• Please dress for the weather. Do check the forecast before setting off and ensure children and adults are dress appropriately for rain or sunshine.
• Waterproof top layer (trousers, jackets, onesies) and wellington boots are recommended when it is raining or when our sessions involve water, such as pond dipping and water play. It may also be necessary to bring with you a spare set of clothes in case they get wet.
• Sturdy shoes or wellies must be worn at all times as the ground of the woodland is often bumpy, uneven and muddy.
• A sun hat and sun screen is recommended for hot, sunny days. Please ensure it is long lasting, and if not attending with the children, ensure they are left some to reapply as required.
• Please note that all sessions are outside and therefore, children should not wear their best clothes, as it is guaranteed that these will inevitably get dirty from the mud or paints if doing arts and crafts activities.

1         Introduction

1.1          These procedures apply to all outdoor nature and garden club sessions organised by Wild Rangers at the Ringway Woodland Gardens, 268 Baring Road, SE12 0DS.

1.2          This document sets out how we will minimise the risk and spread of COVID-19 at our Wild Ranger outdoor sessions.

1.3          We will continue to monitor Government Guidance and will adjust our operating procedures to align with those.

1.4          Please also be aware of additional guidance from the Department for Education which outlines control and reporting measures for Early Years settings.

1.5          We will regularly review guidance related to outdoor work as documented here: Working safely during COVID-19 in construction and other outdoor work.

1.6          The infection rate across the UK has dropped. However due to the new Delta variant being identified the Government have announced that further relaxation of the restrictions will now not take place until 19th July 2021.

1.7          The vaccination program has now meant that over half of the population have been vaccinated and so the risk of catching covid or developing serious health issues has decreased.

1.8          The government restrictions relaxed in May 2021 which allowing groups of up to 30 people to meet outdoors. Therefore, all our sessions will be restricted to only 30 people, including children.

1.9          If you live with someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable, please refer to the latest Government advice.

1.10      If you or your child have been in contact with someone with a confirmed case of Coronavirus you must isolate for 10 days from the day you had the contact. You must inform us immediately so that others who may have attended the same session as you can be advised to also self-isolate.

1.11      Please note, we may be asked to pass on your data for track and trace purposes.

1.12      If there is a suspected outbreak at the Ringway Centre and/or as part of the sessions (i.e. a participant reports being ill to us, which may or may not be as a result of attending the session), we will let all attendees know and report incidences to the local Public Health teams at the Council.

2         Operating Procedures

2.1          A regular risk assessment will be conducted, in accordance with latest Government guidance, and procedures adjusted accordingly.

2.2          All sessions must be pre booked so that numbers can be controlled. It is not possible to drop in on the day.

2.3          Employees/session leaders are always advised to practise strict hygiene and cleanliness procedures ensuring clothing and hands are clean before starting a session. Staff will have a face mask, should it be necessary to wear, depending on circumstances.

2.4          All sessions will take place outdoors, no matter the weather. A open canopy may be used in heavy rain; this will always remain open to allow airflow.

2.5          Equipment used at the session will be washed and sanitised after each of the sessions, ready for a new session.

2.6          We are not able to share gardening gloves. Please ensure you bring your own.

2.7          Hand-washing and sanitiser facilities will be provided and be at hand at each session. However, please also ensure you bring your own sanitiser and sanitise regularly during the session.

2.8          Social distancing will be followed throughout the session. However, please note that it may sometimes be necessary to respond to an emergency or to emotional wellbeing of a child that may require closer contact. The health and safety of participants is our priority and will respond accordingly. When involved in the provision of assistance to others, particular attention to sanitation measures immediately afterwards including washing hands will be followed.

2.9          Staff will have PPE (face masks, gloves) on hand should it be required, i.e. if we have to work closer together. At all times social distancing will be observed between the session leaders and participants keeping 2m apart, or 1m with risk mitigation where 2m is not viable, is acceptable.

2.10      Staff are asked to not attend the session if they are unwell. Staff are obliged to take a COVID test immediately and inform the office of the outcome. As a result, we may need to cancel sessions last minute. All participants will be informed of the situation by email or text.

2.11      The Ringway Community Centre also have a Track and Trace NHS QR code Displayed at the venue. Visitors or attendees of any pre-planned sessions can scan the QR code when they arrive, using the NHS COVID-19 app. This is to help trace and stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). As all sessions are pre-book only, we will have your details in any case and will let you know of any outbreaks reported at the centre. If you use the NHS COVID-19 app and scan in on entry, you are also able to follow updates yourselves.

