xxx PRIMARY SCHOOL NURSERY
Site name: Visits Handbook
Contact details of owner/site managers
Ian Talboys
Countryside Officer
Housing and Environment, Environmental
Services
Aberdeen City Council
38 Powis Terrace
Kittybrewster
Aberdeen AB25 3RF
Tel: 01224 897400
Email: [email protected]
Grid Reference (important for emergencies):
NJ 93893 03093 (entrance) and
NJ94163 03296 – site area in the Gramps
This handbook should be read by all staff involved in the Wee Green Space
Visits. It should be updated as needed but at least on annual basis and when
new staff are involved.
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Wee Green Spaces Visits
Handbook
CONTENTS
1. Aims and objectives
2. Before going to the Wee Green Space site
3. Getting there and back
4. At the Wee Green Space site
5. Scottish Outdoor Access Code
6. Emergency Procedures
Appendix 1: Daily site check form
Appendix 2: Equipment List
Appendix 3: Visit leader’s checklist
Appendix 4: Daily off-site register
Appendix 5: Site information checklist
Appendix 6: Site appraisal
Appendix 7: Visit plan checklist (V1 form)
These appendices should all be completed along with risk benefit assessments prior to Wee Green
Spaces visits going ahead. Please ensure your head teacher/centre manager has seen and signed off the
risk benefit assessments. The V1 Form (Appendix 7) must also be completed and submitted to your head
teacher along with any other information he or she requests.
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1. Aims, objectives and overview
Since April 2016, xxx Nursery offers weekly opportunities for a group of children to visit our woodland
site at xxx. The aims and objectives of these sessions are:

To give children time to experience free play in a natural setting
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To help children develop a connection with the natural world and to learn about nature and how to
care for it.
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To learn the practicalities of how to be outside: personal safety, hygiene, coping with weather and
different terrain.
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To offer experiences which are different to that which happen in the outdoor space, back at the
setting. The visits aim to develop children’s resilience, confidence and other aspects of wellbeing
outlined in Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC).
The aim of this handbook is to provide staff, volunteers and others with information about the ongoing
visits to our Wee Green Space site.
Policies and procedures
This approach follows that of the City-wide Wee Green Spaces training project. This project aims to
support early years and childcare settings to embed the use their local greenspace on a frequent and
regular basis all year round. The approach is sustainable and rights-based and aims to maximise the play
and learning opportunities this gives to very young children through practical, authentic outdoor
experiences.
Whilst a Wee Green Spaces session is in place, the policies and procedures that are normal part of our
practice apply. We make appropriate adaptations to practice and ensure that this is an opportunity for
children to transfer skills to different context and make the most of learning opportunities which cannot
happen on-site. In addition we take account of local and national guidance that is relevant to off-site
visits including:
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The Scottish Outdoor Access Code
Aberdeen City Council Educational Visits Policy and Going Out There
My World Outdoors – The Care Inspectorate
Specific procedures has been developed which takes account of emergency procedures, infection
control and missing child which are contained within this handbook. The child protection policy and
practice of xxx Nursery applies at all times throughout the visit.
Management and staffing
To help establish the weekly visits, at least one member of staff attended the Wee Green Spaces
training sessions offered by Aberdeen City Council. The staff proactively liaise with the landowner of the
Wee Green Spaces site to ensure that any issues which arise are considered and dealt with as
appropriate.
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One staff member is designated the visit leader for each session. He or she ensures the planning and
preparations have been undertaken to make each visit run smoothly and is takes overall responsibility
for the session. The Equipment and Visit Leader’s Checklists (Appendix 1 and 2) are used to ensure that
all the equipment is ready and the children are prepared.
The administrator at xxx Nursery has a list of children, emergency contact numbers and a copy of this
handbook. Any disabilities, medical needs or concerns of either children or adults are considered and
adaptations made if necessary to enable the visits to go ahead and the children able to participate. One
member of staff carries and has received up-to-date training about to use the first aid pack that is
located in a place known to all.
Supervision and ratios
Our child: adult ratios take into account:
 The number of children in the group and their specific needs.
 The journey to and from the site.
 The range and nature of play opportunities available at the site.
 The environment at the site.
 The weather and seasons.
 The abilities and experience of the volunteer adults.
 The guidance outlined in the Aberdeen Council Educational Visits policy.
Prior to the visit going ahead, a site appraisal was undertaken to consider its suitability for the Wee
Green Space sessions and the land owner/manager consulted. (Appendix
Recording systems
The recording systems used in our nursery apply to our Wee Green Spaces sessions. We ensure that safe
secure storage of required records to be kept is maintained. The visit leader ensures that the following
are always with the group:
 At least one fully charged mobile phone with sufficient credit is with the group and all staff know its
location.
 The Wee Green Spaces site has reasonable phone reception – any black spots are known and risk
assessed.
 A register of adults and children within the group and all staff know its location. These details are
held on a sheet and stored with the mobile phone.
 First aid records are kept with the first aid kit in an agreed location known to all.
 A system for observing and recording significant learning moments is used throughout the session
that dovetails with that used within the nursery.
 Emergency contacts and personal information are accessible by staff/adminstrator back at the
nursery.
A positive approach to risk in play
We take a balanced and proportionate approach to the management of risks in line with the Health &
Safety Executive’s position statement on risk: Children’s Play and Leisure – Promoting a Balanced
Approach (Appendix ) and the Care Inspectorate’s position statement on risk which can be found in My
World Outdoors.
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We consider the benefits of the sessions and ensure these significantly outweigh any identified serious
risks. Measures are put in place to manage these risks of the overall environment and travel to and from
the sites being used.
Comprehensive risk benefit assessments of the Wee Green Spaces sessions have been undertaken and
make children the main focus of the risk benefit assessment process. The risk benefit assessments are
reviewed as needed but at least on an annual basis. The head teacher checks and signs these forms as
part of the process to ensure the visits are as safe as necessary.
Children are encouraged to self-assess and manage the risks appropriately through their play. We use
phrases which help children consider the issues but avoid giving the impression that it is dangerous
being outside, such as:
 “What do you need to remember when we play in the woods?”
 “What do we need to check before we do this?”
 “What advice can you give the new parents and children about ….?”
We take a rights-based approach to managing common risks when off-site in line with the age, stage
and ability of each child or group and the competence of the staff team. This dovetails with the Scottish
Outdoor Access Code. For example rather than teaching children “don’t pick a berry” we consider the
right of a child to do this and learn through a more judicious process. We talk about whether we
recognise the plant it comes from. We consider the impact of picking berries on wildlife and the animals
which need berries. We listen to stories about berries. We grow berries in our outdoor space. Over time
children develop a deeper understanding and learn about which berries are okay to pick and which are
not.
By taking such approaches, we are helping children develop independence, confidence and resilience.
They are able to expand their learning and stretch their abilities.
Parental involvement
The Wee Green Spaces visits rely on the goodwill of parents to volunteer. We value their input and
educate parents to the benefits of the visits by:
 Welcoming displays with photos and information in different languages.
 Providing information at induction sessions.
 Newsletters and social media sites have regular updates about the Wee Green Spaces sessions.
 Having a Wee Green Spaces visit as part of the induction process.
 Seeking parent volunteer to gain ideas to feed into making the visits even better.
 Ensuring every child has at least one focussed observation from a Wee Green Space session.
 Observing and recording significant learning moments to share with parents whilst at the Wee
Green Spaces sessions.
 Providing outdoor book bag activities.
 Providing nature fun packs with simple ideas to do outside.
 One-to-one discussions when children are collected or dropped off.
 Snack and warm drink provided for parents.
 Providing an information sheet for volunteer parents.
 Holding nursery events at the Wee Green Spaces site such as a Christmas celebration or a picnic
 Doing joined up work with children from older classes at the Wee Green Spaces site.
