Forest School SNPT
FOREST SCHOOL
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ANNUAL
REPORT
2022 - 2023
Charity Narne: Forest School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot IFSSNPTI
Charity Number: 1087964
Address: Bishop's Wood Countryside Centre. Caswell, Swansea, SA3 3BS
AGM Trustee Report 2022- 2023


## **CHAIR'S STATEMENT** 


In these unprecedented times we have been very aware that every human connection with nature is paramount to our health and wellbeing. We are still recovering from the years of the pandemic and more recently surged straight into a cost of living crisis. Our work has enabled people to reconnect with nature, children and their families to get together to enjoy being outside, to meet new friends and to get muddy once again! Forest School SNPT remains committed to rebuilding this connection through our project work, education programme and training opportunities. 

Our professional staff and experienced volunteers have continued to demonstrate great resilience and adaptability, allowing us to be able to offer more than ever, especially in these uncertain times. This has been another challenging year, with many changes taking place, and one in which the trustees and staff held the reins whilst recruiting a new Manager for the organisation. We'd like to extend our thanks to Llys Nini for providing us with our permanent site. We are very grateful to our funders, who continue to support us and look towards the future with optimism. 

Di Clark & Tim Orrell 

Co Chair of Trustees 

**Charity Name** : Forest School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot (FSSNPT) **Charity Number:** 1087964 

**Address:** Bishop’s Wood Countryside Centre, Caswell, Swansea, SA3 3BS AGM Trustee Report 2022 - 2023 



## **Trustee Selection Method** 

We have a clear recruitment and selection process for appointing new trustees into their roles. Role Descriptions are available for all positions within the Board. New trustees are appointed by existing trustees and are approved at the AGM, by majority vote.. Should the recruitment process fall out of line with the AGM then an EGM will be called to ratify and agree the new trustees in order for them to be welcomed onto the Board. 

## **Governance** 

The Governing document is reviewed on a regular basis to ensure it is fit for purpose. 

All policies and procedures are reviewed on an annual basis and are ratified by the Board. The FSSNPT Manager is line managed by one of the Co-Chairs, working closely with the Treasurer, staff members and all Board members to ensure there is a clear decision-making process. 

We hold bi-monthly meetings of the Board where Strategic Direction of the organisation is reviewed. 

## **Organisational Structure** 


FSSNPT employs a part-time FS Manager who has delegated responsibility for the day to day running of the organisation. The FS Manager is supported by 3 other part-time employees as detailed above. There are a further 20 FS Leaders and Assistants who work with us on a sessional basis. We also have 5 volunteers which we will need to look at a recruitment drive for the future. 

**Charity Name** : Forest School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot (FSSNPT) **Charity Number:** 1087964 

**Address:** Bishop’s Wood Countryside Centre, Caswell, Swansea, SA3 3BS AGM Trustee Report 2022 - 2023 



## **FSSNPT: Strategy** 

## **Charity Objects** 

To provide facilities for education and recreation outdoors with the aim of improving the lives of our communities. To implement traditional and effective FS techniques, outdoor learning and play across the Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot areas. 

## **Aims** 

FSSNPT provides opportunities for all ages and abilities to grow in confidence, self-esteem, resilience and independence in woodland settings. All participants are supported with their individual growth and encouraged to explore the environment and connect. 

FSSNPT implements 6 key principles in line with the FS community standards: 

1. We facilitate a long-term process through regular interaction 

2. We provide sessions in natural wooded environments 

3. We promote and encourage holistic development 

4. We offer learners the opportunity to take supported risks 

5. All of our delivery team members are qualified FS practitioners (L3/L2) 

6. We use a range of learner-centered processes 

Our strategic plan for 22-25 is in development with strong aims, objectives and organisational values. 

## **Quality Assurance** 

With a high staff: to participant ratio we enable individual learning needs and styles, facilitated by our qualified and experienced Leaders, Assistants and Volunteers. 

All sites and activities are risk assessed. Sites range from wooded areas across Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot in addition to local beaches for Coastal School services. Activities are adaptable and broad including (but not limited to): 

- Tool use (whittling, sawing, pruning) 

- Identification of animals and plants 

- Fire use (lighting, safety, maintenance, environmental responsibility and awareness etc) 

- Foraging 

- Cooking 

- Shelter and den building 

- Mud play, art and imaginative mud kitchen 

- Engineering and problem solving 

- Scavenger hunting 

- Bushcraft skills 

- Swings, climbing and physical exploration 

- Nature art and crafts (clay, natural paints, print making etc) 

- Woodland Conservation and environmental education 

**Charity Name** : Forest School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot (FSSNPT) **Charity Number:** 1087964 

**Address:** Bishop’s Wood Countryside Centre, Caswell, Swansea, SA3 3BS 

AGM Trustee Report 2022 - 2023 



FSSNPT is a training provider, offering a training programme ranging from AGORED accredited Level 1, 2 and 3 courses to CPD, taster sessions and team building, Our training covers topics such as FS leading, assisting, outdoor curriculum coordination, outdoor learning and play, first aid, introduction to the FS ethos and wellbeing in nature. 

## **Activities** 

Our provision is predominately broken down into the following: 

1. **Projects** - either delivered directly to or on behalf of the organiser e.g. local school, community group. These sessions are facilitated either on a site of the organisers (risk assessment dependent) or one of the sites FS utilises. As a FS, we encourage regular and consistent access to our services however we do also offer one-off opportunities for activities, e.g. school trips or taster sessions. Grant funding enables FSSNPT to run a series of funded or subsidised opportunities. We strive to create partnerships with local community groups to provide such opportunities to children, youths, families or adults at risk. 

