Describe effective group management procedures

Effective group management is essential to ensure that campfire activities are safe and enjoyable. Before lighting the fire, I ensure all emergency equipment is in place, including a bowl of water, fire blanket, burns kit and protective gloves.

Before the fire is lit, I will carry out a health and safety talk with the students. We will discuss the purpose of the fire, the safety rules, the boundaries of the fire circle and how everyone is expected to behave. Students will be encouraged to ask questions to ensure they understand the expectations.

The fire is only lit when all students are calm, settled and ready to participate safely. If students are distracted, dysregulated or not following instructions, the lighting of the fire will be delayed until it is safe to continue.

Students need to remain seated in their designated places around the fire circle and will be reminded to respect their position. They should only approach the fire when invited. When moving towards the fire, students maintain three points of contact with the ground by using the recognised Forest School method of ‘Respect Position’. This controlled approach reduces the risk of slips, trips and accidental contact with the fire.

Tasks will be allocated according to each student’s age, confidence and ability, with close adult supervision throughout. Students will be encouraged to take responsibility for simple tasks, such as collecting fuel or adding small pieces of wood to the fire, while more complex activities will, at first be carried out with adult support.

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