 Welcoming parents with younger children accompanying the group – and factoring this into ratios
and the risk benefit assessments.
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Inviting partner organisations and outdoor professionals to work with children at the Wee Green
Space site as a one-off or series of special events to which parents are also invited.
Parents are involved in assessing and understanding risks and considering how they will be managed
e.g. through the daily site check.
A parent letter that is issued prior to the start of the Wee Green Space sessions that informs them of
the approaches used to hand hygiene, toileting and nappy changing and our positive approach to
risk and outdoor play.
Clothing and footwear
Given the cool climate and fickle weather, children and adults have suitable clothing and footwear:
 Waterproof and windproof jackets and trousers, or similar.
 Layers of clothing which include a base layer and a warm mid-layer.
 Warm socks- at least two pairs, hat and warm gloves in winter.
 Sun hats (which protect the neck) and long sleeves for warmer weather.
 Footwear: wellies (with warm thick socks in colder months) or other sturdy footwear.
Parents are requested to ensure their child is suitably prepared. Spare wellies, clothing and backpacks
are available for children. Sunscreen and insect repellent are applied in line with the nursery policy. Staff
carry spare accessories and clothing.
There needs to be clarity on who supplies the outdoor clothing for children to ensure that this is
available for all children at all times.
Hand hygiene and toileting
During the Wee Green Space sessions, the outdoor infection control policy is followed as outlined in
Appendix
All parents/carers are informed about the hand hygiene and toileting procedures used during the Wee
Green Space visits. The toileting procedures have been discussed with the land owner and the Council
environmental health officer to ensure they are suitable for the site.
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The structure of a typical Wee Green Spaces session
During the first year, as staff, children and volunteers acclimatise to the Wee Green Spaces sessions,
they are developing their knowledge of how the site changes in different seasons and weather. It is a
learning process. From the collective experience of different nurseries involved in the pilot years, we
know that it takes time to develop practice.
Initially, the sessions are about developing routines around getting to the site and establishing the safe,
working areas as places for play and learning. A structure to the session is developed to give children
security and confidence. The routines evolve around:
 Preparation for a Wee Green Space session: planning with the children, getting ready to go.
 Walking to and from the site or the practice of collecting and dropping off of children at the site.
 Safety briefing on arrival: “Head, shoulders, knees, toes” and undertaking a site check together.
 Establishing boundaries of the site: from the use of markers and natural boundaries, where
adults are based.
 Erecting a shelter if needed.
 Snack, toileting and hygiene and ensuring the basic needs of each child are met.
 The interactions of adults with children to ensure a nurturing, caring atmosphere is created.
 The expectations established around tree climbing and other potentially risky play experiences.
 Personal safety: knowing what to do when meeting other members of the public, dogs, horses,
wild animals – dead and alive, getting lost, using natural materials, being near water, recognition
of potentially harmful plants and litter, including dog mess.
 The use of puppets, songs, games and simple activities to help children learn how to be outside.
We encourage children to teach and learn from each other.
Free play in nature
There is substantial research that suggests free play in nature is particularly beneficial to children:
“It is necessary to be outdoors for the brain to be stimulated by the stream of sound, light, shapes and
colours that nature offers. We need the stimulus of our hearing, our sight and our skin, which can be
obtained outside in the form of birds singing and the wind blowing, light reflection and shade, moisture
and colour experiences among flowers and insects. Our brain cell growth depends on the specific stimuli
that nature provides, particularly between the ages of three and six years old when the energy flow in
the human brain is at its greatest.” David Ingvar, Professor of Neurophysiology, Brain Researcher1
Sufficient time for free play rather than structured activities is necessary to children’s social, emotional,
physical and cognitive development. It also helps children foster a connection to nature that will last a
life time and help them think and act with care towards the environment. Thus giving children
opportunities to climb trees, play with natural materials in the environment and learn how to be in
nature is providing an essential foundation for responsible citizenship.
1
D. Ingvar In. K. Grönwall, (1997) Utan lek inget liv, refererad i Dahlgren och Szczepanski; p19
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Staff facilitate free play, make observations of children’s interests and significant learning moments and
offer further play-based learning opportunities, not just at Wee Green Space site but back at the nursery
too, in between the visits so that the sessions are fully-integrated into the life of the setting.
If structured activities are offered, they are:
 Clearly linked to a child or group of children’s interests, where participation is optional.
 Short, simple and developmentally appropriate. For example, songs, games, rhymes and stories.
 To introduce or reinforce key messages and actions about caring for the site or safety matters which
everyone needs to know such as what to do if lost.
 Dovetailed into the session to avoid interrupting children’s free play. For example they may be
integrated into snack time, or undertaken at the start or end of a session.
Site Check
Ideally beforehand, a member of staff should do a site check and complete the Daily Site Check Form
for every visit (Appendix 3).
Cancelling or curtailing the visit
A Wee Green Space visit will be cancelled or postponed based upon the judgement of the visit leader
who consults the head teacher/manager about this decision. Possible reasons for cancellation include:
 An event or work operations happening at site. Staff will dynamically risk assess the situation as part
of the daily site check.
 Insufficient adult to child ratio.
 Severe weather conditions, e.g. dangerously high winds.
Sometimes an alternative activity will take place such as a local walk. If the weather is particularly cold
or wet, children will be offered a choice whether to go or not. Should the weather become severe
during the course of a visit, then the visit leader may decide to cut the session short or offer an
alternative activity. Children’s wellbeing is the priority at all times and they are closely observed.
Emergency procedures are in place for extreme weather conditions and other emergencies.
Getting ready
 Children are reminded to go to the toilet.
 The children are encouraged to put on their own clothes, footwear and where appropriate, a high vis
vest.
 The children need to find a backpack, put in their snack, drink and seat along with anything else
needed.
 Staff ensure that they and the children have suitable clothing, footwear and carry backpacks with
additional gear (Appendix 2)
 Volunteers are welcomed and provided with information about their role. Due account is taken of
Aberdeen City’s policy about the use of volunteers, where it applies.
Snacks and drinks – healthy eating
Snack is prepared in line with food hygiene guidelines. Where necessary, appropriate adjustments are
made for being outside. This is chosen and prepared following the advice in Setting the Table national
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guidance. Due account is also taken that the storage is in the children’s backpacks and the need for lowrisk food which can be easily transported. On cold days, a warm drink or snack may be offered. Fresh
drinking water is available at all times in addition to any drinks the children carry. Children carry their
own snack, drink and portable seat in their backpacks.
Resources
The environment is regarded as the main resource and source of inspiration. The site is a public space
