

We have 2 children’s compost toilets, 2 urinals and 1 adult compost toilet on each site.

We also have a nappy changing area, potties and training seats.

Children do not need to be toilet trained in order to attend.

 

Do you have handwashing facilities?

Yes, each site has a handwashing station. Staff bring in flasks of hot water and we have camping barrels of cold water at each site too. Children wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. We use an eco-friendly soap and paper towels.

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How do we keep children safe? 

Both sites are surrounded by a fence and we enter the site via a gate which is locked during the day.  

Children are taught the importance of staying inside the fence at all times.  

Before children join us, parents are sent a transition document with photos of the site, including the boundary fence, fire circle rope, berries and fungi which they can share with their children.  

We have robust emergency procedures in place which are practised regularly with the children.  

If you feel that your child may not understand our safety rules and may climb over the fence you need to discuss your concerns with Nadia or Suzi so we can assess whether our setting is the right one for your child. We have robust safety and security procedures in place including excellent ratios but we do not have the capacity to offer 1-1 supervision.  

 

How well do children transition into school?

We believe that the most important qualities a child needs when they start school is self-confidence, being physically able, to interact with other children, able to listen and follow instructions, to communicate their needs and ideas, to be independent and have a thirst for learning. 

Children who attend Rain or Shine will develop all of these skills before they start school.  

We receive very positive feedback from reception teachers each year about how capable and independent the children are who have attended forest school. 

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Can children attend forest school alongside another early years setting? 

Depending on the family circumstances some children may need to attend an additional early years setting that offer longer opening hours or all year round childcare to cover parents’ work commitments.  

However, it is not necessary for a child to attend another early years setting to prepare them for school, or to make friends with children they may go to school with. Children who attend forest school develop the skills to be independent, confident, curious, ready for their journey into school.  

So please consider the reason why you want to enrol at another setting to ensure it’s in your child’s best interest. Some children cope well attending different settings but others may struggle and take longer to settle in at one or both settings.  

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