Weather Policy

Forest school is all about play outdoors in all weathers. We have a parachute and shelters for rain and cold. However, there are certain weather conditions that will affect the running of our Forest School.

Staff will stay informed of the weather conditions via the Met Office app. We will always try to give 24 hours notice of closure, however we may need to cancel on the day if weather changes suddenly / overnight. We will inform parents by text or email. 

REFUNDS DUE TO CANCELLED SESSIONS

We understand that cancellations are inconvenient and potentially costly, and take these decisions seriously, based on safety and welfare. We hope that our customers understand that our policy balances the needs of our customers with those of the financial viability of the Forest School.

Little Acorns weather cancellations: In the event that a regular session is cancelled or cut short due to weather, refunds or a replacement session will be given if the customer has had a previous regular session with us cancelled within the same month. Refunds will be given through a discount in the following month’s charges.

Free to Learn Home Ed weather cancellations: In the event that a regular session is cancelled due to weather, a 50% refund for the cost of the session will be given, in the form of a discount on the following month’s charges. Sessions that are cut short due to weather or factors beyond our control cannot be refunded.

One off sessions, training or special events will be rescheduled where possible.

High winds

High winds can be dangerous in woodland because of the dangers of falling branches and damage to shelters. We monitor the forecast and our site closely. Our site is fairly sheltered from Southerly and Easterly winds, but, being on a hill, is exposed from the other directions. This means that we will have to close if winds are:

Gusting 39mph from North or West

Gusting 45 mph from any direction

However there may be times where we make an additional risk assessment based on recent weather conditions, the woodland canopy and the welfare needs of the group. In these cases we will need to close in lower wind speeds and will inform the group with as much notice as possible.

Electrical storms

Electrical storms can be dangerous in a woodland due to lack of indoor shelters and risk of electric shock from lightning, both direct and through tree roots. We follow the Rospa 30/30 rule: if there is a direct lightning strike within 30km of our site, we seek shelter in vehicles and stay in for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder clap. Staff have an app on our phones which alert us if there is a strike within 30km. If electrical storms persist, we may call parents and carers for early pick up.

Snow and icE, flooding

Our site may also close if snow and ice or floods make the roads too dangerous for travel.