FAQs

Find out some of the key information you need before you come to a session – if you can’t find the answer you’re looking for here, please contact us.

How old are Bramblers children?

Term-time preschool sessions are suitable for children from walking to age 5, but please get in touch if you’d like to come along with younger or older children. There is no charge for babies under 1 year old accompanying an older sibling.

Our home educators group is open to primary aged children from 5-11, with younger siblings also welcome.

Please note that you must buy a ticket for all children who will be taking part in activities – this is to ensure that we provide enough resources for all the children to enjoy Forest School.

Summer specials and workshops will be advertised for a specific age group, depending on the activities involved.

What should we wear?

Forest School sessions run in all except the most extreme weather conditions. Children should come wearing clothes that they can get muddy and messy, and appropriate protective clothing – wellies and a waterproof coat and trousers in winter, and suncream and a hat in summer. We recommend long trousers all year round.

Will sessions run in extreme weather?

Bramblers sessions run in all weathers apart from extreme heat, electrical storms, or high winds, which may pose a serious danger due to falling tree branches. Sessions will be always cancelled if:

  • a red heat warning is in place;
  • winds are forecast over 32mph (Beaufort scale: 7);
  • lightning storms are forecast during the duration of the session.

Sessions may also be cancelled in the event of amber weather warnings, depending on conditions on site.

We aim to give 24 notice of session cancellations, but this may not be possible if weather conditions set in unexpectedly. Participants will be contacted by text and email in the case of cancellation.

Sessions will usually continue in wet weather, and a small shelter will be available when necessary.

Are snacks provided?

A snack and drink will be served at the majority of sessions. All food served at Bramblers Forest School will be prepared in line with Food Standards Agency guidance. Rachel Huckvale holds the Food Standards Agency’s Food Allergy and Intolerance Training Certificate, and participants will be asked to identify their allergies and intolerances when booking. Please get in touch if you have any concerns.

Can I drop my child off?

All children attending term-time sessions must attend Forest School with an accompanying adult aged over 18, who is responsible for them at all times during the session.

For summer specials and workshops you may be able to drop your children off, depending on their age and the activities involved.

Where can I park?

There is no parking on site at Bertie West Field in Benson. Please park in the free public car park at the Parish Hall, Sunnyside, Benson, OX10 6LZ. The Field is a five-minute walk from the car park – see the Locations page for a map. Parking at other sites will be described on the relevant booking page.

Are there toilets on site?

There are no toilet facilities at any of our sites. You may wish to bring a travel potty for younger children – one will be provided for emergencies.

What if I can’t attend a class?

During term-times, if you have booked for the term and are unable to attend a particular session, please contact us with at least 48 hours notice, and we will refund your missed session.

For summer specials and workshops, we ask for at least one week’s notice if you are unable to attend, and we will refund your missed session accordingly.

What is the behaviour policy?

We are committed to ensuring that all participants are able to enjoy Bramblers sessions safely and happily. A copy of the Bramblers ‘Purple Rules’ is available at each session; the rules summarise these expectations in a simple form. Find out more on the ‘Purple Rules’ information page.