2. **Open sessions** – regular FS sessions for the community to participate in. These are paid for by individuals. 

3. **Training** – as a certified AGORED Cymru training provider we provide accredited and non-accredited courses throughout the year enabling others to create, deliver and support other FS settings. 

## **Achievement and Performance** 

Following the last AGM no further trustees have been appointed, however our previous chair resigned. It was agreed by the Board for Diana Clark and Tim Orrell to Co-Chair until formally appointed at the forthcoming AGM. Gwen Bezodis, as agreed by the Board, has taken on secretarial responsibilities agreed at 2022 AGM. 

After a period of furlough, staff returned to their contracted work hours and pace of delivery and training courses have been restored. The previous FS Project Manager resigned from post and a new Manager was appointed formally in May 2022 having supported the oversight of the Charity in a freelance capacity between February 2022 and May 2022. 

We hosted a number of education providers and groups across our various sites, one particular school booked us weekly for the entirety returned for the 22-23 year.. 

## **FSSNPT: Financial Review** 

## **Reserves Policy** 

The aim of the organisation is to maintain reserves to enable it to continue and expand the services currently provided and, in addition to developing new projects and opportunities in the future. Our policy is to strive to maintain a reserve of three working months, in addition to a reserve for statutory redundancy of £7,975 as at 31 st March 2023. 

## **Further Financial Details** 

During the 22-23 financial year our primary sources of funds are detailed below: 

£26,315 income generated through various projects (e.g schools, playschemes, seedlings) £24,042 from our training portfolio 

£13,915 in grant funding (including HMRC furlough income) Total income: £64,470 

**Charity Name** : Forest School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot (FSSNPT) 

**Charity Number:** 1087964 

**Address:** Bishop’s Wood Countryside Centre, Caswell, Swansea, SA3 3BS 

AGM Trustee Report 2022 - 2023 



## **WHAT WE DID** 

Our training courses have been consistently well attended and we continue to be involved in the development of training in the sector through the Wales-wide network. 

We have delivered many sessions which include: Seedlings working with children and their families 0- 5 years. Woodland Explorers working with older children aged 5 - 12 years old and their families. 

A grant from National Lottery Community Fund Awards for All meant we could offer specific sessions working with Hands Up for Downs and Mixtup, all of which have been extremely successful. A quote from each of these organisations following the sessions is below. 

Hands Up for Downs (HUFD) - Thank you to The National Lottery AWARDS FOR ALL Funding for making this project become a reality! Staff and young people benefited and enjoyed it all so much 




Mixtup - Yesterday's popcorn poppety smoke wafferty afternoon at Forest School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot was awesome! We devised new and wonderful games including the Where's Wiĺl forest flour trail We made our own hoops from willow and whittled target stakes, we worked on our dream catchers and devoured popcorn, crumpets, hot chocolate and orange juice. Thank you Pam and Nigel 

**Charity Name** : Forest School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot (FSSNPT) **Charity Number:** 1087964 

**Address:** Bishop’s Wood Countryside Centre, Caswell, Swansea, SA3 3BS AGM Trustee Report 2022 - 2023 






## **DETAIL OF DELIVERY** 

## **Training** 

Level 3 Forest School Leader x 2 courses (16 participants) Outdoor Paediatric First Aid x 2 course (18 participants) Coastal School Top Up x 1 course (8 participants) Forest School Assistant x 2 courses (14 participants) 



## **Trainers perspective: from Emma North FSSNPT Trainer** 

Over the course of the last year, I have been working alongside Karen as part of the training team. Previous to this I was working as a sessional Forest School leader with Forest School SNPT. I began my journey towards becoming a Level 4 Forest School Trainer in early 2022. As part of the process of becoming a trainer I have shadowed some of the courses Karen has delivered and have run courses of my own. Moving from the delivery of Forest School sessions into training has been very rewarding, although I do miss leading sessions and would love to have the time stay involved with this side of things. 

I have over the last year run a Level 2 Forest School Assistant course and a Level 3 Forest School Leader course. Whilst delivering training you get to meet some great like-minded people, some of whom having successfully completed their training have gone on to work for us as sessional leaders and assistants. It is not only good to be able to support individuals in this way but knowing that teachers and teaching assistants are gaining knowledge and skills that enable them to run Forest School sessions in their school settings are great too. We know that Forest School is a really beneficial 

**Charity Name** : Forest School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot (FSSNPT) **Charity Number:** 1087964 

**Address:** Bishop’s Wood Countryside Centre, Caswell, Swansea, SA3 3BS AGM Trustee Report 2022 - 2023 



process, and it is fantastic that this is increasingly being recognised by the education system. I hope to complete the level 4 training early 2024 and continue to work for Forest School SNPT long into the future! It is great to see the organisation moving forward and growing under the guidance and expertise of a strong team of trustees and with the vision and dedication of a hard-working staff and sessional team. I believe we are well placed to continue to offer high quality training and Forest School experiences to those who want and need it, and to develop what we can offer in order that our future becomes increasingly secure. Exciting times ahead! 

## **Projects** 

Seedlings x 75 sessions Woodland Explorer 18 x sessions School trips x 2 

Communities for Work x 6 sessions 

Family Fun Day x 2 sessions Gnoll Seedlings x 2 sessions Gower College trip x 1 HUFD x 10 sessions Mixtup x 10 sessions Summer Explorers x 5 sessions NPT Under 5’s x 16 sessions 

Throughout the year we have been working with Ysgol Bryn Y Mor school offering sessions for outdoor learning. 

