legal bits, t&c's and processes

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We are a female-only nurturing forest school specialising in the social, physical, and emotional enrichment of girls.

Blending the ethics and ethos of a nurture unit with the benefits, setting, and values of a forest school, we place the wellbeing of the whole child at the heart of everything we do.

Our mission is to foster:

• Movement – encouraging strength, balance, and freedom in body and mind
   
• Resilience – developing confidence, courage, and adaptability
   
• Communication – building positive relationships and self-expression
   
• Connection – nurturing bonds with self, others, and the natural world
   

Each session includes bite-sized segments of yoga, meditation, craft, and group discussion, woven together to create a rich, balanced, and supportive experience.

We are committed to teaching girls the skills of centering, slowing down, and self-nurture, while creating a safe space to flourish.

We welcome girls aged 5–11 years, whether in home education or mainstream schooling, to grow wild, wise, and well with us.

We are a male-only nurturing forest school specialising in the social, physical, and emotional enrichment of boys.

Combining the ethics and ethos of a nurture unit with the benefits, setting, and values of a forest school, we place the wellbeing of the whole child at the centre of every session.

Our mission is to inspire:

• Strength – building physical confidence, coordination, and resilience
   
• Courage – encouraging self-belief, bravery, and positive risk-taking
   
• Expression – supporting communication, creativity, and emotional awareness
   
• Belonging – fostering connection with peers, mentors, and the natural world
   

Each session includes bite-sized segments of yoga, meditation, craft, and group discussion, carefully designed to meet the unique needs of boys in a safe and supportive environment.

We are committed to teaching boys how to regulate their emotions, channel their energy positively, and connect with themselves and others in meaningful ways.

We welcome boys aged 5–11 years, whether in home education or mainstream schooling, to learn, play, and grow together in nature.

At The Willow Tree Forest School, the safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. We are committed to creating a nurturing, safe, and supportive environment where children can explore, learn, and thrive.

We follow all relevant UK safeguarding laws, regulations, and statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and Working Together to Safeguard Children.

• All staff and volunteers undergo enhanced DBS checks before working with children.
   
• Staff receive regular safeguarding training to ensure they remain up to date with procedures and responsibilities.
   
• We have clear policies and procedures for safeguarding, child protection, safer recruitment, health and safety, and behaviour.
   
• We carry out risk assessments before every session and remain vigilant to children’s needs throughout the day.
   
• If a safeguarding concern arises, staff follow our Safeguarding Flowchart to ensure the right action is taken quickly and appropriately.

If you have a concern about the welfare or safety of a child attending The Willow Tree Forest School, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

Laura Payne
📧 info@thewillowtreeforestschool.co.uk
📞 07972 784513

If Laura is unavailable and the concern is urgent, you can also contact:

• West Sussex Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH): 01403 229900
   
• Out of Hours / Emergency Duty Team: 0330 222 6664
   
• In an emergency, call 999

We believe safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. By working in partnership with parents, carers, schools, and safeguarding professionals, we aim to ensure that every child who attends The Willow Tree Forest School and The Oak Tree Forest School feels safe, supported, and free to grow.

 At The Willow Tree and The Oak Tree Forest Schools, every decision we make is rooted in what is best for the child. 

Our focus is not only on providing enriching, nature-based learning and wellbeing opportunities but also on ensuring that each child is placed in an environment that truly supports their needs. We recognise that every child is unique, and while we strive to create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive space, we also understand that we may not always be the right provision for every child.

If, after careful consideration, we feel that our setting is not best placed to meet a child’s specific needs, we reserve the right to decline or withdraw a place. 

Where possible, we will signpost families to alternative provisions that may be better suited. This approach is not about exclusion but about ensuring the child receives the right support in the right environment, always in their best interests.

Our priority is to work in genuine partnership with families to promote children’s wellbeing, confidence, and growth. By being transparent and child-focused in our approach, we ensure that the support we provide is meaningful, appropriate, and tailored to each child’s best chance to thrive.

