What is Forest School?
Forest School is based on six key principles:
Regular Sessions
Forest School takes place in regular sessions so that participants can build on skills, create community and foster their connection to the environment.
Woodland or Natural Setting
Where possible, Forest School takes place in a natural setting where there are at least some trees or hedging. Forest School can also take place on grassland, in gardens, school-grounds and any green area with flora and fauna to explore.
Community
Creating and fostering a sense of community is key to regular Forest School sessions – where participants can build on friendships, create new connections, communicate and problem-solve over time.
Holstic Development
Nature provides lots of opportunity for people to experience improved physical and emotional wellbeing – connecting with the environment, being outside and away from screens allows people to slow down and to be in the moment. Forest School can be physically active (games, shelter building etc.) as well as calming and meditative (outdoor crafts, being by the fire, sensory play and free-play).
Opportunity to take Risks
Forest school offers participants the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves. Please see our policies and procedures information below to learn how we manage and support risk at Ossory Forest School.
Qualified Practitioners
Forest School sessions must be run and facilitated by a qualified Forest School practitioner who continuously maintains and develops their professional practice.
Policies and Procedures: Our Commitment to Safety and Risk Management
At Ossory Forest School, we nurture a deep bond with nature and community, inspiring growth through immersive outdoor learning. Our mission is to foster wellbeing and creativity by guiding all ages in meaningful, hands-on experiences that celebrate the natural world and personal discovery. Forest School does involve a certain level of risk and we ask all parents and guardians to sign a consent form to acknowledge that they understand that their child may be working with tools, making fire, climbing ropes or trees and playing outdoors. They will also be asked to outline any medical issues or behavioural challenges. We have follow policies and procedures in relation to emergency planning, risk benefit assessment, bullying, health and safety, positive behavioural strategies, clothing and equipment policies, communication policies, cancellation policies etc. If you would like to read in-depth our policies and procedures document, please email info@ossoryforestschool.ie.
Our Approach to Risk
At Ossory Forest School, we believe that there is much to be gained from risk-taking within a safe and controlled environment. We approach risk through the Irish Forest School lens of risk benefit assessment. We put measures in place to ensure that participants are supported to keep themselves safe whilst also engaging in outdoor adventures an enjoying experiences which will nourish and develop self-esteem, confidence, resilience and enthusiasm for being outside.
Discover the passionate individuals behind Ossory Forest School, committed to inspiring connection through nature.
Voices from Our Community
Discover heartfelt stories from families and participants who have grown with us in nature’s embrace.
