6 week course of parent & toddler group inspired by Forest School ethos. Starts Tuesday and runs for 6 /sessions.

I/formation from our handbook below

1: Introduction to Forest School Stay ‘N Play Forest School inspired toddler groups are a holistic experience for exploration, learning and development in a natural setting. Forest Fun Stay ‘N Play aims to deliver sessions where the participant can grow, developing interests, personality, friendships and self-esteem. Forest Fun can encourage the child’s social skills and emotional intelligence as well as another platform for cognitive and creative learning. These opportunities can deepen family bonds and relationships when taking part in activities together. As Forest Fun Stay ‘N Play suggests, parents and carers are encouraged to join in the fun whilst being able to allow the children to take age appropriate, developmental risks. If there is an activity that you feel uncomfortable with, do not hesitate to share your feelings with the group and leader. A forest school type toddler group canbemuddy, wet, exciting and informative. Holistic development is the development of the child entirely. The connection with themselves, nature and others, their cognitive development, their creativity, confidence and social skills. It is self-directed and cannot be achieved until the child is ready. Forest Fun can promote holistic development by engaging children with the outdoors, connecting them to their environment and offering small achievable tasks to boost their confidence in their own abilities. It is a stimulating environment that offers time to play, reflect and experiment as well as develop personal interests that are not influenced by peers or media. Importantly Forest Fun is child-led so each child can develop holistically at their own pace, with a high adult to child ratio and a Leader who is trained to support and watch the children grow. Forest Fun promotes: ● Creativity ● Social Skills ● Physical Activity ● Personal Interests ● Cognitive Development ● Self Esteem ● Emotional Intelligence

2. What might we do at Forest Fun Stay ‘N Play? Forest School inspired sessions are varied. They are diverse, with some pre-planned activities that may or may not happen depending on the group and it’sindividuals. Sessionsallowchildren autonomy and try out their own ideas. Some activities might include: ● Shelter building ● Fire lighting ● Tool use ● Studying wildlife ● Playing team and group games ● Sensory activities ● Tracking games ● Cooking on an open fire

Two Little Acorns Workshops & Forest School Handbook for Schools, Groups and Individual Participants. 2016

● Using a Kelly Kettle ● Rope and string work ● Art and sculpture work ● Woodland and traditional craft ● Developing stories and drama, and meeting imaginary characters ● Physical movement activities ● Water ● Mud ● Tree Climbing

3: Course Structure Each session will be structured in the sample session below and each week will have the option of creating or making something to take home. Session plan Number of sessions: 6 Session #: Welcome Activities: ● Fire Circle/Intro/Name Game ● Craft ● Games/Songs/Stories ● Free Play ● Fire Circle/Refreshments/Reflection Learning Outcome: Confidence, Understanding, Exploration, Cognitive Development, Imagination, Social Skills, Physical Development, Creativity, Problem Solving.

4: Clothing Appropriate clothing is important for safety as well as being able to enjoy the outdoors.Woodlands can vary in temperature so be mindful about what is worn. Long trousers can protect legs from stings and scrapes. Clothing may become muddy and damaged. Clothing list: ● Waterproof trousers ● Waterproof coat, with a hood. ● Long sleeved top ● Full length trousers ● Warm boots/Wellies (line wellies in the winter) ● Warm Socks, and a spare pair ● Gloves and Woolly hat – Cold weather ● Sun hat: that fits well to ensure good visibility

5: Hygiene/Toileting/ ● Hand wash will be offered at the site. ● Toilets may not be onsite, a visit to the nearest will be offered before the start of the session. If toileting is needed during the session a secluded tree will be pointed.

6: Cooking Campfire cooking such as marshmallow toasting may be offered during sessions. If any participants have allergies this needs to be highlighted on the consent form. Hand wash will be offered before and after any activity involving food handling. Any foods to be used will be storage safely in a sealed container and any preparations will be done before the session.

8: Participants Promise As we are going to play in nature, we need to agree as a group to a code of conduct. Participants need to ensure the safety of the group and the environment. ● Entering the Woods - As we step into the woods we are alert and respectful. We do not want to upset the habitat we are enjoying nor any fellow peers at Forest School and we want to care for the space we are using. ● Boundaries - During the session brief, children will be made aware of the Forest School boundaries and encouraged to stay within the marked area. Children are allowed freedom of movement around the site enabling them to explore independently within age appropriate/pre-set boundaries. Parents/carers accept responsibility for the child/ren. ● Fire Circle - An open fire will be lit within a fire triangle. A seated area may be around the perimeter. No running is permitted through the fire circle. To move around the fire it is advised to walk around the perimeter to another seat. ● Using Tools - Tools will be available to use appropriately, using suitable PPE and under supervision. Ropes and string are for use in activities/play. Tying up peers is not permitted. ● Sticks & Stones -Children can transport stones and care must be taken to lift correctly from the knees, avoiding injury during placement. Sticks may be carried. Sticks longer than an arm must be dragged to avoid injury to others. Respect for the environment needs to be mindful.

● Collecting wood - Building bug hotels, dens and fire lighting requires children to collect wood. Please do not burn rotting wood as mini-beats may live inside. ● Food - No foods foraged/found are to be consumed unless prearranged by the Forest School Leader. No fungi are to be disturbed. Own snacks can be brought but please take any litter home with you and be mindful of offering other children foods in case of allergies. ● Toilets - Where possible children will be encouraged to use toilets nearby to the Forest School site during the session brief. During the Forest School session there will be a designated toileting spot, where paper and hand washing will be available. ● Climbing -Where possible children are encouraged to climb under supervision. The activity will be risk assessed, area checked for sharp objects and unsafe branches. The supervising adult should be aware and able to prevent a child falling without interfering in the activity. ● Leaving the Site - We want everyone to enjoy their time at Forest Fun and leave the site with no rubbish. Everyone is to leave respecting the environment and their peers.

9: Directions to the site We have use of a lovely deciduous woodland based in Llanrhos. With a mix of mature Oaks, Sycamores, Birch and Ash, the ecology is enriched and play opportunities are plenty. Buses stop near the site and parking is available on the main road. We meet at the park behind the Llanrhos Old School Community Centre, a few minutes before the session start time. Address of the Community Centre: 3 Cae Rhos, Llanrhos, Llandudno LL30 1RW

10: Emergency Procedures The full handbook of Two Little Acorns policies and procedures will be found on site.