and we adopt a Leave No Trace approach to model good practice to children and volunteers about the
use of any natural space. The resources we bring are open-ended and vary according to the
developmental needs of the children, their interests and the weather and season. They typically include:
 Magnifying glasses
 Nature identification sheets
 A small white sheet
 Rope for making swings and simple, temporary play structures
 A hammock
 Tarp or bothy bag for establishing a shelter and place of rest
 A puppet or soft toy
 A5 clipboards, paper and pencils
 A tablet or iPad for recording observations and taking photos
 Suggestions from the children, who carry these items in their backpack
Children carry their own backpacks with their snack, drink, portable seat and other lightweight items as
needed.
Getting to and from the site (insert map to show routes)
The children walk to and from the site following identified routes which have been risk assessed. The
adult: child ratio remains the same unless a child arrives late or is collected early from the site by his or
her parent/carer. When this happens, the child is expected to be supervised by their parent/carer
during the journey between the child’s home and the site.
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Route (insert descripion)
Leave the nursery by the gate from the outdoorspace. Turn right onto Kirkhill Place. Turn left at the
junction and walk under the railway bridge and up the pedestrian footpath to Greenwell Road. Turn left
and then first right. The entrance to Tullos Hill is marked by a narrow footpath 25 metres up this road on
your left. Walk along this to reach the Wee Green Space site.
Walking
The staff, children and volunteer helpers walk to site. Any child new to the visit or who requires
additional support is closely watched. Time is made to jump in puddles, observe seasonal changes in
nature, observe activity within the local community and enjoy the walk as a vital part of the experience.
Crossing the roads
 The Highway Code for pedestrians is followed:
 We cross in small groups, not in single file. No-one must stop the traffic nor stand in the middle of
the road.
 We cross where it is safe to do so. We use the pedestrian crossings where they exist.
 We involve the children in looking, listening and deciding when it is safe to cross.
Collection and use of natural materials
Children collect and use fallen sticks, cones, leaves, etc. but leave the plants and trees intact. Weeds
such as daisies and dandelions are okay to pick if plentiful. The breaking of branches off trees unless
rotten is discouraged. The children will learn through experience. If a potentially harmful plant is
spotted then everyone knows its location and to leave it alone.
Tree climbing
Some children want to climb trees. When this happens, we follow agreed procedures outlined in our risk
benefit assessment.
Dogs, horses and wild animals
Dogs will appear from time to time with their owners. We remind children not to pet a dog unless it is
clearly safe to do so. We help children learn to turn their backs on a dog which is out of control. The
party will leave the site if an aggressive dog arrives that gives cause for concern.
The Dog Warden’s phone number is 01224 523737. The team deal with concerns about dog fouling as
well as other aspects of dog ownership. When a lot of dog fouling has occurred, a member of staff may
remove some of it, wearing gloves and washing hands afterwards. Alternatively a system is put in place
where the mess is visually marked, e.g. with cones.
Children are taught to step back, stand still and keep quiet until the horses have passed. Likewise
children practice the same technique if they meet a wild animal such as a deer.
Litter
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We teach children to be aware of litter. There may be sharp objects, syringes, broken glass,
unidentifiable objects which give cause for concern. Any dangerous litter is left alone and reported to
the Visit Leader. It is flagged up so children know not to pick it up. The leader phones Aberdeen City
Environment Service to let them know. Gloves, litter pickers and bags are available so children and
adults can collect non-hazardous litter safely.
Fire
No fires are allowed at the site. Contact the Ranger Service to organise such an experience:
Ian Talboys
Countryside Officer
Housing and Environment, Environmental Services, Aberdeen City Council
38 Powis Terrace
Kittybrewster
Aberdeen AB25 3RF
Telephone: 01224 897400
Working near inland water
Discussions with the land owner or manager about a suitable part of the water to access needs to
happen first. There is always an alternative activity planned in case this is needed owing to water and
weather conditions on the day.
Close supervision happens. If the water is suitable for entering, then adults, including helpers, will be
wearing wellies and be in the water too.
Children may not enter the stream without it having been checked by an adult:
 Ensure there are no underwater hazards, e.g. litter, rocks, roots that can trap feet, wire, etc.
 Water depth checked with a measuring stick and/or using critical welly depth.
 Do not enter fast moving water.
 Check the bank/edge of the water in case it is very slippery for some reason.
 Identify clear working boundaries for the group – have identifiable points, e.g. accessing water
between the two identifiable points.
 Avoid if livestock is nearby.
 Do not enter water if there are nearby dead animals. Check upstream for this too if using a stream.
 Be aware of water with an unpleasant odour – check there is no source of pollution
 If it is icy, do not enter the stream.
Hand check by all participants prior to activities and other exposed skin have no cuts or grazes.
 Open wounds are covered with a waterproof plaster or equivalent. First aid kit on hand.
 Health Protection Scotland advice followed with regard to hand hygiene. Children reminded to wash
hands after activity. Soap, running water and hand towels are available for this purpose.
Adults keep a sharp eye on the whereabouts of all children at all times and dynamically risk assess the
session. Rules/expectations around working near water are in place and discussed prior to the activity:
 Staff undertake frequent number checks of all children present.
 Suitable clothing and footwear worn. Spare change of clothing carried for children. Waterproof
trousers must come over the wellies not tucked inside.
 Be extra careful at the water’s edge. Enter and exist the stream from one side only.
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No drinking of stream water.
As much as possible let children access the water by themselves and learn to walk and balance in there.
Model and encourage care - Do not rush when moving about. The rocks underfoot can be slippery so to
begin with the children should enter one at a time and have time to acclimatise before letting the next
child in. Be on hand to hold and support if asked but do not insist on holding a child’s hand as they will
learn to balance and manage better if they learn to access the stream independently. Do not force a
child to enter the stream if they do not want to. Everyone needs to be sensible when in the stream.
Stream or pond dipping
It can be really interesting for children to look at and discover the animals which live in the water. One
adult should use a net for this purpose within the designated area. The times to pond or stream dip are
between late May and late September.
Net to face upstream. Adult to stand upstream of the net and to kick the stream bed gently. Debris
collected to be tipped into trays half filled with water for the children to examine. Put the trays on the
bank – far enough away so that children don’t inadvertently step back down the bank and into the
water. Have magnifiers and ID charts ready.
Do not repeatedly kick up the bed for getting more animals in a session. Remember to return the
creatures to the stream after the activity.
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SCOTTISH OUTDOOR ACCESS CODE2
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code is an important piece of Scottish legislation which affects everyone as
it is about our rights and responsibilities when outdoors. The Code is based upon three key principles
and these apply to both the public and to land managers:

Respect the interests of other people. Acting with courtesy, consideration and awareness is very
important. If you are exercising access rights, make sure that you respect the privacy, safety and
livelihoods of those living or working in the outdoors, and the needs of other people enjoying the
outdoors.

Care for the environment. If you are exercising access rights, look after the places you visit and
enjoy, and leave the land as you find it. Help maintain the natural and cultural features which make
the outdoors attractive to visit and enjoy.

Take responsibility for your own actions. If you are exercising access rights, remember that the
outdoors cannot be made risk-free and act with care at all times for your own safety and that of
others.
Remember that everyone only has access rights if they exercise them responsibly!
Embedding the principles into Wee Green Space visits
1) We take responsibility for our actions
 We aware of natural hazards, such as high winds, floods, harmful plants, etc. We teach
children to recognise these and behave appropriately.
 We recognise that the site is a public space. We keep out of the way of people working
and/or change our plans if necessary.
2) We respect people’s privacy and peace of mind
 We have a large group and are mindful that people live adjacent to the park.
 We ensure our activities do not take over the entire park to the extent that other others feel
unwelcome.
3) Help land managers and others to work safely and effectively:
 We let the Aberdeen City Ranger Service know if anything is amiss when we are at the site
4) Care for your environment
These notes are slightly adapted from http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/ and
http://www.snh.org.uk/pdfs/publications/access/8-12%20activity%20guide.pdf Accessed 8/1/12
2
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We avoid intentionally or recklessly disturbing or destroying plants, birds and other animal or
geological features. For example when looking for minibeasts we return the logs, etc. back to
their original position and put any minibeasts back where we find them.
We have a leave no trace approach and take all our litter away. Our toileting procedures do
not damage the environment.
We use the Scottish Outdoor Access Code to consider our right to use the Wee Green Space site and the
responsibilities that go hand-in-hand with this right. We work with the land owners and managers of the
site to ensure our use does not adversely affect the site. In consultation with the land owner we
undertake activities to care for the site such as:
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Immediately reporting any concerns: overflowing litter bins, vandalism, lots of dog mess. Be an
extra pair of eyes and ears
Planting trees, bulbs and other plants in consultation
Creating habitat piles and other biodiversity measures
Make connections with any volunteer Friends groups that work on the same site, e.g. Friends of
Duthie Park
A quick two-minute litter clean up every visit – following with safety procedures outlined
previously
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Infection Control
Food hygiene, hand hygiene and toileting outdoors
Food hygiene
When snack is offer outside on picnics, in the outdoor play space and at the Wee Green Space sessions,
it is prepared in line with the snack preparation and food hygiene guidelines for our nursery. Care is
taken to follow the advice outlined in Setting the Table. Low-risk foods are prepared that can be safely
transported by children in their backpacks. The food is stored in containers or covered until eaten.
Uneaten food is put back into containers and disposed of back at the nursery.
Hand hygiene
(Name of setting) acknowledges the hand hygiene advice from Health Protection Scotland (HPS) which
advocates hand washing with soap and water as the expected standard of practice for hand hygiene as
part of infection prevention and control.
As such we will make use of soap and water whenever possible:
 Inside our setting
 In our outdoor space
 At the Wee Green Space sessions
 During other off-site visits
On the rare occasion that it is not practical to use soap and water, we will use hand wipes which we
have risk assessed and use in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations, ensuring that all
visible soiling is removed from children’s hands.
In the event of visiting a farm, HPS guidance and recommendations will be fully met. This includes visits
to:
 A farm yard or farm buildings which are, or have been, used by livestock
 Accessing fields that have evidence of livestock, slurry spraying or use of manure.
All parents and carers, prior to using the service, are required to sign an acknowledgement which states
that they:
 Have been supplied with, understand and agree with the hand hygiene practices that are utilised
by the nursery i.e. the use of soap and water whenever possible and the use of hand wipes only
in emergencies.
 Will ensure their children’s hands are washed at home prior to attendance at the service and
immediately on returning home from the service on days when children are at the Wee Green
Space or other off-site visits.
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Hand hygiene practice will be updated, as will information provided to parents, as relevant research and
guidance develops and is published.
(Name of setting) will collaborate with parents and carers to review and record incidences of
gastrointestinal infections and the consequent review of hand hygiene practice.
Hand Hygiene Practice
Handwashing is a learnt behaviour and therefore children need to recognise when to wash their hands
and understand why it is important and how to wash their hands correctly. To do this they need help
from their parents, carers, teachers and adults in the childcare setting, indoors and out.
Hand washing with soap and running water is performed at (Name of setting):
 After using the toilet or changing a nappy
 Before and after eating, drinking or preparing food
 After sneezing, nose blowing or coughing
 If hands are soiled or dirty
There are a number of elements which play an important part in the effective cleaning of hands with
soap and water:
 Running water helps to rinse away germs and dirt which may be loosely attached to the surface
of the skin.
 Soap breaks down oils, fats, and grease which may be attached to hands and also helps to
further remove germs. Furthermore, soap is effective against some germs which alcohol based
hand gels/rubs and wipes are not.
 Rinsing hands after using soap ensures that more germs and dirt are rinsed off of the surface of
hands
 The drying of hands after washing also helps to remove any germs still attached to hands after
they have been washed.
Friction and the mechanical action of washing hands, including hand drying, ensures that germs and dirt
are effectively removed from the skin. Wipes are only as an emergency alternative when hand washing
facilities are not available and not as a long term or permanent alterative to hand washing.
In the outdoor area, a station has been created with water, soap, paper towels, tissues and a bag/bin for
disposal.
At least one staff member when working off-site with children has a pack containing the above along
with emergency handwipes which have been risk assessed and are used in line with the manufacturers
recommendations. Staff will supervise handwashing until a child is able to do this independently using
the correct technique.
Toileting and nappy changing outside
Where public toilets exist, they are used by staff and children. A portable potty is available for children
to use should they need the toilet off-site where a public toilet is not accessible or nearby.
16
Staff pay due attention to the dignity of the child and ensure an appropriate degree of privacy is offered.
This will include the use of a human shield in open areas. Where possible a tarp or shelter is erected to
provide privacy at the Wee Green Spaces site. Staff assisting children with toileting wash their hands
afterwards.
A system is in place which uses biodegradable bags which are sealed and disposed of in line with
biological waste procedures back at the nursery. After the session, the potty is cleaned as follows:
 The adult puts on PPE and cleans the potty with detergent and water
 The potty is thoroughly dried with paper towels or kitchen rolls.
 The potty is stored in a clean, dry area.
 The adult removes PPE and washes his or her hands.
MISSING CHILD PROCEDURES
Through a simple story and practical activities, children are taught what to do if they find themselves
alone or lost. This includes firm reinforcement to stay beside a tree and the knowledge that adults – the
staff and their parents - will not stop looking for them until they are found. This story and activities are
practised sufficiently often to ensure children know and remember what to do.
As part of the routines around the Wee Green Spaces sessions, the following measures are undertaken
to significantly reduce the likelihood of a child going missing:
 Regular head counts are undertaken.
 Gathering call used and practised so that children gather promptly when requested to do so.
 The wearing of high visibility vests and appropriate clothing and footwear.
 Boundaries are clearly identified with children.
 When on walks, children are encouraged to identify landmarks so that they develop an
awareness of where they are at any given point.
 Children know they must play where they are able to see adults.
 The adult: child ratio is sufficient for the children, the site and the range of activities undertaken.
 A register of children and adults attending a session is left with the base nursery and school
office.
 A fully-charged phone with relevant phone numbers is carried by the leader. The phone
reception at the site and any black spots are known and risk assessed.
 Emergency procedures in place and followed should a child go missing.
 Parents and carers advised to inform nursery if family circumstances are such that a child is at
risk from abduction or harm. In such instances, an individual risk assessment is undertaken in
conjunction with the child’s parent/carer.
If the setting’s policies and procedures are being observed the likelihood of a child being lost or missing
is small.
Once a child has been registered each day, then staff are responsible for their whereabouts. If a child
does go missing the following procedures will be implemented:
 All staff present will be informed so that a head count can happen and recall of whereabouts and
when the missing child was last seen. A member of staff will search the site.
 Children will be gathered to double-check numbers.
 Staff and volunteers will be deployed to search the site a second time, whilst children undertake a
supervised group activity at the gathering place.
 The nursery will be contacted to be informed of the situation. The designated contact at the nursery
17




will phone the police and the parent/carer.
The children and group will return to the nursery.
The nursery manager or head teacher will meet with the police and parent/carer.
Support and reassurance will be offered throughout for parents, staff and children.
The visit leader will record the incident on the reporting form which will be passed to the head
teacher who will inform the council personnel outlined in the emergency incident policy. A copy will
be sent to the Care Inspectorate. Details noted will include: time, place, numbers of staff and
children, when the child was last seen, what appears to have happened, [the purpose of the outing],
the length of time that the child was missing and how s/he appears to have gone missing, lessons for
the future.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Staff in charge of children and volunteers during a visit have a duty to keep the participants in their care
safe and healthy. They also have a common law duty to act as a reasonably prudent parent would. Staff
should not hesitate to act in an emergency and to take lifesaving action in an extreme situation.
Accidents, incidents and near misses all require are reported in line with the nursery’s Health and Safety
policy.
Minor incident
Children and adults immediately gather around the visit leader when called (NB this is something to
practice regularly) Have a song ready to sing or simple game, if needed to distract and reassure children.
If incident is managed, the group can return to normal activities in due course.
More severe incident
It may be necessary to leave site. If there is time, then try not to rush. Gather belongings and move
group back to the designated place of safety or the nursery. Contact the nursery to inform the manager
of the changes to plan. Be careful what is said over the phone in front of children.
A serious incident
Please refer to Section 10 in Aberdeen City Educational Visits Policy and Guidance. You should amend
the information below to take account of this policy. It is important that the office staff have access to
the Council Policy as advice is contained about the management of a very serious incident.
If an incident happens which requires immediate evacuation, then:
 Make sure all children are present and safe.
 Leave belongings. Go to nearest designated place of safety.
 Phone the emergency services for assistance if needed.
 Attend to any injuries.
 Phone the setting as soon as possible, in a way which does not raise alarm to inform centre of
situation. Leave the staff at the setting to contact the parents.
 Also be aware of volunteers and their needs. Consider the impact of informal messages and phone
calls made and manage this situation sensitively. Follow the advice in the Council Policy for Use of
Volunteers
18
The Visit Leader must follow the guidance in the Aberdeen City Critical Incident recovery after the event.
Appendix 1: Visit Leader’s Checklist
Planning Checklist

