Forest School Site Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Getting lost in large sites — Use brightly marked boundary ropes or flags, enforce buddy system, rehearse call-back response, provide maps for older children, assign adult to each group.
• Overexcitement in open spaces — Set clear behaviour expectations before arrival, use calming transition activities, rotate high- and low-energy tasks, ensure adult presence across space, debrief after energetic play.
• Toxic plants and fungi — Survey the site for toxic species before sessions and provide visual ID examples to participants. Prohibit eating or touching plants or fungi unless directed by an adult. Reinforce handwashing before meals and supervise exploration closely, incorporating safe identification into activities where appropriate.
• Allergic reactions and insect stings — Gather allergy information from parents/carers in advance and carry any prescribed medication (e.g., EpiPen) on site. Avoid known allergens and identify insect habitats such as ant hills or wasp nests. Use repellents and encourage wearing long clothing where appropriate. Brief participants on safe behaviour near insects. Monitor for signs of allergic reaction and provide prompt first aid, including antihistamines with prior consent.
• Manual handling injuries — Demonstrate safe lifting, restrict weight carried by children, supervise when moving logs or tools, encourage team lifting, monitor fatigue.