BRIEF GUIDE TO TREECREEPERS FOREST SCHOOL FOR LEAD PROFESSIONALS

We are an independent organisation specialising in Forest School for young people age 6+ in Gloucestershire. We provide woodland based courses for a minimum of 12 weekly sessions, aimed at working and playing with children to build confidence,  develop social and communication skills, increase motivation and concentration, improve stamina and physical ability and give young people the sense that they have talents and are valued. Not to be underestimated is the effect of the beautiful environment we work in with space to run, climb, shout, discover, play, develop and learn. The young people are asked to get involved in risk assessing and are able to test physical and emotional boundaries safely.

There are three options for children who are referred to Treecreepers by professionals.

Firstly we work with small groups of up to 6 children/young people with 2 leaders allocated to each group. This high ratio of adults to children enables us to observe and get to know each individual and ensure their needs are being met. It is advantageous if professionals can consult with colleagues and organise a group of 4 – 6 children to attend together. We can assist with this process if required.

Secondly we work with some children and young people who need more intensive support on an individual basis. This allows us to work towards detailed tailored outcomes and is a good option if the child or young person would find it difficult to initially engage with others. Two leaders will be assigned to the child as we work in remote areas and professionals are welcome to attend too (this is a great opportunity to find common ground with young people who are hard to engage).

Thirdly we provide opportunities for young people to attend with their family to improve relationships or work on particular aspects of relationships such as communication or trust building. This can be working with a single family or with a few families who attend together. Once again this is a golden opportunity for professionals to engage with a family outside of a formal setting. In all instances the best conversations happen around an open fire when the pressure is removed and the participants are calm.

We provide a full individual review of each young person on completion of a course if requested (and at intervals throughout if requested) and strive to keep lead professionals informed of relevant developments.

We work to outcomes agreed with the lead professional and respond to the participants learning styles, patterns of behaviour (both good and challenging), interests, needs and strengths. Because of this, our sessions are bespoke and individually tailored to the individual/group as the weeks progress – although they will have elements of safety, environment and ethos in common, no two courses are the same.

All our professional staff are fully insured, CRB checked, first aid trained and passionate about changing young people’s lives for the better.

The cost of Treecreepers is, we believe, very reasonable for the quality of service provided.
We offer a sliding scale of tariffs dependent on how many individuals are in the group as follows:
With three or four in the group (the minimum to allow social bonding and teamwork – good for more challenging individuals) we charge £45 per child per session. With 5 or 6 in the group we charge £35 per child per session.

For individual/family sessions please contact us for prices

The sessions vary from 2 – 3 hours in length and can take place anytime during daylight hours, 7 days a week, in all weathers, year round.

For more information contact us on 07915 309 029 or via our contact form.

“A fantastic way to engage children who have difficulties interacting and expressing themselves. The workers are very good at encouraging the children’s imagination and providing them with opportunities to explore the world around them in a safe and creative way. Simon and Harry ensure the sessions are catered to each child as they get to know them and understand their individual needs and characters”. – S Cheetham CYPD