Chichester Forest Schools C.I.C.

Mission Statement 

To create an inclusive, safe space, where we recognise our responsibility to individual and group needs and value difference and diversity.  Through explorative, hands-on learning opportunities, empower people to be in touch with their senses, learn to manage risks and use their own initiative to problem solve and connect with others. 

Values 

  • An ethical service, with a culture of kindness and respect for all stakeholders and the environment at our core. 
  • A therapeutic ethos that seeks to enable wellbeing for all. 
  • Empowering connectedness for individuals within themselves, with nature, with others and with the wider community. 
  • A holistic approach, that recognises the power of experiential learning and self-directed exploration within a safe space. 
  • Embrace the importance of risk, challenge and play.
  • Behaviour is acknowledged as a form of communication, allowing our professional experienced staff team to use a trauma-informed approach.

 

Rachel Maynard MSc. – CEO / Senior Forest School Leader

Rachel is a Level 3 Forest School Leader with over 7 years experience running forest school programmes and many years experience in scouting. Trained to deliver the John Muirs Award. Level 3 OCN working with young people with Challenging Behaviour Outdoors, Youth Mental Health First Aider, Therapeutic Forest Approved Practitioner, Shinrin Yoku Forest Bathing Practitioner.

 

Emma Wiles – Forest School Leader

Emma Wiles photo Emma is an experienced Level 3 Forest School Leader with a foundation degree in Play Therapy and has many years experience working with young people and play work.  Emma leads our Babes in the Woods and Owls Home Education Group, and our alternative provision sessions.

Stuart White – Forest School Leader & Assistant Director

Stuart White photo

Before qualifying as a Level 3 Forest School Practitioner, Stuart spent over seventeen years as a primary school teacher and leader, has worked with children from all walks of life with an extensive range of needs. He draws on his experience in every one of the forest school sessions in which he is involved. From a young age, he has been a keen “outdoors” person and has travelled widely in his pursuit of adventure!

Abbie James – Forest School Leader

Abbie found her passion for combining education and the outdoors during her studies at Falmouth University. Now a qualified Level 3 practitioner she is embracing all the exciting challenges Forest School presents! Abbie leads on our Space to Breathe Girls Programme, Wild Play families programme and enjoys delivering forest school to schools and nurseries.

 

Helen Neary – Family Coach and Chartered Psychologist

Helen works in various roles including: Psychology Lecturer, wellbeing coach, parent coach & academic success mentor. She has 20+ years experience working with young people and running adult learning programmes.  Increasing people’s awareness and daily habits around emotional health is a core theme within all her work and she is passionate about us all looking after ourselves – emotionally as well as physically.  Her role within the forest school is wide ranging, including; working directing with parents or carers about their experience of parenting & mentoring young people to gain self confidence and resilience.

Donna Sewell – Forest School Leader 

Donna in tree Donna is a qualified Level 3 Forest School Leader with over 10 years experience of working with people of all ages in an outdoor setting. She has a long professional history of working with young people in care, youth justice, SEN, education and youth work provisions. She is also experienced in leading the John Muir Conservation Award and has recently undertaken her Bushcraft Level 3 training with the Woodcraft School.

All staff who lead forest school programmes, have Enhanced DBS checks, Food Hygiene Level 2, Outdoor First Aid training, and Youth Mental Health First Aid.