2.12      In line with current guidelines, there will be a limit of maximum 30 people, including children at each session.

2.13      Any litter picking after sessions must be done with a litter picker.

3         Session Procedures for Attendees – Your Responsibilities

3.1          To help keep everyone safe we are asking that families to please NOT attend if you, or anyone in your household is unwell (however mild) or have been asked to self-isolate.

3.2          If anyone in your household becomes unwell, or are asked to self-isolate because you have come into contact with someone who is unwell you must inform us immediately.

3.3          When attending sessions please remember to respect everyone’s space and remember to social distance unless you are from the same household. The area where we will be based is quite spacious, so please spread yourselves out.

3.4          Please hand-sanitise when you arrive and before you leave the site. All children and adults should also hand-wash regularly especially after using the toilet, after coughing or sneezing into hands, before and after eating, after physical contact with others. There may be occasions when an activity requires the sharing of items, e.g. drawing pens. Please ensure children’s hands are washed after each activity.

3.5          Please do not share items during the session unless you are wearing gardening gloves. If you have to borrow an item, please sanitise the item and your hands.

3.6          If it is necessary to work in closer proximity to other parents/guardians, we ask that you wear a face mask to reduce the risk even further. Face coverings must be worn when entering the Ringway Community Centre building, such as for visiting the toilets.

3.7          Please ensure that waterproofs (if wearing) are wiped down before attending the session.

3.8          Please apply long lasting sun cream to your child before they arrive for the session. Session leaders will not be able to assist with reapplication.

3.9          Walk or cycle to the session where possible, to avoid use of public transport during busy times. You should follow the safer travel guidance and the guidance on car sharing.

3.10      Please ensure you take all your rubbish with you to avoid staff having to pick up items/rubbish that carry potential risk.

4         Declaration

4.1          Although robust procedure will be in place to minimise the risk of transmission of COVID-19, in line with this Policy, attendees should be aware that there is still a risk of the transmission, however small.

4.2          All attendees must abide by the protocols set out in this policy and procedures document. When booking a session (or group of sessions), you are agreeing to abide by these protocols.

1         Policy Statement

1.1          Our organisation recognises its key statutory duty to safeguarding children and adults who attend our services. Everyone employed by the service has a responsibility in relation to safeguarding. This includes staff, volunteers and external service providers being aware of any potential risks of abuse and raising any concerns to their line manager and / or designated person on site.

1.2          Wild Rangers confirms that we have read, understood and are adhering to the guidelines set out in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and Section 11 of the Children Act 2004, where it is made clear that any organisation has a duty to ensure that they have considered the need to safeguard and promote the wellbeing of vulnerable groups, as well as cooperate at every level to safeguard and work to the best benefit of vulnerable adults and children.

1.3          In this regard, the organisation recognises the definition of safeguarding adopted in statutory guidance:

• protection from maltreatment;
• preventing impairment of health or development;
• ensuring all users develop in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care;
• taking action to enable everyone to achieve the best outcomes.

1.4          As a user group of the Ringway Community Centre, we are also obliged to follow the Grove Park Community Group’s (GPCG) safeguarding policy.

1.5          The Care Act 2014 requires that safeguarding adults means protecting a person’s right to live in a safe, free from abuse and neglect, ensuring they are supported in making choices. Adults joining any sessions, including walks, should be able to carry out the task/activity according to their abilities, or should be accompanied by their appropriate carer to assist them. We aim to accommodate participation from a diverse background and will therefore be clear about what each activity involves, so that adults can chose whether to participate. Where possible, we will adapt activities to accommodate participant needs. Where not possible, we will be open and honest about what can be achieved.

2         Policy Aims

2.1          Our policy and procedures are in place to ensure that children and vulnerable adults using our services are protected and safe at all times by:

1. establishing a positive culture of safeguarding;
2. ensuring that staff and volunteers are clear about the procedures to follow where they are concerned about the safety of a child or vulnerable adult;
3. raising awareness of individual responsibilities in identifying and reporting possible cases of abuse and harm;
4. Providing a systematic means of monitoring, recording and reporting of concerns and cases;
5. providing guidance on recognising and dealing with suspected abuse;
6. providing a framework for inter-agency communication and effective liaison;
7. identifying strategies and interventions available to support anyone at risk;
8. involving parents, cares and children, except where doing so would put the child at greater risk of harm;
9. ensuring that children and vulnerable adults are protected from all forms of potential abuse, including bullying, homophobic behaviour, racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination;
10. following safe recruitment guidance and procedures which includes the vetting of all new staff;
11. Reviewing this policy at regular intervals to ensure it is updated and informs day-to-day practice.
12. In the event of allegations against a member of staff or volunteer, it is important to distinguish at an early stage whether the concern is (a) a complaint (about poor practice, discrimination or failure to adhere to stated policies); or (b) an allegation of a child/vulnerable person protection nature. Where there is doubt the situation must be discussed with the designated person at either Wild Rangers in the first instance, or the GPCG if deemed necessary. The safety of all users of the centre are paramount and all responsible steps must be taken to ensure they are protected from harm at all times.

3         Designated Person

3.1          The designated person is Stephen Kenny, whose role it is to ensure the policy and procedures are adhered to.

3.2          The role of the designated person is to also help co-ordinate any concerns that are raised regarding the welfare of a child or vulnerable person and to liaise with other professionals where appropriate, including the local authority social care for children.

3.3          All session leaders are trained to recognise the signs of abuse and are aware of the procedure for reporting any concerns.

4         DBS Checks – Staff Recruitment

4.1          It is the duty of Wild Rangers to ensure that all recruitment procedures are robust.

4.2          All employees, partners working with us as session leads and volunteers having regular contact or holding a ‘trusted position’ with vulnerable adults or children at Wild Rangers must complete an Enhanced DBS check. All involved are made aware of this safeguarding policy and must evidence their familiarity with the organisation’s Safeguarding Policies and Procedures.

4.3          From time to time we may work with other partners or artists who are brought in to deliver a specific aspect of the session or a one-off session. These individuals may not have a DBS check but will never be left alone to run a session without the session leader. If these practitioners are to lead alone, then a DBS checked will be carried out before commencement of the session.

4.4          If hiring or using partner organisations or individuals on a contractor basis to deliver specialist activities, then these organisations and/or individuals will need to have their own public liability insurance and ensure the staff are DBS checked.

4.5          Under S.124/Part V of the Police Act 1997 and to comply with the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, Equality Act 2010 and The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, we are prohibited from passing on disclosure information to a third party without prior permission from the practitioner.

1         Introduction

1.1          It is our duty to ensure that we create a safe, positive environment where children can learn and develop and adults can relax and thrive in a creative, fun and relaxed manner.

1.2          Our main site is the Ringway Woodland gardens of the Ringway Community Centre, which is managed by the Grove Park Community Group (a registered charity #1046082). We may from time to time visit adjacent or nearby sites, such as the Grove Park Nature Reserve, Chinbrook Meadnows and Sydenham Cottages Nature Reserve. Our risk assessments include both a site assessment – which determines any site specific risks, as well as task assessments, which are general to all sites.

1.3          We summarise here H&S aspects which partipants should be aware off when attending our sessions, whether they are organised solely and/or jointly with local partners. A more detailed procedures document exists along with our risk assessments, which can be shared on request.

1.4          Public liability insurance is a statutory requirement. The level of cover held by Wild Rangers includes all Outdoor Learning Programme activities including the use of tools and fire lighting.

1.5          The law does not require that all risk is eliminated –but that reasonable precaution is taken. This is particularly important when balancing the need for children to be able to take appropriate risks through physically challenging play. Children need the opportunity to work out what is not safe and what they should do when faced with a risk.

1.6          It is the responsibility of the session leader(s) to carry out a thorough sweep of the site for hazards and risks before the session begins, and ensures that appropriate measures are put in place to address the hazard, such as removal of hazards, or warning the group of specific dangers related to the site. The session leader will read out all significant and relevant hazards and house-keeping rules before the sessions start.

1.7          A first aid kit will be on site at all times, and should be kept inside the Ecology Hut. The kit should be taken near to the camp area if activities are taking place there.

1.8          All session leaders will be trained in first aid, safeguarding and be a Forest School trained practitioner.

2         Camp Fire Policy

2.1          On occasions a camp fire will be in use. Open fires will be used at times to enhance children’s learning. Fires are a risky activity, and this policy sets out the procedures and rules for the session leaders to ensure the risks are minimised. This policy covers all open fires, Kelly kettles and flint striking activities.