Weather forecast checked

Daily site check completed

Agreement sought from nursery manager that the
visit may go ahead

The equipment has been checked and is ready to
go. See appendix 2

Provision for snacks and drinks has been made

Appropriate ratios of adults to children have been
organised

Volunteers have been welcomed and briefed
(which staff member is doing this?)

The children and adults have suitable clothing and
footwear

Rules or expectations shared with the group

No unsuitable belongings are taken
Date
Date
Date
Date
Date
Date
Whilst on the visit:
 Ensure everyone knows behaviour expectations and boundaries. Do head counts.
 Base is established at the site.
 Jobs are assigned as needed. The person overseeing snack should not do the litter pick or any
picking up of any dog mess.
Back at nursery/school
19




Thank volunteers and have informal conversations with parents/carers as usual about their child.
Any follow up paperwork completed.
Check equipment, dry and store until next visit. Repair or replace any equipment as needed.
Ensure any accidents, near misses, first aid and incidents are recorded on appropriate forms and
that relevant people are informed as required. Update risk benefit assessments.
Follow up
 Set aside time the following day to review session with children, e.g. through big book planners
 Integrate the experience into the wider life of the nursery – every week.
 Back link the experiences to the EO’s and integrate possible lines of development into the plans for
the nursery – could be indoors, outdoors or on the next Wee Green Space visit.
 Note observations and make reflections through the GIRFEC approach.
APPENDIX 2. EQUIPMENT LIST
This will need adapting for your own needs and will probably change around the year/seasons.
Prior to leaving, the leader should ensure the administrator/manager at the centre has details of group
including the adult’s mobile phone numbers and the route travelled to and from the site. Have this
handbook in an accessible place too.
Check the following equipment is ready:


Fully charged mobile phone for each
staff member with relevant phone
numbers
Daily Off-site Register completed &
details left with administrator/manager
Shelter
 Bothy bag or tarp system
 Fleece blanket (for warmth)
 Space blanket (emergencies)
Toilet bag plus portable toilet/potty
 Toilet paper in plastic bag
 Biological waste bags
 Travel potty
Hand hygiene bag
 Plastic bag for rubbish
 Bottle/canister of fresh water, soap,
paper towels
 Hand wipes – for emergency use
Sniffle station bag
 Tissues – does each child have some in
their pocket? Adults too?
 Bag for used tissues
Children’s backpacks
 Snack
 Drink
 Portable seat
 Spare hat, gloves, etc.
Litter/dog mess management
 Heavy duty bin liner bags
 Sturdy gloves for adults and children
 Plastic bags for small quantities of
rubbish created by the group
 Dog mess bags
 Dog mess marking system
Miscellaneous items
 Spare clothes
 First aid bag
 Sunscreen
 Camera
20
Snacks and drinks
 Warm flask of drink on cold days
 Spare 1 litre of water
 Extra snack
Learning items
Magnifying glasses
Nature ID charts
Rope/hammock/other
Other specific items
APPENDIX 3: DAILY SITE CHECK
(Undertake prior to each visit)


Met Check is a free weather forecasting service: http://www.metcheck.com
BBC Weather app is free, easy to read and automatically locates where you are!
Hazard
Date
Checked by
Date
Checked by
Date
Checked by
Date
Checked by
Date
Checked by
Date
Checked by
Weather
conditions
Ground
conditions
Plants and
trees
- Low level
- Bush
- Canopy
Litter
Dog mess
Landscape or
environment
al work
Phone
reception
Other
Always check the site prior to visiting:
 Look for dead trees and have procedures in place so that everyone avoids them.
21






