Out in the Sticks have developed some of our risk management guidance and we have utilised some from other FS provisions  and from Forest School Association.  We have modified these to be relevant for the environment in which we are working and will continue to dynamically assess and improve upon our risk management strategies. 

Risk assessment is an integral part of Forest School as learners develop their self-esteem and learn to manage risk for themselves.  As a Forest School provider, we continuously engage in ongoing risk assessment before, during and after activities.  A daily risk assessment of the site is carried out before use, looking out for fallen or unsafe trees or branches.  

Risk assessments are carried out for activities during the planning stage, taking into account the potential benefits of taking part in an activity to the participants, and weighed against the potential risks the activity could hold. This is an evolutionary process where risks can change over time as a group of individuals become more familiar with the Forest School approach and with managing their own behaviour and managing their own risks.    

Any Outdoor Learning involves elements of risk. The benefits of appropriate risk are vital to student’s development, as per the FS principles. FS develops learners’ understanding of risk, involves the learners in the risk management process and supports learners to take acceptable risks.  

There is an on-going process of observation and instruction gradually leading up to the use of tools or fire over an extended period of time ensuring risks are introduced and managed in a safe and consistent way. Risks are weighed up against benefits in a risk benefit analysis.