We have worked with hundreds of children aged 0 - 12 years and their families. 

Here is a sample of the feedback we have received: 

'I really enjoyed playing with my friends' 'I enjoyed the clay' 'I enjoyed being funny with Nigel with the puppets' (I kept getting attacked by badger/rabbit and squirrel) Lots specified the rope swing as their favourite thing. 

Favourite thing was making conker necklaces. I loved going in the hammock and swinging 

' I.want to stay here ..!",(Child not wanting to leave at the end ) I loved making my leaf bowls best 

This is literally the highlight of his week. I'm going to have to start hosing him down 

**Charity Name** : Forest School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot (FSSNPT) **Charity Number:** 1087964 

**Address:** Bishop’s Wood Countryside Centre, Caswell, Swansea, SA3 3BS AGM Trustee Report 2022 - 2023 




## **FSSNPT Project Lead highlights: from Pixie Taylor** 

Seedlings at Llys Nini 

We were fortunate to be able to offer funded Seedlings sessions for pre school aged children once again giving many more families the opportunity to come out and enjoy muddy fun throughout the seasons. 

Highlights included digging , mud kitchen play and even full body immersion in our mud pit by some little adventurers! 

It was rewarding to witness these very young children developing and gaining confidence physically and socially over the course of the year. 

## YGG Bryn Y Mor 

Our forest school sessions with Ysgol Bryn Y Mor continued with all children from Yr 1 and 2 and a small nurture group of years 3 to 6 . 

Singleton Park Ornamental Gardens is a perfect location for this project allowing the children to walk there from.their school. They have benefited from getting better acquainted with the nature on their doorstep and learning skills such as den building, climbing trees and following trails and problem solving. 

But if you asked them most would say they loved playing Draenog (Hedgehog) Tag and cooking marshmallows.! 

**Charity Name** : Forest School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot (FSSNPT) **Charity Number:** 1087964 

**Address:** Bishop’s Wood Countryside Centre, Caswell, Swansea, SA3 3BS AGM Trustee Report 2022 - 2023 






## **Sessional Staff Feedback: from James Morris & Chloe Naylor** 

"Working for SNPT Forest School since January 2022 has been a fantastic experience for myself, allowing me to expand my knowledge and enabling me to work with a diverse range of individuals, both as colleagues and attendees. Through working regular sessions, I have seen the charity's impact on families, allowing children to get outside and experience Forest School with skilled and engaging sessional leaders - and providing parents opportunities to meet and expand social circles. The opportunities I have had to lead have been really pleasant, and while it took time to find my feet, the communication from management and Forest School assistants gave me the confidence to know I was doing the right thing. Knowing the support of leadership was key in helping me through any issues, notably when showing sensitivity and transparency when dealing with a complaint. Having only worked in school settings before, my sessional work has expanded not only work opportunities and professional knowledge, but my social circle too, and for that I am extremely grateful." James 

I started working with Forest School SNPT as a volunteer 7 years ago alongside my university studies. Since then, I have worked on various projects during the holidays and weekends and completed the Agored Cymru Level 2 Award in Assisting Forest School in 2020, leading to receiving paid work. I have learnt so much through working with the organisation over the years and met so many people with similar ideals as myself and that are incredibly down-to-earth. Being surrounded by such people has helped me to improve my confidence, which has led to me doing well in my term-time employment. I am thoroughly looking forward to working with the organisation on projects in the foreseeable future! Chloe 

**Charity Name** : Forest School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot (FSSNPT) **Charity Number:** 1087964 

**Address:** Bishop’s Wood Countryside Centre, Caswell, Swansea, SA3 3BS AGM Trustee Report 2022 - 2023 



## **WHO WAS INVOLVED:** 

## **Trustees:** 

Diana Clark (Co-Chair) Tim Orrell (Co-Chair) Natalie Coombs (Deputy Chair) - resigned 22/09/22 Gwen Bezodis (Secretary) - resigned 11/09/23 Ria Banscherus 

## **Treasurer** 

Ruth Evans (Treasurer) 

## **Employees** 

Sophie Lacey (Forest School Manager) resigned December 2022 Jackie Dorrian (Forest School Manager) April 2023 Pixie Taylor (Project Lead) Karen Jones (Training Lead) Emma North (Trainer) March 2023 Sasha North (Administration Assistant) 

## **The people we could not achieve all that we have without:** 

Cazzie Wood, Charlotte Toft, Pam Mayford, Tonya Evans, Kate Davies, Chloe Naylor, Kath Eagle, Carina Roberts, Nina Xartwright, Emily Parkinson, Carys Lovering, Adele Evans, Nigel Little, Lydia Dixon, Clare Santimano, Laura Evans, James Morris and Rochelle Lewis and anyone who’s name is missing (apologies) 

## **Huge thanks goes to the volunteers who give up their time to support us in more ways than one. A massive thank you!** 

**Charity Name** : Forest School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot (FSSNPT) **Charity Number:** 1087964 

**Address:** Bishop’s Wood Countryside Centre, Caswell, Swansea, SA3 3BS AGM Trustee Report 2022 - 2023 



## **Partners / supporting organisations:** 

## SCVS 

Nature Conservation Team (CCS) 

Childcare & Play Team (CCS) 