2.2          No flammable liquids are used to light or accelerate fires. Absolutely no plastic or rubbish is to be thrown onto the fire and burnt. Flint strikes are the preferred method of lighting fires.

2.3          The camp fire will only be lit in the dedicated fire pit in the camp space only, which as a non-flammable base and surround and no overhanging branches and vegetation. Fires are not allowed in any other part of the garden. Fires must never be lit in areas with flammable material such as peaty, leafy, woody surfaces.

2.4          The session leader will ensure that any hazards, especially trip hazards, fallen leaves etc are cleared from the fire pit area before the session begins.

2.5          A bucket of water with adequate amount of water and fire extinguisher will be present at the camp at all times if using an open fire. Fire should be extinguished completely before leaving the site. This must be kept near enough to the fire to extinguish it quickly if it gets out of control.

2.6          Gloves should be kept near the fire for adult use in tending the fire.

2.7          If a camp fire is to be lit for any session, the session leader will ensure all participating children and adults understand the rules; participants will be briefed on the following pre-requisites:

1. How to enter and exit the camp site safely. Children and adults must walk around the outside of the seating logs and wait for permission to step over.
2. The extent of the fire circle boundary around the camp fire where participants are not allowed to stand. All participants should walk round the fire pit area, not through it. There will be no running near the camp fire circle or anywhere in the camp space.
3. How to light a fire safely, with fire gloves to be worn at all times
4. Participants should not throw anything onto the fire.
5. Children should wait for an adult’s permission to approach the fire for cooking, stoking, etc. There should be no more than 4 people near the fire at once.
6. Long hair must be tied back, and scarves should not be worn.
7. If the camp fire is in use, all participating children will be asked to sit in the row furthest away from the fire circle, and only approach the fire if asked to do so, calmly and safely.
8. The best position for cooking or tending the fire is on one knee so that you can move away quickly and don’t overbalance.
9. If participants get smoke into their eyes, turn away and close them for 30 seconds, instead of jumping up or moving.
10. Safe techniques should be used to lift pans on and off the fire (adults only) and always with protective handwear. Pots can be lifted by using two green wood poles or fire resistant material and gloves.

2.8          The session leader(s) will enforce the rules during the session, reinforcing any safety measures that need to be obeyed throughout the session. Prior to lighting the fire, the children will be given the opportunity to ask questions and go over the fire lighting rules. Children must be prepared and able to demonstrate the safety rules.

2.9          The fire will only be lit with adult supervision. Fires are attended at all times by the session Leader. Under the supervision and discretion of the Session Leader, children may be allowed to practice striking a flint themselves or feeding the fire/Kelly kettle with fuel or kindling. They will be taught appropriate safety and will be closely supervised.

2.10      If other activities are planned away form the camp area, the fires must be put out before leaving to carry out other activities.

2.11      Others hiring the gardens are not allowed to light a fire, unless specific prior written permission is given and especially if the user group has their own public liability insurance that covers the use of fire.

2.12      The design of the camp Fire Circle Area should allow for the following safe rule:

1. Entry – all members enter from one side.
2. Direction of movement – walking behind the log seats prevents people from walking near or across the fire.
3. Fire Exit – this exit is not used regularly: it is for emergencies.
4. Log Benches – benches are built to be the correct height and spaces to be easily stepped over or aside by the group.
5. Step over – individuals follow the direction of movement and step over the bench and sit down.
6. Fire pit – if rocks are used, leave a 20cm gap and ensure that non-porous rocks are used, as porous rocks are likely to explode.
7. Exit – each person exits from the exit point to avoid collision.

3         Hazards in the Woodland Environment

3.1          Participants booking to attend the sessions must be made aware of the potential hazards of the natural environment of the woodland and ensure adult parents/guardians explain that taking care is important. For example, often roots are not exposed initially but after the site has been trampled roots become trip hazards Brambles also create trip hazards. Children should be told to be careful when exploring the woodland, and to always look in front of them.

3.2          Overhanging branches are another hazard. The main woodland paths will always be a clear as possible for overhanging vegetation. However, the informal pathways are narrower and not always stringently cleared as it is important not to do so for the wildlife. Children should stick to the main pathways and if using the informal pathway network should do so carefully, without running.

3.3          The session leader will do a site survey before every session to ensure no obvious hazards are observed.

4         Tools Policy

4.1          Tools should only be used for a purpose with groups who have been deemed ready to use them by the session leader in conjunction with the class teacher.

