Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Action

Policy statement

This policy is intended to create a platform for Children of the Forest to create and promote inclusivity, diversity and equity inside the outdoor education community and in our own sessions. We are aiming to create a compassionate space where people can have open conversations, diversity is valued and individuals feel safe and appreciated.

Education

·          Deliver a range of inclusive programmes and sessions which promote diversity, educate about history and encourage engagement from a diverse section of our local community.

·          Ensure toileting facilities are suitable for all gender expressions and religious beliefs.

·          Create inclusive sessions where all members feel valued and safe.

·         Challenge discrimination

·         Celebrate our differences through shared stories, foods and experiences

·         Be mindful of cultural appropriation, even during play.

·         Apply for more funding for free and discounted places on our sessions.

Visibility

·          Share and promote nature based activities from a diverse range of practitioners to amplify their voices.

·          Broadcast a range of diverse voices and experiences through our podcast

·          Ensure promotional images represent our wider community.

·         Workforce to wear diversity badges.

Workforce

·          Where possible inviting minority leaders and educators to our family festival sessions which educate about and celebrate diversity and cultural differences. For these sessions pay artists, musicians and storytellers from different backgrounds to work alongside us.

Training

·          Subsidise the training places for Forest School Level 3 trainees from more diverse backgrounds, thus increasing representation in leadership

·          Ensure promotional images represent leaders of different minority groups.

·          Include training on how to write Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies in all Level 3 courses.

·         Create inclusive training courses where all members feel valued and safe

Influencing

·          Encourage other trainers to teach equality policies as part of their courses.

·          Use our podcast as a platform for sharing examples of actionable steps to improve diversity in the outdoor community.

Monitoring

·          Review current participation against local demographic.

·          Target groups and then monitor increases in their involvement.

·          Use results to inform future programmes and action plans.

Subsidised offering Programme:
'We recognise the role we need to play in order to balance and create diverse role models in the outdoor community, we use profits from our sessions to subsidise participants, from minority backgrounds, in our forest school sessions as well as our CPD training and Forest School Leader courses.'

This policy was adopted by

Children of the Forest Ltd

(name of provider)

On

7 / 7 / 2020

(date)

Date to be reviewed

7 / 7 / 2023

(date)

Signed on behalf of the provider

Gemma Southerden  Lewis Ames

Name of signatory

Gemma Southerden Lewis Ames

Role of signatory (e.g. chair, director or owner)

Directors