Forest School - Alternative Provision

Ofsted registered | FSA Recognised | Approved AP Provider

Our Forest School alternative provision long term programmes delivered at our woodland sites are designed for children and young people experiencing barriers to learning in a school setting.

We are experienced in working with children with a range of needs including:

ASD
ADHD
Anxiety
Past trauma

Our child-led therapeutic play approach focuses on:

providing a natural space of trust and safety
nurturing children's passions and interests
developing confidence and resilience
supporting with coping strategies and self-regulation techniques
enabling each child to be themselves

Children that have attended our programmes have shown an improvement on both their attainment and attendance at school.

We deliver our programmes throughout the year - experiencing all weathers and seasons.

John Muir Award

We are a delivery partner for the John Muir Award. Children can take part in the four Challenges (Discover, Explore, Conserve, Share) which promotes a holistic approach to outdoor experiences.

The Forest School Principles

Long Term Principle

Forest School is a long term process of frequent and regular sessions in a woodland or natural environment. Planning, adaptation, observations and reviewing are integral elements of Forest School.

Nature Principle

Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural wooded environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.

Holistic Learning Principle

Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.

Risk Principle Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.

Leadership Principle Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.

Community Principle: Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning.

Our sites

We deliver alternative provisions at our following sites:

The Island, Summerseat, BL9 5PE
Dunham Massey National Trust, WA14 4SJ
Turton Tower Heritage Trust, BL7 0HG
The Farm, Tottington, BL8 3 QQ
Safeguarding

All CommuniTree staff are enhanced DBS checked and completed our safe recruitment process.

Designated safeguarding lead: Leanne Rostron
Deputy designated safeguarding lead: Carolyn Wilby

All assistants are Level 2 trained in safeguarding.

Parents/carers are required to complete our consent forms.
Health and Safety

Risk assessments
Site checks are completed daily and and we conduct dynamic risk assessments. Copies of our risk assessments will be provided

First aid
We have designated staff who are outdoor first aid certified.

View policies and procedures
Weather conditions
Our Forest School programmes are fully outdoors in rain, snow or shine!

For days where there is heavy rain, we will put a tarp over the fire circle to provide shelter.

Children spending time outdoors in all weathers:
- develops resilience
- develops a connection with nature in all seasons
- supports mental heath and wellbeing
Due to safety precautions and the level of risk, we are required to postpone visits if wind gusts are more than 35mph.
Approved Provider
You will find us in the following alternative provision directories and/or frameworks:
- Bolton
- Bury
- Rochdale
- Stockport
- Tameside
- Trafford
- Warringotn
- North West SEND Flexible Purchasing System
Referral process
How to a refer a child/young person for our alternative provision:
1. Complete our contact form
2. A call then will be arranged to discuss the needs of the child and the suitability of our provision
3. Referral/SDQ and consent form will be sent for completion
4. A Welcome pack and Forest School Handbook will be sent with details of policies and risk assessments.