Health & Safety Policy

We will establish and maintain a safe and healthy environment by:

• Establishing, maintaining and evaluating appropriate procedures, policies and risk benefit assessments.
• Ensure the provision of sufficient information and instruction for everyone in The Patch team so they can contribute to their own health and safety and that of the children/families they are working with.
• Establish and be familiar with, all emergency procedures including the reporting and recording of incidents.
• Ensure that The Patch team are first aid trained.
• Accidents should only be dealt with by the The Patch team or a qualified first aider and recorded appropriately in line with our standard procedure.
• Investigate any accidents and use information gathered to inform future risk assessments and policy reviews.
• The Patch team is to take control of any emergencies and will follow the emergency procedure action plan.
• Ensure that all equipment is in good working order and is used appropriately.
• To ensure the safety of the visitors to The Patch throughout their session.
• The Patch team are responsible for the maintenance of the first aid kit, and any tools brought into the session.
• To carry out risk assessments and benefits of the forest school location, sharing all information with the other adults.
• To assist with the toileting of children if they request help or support staff to do so.
• To ensure all forest school policies are regularly reviewed and that reviews are informed by observations and developing knowledge of the forest school setting.
• To follow the forest school principles and criteria for good practice set out by www.forestschoolassociation.org

Responsibilities of accompanying staff and forest school volunteers

• To take an active role in forest school activities and assist with any behavioural issues within the group.
• Be vigilant to ensure the health and safety requirements are met.
• Inform the forest school leader of any problems that occur as soon as possible.