Look up at the branches in the trees and look for dead limbs as these can fall off unexpectedly.
Listen out for cracking and creaking noises that could indicate a tree about to fall over
Never go into a wood where forestry operations are taking place
If a woodland has just been thinned and there has been heavy rain, this can cause the roots to
become unstable and increase the risk of trees falling down
After a storm or snow be extra careful. The weather can loosen the limbs of trees, especially
broadleaved ones.
If the windspeed is gale force then it is inadvisable to visit woods – however if your wood is in a
sheltered location, be aware that the windspeed could be much lower. Also, staff need to make the
decision about whether a site is safe to visit or whether to cut a session short because of changes to
the weather or other factors which affect site safety.
Comments including action taken to manage risk
 Write comments overleaf. Remember to sign and date your observations
APPENDIX 4: DAILY OFF-SITE REGISTER
Remember to leave a copy at your setting and take this sheet with you. Your setting may have its own
forms for this purpose.
Name and Location of Site inc. Grid Reference:
Nursery Emergency Contact:
Phone Number:
Designated Group Leader & Mobile Contact:
Child
Name
Medical/Dietary
Information
Care
Plan
Permission Forms:
Consent, Sunscreen,
other….
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
22
Staff/
Helpers
Nursery
Staff
Nursery
Staff
Staff/
Helpers
Name
P.F.A
E.F.A
Medical/Dietary
Information
Disclosed
/PVG
Mobile Phone
Number
Please attach any other relevant information.
APPENDIX 5: SITE INFORMATION CHECKLIST
Name of Greenspace:
Owner:
Aberdeen City Council
Grid Reference:
Post Code:
Contact details of owner/site manager: Ian Talboys, Countryside Officer, Housing and Environment,
Environmental Services, Aberdeen City Council, 38 Powis Terrace, Kittybrewster, Aberdeen, AB25 3RF
SITE MANAGEMENT
CONSIDERATION
Do you have permission to use the site from the owner/manager?
Yes/No
Does the owner have insurance for enabling this to happen?
Do you have a written agreement in place which clarifies remits and responsibilities?
(Please attach and keep safe)
*Have you permission to:
1) Establish and maintain a toilet system, if no public facilities exist nearby
2) Lighting a controlled camp fire (NB even a disposable barbecue is a fire)
3) Cut branches and do small scale wood work
Are there any “no go” areas e.g. because of safety, wildlife protection, private property,
high risk of environmental impact?
Any specific requests re behaviour of the group or management of the woods? For
example, if you wanted to plant trees, create paths, undertake environmental
stewardship tasks, etc. would this be possible?
Is there any site management work needed before your nursery/school can use the site?
When will this happen?
How robust is the site? Consider how often you will be using the site, the numbers of
23
children and seasonality. You may need options of different areas to use in rotation in
order to manage environmental impact.
*This course does not cover the fire lighting or using tools with children. However if you undertake bush
craft or Forest School Leader training courses then you may wish to do these activities at some point in
the future. These activities must be discussed and agreed with the land manager/owner and undertaken
in line with local authority and setting guidance.
ACTION REQUIRED (State by whom and expected date of completion)
Make a list overleaf or attach on a separate piece of paper.
APPENDIX 6: SITE APPRAISAL – Its suitability for use by your
setting
Completed during site visit: State Date
When commenting, you may wish to think about how easily changes could be made to improve an
aspect.
ACCESS - In terms of access it is important that the group can enter and leave the site with relative ease.
For example, if the ground is too tricky to negotiate then it may be necessary to look elsewhere.
CONSIDERATION
Comment
Is the site within walking distance or will it is necessary to request
that parents drop off and pick up children from the greenspace?
Look for safe parking/drop off and assembly points including for
emergency access within or just out with the greenspace. Consider
other access to the woods too, e.g. by walking or by bicycle. Are
there any locked gates, etc.
Think about the network of paths – does this exist? If not, how easy
is it to walk across the area, especially for pre-school children?
Think about the ground cover – leaves, grass, needles, heather. Or is
it very boggy, or have too many “inhibitor” plants such as brambles
and nettles?
Slope – ideally a mix of flat and sloped terrain. Think about its
aspect (north or south facing) and when the sun reaches the slope
or whether it is in shade during your session.
Boundaries – are there natural boundary features within the area
you want to be, e.g. a line of trees, a hedge, path, etc?
Think about a designated place of safety in the event of a serious
24
incident. Is this going to be your setting or another facility that is
nearby?
Is there a suitable gathering place or shelter, where equipment is
put and snack is organised?
SITE CHARACTER - This is how the place feels. Ideally it should have a feeling of “wildness” about it. Do
remember that even small places can feel wild and isolated for a young child.
CONSIDERATION

Traffic noise

Mix of trees young, mature, different species

Multi-sensory variety: sights, sounds, smells, shapes, colours

Dips and hollows

A variety of places: enclosed, open, to hide, roll, sit, have physical
challenge, be quiet, a good view, etc

Evidence of wildlife. Opportunities to watch wildlife.

Presence of stones, rock out crops

Presence of water, e.g. stream, river, loch, bog/wetland, ditches,
sea, etc.

Sand – beach, little area near a stream, etc.
Comment
VEGETATION – Remember that variety is the spice of life! Some characteristics that you might seek:
CONSIDERATION

Mature trees especially those with limbs suitable for low level
tree climbing and for small rope swings and hammocks

Young trees – for seeing how they look compared to big trees
Comment
25

Shrubs – for hiding, den building, hanging things on.

Fallen trees – for climbing on, walking along, etc.

Availability of sticks or other loose material on the ground

Stumps – for standing on, using as a table, mixing potions in, etc.

Open canopy and cover – glades of light

Variety of plants and fungi
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
Here the trick is to think about whether these are manageable and the level of risk posed. What can be
done to enable visits to go ahead? Bear in mind the risks may also be seasonal. Think about “heads,
shoulders, knees and toes” when looking for hazards at different levels in the woodland canopy.
CONSIDERATION

Litter – including drug paraphernalia and sharp objects

Standing dead trees or dead wood in trees

Water

Steep drops

Animal nuisance, e.g. excessive midges, livestock, dogs &
dog mess, nesting birds

Quantity and type of potentially harmful plants – ask owner
or environmental professional for advice here, if needed

Security of the area – think about whether structures and
children’s creations are likely to remain or be
removed/destroyed. How important is this?

The amount and type of passers-by/other users and degree
of seclusion needed – consult your ALO (Architectural
Liaison Officer in the Police Force) if necessary

Informal toileting options – seclusion, ability of the site to
cope with waste


Power lines and electricity substations
Timber operations and their aftermath
Comment
26
Wifi and mobile phone connectivity. Note location of any
blackspots.