Cambium Sustainable 

Outdoor Learning Training Network 

Actif Woods 

NPTCVS 

Llys Nini RSPCA Animal Centre 

## **CLOSING CREDITS** 

**We would not be where we are now without the wonderful support of the children, young people and their families. We want to thank all of you who attended our sessions** 

Our Funders 





**Charity Name** : Forest School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot (FSSNPT) **Charity Number:** 1087964 

**Address:** Bishop’s Wood Countryside Centre, Caswell, Swansea, SA3 3BS AGM Trustee Report 2022 - 2023 



CHARITY COMMISSION
FOR ENGIAND AND WALES
Forost School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot
1087964
Recei
ts and
ents accounts
3110312023
CC16a
For the period
from
0110412022
To
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
fvnds
Endowment
fund5
Total funds
Last year
toth? nearest £ to the near•st£
to thB noJMst £
to the Th￿reSt£
tothD nearest £
A1 Recei
Grant I￿0[￿
Prqecl Fees
Training Fees
Donations
Bank Inlere51
Other IncoTht
13.915
13JlS
26,3t6
24,D42
28,178
49.768
26,292
26.316
147
310
ross income
AR)
13J15
64.470
sèt an
see tsble
ent sa
Totsl receipts
13.915
64070
.586
A3Pa
ents
st8ff Costs
Self-emp
Travel
Volunteer ExpBnse8
Project & Training Costs
Equipment
Mainttnance & knprovements
Postage, Stationery & Prinliro
Teleph￿e
cL￿pUter Costs
Insuranc$
A¢countallcy& payrdl
otfice Rent
Memb¢rship & Sutscriplior
Miscellaneou5
18,884
19J2
19,953
38,274
24,279
d Staff Costs
19.953
1.307
1$0
5.764
1,156
1.307
6,664
3.165
3,542
952
519
f.441
I,lJlJ9
I,S28
1,037
251
1.156
$70
6,053
6,053
1,213
4.307
1,213
f38
Sub total
33.821
47240
81ml
81,839
A4 As$et and investment
Sub totsl
33.821
47240
81,061
81,839
Net of receipts/{paym8nts)
A5 Transfers beh¥een funds
A6 Cash funds last year end
C•$h funds th1$ year end
33.325
16,591
22,747
53,958
40,140
6,81
71,351
94,098
7T.507
CCXX R1 accounL8 ISSI
26110r2023

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
Unrestricted
funds
to r*•r•¥t £
Restricted
funds
to nearest £
Endowment
funds
to nearest £
Categories
Details
B1 Cash funds
Lknytts Bank
38,360
6.Bl5
Paypal
CAF Bank
30.nl
Cash
Total cash funds
40,167
37.553
xA*I51)
Unrestricted
fvnds
R•strict8d
fund5
rwrB¥t£
Endowment
fvrtrds
to nearest£
Details
to nearest£
Fwxl towhl
UFrtntV8lut
onal
Detai15
Cost lopl6onAfl
83 Investment assets
Pund to whlch
Currentvalue
•n81
Details
Cost{0p￿Dna
B4 Assets retained for th•
charity's own use
Fund to whlch
r•lales
When due
onal
Details
tional
B5 Liabllltles
Signed by one orMo tsustee5 on
behalf of all Ihe trustees
Date of
roval
Signatti
Print Name
14WA
esqNlsc+4LILLZJ
tlii ILS
CCXX R2 accounts ISSI
2811012023

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF FOREST SCHOOL SWANSEA, NEATH AND PORT TALBOT 

## _**Independent examiner’s Charity**_ 

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023. 

## _Responsibilities and basis of report_ 

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011(‘the Act’). 

I report in respect of my examination of the Trustee’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. 

## _Independent examiner’s statement_ 

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 

- (1) accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or 

- (2) the accounts do not accord with those records. 

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 

## _**Signed:**_ 


_**Name:** Michael Jones_ 

_**Relevant professional qualification or membership of professional body (if any):** A_ ssociation of Chartered Certified Accountants 

_Address: Bevan Buckland LLP Chartered Accountants Ground Floor, Cardigan House Castle Court Swansea Enterprise Park Swansea SA7 9LA Date: 26[th] September 2023_ 




**Forest School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot 1087964** 

|**Receipts andpayments accounts**|**Receipts andpayments accounts**|**Receipts andpayments accounts**|**Receipts andpayments accounts**|
|---|---|---|---|
|**For the period**<br>**from**|**01/04/2022**|**To**|**31/03/2023**|



