FAQ
Why take theatre outdoors?
If you go into the woods today… You might find a stick. A stick becomes a fishing rod or a magic wand. You might find a stone, which could be the very one Haensel left on the ground to find his way back home. You might find fern uncurling in the spring, which the wee gnomes and fairies like to use as slides after their long winter’s sleep. In a moment of stillness, you might hear the cooing sound of a wood pigeon. What’s that it’s saying?
By trusting and following our children’s imaginative lead, we invite them to discover and learn at their own pace. And before you know it, we have created a wonderful story together!
There are striking similarities between the manifold benefits of outdoor and dramatic learning for children:
They both help to:
- Develop language and communication skills
- Promote physical and mental wellbeing
- Encourage healthy risk-taking and teach resilience
- Nurture friendships and promote team-work
- Understand and care for the world around them
- Assist physical development and fine motor skills
What is risky play and why is it so important?
Risky play includes forms of play which may present a physical challenge to children, in which they stretch themselves beyond their comfort zone and feel a sense of thrill at a new physical experience.
This type of play is full of opportunities to develop new physical, as well as social and emotional skills through team work and problem-solving. It helps children develop a sense of self-confidence and achievement.
At Woodland Whispers, we take the wellbeing of our adult and child participants very seriously. We carry out risk assessments for our sites as well as all our activities, so you and your child can rest assured that the benefits outweigh the risks, and that all necessary precautions have been taken for you to engage in play safely.
Upon signing up, you agree that you are happy for you and your child to participate in all activities. Where any participant has any additional support needs and/or health conditions that may prevent them from taking part in a particular activity, please let us know in advance.
As the parent or carer, you are responsible for the wellbeing and reasonable behaviour of your child. However much we try to prevent these from happening, minor accidents such as grazed knees are a natural part of outdoor play.
I am a trained Outdoor First Aider and a First Aid kit will be on site during our sessions at all times
How did we come about?
Woodland Whispers partly came about as a response to the Covid crisis, when suddenly most face to face drama teaching and live theatre performances were cancelled for everyone. Children and adults everywhere have suffered from isolation, loneliness and missed opportunities for play and creativity.
The outdoors presents us with so many benefits: They are considered a safer way for children and adults to connect and play due to lower risks of infection, and also present us with a stimulating environment to nurture our creative adventures.
Toileting and Hygiene
Each of our locations has different arrangements. Please see the Sessions page for further information.
Cancellations
Sessions may be cancelled due to health reasons or adverse weather conditions which may prevent us from safely accessing and enjoying our site. Should we need to cancel a session due to health reasons, it is possible that we may be able to find a suitable replacement to carry out the session for the day. You will be notified should this be the case. In the event where we have to cancel, you will receive a full refund for the cancelled session.
In the event of a cancellation due to adverse weather conditions, no refund can be issued as the reasons for cancellations are outwith our control.
From the moment your booking has been confirmed, you have 10 days to cancel to receive a full refund. If you cancel within less than 10 days, no refund can be given. However, you may be able to exchange your place for a different block of sessions.
Confidentiality
All personal and medical information you provide us with is kept by Woodland Whispers in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.