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Play in the forest

Laois Forest School

'Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.' (John Ruskin, 1889)

About Forest School

'If we want children to flourish, to be truly empowered, we must first allow them to love the earth before we ask them to save it.' (Sobel, 1996)

Ethos & Values:

​The overall goal of Forest School is to assist learners in becoming resilient, creative, compassionate individuals who value the natural world and care for every living being's welfare (Cree & Robb, 2021) by instilling the following values: 

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  1. Nature as the teacher.

  2. A holistic approach that accepts the 'whole' learner.

  3. Intrinsic & extrinsic values (Common Cause Foundation Values, 2011).

  4. Earth-centric.

Forest School Principles:

Forest School is a long-term process of frequent and regular sessions in a woodland or natural environment, rather than a one-off visit. 

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Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural wooded environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.

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Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.

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Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.

 

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Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.

 

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Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning.

 

 

(Forest School Association, 2023)

Image by Marcus Wallis

Forest School Activities:

Here are just some of the activities that learners in a forest school setting will experience:

 

  • Plant-based crafts

  • Storytelling

  • Den building

  • Hand tool techniques

  • Fire skills

  • Flora & Fauna identification

  • Cookery

Who can attend Laois Forest School?

Laois Forest School caters to learners of all ages. We offer camps and learning sessions to children from preschool to Leaving Certificate age.

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Continued professional development courses and day-events can be customised for adult groups and sustainability talks can also be hosted by our Forest School leader at your workplace.

FAQ

Where is Laois Forest School?

Our address is Laois Forest School, Rearymore, Rosenallis, Co. Laois and our entrance is opposite eircode R32X4C6.

What are the benefits for my child of attending Laois Forest School?

Your child will develop holistically becoming a resilient, creative, confident and independent learner as a result of attending Laois Forest School. They will experience taking supported risks and learn to create a community for being, development and learning. For more information on the health and wellbeing benefits of attending a forest school, check out this link! 

(Plymouth Marjon University, 2023)

Does Forest School run throughout the year? What about the weather?!

Changing weather provides variety, fun and exciting imaginative learning experiences. We carefully plan all forest school sessions and our learners are provided with an essential kit list prior to a session to ensure everyone's comfort, safety and enjoyment. We stay outside unless absolutely necessary remembering there's no such thing as bad weather, just different kinds of good weather!

What are the toilet arrangements?

Laois Forest School has camping toilet facilities on site should learners need to avail of them.

Do you need prior knowledge to be a Forest School learner?

There is no prior knowledge requirement to take part in Forest School sessions. The Forest School leader is fully qualified and will be your nature-guide to ensure your safety and enjoyment. Just bring your sense of adventure and an open mind and heart!

What is the cancellation policy?

  • Class groups (max. 12 students per session) pay a 50% deposit for a six-week block of sessions that is partially-refundable if cancelled 1 week before the start date.

  • Camp payments are partially refundable up until 1 week before the event. 

  • CPD and sustainability talk bookings pay a 50% deposit that is partially-refundable if cancelled 1 week before the event.

  • See our policies and procedures manual below for our full cancellation and weather policies.

How many classes will there be?

  • Seasonal camps run for 2-3 days for 2-3 hours each day with a maximum of 12 learners and are advertised as they approach.

  • School workshops last for approx. 2 hours depending on the age of the learners involved.

Do you run courses for adults at Laois Forest School?

  • Yes, we cater to learners of all ages at Laois Forest School!

  • We host adult workshops, teacher trainings and staff wellbeing/retreat/team-building days. 

  • Email us at laoisforestschool@gmail.com for a quote on a customizable package for your adult group.

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