“If children grow up not knowing about nature and appreciating it, they will not understand it. If they don’t
understand it, they won’t protect it. And if they don’t protect it, who will?”
Sir David Attenborough, 2015

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In October 2023, Ms Beardsley undertook a year-long training course in Forest School Leadership. Since then she has run Forest School sessions each year in various classes and it has been a wonderful success story in our school to date with both children and parents reporting great benefits. 

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What is Forest School?​

Forest School began in Scandinavia in the 1950s and started to become popular in the UK in the 1990s. It is an innovative educational approach to outdoor learning and play. The philosophy of Forest School is to encourage and inspire individuals through positive outdoor experiences. It is now a recognised valuable pedagogical approach which is supported by independent research. 

 

Forest School is based on an ethos that promotes self-esteem, creativity, confidence, resilience and independence. It is a series of regular sessions that build on the needs and development of the child - not just the odd one-off day out or nature walk in the woods. It enables supported risk-taking, child-centred learning and experiential inquiry-based learning and play. 

 

All areas of the curriculum can be covered through the medium of Forest School and the benefits to the child are proven to be both long-lasting and far-reaching. Through Forest School, children can learn how to handle risks and use their own initiative to solve problems and co-operate with others as well as learn about stewardship and the local natural environment. It has been proven to increase confidence and wellbeing in pupils as well as foster curiosity and a love of learning.

 

The Department of Education and Skills and Túsla now recognise the importance and benefits of play and experiential outdoor child-led learning. For example, In June 2023, Túsla issued a new guidance document called “Where the Roof Is the Sky” to help early years services provide more outdoor learning opportunities and risky or adventurous play. The newly introduced Primary Curriculum Framework focuses on the benefits of practical experiential and active learning and exploration and emphasises the value of playful approaches, all of which is encompassed in Forest School. 

 

How does Forest School work?

Established Forest School programmes run throughout the year, going to the woods in all weathers except for high winds or during weather warnings. Children use [traditional hand] tools, play, learn boundaries of behaviour; both physical and social, establish and grow in confidence, self-esteem and become self-motivated (Sarah Blackwell, Forest School Education, UK). Ideally, sessions are at least 2.5 hours long, have a high ratio of adults to child, are regular (usually weekly) and take place in the same natural woodland setting during at least three seasons of the year. It takes place in all weathers apart from during weather warnings or high winds so waterproofs and good shoes or boots are key to a successful session! 

Parent Volunteers Needed! 

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It is hoped that during this school year 2026-2027, Rathfarnham Parish NS will roll out Forest School sessions for both 1st and 2nd Class. Forest School must have a high adult - child ratio to facilitate optimum benefit so we are looking for Garda-vetted parent volunteers to help run our outdoor sessions.  No experience is necessary - just a bit of enthusiasm, enjoyment of the outdoors, an ability to not be too worried about a bit of rain or mud and a willingness to get stuck in. 

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Please contact Suzanne Beardsley via the school office on Aladdin Connect if you are interested in getting involved!