4.2          Participants must return all equipment and tick off against the inventory at the end of the session. The session leader(s) must do a count against the inventory to ensure all tools are returned.

4.4        Certain tools such as bowsaws, knives, billhooks and axes are used on a 1:1 basis or a ratio deemed acceptable by the specific risk assessment and never left unattended. Other tool use is appropriately supervised.

4.6          Session leaders and participants should always use Personal Protective Equipment and gloves where appropriate if specialist tools are being used.

4.7         When introducing a new tool, we:

1. Ask the children what it is and what it is used for;
2. Discuss uses for the tool;
3. Emphasise that all movements should be made in the direction away from the body;
4. Keep hand holding the wood as far as possible away from the blade;
5. Assume a safe position;
6. Ensure appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves;
7. When passing tools, ensure eye contact is maintained. A useful script is: “I am passing you the_____.” Tool can be placed on the ground in front of the student to be picked up safely.

5         Shelter Policy

5.1          All shelters must be taken down following the session.

5.2          Branches used for shelter building must be placed in piles and not left as tripping hazards.

5.3          Children must carry branches sensibly with a partner (bigger than you, takes two!). If too heavy they must always seek an adult’s help.

5.5          Always place branches rather than throw or toss them in place.

6         Protective Clothing

6.1          Fire safety gloves should be kept near the fire for adult use in tending the fire.

6.2          If undertaking special tasks, e.g. beeking, special protective clothing will be given to participants, following standard procedures.

6.3          Personal Protective Equipment and gloves will be worn when handling certain tools.

7         Weather Policy

7.1          All Wild Ranger sessions predominantly take place outdoors, in all weather conditions, except high winds or thunderstorms. This is due to the risk of falling tree limbs (large or small) within the woodland area. In the event that high winds develop during the session, activities will be stopped and all users will move away from the woodland area.

7.2          We will only cancel an event if a weather warning is issued, and this may be last minute, i.e. the night before. All expected attendees will be notified by email and/or text if this was to occur. Please see our booking terms and conditions on our refund policy.

7.3          All participants will be appropriately dressed and equipped to take into account varying weather conditions. Warm, waterproof shoes, clothing, hats, gloves and scarves for cold weather, and sunblock, hats and additional fluids for hot weather.

8         Transport Procedure

8.1          Visiting schools should make arrangements for their own transport to the centre. Please ask for our detailed procedures on how drop offs are managed.

9         Toilet Procedure

9.1          All children will be given the opportunity to use the facilities upon arrival to the site. The toilets are inside the community centre. At the moment entering the community centre requires a face mask. If at any time during the session children require to use the toilet, a designated adult will accompany them from either site, back to the main building.

1         Our Commitment

1.1          Wild Rangers is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all that it does. Nature and gardening is for everyone. We aim to ensure every outdoor adventure we put on, can be accessed and enjoyed by everyone.

1.2          We recognise that sometimes the areas we work in can create barriers. For example, the uneven surfaces or steep terrain of the natural environment. We don’t want this to stop children and adults with disabilities from taking part and will always aim to accommodate or adapt what we do to ensure all events are enjoyed by all who take part.

1.3          We want to create an environment that is free from insurmountable barriers or discrimination, and that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We will always aim to discuss requirements and accommodate changes as required, as far as is possible. We are here to listen and learn and adapt.

1.4          We will always aim to ensure our outdoor sessions are joined by the diverse community which Grove Park represents. We will connect with diverse community groups to ensure we communicate widely.

2         Cost to Participate

2.1          We want nature based learning and fun to be accessible to everyone and therefore, always strive to offer a mix of free and paid-for sessions.

2.2          We always aim to ensure a fair price for all our sessions. As a non-profit organisation, the price is set to cover the staff time and materials we use for each event.

2.3          Any additional earned funds are diverted to continuously improving the green spaces we work in.

2.4          We also often work with partners to offer free sessions to specific groups.

2.5          If any participant believes they are entitled to a concession, we are happy to discuss concession prices/arrangements with you. Please get in touch with us, in confidence.

3         Adapting to Create a More Diverse Outdoor Nature Programme

3.1          Wild Rangers welcomes all feedback to ensure we continuously adapt and improve what we do. We want to continue to develop a diverse and inclusive organisation and put on diverse and inclusive events for all the community to enjoy. Protecting the environment for future generations to enjoy requires us all to take part. As a diverse community, we all have something to learn and share with each other to help us succeed in our mission to help nature recover and thrive.