## **CC16a** 

## **Section A Receipts and payments** 

|**A1 Receipts**|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**to the nearest**<br>**£**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**26,316**<br>**24,042**<br>**50**<br>**-**<br>**147**<br>**50,555**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**50,555**<br>**-**<br>**18,884**<br>**1,307**<br>**5,764**<br>**-**<br>**835**<br>**570**<br>**1,213**<br>**4,307**<br>**-**<br>**803**<br>**138**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br> **33,821**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br> **-**<br>**33,821**<br>**16,734**<br>**-**<br>**53,958**<br>**70,692**|**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**to the nearest £**<br>**-**<br>**13,915**<br>**-**<br>**13,915**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**13,915**<br>**-**<br>**19,928**<br>**19,953**<br>**-**<br>**150**<br>**-**<br>**1,156**<br>**-**<br>**6,053**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**47,240**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**47,240**<br>**-               33,325**<br>**-**<br>**40,140**<br>**6,815**|**Endowment**<br>**funds**<br>**to the nearest £**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**|**Total funds**<br>**to the nearest £**<br>**-**<br>**13,915**<br>**26,316**<br>**24,042**<br>**50**<br>**-**<br>**147**<br>**-**<br>**64,470**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**64,470**<br>**-**<br>**38,812**<br>**19,953**<br>**1,307**<br>**150**<br>**5,764**<br>**1,156**<br>**-**<br>**835**<br>**570**<br>**6,053**<br>**1,213**<br>**4,307**<br>**-**<br>**803**<br>**138**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**81,061**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**81,061**<br>**-               16,591**|**Total funds**<br>**to the nearest £**<br>**-**<br>**13,915**<br>**26,316**<br>**24,042**<br>**50**<br>**-**<br>**147**<br>**-**<br>**64,470**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**64,470**<br>**-**<br>**38,812**<br>**19,953**<br>**1,307**<br>**150**<br>**5,764**<br>**1,156**<br>**-**<br>**835**<br>**570**<br>**6,053**<br>**1,213**<br>**4,307**<br>**-**<br>**803**<br>**138**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**81,061**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**81,061**<br>**-               16,591**|**Last year**<br>**to the nearest £**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**-**|||||**-**|
|Grant Income|**-**|||||**28,178**|
|Project Fees|**26,316**|||||**49,768**|
|TrainingFees|**24,042**|||||**26,292**|
|Donations|**50**|||||**-**|
|Bank Interest|**-**|||||**38**|
|Other Income|**147**|||||**310**|
|||||||**-**|
|**_Sub total(Gross income for_**<br>**_AR)_**|**50,555**|||||**104,586**|
||||||||
|**A2 Asset and investment sales,**<br>**(see table).**|||||||
||**-**||||||
||**-**|||||**-**|
|**_Sub total_**|**-**|||||**-**|
|**_Total receipts_**<br>**A3 Payments**|||||||
|||||||**104,586**|
||||||||
||**-**|||||**-**|
|Staff Costs|**18,884**|||||**36,274**|
|Self-employed Staff Costs||||||**24,279**|
|Travel|**1,307**|||||**840**|
|Volunteer Expenses||||||**-**|
|Project & TrainingCosts|**5,764**|||||**6,664**|
|Equipment||||||**3,165**|
|Maintenance & Improvements|**-**|||||**3,542**|
|Postage,Stationery& Printing|**835**|||||**952**|
|Telephone|**570**|||||**519**|
|Computer Costs||||||**1,441**|
|Insurance|**1,213**|||||**1,009**|
|Accountancy&payroll|**4,307**|||||**1,528**|
|Office Rent|**-**|||||**1,037**|
|Membership& Subscriptions|**803**|||||**251**|
|Miscellaneous|**138**|||||**338**|
||**-**|||||**-**|
||**-**|||||**-**|
|**_Sub total_ **|**33,821**|||||**81,839**|
||||||||
|**A4 Asset and investment**<br>**purchases, (see table)**|||||||
||**-**||||||
||**-**||||||
|**_Sub total_ **|**-**|||||**-**|
|**_Total payments_**<br>**_Net of receipts/(payments)_**<br>**A5 Transfers between funds**<br>**A6 Cash funds last year end**<br>**_Cash funds this year end_**|||||||
|||||||**81,839**|
||||||||
||**16,734**|**-               33,325**|**-**|**-               16,591**||**22,747**|
||**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**||**-**|
||**53,958**|**40,140**|**-**|**94,098**||**71,351**|
||**70,692**|**6,815**|**-**|**77,507**||**94,098**|



CCXX R1 accounts (SS) 

25/10/2023 

1 



|**Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period**|**Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period**|**Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period**|**Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period**||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Categories**<br>**B1 Cash funds**<br>**B2 Other monetary assets**<br>**B4 Assets retained for the**<br>**charity’s own use**<br>**B5 Liabilities**<br>**B3 Investment assets**|Paypal<br>**Details**<br>Lloyds Bank<br>CAF Bank<br>Cash<br>**Details**<br>**_Total cash funds_**<br>(agree balances with receipts and payments<br>account(s))<br>**Details**<br>**Details**<br>**Details**|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**to nearest £**<br>**38,360**<br>**1,722**<br>**-**<br>**85**<br>**40,167**<br>Agreement Error<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**to nearest £**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**Fund to which**<br>**asset belongs**<br>**Fund to which**<br>**asset belongs**<br>**Fund to which**<br>**liability relates**|**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**to nearest £**<br>**6,815**<br>**30,738**<br>**-**<br>**37,553**<br>Agreement Error<br>**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**to nearest £**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**Cost (optional)**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**Cost (optional)**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**Amount due**<br>**(optional)**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**|**Endowment**<br>**funds**<br>**to nearest £**|
|||||**-**|
||||||
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||OK|
|||||**Endowment**<br>**funds**<br>**to nearest £**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**Current value**<br>**(optional)**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**Current value**<br>**(optional)**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**When due**<br>**(optional)**|
||||**-**||
||||**-**||
||||**-**||
||||**-**||
||||**-**||



Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees 

Signature 

Print Name 

Date of approval 

CCXX R2 accounts (SS) 

25/10/2023 

2 



Forest School SNPT
FOREST SCHOOL
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ANNUAL
REPORT
2022 - 2023
Charity Narne: Forest School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot IFSSNPTI
Charity Number: 1087964
Address: Bishop's Wood Countryside Centre. Caswell, Swansea, SA3 3BS
AGM Trustee Report 2022- 2023


## **CHAIR'S STATEMENT** 


In these unprecedented times we have been very aware that every human connection with nature is paramount to our health and wellbeing. We are still recovering from the years of the pandemic and more recently surged straight into a cost of living crisis. Our work has enabled people to reconnect with nature, children and their families to get together to enjoy being outside, to meet new friends and to get muddy once again! Forest School SNPT remains committed to rebuilding this connection through our project work, education programme and training opportunities. 

