Spraoi Forest School
Who Am I?
My name is Muireann Carrol Burke and I run Spraoi Forest School.
I am a parent to three children aging from 6 to 15.
I have always been a nature enthusiast
I have worked with children and young adults for the last three years as part of Scouting Ireland, Foroige and the GAA
I am garda vetted by each entity that I work for
I am a certified outdoor Rec3 first-aider and a cardiac first responder
I have run and work for Forest School programs in Dublin
I am a QQI level 6 Forest School Leader and a member of the Irish Forest School Association
I run a social inclusion group called Terenure Community Support & Integration, which helps all ages and nationalities integrate into the community through various activities.
What is Forest School?
Forest School fosters a child-centered ethos in relation to learning and play, whereby children can make decisions regarding what they participate in, what interests them, what games they wish to play.
As a Forest School leader my role is not to have all the answers but to facilitate curiosity, creativity, skill development, supervised risk-taking, observation, and reflection.
Focus on play outdoors
Foster holistic development
Child-centered
Physical and mental wellbeing
Nature connection
Leave no trace and environmental stewardship
Understanding our place in the world and being part of a community
Opportunity to face challenges
Taking supervised risks
Life skills and decision making development
Safety of children is paramount.
Where can I find out more?
Irish Forest School Association https://irishforestschoolassociation.ie/
What kind of things happen at Forest School?
The main activity that happens at forest school is play. Play is self-directed by the children with an option to participate in group activities.
Free play outdoors making up their own games
walking on low-ropes between trees
lying in a hammock
using a rope swing
making dens and playing with sticks
using tools such as saws, hammers, knives
playing outdoor games such as Eagle’s Nest, Woolly Mammoth tracking, Fox tails
Storytelling
Arts and crafts such as making a wood cookie
Fairy fires - learning how to light a fire in a scallop shell
What is Risky Play?
Risky play is defined as thrilling and challenging forms of play that involve a risk of physical injury Sandseter (2007).
Sandseter identified six categories of risky play which are part of forest school:
Great heights: climbing trees or steep slopes
High speed: running down steep slopes on uneven terrain
Dangerous tools: Using saws and knives to make log dogs, whittle sticks
Dangerous elements: Being near fire, ice, water
Rough and tumble play: den wars, stick fights
Disappearing/getting lost: Eagle’s nest, hide and seek, large play zones.
Barnardos (2014) state that risky play is key to children’s physical and mental development as well as understanding safety for them.
Risky play is always supported and supervised by Forest School adults.
In addition, as Forest School leader I complete risk benefit assessments (RBAs) of all activities at forest school so that I am confident that there are adequate controls in place to mitigate risks.
You can review Spraoi Forest School RBAs by clicking on the this button.
Child to Adult Supervision Ratios at Forest School
Children under four years old:
Parents/guardians must attend Forest School with their child unless the Forest School activities are being carried out with a registered childcare facility or school in which case the childcare facility or school’s own child safety ratios will be adhered to.
Children aged four to eight years old:
Ratio of one adult to six children.
Children nine to 12 years old:
Ratio of one adult to eight children.
Children aged 12+:
Ratio of one adult to ten children.
Two adults will always be available to supervise Forest School activities. Children are supervised at all times while at Spraoi Forest School.
When working with schools during school time, the adult to child ratio will be agreed with the school in advance. The ratio will consider age and any additional needs of the children attending.
If you want to find out more about Spraoi Forest School please click on the link to review our policy and procedures
Irish Forest School Association Six Principles
At Spraoi Forest School we are guided by the Irish Forest School Association six principles:
1. Regular Setting
Forest school is a long-term process of regular sessions, rather than a one-off or infrequent visits; the cycle of planning, observation, adaptation and review links each session.
2. Woodland setting
Forest school takes place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
3. Building Community
Forest school uses a range of learner-centered processes to create a community for being, development, and learning.
4. Holistic Development
Forest school aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
5. Risk Taking
Forest school offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
6. Qualified Practitioners
Forest school is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
Benefits of Spraoi Forest School
All the benefits are too numerous to mention but some of the important ones are:
1. Children have fun playing outdoors in the fresh air and have the opportunity to explore nature
2. Trees and nature inspire imaginative play and creativity
3. Opportunity to learn new skills and lanuage while using tools and equipment
4. The space and opportunity to assess and take supported risks
5. Builds independence, confidence and resilience to face challenges, make decisions and problem solve
6. Strong nature connection to be future stewards of nature
When and where does Forest School take place?
Spraoi Forest School primarily works during school time directly with schools in order to deliver on their outdoor learning initiatives.
Muireann Carroll Burke has worked with
St. Pius Forest School in Bushy Park, Templeogue
Rathmines Forest School in the former walled garden of Rathmines Castle on the Upper Rathmines Road
Cana Educate Together, Inchicore school grounds
St Joseph’s National School in Cualanore Park, Dun Laoghaire
Free Range Outdoor Education in Ardgillan Park
Scoil Mológa in Mount Argus Park, Harold’s Cross
Permission for each Forest School session is sought from the local council or landowners prior to commencing Forest School activities.
Spraoi Forest School sessions usually run weekly for 3 hours during school time and are suitable for all age groups.
Things you need to take part in Forest School
Parent/guardian complete the consent form
A positive attitude towards playing outside
Wet weather jacket, trousers and shoes
A packed lunch/snack and water
Sun cream and sun hat if we do have a nice day :-)