Nearby industry which may create pollution (noise, air, land,
water, etc.)
Any other thought and comments:
APPENDIX 7: VISIT PLAN CHECKLIST (V1 FORM)
ESTABLISHMENT:
NO OF PUPILS:
LEADER:
AGE RANGE
COST PER HEAD:
VISIT TO:
DATE:
Every week/fortnight
Level of experience of accompanying staff: (LOW 1
NAME
LEVEL
2
3
4
NAME
Varies – up to
20
3-5yrs
NA
HIGH)
LEVEL
Educational objective of the visit: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
ITEMS TO BE
PLANNED
1
Information home
/ consent
2
Venue research
3
Staff / participant
ratios
4
5
Travel / logistics
Equipment /
clothing required
DETAILS
(Highlight once you have achieved)
Attach copy of the information for parents and annual block consent form
Collate returns and check for important information.
Keep returns in a safe place where office staff can easily access in the event of
an emergency.
Do at least one pre-visit and check its suitability using site appraisal form
(Appendix 6)
Contact owner/manager of site and agree permissions (Appendix 5)
Assess the benefits and the risks of the venue. Create risk-benefit assessment
Carry out prep work needed with children, parents, staff
Decide ratios taking due account of policy guidance and local factors
Put out a request for volunteers if needed and follow Council policy on use of
volunteers
Undertake Disclosure/PVN checks if needed in line with school/setting policy.
Check that staff are suitably competent to manage the visit.
Note the intended travel route - see handbook
Have backpacks for each child or their own bag
Staff to carry additional items – See equipment list in Appendix 2
27
6
Managing the
activity
7
Medical / health
considerations
Weather factors
8
9
11
Emergency
procedures
Risk assessment
completed
Visit approved by Head of
Establishment:
Ensure equipment list is compiled and checked before and after each visit
The Wee Green Space visits involve repeated visits to the same greenspace on
a weekly basis all year round. Micro routines are developed to ensure
independence and safety. Free play happens the majority of the time.
Check all child’s records for relevant health/medical information and take
account of this when undertaking the weekly visits
Do a check the day before and if necessary cancel the visit.
Do another check on the day – Daily Site Check Form
Have these in place – see handbook and Section 10 of Council Education Visits
policy
See the RBA attachments
YES
/ NO
Signature
Date
Date for review
Sample letter to land owner/manager
Dear Mr Talboys
I am writing to ask permission to take a group of 10 nursery children from Tullos Nursery to Tullos Hill
(Grid Reference NJ 95721 04162) on a weekly basis as from the start of the summer term.
Regarding toileting, our plan is to leave no trace. We would remove leaf litter and then cover up for
children who need a pee. We will bring a portable potty, remove faeces from the site and dispose of
back at our nursery in line with our biological waste procedures. We hope this practice is acceptable –
perhaps you can advise about alternative procedures if you feel they are needed.
We understand that we must not light a fire or barbeque.
Many of the trees are beech trees. We have noticed during our site visit that there some of the smaller
trees have small amounts of deadwood. If the tree is suitable for climbing, may we remove the dead
wood to prevent children holding or stepping up on it?
Is there anything else we need to know or do prior to using the site at Tullos Hill? Juliet Robertson
mentioned that she saw two City rangers undertaking some maintenance work there last month. Is any
further work needed undertaken before we can use the site?
We have noticed that there is quite a lot of litter in this area and realise this will be an ongoing task to
keep the site pristine. During one of our Wee Green Space training sessions, Steven Shaw did advise that
litter picking kits may be available from the Council. Could you please advise us who to contact about
this?
We have completed a site appraisal form and have undertaken a risk benefit assessment of the site for
our group and intended activities. Please let me know should you wish to see a copy.
Yours sincerely
28
Sample letter to parent/carers
Date:
Dear Parent/Carer,
Hand Hygiene and Toileting Outdoors
We are aware of hand hygiene advice from Health Protection Scotland (HPS) which states that children
should use soap and running water to wash their hands as standard practice. As our visits to the Wee
Green Space site are part of our regular and standard practice we have sourced equipment to allow us
to use water, soap and paper towels to wash and dry hands when we are offsite.
Children will be required to wash their hands before eating or preparing food, after using the toilet,
after coughing or sneezing and when hands are soiled or dirty. We ask that your son/daughter’s hands
are washed at home prior to attendance at our outdoor sessions and immediately on returning home
from the outdoor session.
Hand wipes will only be used occasionally to remove surface dirt or in an emergency. Hand hygiene
practice will be updated, as will information provided to parents, as relevant research and guidance
develops and is published. Our current infection control policy is available for you to read in nursery.
We have discussed our toileting procedures with the landowner of the Wee Green Space site to ensure
that we keep practice as hygienic as possible:
 We use a “leave no trace” approach in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
 We make every effort to ensure your child has privacy when going to the toilet. We put up a tarp
upon arrival at the site at a discrete distance from the gathering place.
 We use a portable potty.
We appreciate your support with maintaining high levels of hygiene and toileting within our nursery and
ask that you complete the attached slip to confirm your support on this matter.
29
Our positive approach to risk
We would like to invite you to volunteer at our Wee Green Space sessions. Your child will enjoy showing
you the site. It is an opportunity for you to experience our positive approach to risk and how outdoor
play is benefiting your child.
When playing outside your child may wish to:
 Play in mud – making mud pies, or slide down a muddy slope.
 Jump in puddles or discover the joy of paddling in shallow water.
 Climbing trees: staff supervise and ensure children are confident and sure of their abilities.
 Use tools: such as litter pickers for collecting litter or trowels for digging in the soil.
 Play with sticks.
 Play on a low-level rope swing or hammock.
 Balance on fallen logs or small boulders.
 And many other exciting adventurous activities that keep them fit, healthy and curious about the
world
Our risk management arrangements
 We do not actively encourage a child to try an activity where there is an element of risk. A child must
decide when they are ready to try something new.

We have clear procedures in place to support those children who do. We consider the benefits to
the child and whether these outweigh the risks involved. We have risk-benefit assessments that
have considered the foreseeable risks and measures we have put in place to manage these risks.

We ensure that the identified activities are supervised in proportion to the abilities and confidence
of each child. We take the utmost care to ensure the whole experience is as safe as necessary.

We encourage all parents and carers to ask questions, look at what we are offering and help us to
assess and understand the risks. Your thoughts will help make our decision-making stronger and
enable children to take positive, appropriate risks within a framework of safety.
Please can you sign to indicate you are aware of the experiences being offered and approve of the risk
management arrangements in place. If you have questions or comments, please let us know. If you are
able to
Yours sincerely
Nursery Teacher
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Wee Green Spaces sessions and outdoor play
Child’s name____________________________________
30
I have read the letter above and confirm that I will ensure my son/daughter washes his/her hands at
home before and after offsite, outdoor sessions. I give permission for hand wipes to be used as needed
in an emergency.
I have read the information about the positive approach to risk taking including our risk management
arrangements. By signing, I indicate my approval.
Signed _____________________________________________ Date ____________________________
Name _______________________________________________
Comments or questions
31