Our professional staff and experienced volunteers have continued to demonstrate great resilience and adaptability, allowing us to be able to offer more than ever, especially in these uncertain times. This has been another challenging year, with many changes taking place, and one in which the trustees and staff held the reins whilst recruiting a new Manager for the organisation. We'd like to extend our thanks to Llys Nini for providing us with our permanent site. We are very grateful to our funders, who continue to support us and look towards the future with optimism. 

Di Clark & Tim Orrell 

Co Chair of Trustees 

**Charity Name** : Forest School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot (FSSNPT) **Charity Number:** 1087964 

**Address:** Bishop’s Wood Countryside Centre, Caswell, Swansea, SA3 3BS AGM Trustee Report 2022 - 2023 



## **Trustee Selection Method** 

We have a clear recruitment and selection process for appointing new trustees into their roles. Role Descriptions are available for all positions within the Board. New trustees are appointed by existing trustees and are approved at the AGM, by majority vote.. Should the recruitment process fall out of line with the AGM then an EGM will be called to ratify and agree the new trustees in order for them to be welcomed onto the Board. 

## **Governance** 

The Governing document is reviewed on a regular basis to ensure it is fit for purpose. 

All policies and procedures are reviewed on an annual basis and are ratified by the Board. The FSSNPT Manager is line managed by one of the Co-Chairs, working closely with the Treasurer, staff members and all Board members to ensure there is a clear decision-making process. 

We hold bi-monthly meetings of the Board where Strategic Direction of the organisation is reviewed. 

## **Organisational Structure** 


FSSNPT employs a part-time FS Manager who has delegated responsibility for the day to day running of the organisation. The FS Manager is supported by 3 other part-time employees as detailed above. There are a further 20 FS Leaders and Assistants who work with us on a sessional basis. We also have 5 volunteers which we will need to look at a recruitment drive for the future. 

**Charity Name** : Forest School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot (FSSNPT) **Charity Number:** 1087964 

**Address:** Bishop’s Wood Countryside Centre, Caswell, Swansea, SA3 3BS AGM Trustee Report 2022 - 2023 



## **FSSNPT: Strategy** 

## **Charity Objects** 

To provide facilities for education and recreation outdoors with the aim of improving the lives of our communities. To implement traditional and effective FS techniques, outdoor learning and play across the Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot areas. 

## **Aims** 

FSSNPT provides opportunities for all ages and abilities to grow in confidence, self-esteem, resilience and independence in woodland settings. All participants are supported with their individual growth and encouraged to explore the environment and connect. 

FSSNPT implements 6 key principles in line with the FS community standards: 

1. We facilitate a long-term process through regular interaction 

2. We provide sessions in natural wooded environments 

3. We promote and encourage holistic development 

4. We offer learners the opportunity to take supported risks 

5. All of our delivery team members are qualified FS practitioners (L3/L2) 

6. We use a range of learner-centered processes 

Our strategic plan for 22-25 is in development with strong aims, objectives and organisational values. 

## **Quality Assurance** 

With a high staff: to participant ratio we enable individual learning needs and styles, facilitated by our qualified and experienced Leaders, Assistants and Volunteers. 

All sites and activities are risk assessed. Sites range from wooded areas across Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot in addition to local beaches for Coastal School services. Activities are adaptable and broad including (but not limited to): 

- Tool use (whittling, sawing, pruning) 

- Identification of animals and plants 

- Fire use (lighting, safety, maintenance, environmental responsibility and awareness etc) 

- Foraging 

- Cooking 

- Shelter and den building 

- Mud play, art and imaginative mud kitchen 

- Engineering and problem solving 

- Scavenger hunting 

- Bushcraft skills 

- Swings, climbing and physical exploration 

- Nature art and crafts (clay, natural paints, print making etc) 

- Woodland Conservation and environmental education 

**Charity Name** : Forest School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot (FSSNPT) **Charity Number:** 1087964 

**Address:** Bishop’s Wood Countryside Centre, Caswell, Swansea, SA3 3BS 

AGM Trustee Report 2022 - 2023 



FSSNPT is a training provider, offering a training programme ranging from AGORED accredited Level 1, 2 and 3 courses to CPD, taster sessions and team building, Our training covers topics such as FS leading, assisting, outdoor curriculum coordination, outdoor learning and play, first aid, introduction to the FS ethos and wellbeing in nature. 

## **Activities** 

Our provision is predominately broken down into the following: 

1. **Projects** - either delivered directly to or on behalf of the organiser e.g. local school, community group. These sessions are facilitated either on a site of the organisers (risk assessment dependent) or one of the sites FS utilises. As a FS, we encourage regular and consistent access to our services however we do also offer one-off opportunities for activities, e.g. school trips or taster sessions. Grant funding enables FSSNPT to run a series of funded or subsidised opportunities. We strive to create partnerships with local community groups to provide such opportunities to children, youths, families or adults at risk. 

2. **Open sessions** – regular FS sessions for the community to participate in. These are paid for by individuals. 

3. **Training** – as a certified AGORED Cymru training provider we provide accredited and non-accredited courses throughout the year enabling others to create, deliver and support other FS settings. 

