• Drop off is at 9:30am and pick up is at 2:30pm. We do allow a 15 minute window either side of these times to allow for occasional delays.
• Please park in the designated car park upon arrival. Parking during busy times can sometimes be tight so we ask that you park leaving others room to access and leave.
• If the car park is full, please park sensibly along the access lane and allow others to leave.
• If this is your first time joining us, please leave plenty of time and do not rely on SatNav to guide you to our exact location.

Clothing & Footwear

Our sessions run almost entirely outdoors, so appropriate clothing is essential. Children should wear:

• Base layers: Thermal tops and leggings in colder weather.
• Top layers: At least three layers on top (e.g. long-sleeve, fleece, waterproof jacket).
• Bottom layers: Two pairs of trousers (fleece/waterproof over regular trousers).
• Waterproofs: A fully waterproof jacket and trousers are required in all seasons.
• Footwear: Sturdy walking boots or wellies in wet weather.
• Gloves, hats & scarves in cold months.

Tip: Pack extra socks and gloves – wet feet and hands are inevitable in wet and muddy weather!

Food & Drinks

• Packed lunch (nut-free).
• Snacks (enough for morning breaks).
• Water bottle (filled with water only).
• We often provide hot drinks (herbal teas/hot chocolate) and sometimes cook together over the fire.

Other Essentials

• Any medication your child may need (please notify us in advance).
• A backpack to carry everything.
• A change of clothes (especially socks and trousers in wet weather).
• A small towel is a good idea for muddy days.
• Binbags for potentially wet clothing at the end of the day – to save your car interior!
• Sunscreen on sunny days is important. We will not apply sunscreen to your child so it is generally a good ideas to ensure that it is applied before they arrive.

We operate in all weather conditions except for extreme storms or dangerously high winds.

In cold weather, we ensure there’s a warm fire, but it’s essential that children are properly dressed.

In wet conditions, the site can become very muddy. A full spare set of clothes is advised.

Extreme Weather Policy: If sessions need to be cancelled for safety reasons (e.g. severe storms, high winds), we will notify parents as early as possible.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, we ask that all children:

• Respect nature and wildlife.
• Follow fire safety rules at all times.
• Listen to instructors and engage positively with activities.
• Stay within designated areas unless supervised.
• Support and encourage their peers.

We do not allow:

• Smoking anywhere on site
• Mobile phones or electronic devices.
• Parents to remain on-site during sessions and parents must remain in the car park while sessions are in progress.
• Aggressive or disruptive behaviour.

We appreciate that some children may feel nervous at first, but we do not allow parents to stay on-site during sessions.

Why?

• Having parents present can disrupt the group dynamic and make it harder for children to transition.
• It presents a safeguarding issue as all adults on-site need to be DBS-checked.
• Our experience shows that children settle in faster when parents are not around.

However, we are happy to:

• Arrange a pre-visit so your child can explore the site and feel more comfortable.
• Offer a gentle drop-off approach for those who need extra reassurance.

• We offer a trial session for new children before committing to regular attendance.
• Invoices are issued every four weeks on a rolling basis. These invoices will be sent automatically and without notice.
• If you need to take a break or cancel sessions, we require at least two weeks’ notice.
• We do not offer refunds for missed sessions unless we have to cancel.

We use ClassDojo for:

• Sharing photos and updates of your child’s time with us.
• Non-urgent communication between parents and staff.
• Announcements and reminders about sessions.

You will receive a ClassDojo invite once your child is enrolled.

For urgent matters, please contact James directly

Risk & Resilience – We believe in managed risk-taking as an essential part of childhood development. That said, safety is our top priority.

• Fully qualified first aiders are present at all times.
• We conduct regular risk assessments and maintain high safety standards.
• If a child sustains a minor injury, we will treat it on-site and inform you at pick-up.
• If a more serious injury occurs, we will contact you immediately.

Fire & Tool Use:

• All children receive proper instruction before handling tools or being near open flames.
• Close supervision is provided during these activities.
• Children are expected to follow safety guidelines at all times.

Accidents & First Aid

At Ambleford, we believe that managed risk-taking is an essential part of a child’s development, helping them build resilience, confidence, and practical skills. While we take every precaution to ensure a safe environment, we acknowledge that accidents can happen—as they do in any active, outdoor setting.

Most incidents are very minor, such as:

• Small cuts or scrapes from tool use or exploring the woods.
• Bruises from climbing, balancing, or active play.
• Stings, rashes or minor burns
• Occasional bumps or falls—especially when mud, water, or uneven ground is involved!

How We Handle Injuries:

• Staff are first-aid trained and will treat minor injuries on-site.
• We carry a fully stocked first aid kit at all times.
• If a child sustains an injury that requires medical attention, we will contact you immediately.
• For minor injuries, we will inform you at pick-up and let you know if any further care is needed.

We encourage children to assess risks and make safe choices, but we also understand that scrapes, muddy falls, and the occasional bump are part of outdoor play. If your child comes home with a small cut, muddy clothes, or tired legs, we see that as a sign of a day well spent!

At Ambleford, we foster an environment of respect, kindness, and cooperation, ensuring that all children feel safe, supported, and able to thrive in our sessions. We understand that children come with different personalities, learning styles, and social abilities, and we approach behaviour challenges with understanding, patience, and positive reinforcement.

• Positive Reinforcement
  We focus on praising positive behaviour rather than drawing attention to negative behaviour. Children respond best when their good choices are noticed and celebrated.
• Gentle Reminders & Clear Boundaries
  If a child is struggling to follow expectations, we use:
  • A quiet word or reminder to help them get back on track.
  • A discussion about choices and the potential consequences of their actions.
  • Redirection – offering them a different task or role to help them reset.
• Natural Consequences
  We believe in natural consequences where appropriate. For example:
  • If a child misuses a tool, they may lose the privilege of using it for a short time.
  • If a child ignores a safety rule, they may be asked to take a break from the activity.
  • If a child excludes others, we have a conversation about fairness and kindness.
• Time to Reflect & Reconnect
  If a child continues to struggle, we may:
  • Give them a short break from the activity to reset.
  • Check in with them one-on-one to understand what’s going on.
  • Support them in making amends if they’ve upset someone.
• Involving Parents (If Needed)
  If behavioural challenges persist or a child is struggling to integrate positively into the group, we will:
  • Have a conversation with parents to discuss possible strategies.
  • Work together to put in place a support plan to help the child succeed.
  • If necessary, consider whether the group environment is the best fit for them.
• Formal Review Leading to Exclusion
  We do not tolerate behaviour that affects the safety and wellbeing of others in the group. This might include inappropriate use of language, bullying or physical abuse. In most cases we will actively work with parents to resolve these issues but if there is no improvement or if the behaviour continues to poses a risk, we may:
  • Offer a temporary break from sessions to reset.
  • Recommend alternative settings that may better suit the child.
  • Make the decision to remove them from the programme permanently.

We always aim to be fair, understanding, and supportive, and dismissal is never a decision we take lightly. However, the safety and well-being of the group as a whole must always come first.

As a private business we also reserve the right to refuse to offer you service without reason at any time.