 We aim to create a safe, respectful, and nurturing environment where every child can thrive. Positive behaviour is encouraged through role modelling, praise, and supportive guidance, helping children to build confidence, self-awareness, and empathy.

• Children to treat staff, peers, and the environment with respect.
   
• Listening and following guidance during activities and outdoor adventures.
   
• Using kind words and actions, and taking responsibility for their choices.
   
• Being inclusive and supportive of others, celebrating differences.
   

We will not accept behaviour that is:

• Physically or verbally threatening or aggressive
   
• Bullying or intimidating to others
   
• Disrespectful to staff or peers
   
• Deliberately destructive to property or the natural environment
   

If behaviour becomes unsafe, challenging, or threatening, staff will follow these steps:

1. Immediate Intervention – staff step in calmly to protect children and prevent escalation.
    
2. Clear Explanation – the child is reminded of expectations and the impact of their actions.
    
3. Redirection or Reflection – children may be guided to a quiet space to reflect and regain control.
    
4. Parental Communication – parents/carers will be informed and involved in supporting positive change.
    
5. Significant or Persistent Concerns – if behaviour continues to threaten the safety or wellbeing of the child or others, a child’s place may be reviewed in line with our child-focused policy. Signposting to alternative provision may be suggested and future entry to the school may be revoked .
    

Our approach is always fair, consistent, and supportive, aiming to teach children self-regulation, empathy, and respect while keeping everyone safe.

 We are a small, independent business dedicated to providing high-quality, nurturing sessions for children.

Please note: we do not offer refunds for booked sessions. This allows us to keep our sessions affordable and sustainable, and to plan activities, resources, and staffing with certainty.

If your child is unable to attend due to illness or exceptional circumstances, please contact us in advance. 

While we cannot offer a refund, we may be able to move the session payment to an alternative date if we are able to re-sell the original session space, this is offered as an option at our discretion and only if the original space can be sold.

We appreciate your understanding and support, which helps us continue providing a safe, engaging, and enriching environment for all children.

For Staff & Volunteers

At The Willow Tree & Oak Tree Forest Schools, our role is to guide, nurture, and protect. All staff and volunteers agree to:

1. Safeguarding First

o Prioritise the safety and wellbeing of every child at all times.

o Follow safeguarding policy and report concerns immediately using the flowchart procedure.

2. Respect & Inclusion

o Treat every child, parent, and colleague with respect, patience, and understanding.

o Celebrate diversity and ensure every child feels valued and included.

3. Role Modelling

o Demonstrate kindness, positive communication, and emotional regulation.

o Lead by example in respecting nature, equipment, and each other.

4. Professionalism

o Arrive prepared, present, and ready to support sessions.

o Maintain confidentiality unless sharing information is required for safeguarding.

5. Safety & Risk Awareness

o Carry out risk assessments and dynamic checks throughout sessions.

o Ensure boundaries and rules are consistently reinforced in a positive way.

6. Positive Relationships

o Support children with encouragement and patience, using positive behaviour strategies.

o Avoid shouting, sarcasm, or any form of shaming.

For Children

At The Willow Tree & Oak Tree Forest Schools, we want everyone to feel safe, happy, and able to join in. Together, we agree to:

1. Be Kind

o Speak and act with respect towards others.

o Use kind words, kind hands, and kind choices.

2. Look After Ourselves

o Stay within the agreed boundaries.

o Ask for help if we need it.

o Try new things with courage and care.

3. Look After Each Other

o Listen when others are speaking.

o Include everyone in games and activities.

o Encourage friends if they feel worried or stuck.

4. Look After Nature

o Respect plants, animals, and the natural environment.

o Use resources responsibly and leave no trace.

5. Be Brave & Have Fun

o Join in activities with curiosity and enthusiasm.

o Celebrate mistakes as part of learning.

o Enjoy time in nature, play, and friendship.