## **Achievement and Performance** 

Following the last AGM no further trustees have been appointed, however our previous chair resigned. It was agreed by the Board for Diana Clark and Tim Orrell to Co-Chair until formally appointed at the forthcoming AGM. Gwen Bezodis, as agreed by the Board, has taken on secretarial responsibilities agreed at 2022 AGM. 

After a period of furlough, staff returned to their contracted work hours and pace of delivery and training courses have been restored. The previous FS Project Manager resigned from post and a new Manager was appointed formally in May 2022 having supported the oversight of the Charity in a freelance capacity between February 2022 and May 2022. 

We hosted a number of education providers and groups across our various sites, one particular school booked us weekly for the entirety returned for the 22-23 year.. 

## **FSSNPT: Financial Review** 

## **Reserves Policy** 

The aim of the organisation is to maintain reserves to enable it to continue and expand the services currently provided and, in addition to developing new projects and opportunities in the future. Our policy is to strive to maintain a reserve of three working months, in addition to a reserve for statutory redundancy of £7,975 as at 31 st March 2023. 

## **Further Financial Details** 

During the 22-23 financial year our primary sources of funds are detailed below: 

£26,315 income generated through various projects (e.g schools, playschemes, seedlings) £24,042 from our training portfolio 

£13,915 in grant funding (including HMRC furlough income) Total income: £64,470 

**Charity Name** : Forest School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot (FSSNPT) 

**Charity Number:** 1087964 

**Address:** Bishop’s Wood Countryside Centre, Caswell, Swansea, SA3 3BS 

AGM Trustee Report 2022 - 2023 



## **WHAT WE DID** 

Our training courses have been consistently well attended and we continue to be involved in the development of training in the sector through the Wales-wide network. 

We have delivered many sessions which include: Seedlings working with children and their families 0- 5 years. Woodland Explorers working with older children aged 5 - 12 years old and their families. 

A grant from National Lottery Community Fund Awards for All meant we could offer specific sessions working with Hands Up for Downs and Mixtup, all of which have been extremely successful. A quote from each of these organisations following the sessions is below. 

Hands Up for Downs (HUFD) - Thank you to The National Lottery AWARDS FOR ALL Funding for making this project become a reality! Staff and young people benefited and enjoyed it all so much 




Mixtup - Yesterday's popcorn poppety smoke wafferty afternoon at Forest School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot was awesome! We devised new and wonderful games including the Where's Wiĺl forest flour trail We made our own hoops from willow and whittled target stakes, we worked on our dream catchers and devoured popcorn, crumpets, hot chocolate and orange juice. Thank you Pam and Nigel 

**Charity Name** : Forest School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot (FSSNPT) **Charity Number:** 1087964 

**Address:** Bishop’s Wood Countryside Centre, Caswell, Swansea, SA3 3BS AGM Trustee Report 2022 - 2023 






## **DETAIL OF DELIVERY** 

## **Training** 

Level 3 Forest School Leader x 2 courses (16 participants) Outdoor Paediatric First Aid x 2 course (18 participants) Coastal School Top Up x 1 course (8 participants) Forest School Assistant x 2 courses (14 participants) 



## **Trainers perspective: from Emma North FSSNPT Trainer** 

Over the course of the last year, I have been working alongside Karen as part of the training team. Previous to this I was working as a sessional Forest School leader with Forest School SNPT. I began my journey towards becoming a Level 4 Forest School Trainer in early 2022. As part of the process of becoming a trainer I have shadowed some of the courses Karen has delivered and have run courses of my own. Moving from the delivery of Forest School sessions into training has been very rewarding, although I do miss leading sessions and would love to have the time stay involved with this side of things. 

I have over the last year run a Level 2 Forest School Assistant course and a Level 3 Forest School Leader course. Whilst delivering training you get to meet some great like-minded people, some of whom having successfully completed their training have gone on to work for us as sessional leaders and assistants. It is not only good to be able to support individuals in this way but knowing that teachers and teaching assistants are gaining knowledge and skills that enable them to run Forest School sessions in their school settings are great too. We know that Forest School is a really beneficial 

**Charity Name** : Forest School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot (FSSNPT) **Charity Number:** 1087964 

**Address:** Bishop’s Wood Countryside Centre, Caswell, Swansea, SA3 3BS AGM Trustee Report 2022 - 2023 



process, and it is fantastic that this is increasingly being recognised by the education system. I hope to complete the level 4 training early 2024 and continue to work for Forest School SNPT long into the future! It is great to see the organisation moving forward and growing under the guidance and expertise of a strong team of trustees and with the vision and dedication of a hard-working staff and sessional team. I believe we are well placed to continue to offer high quality training and Forest School experiences to those who want and need it, and to develop what we can offer in order that our future becomes increasingly secure. Exciting times ahead! 

## **Projects** 

Seedlings x 75 sessions Woodland Explorer 18 x sessions School trips x 2 

Communities for Work x 6 sessions 

Family Fun Day x 2 sessions Gnoll Seedlings x 2 sessions Gower College trip x 1 HUFD x 10 sessions Mixtup x 10 sessions Summer Explorers x 5 sessions NPT Under 5’s x 16 sessions 

Throughout the year we have been working with Ysgol Bryn Y Mor school offering sessions for outdoor learning. 

We have worked with hundreds of children aged 0 - 12 years and their families. 

Here is a sample of the feedback we have received: 

'I really enjoyed playing with my friends' 'I enjoyed the clay' 'I enjoyed being funny with Nigel with the puppets' (I kept getting attacked by badger/rabbit and squirrel) Lots specified the rope swing as their favourite thing. 

