Frequently Asked Questions

 

How can I keep up to date with Amber news?
For the latest news please see our newsletter here. Our private Parents Facebook page has regular photos of the Forest School sessions and updates for the week ahead, you'll need to request access to this page here.

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Can I see what my child gets up to at Amber?

Yes, we use the Tapestry Journal portal to post photos and notes on your child’s progress. Celebrating their achievements and exciting activities, you can also contribute to this growing journal by commenting on the entries. Let us know what your child loves doing at home by sending photos and videos back, helping us to build on their development. We will send you a link to your personalised journal when your child starts at Amber. More information on Tapestry can be found here.

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Does Amber provide lunch?

No, please ensure you provide a healthy packed lunch and drink if your child is staying for the lunch session.  

 

Throughout the term we might ask for snack donations, usually this will be fruit, vegetables, crackers, breadsticks or similar. Please bring snacks in disposable bags rather than named boxes.  At Amber we have a sharing bowl for snacks, it’s a great way to encourage the children to share and try new foods with their friends.

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What does my child need to bring to Amber?

Your child's bag should contain the following items:

• Nappies, wipes and nappy bags (if required)

• A least one set of spare clothes including underwear

• Sun hat (summer only)

• Sun cream

• Indoor shoes – slippers or plimsolls are ideal

• Lightweight waterproof coat during the summer (in case of showers)​

• Coat, gloves and hat (winter only)

• Outdoor Shoes/Wellies

• Named water bottle

• Lunch box including drink (if staying for the lunch session)

Please ensure all items in your child's bag are named. We recommend labels from mynametags.com. Please enter School ID 17042 at checkout to get Amber commission, we can use this to enhance our facilities and equipment.

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What does my child need to wear for Outdoor Learning at Amber Ant Club?

It's important children wear the correct clothing to ensure they are protected from the rain and the forest environment. We go out in most weather, and only stay in if there are high winds or thunder.  Please check the local weather forecast and follow the guide below prior to Amber Ant Club. We often go paddling in the river so waterproof wellies are essential. 

 

Do not tuck waterproof trousers inside wellies as this allows water to run down inside the boot. Covering the top of the boot also ensures you don't get a welly full of water if they trip or fall when paddling. Multiple thin layers are always better than 1 or two thicker layers. Please ensure your child is dressed for the forest on arrival so we can maximise time spent outdoors. If a child is not adequately dressed then unfortunately they will not be able to take part in the session.

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Warm Weather Clothing (above 17°C)

• Light long sleeved top

• Light long trousers

• Welles or boots (no sandals)

• Light rain coat if rain forecast

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Mild Weather Clothing (10°C to 17°C)

• As above including...

• Extra layer, such as thin jumper or alternatively thicker rain coat.

• Waterproof trousers

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Cold Weather Clothing (below 10°C)

• As above including...

• Vest or thermal base layer top and bottom

• Jumper/fleece

• Hat and gloves

• Thick warm socks

• Waterproof trousers with braces (Puddle suits are good but trousers with braces are better for regulating temperature)

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What should I do if my child is ill?

Please get in contact with us on 01403 210055 or 07881 926931 to inform us that your child won't be attending. We check the inboxes/voicemails every morning to pick up any messages. If your child is vomiting, please note we have a 48 hour policy before they are allowed back to Pre-School.  

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How can I help Amber?

We are always keen for parents to join the committee who help us to organise fundraising events, or simply get involved during events!  We operate as a charity, so any fundraising we receive helps us to invest in new play equipment as well as fun events for the children at Christmas. 

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You can also help us to earn commission by online shopping via thegivingmachine.co.uk. You can also purchase clothing labels through mynametags.com (quoting School ID 17042 at checkout) to earn Amber commission.