FAQs

What measures are in place to safeguard against COVID-19 transmission?

 

We are following the UK Government guidance and taking every precaution to ensure the safety of our participants, parents and employees. Our specific measures are as follows:

• Children-only sessions are limited to 15 children in accordance with the government’s guidance on forming a ‘bubble’.

• Family sessions are limited to 6 families for the time being.

• Each station will have separate resources and equipment, which will be cleaned and sanitised thoroughly before each session. Resources or equipment will not be shared with other families.

• Hand washing facilities and sanitiser will be available for all participants and we will ask them to sanitise upon arrival at the forest site and regularly throughout the sessions.

• Staff members will maintain a 2 metre distance from participants. In the event that this is not possible, for eg. when administering first aid or assisting with a task, staff will ensure that they use personal protective equipment in the form of gloves, masks and/or visors.

• Unless stipulated as being part of the session, we ask that participants bring their own snacks and drinks.

• We ask participants to provide sufficient information in the consent form prior to the session in order that we can support the UK Government's 'Test and Trace' scheme.

• We ask that participants do not attend the session if they, or any members of their household or private bubbles, are suffering with COVID-19 symptoms. A refund will be offered in these circumstances.

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Who is responsible for my child during the session?

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Wild Baby, Tots, Family and Meet-up Sessions

The adult accompanying your child will be responsible for their supervision at all times during the session.

 

Wild Explorers

These sessions are designed for children to attend unaccompanied, and so the session leaders, Sarah Fearnley and Kim Jarvis, will be responsible for their supervision during the session. Sarah is an experienced teacher with both Level 3 Forest and Beach School Leader qualifications. Kim also has a Level 1 Forest School qualification and is training for her leadership qualification. Both have experience of managing and coaching children in recreational settings. They are both pediatric and outdoor first aiders and have had enhanced DBS checks.

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What facilities are available on site?

 

A toilet tent and portable toilet is available for use at the Wildlings forest site, along with hand-washing facilities. 

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Is there access for wheelchairs and prams?

 

The parking area is hardcore but also has some loose stones, but should be manageable for chairs and prams in good weather. During periods of rain, it is likely to get a bit boggy so it is suggested to sling your baby/toddler wherever possible and  we will endeavor to put wood chip in difficult areas if necessary. 

 

What do we need to wear?

 

Parents and children need to dress for the weather conditions. It is essential that clothing is warm and waterproof on wet or windy days. Hats, gloves and warm socks should be worn when cold. Several thin layers are better for keeping warm than one thick layer, especially in the event that children get wet or muddy on their outer layer. Sun hats and suncream should be used when the sun is shining, and brought with you to the sessions. Long-sleeved tops and trousers should be worn in all weather conditions in the forest. Due to the nature of activities, surfaces may be sharp or uneven, and so shoes and boots with a good grip should be worn at all sessions. It is also recommended that spare clothes be brought to the sessions. 11.

 

What if the weather is bad?

 

We do not let cold temperatures or rain stop us from having fun and learning about the woodland, as we think it is important to build resilience and confidence in children. We try to be mindful as parents of our own attitudes towards weather, as children learn from us directly, and we use weather changes as a learning and sensory experience where possible. Please do read the question above and make sure you dress appropriately for the weather. We will not run the sessions in very poor weather conditions. We will make the final decision ahead of the session with regard to the safety of the group, and inform parents via text message if the session is cancelled. It is therefore important that up to-date contact details are provided in the consent form and when booking online.

 

 

Do you give refunds if I can’t attend?

 

A refund will only be given if the session is cancelled by Wildlings. If a child can not attend, we will make all efforts to offer an alternative session if one is available. A full refund will be given, however, in the event that a child is unable to attend due to him, or members of his household, suffering from COVID-19 symptoms. It is imperative that neither the child nor the supervising adult attend the sessions in those circumstances.

 

 

Are you insured?

 

Yes, we are insured. Wildlings has full public liability insurance which covers you at Forest and Beach School sessions.

 

 

What do I do if I have a complaint?

 

Please email us at wirralwildlings@gmail.com with any feedback or complaints. We are a new business, and whilst we are qualified and experienced in offering play and learning opportunities for children, our forest and beach venues are new to us, and our policies and practices have had to change in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to us that we be successful in offering these outdoor experiences and learning opportunities for your children, as we really do believe in the beneficial impact they have on the development and wellbeing of both adults and children. Therefore, we welcome any feedback, positive or negative, and we will send you a feedback form to complete after your session. Please be honest. We want to get this right!