Favourite thing was making conker necklaces. I loved going in the hammock and swinging 

' I.want to stay here ..!",(Child not wanting to leave at the end ) I loved making my leaf bowls best 

This is literally the highlight of his week. I'm going to have to start hosing him down 

**Charity Name** : Forest School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot (FSSNPT) **Charity Number:** 1087964 

**Address:** Bishop’s Wood Countryside Centre, Caswell, Swansea, SA3 3BS AGM Trustee Report 2022 - 2023 




## **FSSNPT Project Lead highlights: from Pixie Taylor** 

Seedlings at Llys Nini 

We were fortunate to be able to offer funded Seedlings sessions for pre school aged children once again giving many more families the opportunity to come out and enjoy muddy fun throughout the seasons. 

Highlights included digging , mud kitchen play and even full body immersion in our mud pit by some little adventurers! 

It was rewarding to witness these very young children developing and gaining confidence physically and socially over the course of the year. 

## YGG Bryn Y Mor 

Our forest school sessions with Ysgol Bryn Y Mor continued with all children from Yr 1 and 2 and a small nurture group of years 3 to 6 . 

Singleton Park Ornamental Gardens is a perfect location for this project allowing the children to walk there from.their school. They have benefited from getting better acquainted with the nature on their doorstep and learning skills such as den building, climbing trees and following trails and problem solving. 

But if you asked them most would say they loved playing Draenog (Hedgehog) Tag and cooking marshmallows.! 

**Charity Name** : Forest School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot (FSSNPT) **Charity Number:** 1087964 

**Address:** Bishop’s Wood Countryside Centre, Caswell, Swansea, SA3 3BS AGM Trustee Report 2022 - 2023 






## **Sessional Staff Feedback: from James Morris & Chloe Naylor** 

"Working for SNPT Forest School since January 2022 has been a fantastic experience for myself, allowing me to expand my knowledge and enabling me to work with a diverse range of individuals, both as colleagues and attendees. Through working regular sessions, I have seen the charity's impact on families, allowing children to get outside and experience Forest School with skilled and engaging sessional leaders - and providing parents opportunities to meet and expand social circles. The opportunities I have had to lead have been really pleasant, and while it took time to find my feet, the communication from management and Forest School assistants gave me the confidence to know I was doing the right thing. Knowing the support of leadership was key in helping me through any issues, notably when showing sensitivity and transparency when dealing with a complaint. Having only worked in school settings before, my sessional work has expanded not only work opportunities and professional knowledge, but my social circle too, and for that I am extremely grateful." James 

I started working with Forest School SNPT as a volunteer 7 years ago alongside my university studies. Since then, I have worked on various projects during the holidays and weekends and completed the Agored Cymru Level 2 Award in Assisting Forest School in 2020, leading to receiving paid work. I have learnt so much through working with the organisation over the years and met so many people with similar ideals as myself and that are incredibly down-to-earth. Being surrounded by such people has helped me to improve my confidence, which has led to me doing well in my term-time employment. I am thoroughly looking forward to working with the organisation on projects in the foreseeable future! Chloe 

**Charity Name** : Forest School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot (FSSNPT) **Charity Number:** 1087964 

**Address:** Bishop’s Wood Countryside Centre, Caswell, Swansea, SA3 3BS AGM Trustee Report 2022 - 2023 



## **WHO WAS INVOLVED:** 

## **Trustees:** 

Diana Clark (Co-Chair) Tim Orrell (Co-Chair) Natalie Coombs (Deputy Chair) - resigned 22/09/22 Gwen Bezodis (Secretary) - resigned 11/09/23 Ria Banscherus 

## **Treasurer** 

Ruth Evans (Treasurer) 

## **Employees** 

Sophie Lacey (Forest School Manager) resigned December 2022 Jackie Dorrian (Forest School Manager) April 2023 Pixie Taylor (Project Lead) Karen Jones (Training Lead) Emma North (Trainer) March 2023 Sasha North (Administration Assistant) 

## **The people we could not achieve all that we have without:** 

Cazzie Wood, Charlotte Toft, Pam Mayford, Tonya Evans, Kate Davies, Chloe Naylor, Kath Eagle, Carina Roberts, Nina Xartwright, Emily Parkinson, Carys Lovering, Adele Evans, Nigel Little, Lydia Dixon, Clare Santimano, Laura Evans, James Morris and Rochelle Lewis and anyone who’s name is missing (apologies) 

## **Huge thanks goes to the volunteers who give up their time to support us in more ways than one. A massive thank you!** 

**Charity Name** : Forest School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot (FSSNPT) **Charity Number:** 1087964 

**Address:** Bishop’s Wood Countryside Centre, Caswell, Swansea, SA3 3BS AGM Trustee Report 2022 - 2023 



## **Partners / supporting organisations:** 

## SCVS 

Nature Conservation Team (CCS) 

Childcare & Play Team (CCS) 

Cambium Sustainable 

Outdoor Learning Training Network 

Actif Woods 

NPTCVS 

Llys Nini RSPCA Animal Centre 

## **CLOSING CREDITS** 

**We would not be where we are now without the wonderful support of the children, young people and their families. We want to thank all of you who attended our sessions** 

Our Funders 





**Charity Name** : Forest School Swansea Neath & Port Talbot (FSSNPT) **Charity Number:** 1087964 

**Address:** Bishop’s Wood Countryside Centre, Caswell, Swansea, SA3 3BS AGM Trustee Report 2022 - 2023