what is your cancellation policy?

If you cancel up to 14 days before the course date, you will receive a full refund. However I ask that you try to avoid cancelling at short notice, for obvious reasons.

Do you accept childcare vouchers for payment?

Unfortunately we cannot accept childcare vouchers for payment.

who will be looking after my child?

Phil White, another senior member of staff, plus a junior member of staff.

what about safeguarding?

All members of staff have valid DBS clearances, and have completed a safeguarding course.

how many children are there in each group?

This is a boutique course aimed at a small number of children. I am limiting numbers to a maximum of 25 children per day.

Can my child attend with a sibling and/or friend?

By all means! Please make clear on the booking form that you would like siblings and/or friends to attend the same course.

What if my child hurts himself/herself?

Minor injuries will be cared for on site. In the event of any serious injuries, children will be taken to St Peters Hospital which is less than five minutes’ drive from the property. Parents will be informed immediately.

What about allergies and dietary requirements?

Please list any allergies and dietary requirements on the booking form, so I can cater for them. This is a nut-free course.

what does my child need to bring?

This will be explained in an email once you have made payment and secured your child’s place.

what if the weather is bad?

Ah yes, the great British climate…wonderfully unpredictable, and almost guaranteed to ruin your summer BBQ. Courses will only be cancelled in the event of very high winds, or torrential rain. For anything else, we will keep calm and carry on! I have set up a number of large waterproof shelters, so we will be protected from the elements when we need to be. Do make sure that your child has adequate clothing (and spare clothes!).

How safe is the course?

I take safety very seriously. At the same time, speaking as a teacher as well as a father, I strongly believe that children need to be allowed to manage some low-level risks on their own, so that they develop this essential life skill.

All woodland activities have been scrupulously risk-assessed. However, it is expected that there will be the occasional bump and scrape, as children play and explore in the woods. In my view, it is a sign of a successful course when a child is collected at the end of the day covered in dirt, smelling of smoke, generally disheveled, maybe with wet clothes, probably holding some sort of ‘special’ stick that simply must be taken home, and smiling broadly.  

There is an outdoor swimming pool at this location. It has been fitted with a track-mounted PVC cover which, when closed, covers the entire surface of the pool, and can withstand the weight of an adult walking over it. The cover is closed at all times unless the pool is actively in use and children are fully supervised.