FAQ for tutors
Key information you might want to know
Back to homeOur sites are varied and different but all have the basics like a compost loo and warm space to shelter in when the weather is poor. We have sites near Chatteris (Eastolmor), Hardwick (Bramblewick), Grafham (Manor Wood) in Cambridgeshire and Boreham in Bedfordshire (Leslie Sell Activity Centre). As we expand into Bedfordshire we are always on the lookout for new sites too.
Sometimes we offer sessions on a school site, if of course there are a few trees and green space in which to work. This can be the main base for sessions or be short term as part of a transition back to school. All sites are visited to check suitability and risk assessed. Some schools have wonderful wooded spaces and it works well for the learner to be part of the school community.
Always wear clothes appropriate for the weather. We will offer uniform/kit to help protect you from the elements and save your clothes from wear and tear. More importantly, our logo is a way of taxi drivers, learners and parents being able to recognise us without having the more formal ‘schooly’ looking lanyards which may be off putting (not to mention too dangly for fires). We do appreciate it when Woodventurers uniform is worn and there is at least one logo on show about your person. Sites can be muddy in the wet, so well fitting waterproof footwear is a must. Jewellery should be kept to a minimum for health and safety reasons eg studs instead of hoops!
Yes! It’s really important to take a bit of time to decompress and reset before the next session and a new learner so we see it as a really important part of day. We have indoor heated spaces for use in the colder months. If you are doing a morning session followed by an afternoon session we ensure there is time enough for a break between sessions. If you are doing a full day, you will have lunch with the learner but also be relieved for a short time by other staff to use the toilet etc. Also, during a half day session, having a snack and a drink is integral to the session time so you would join in with that too. So there are lots of chances to refresh and opportunities to enjoy some conversation over food with fellow staff and learners alike.
Each programme has a small budget allocated for session snacks and food for campfire cooking. We have a good bank of resources at each site covering all areas of learning including puzzles, natural loose parts, natural objects, crafting materials, weaving looms etc.
Half day sessions are 2 hours contact time, with an additional paid planning, prep and evaluation time eg half hour for prep before session and a half hour pack down at the end. A full day session is 5 hours contact time with the same length of paid set up and pack down allowance.
First: arrive, meet your fellow tutor and set up the site with the essentials of first aid kits, fire safety equipment, hand washing and do a pre session check of the area you are going to work in. Also prepare for the activities in session by getting resources out.
Next: meet and greet the learner at the taxi drop off point. It’s always helpful to get there a few minutes before the learner is due to arrive so you are there waiting for them.
Then: walk to the wood together and enjoy the session. During the session, have a snack and drink.
After: Depending on the learner, you may do a gentle tidy up as teh session comes to a close – for some, this visual cue helps them mentally prepare for the next step – or with some prior warning, allow the learner to come out of their learner cycle and get ready to go home.
Then: accompany the learner back to the drop off point and wait for them to be collected. Once they are safely buckled up and the transport has left, your session has finished.
Lastly: go back to the woods to reflect on the session, tidy up the area you’ve been working in and return resources to the secure storage.