Forest School Site Risk Assessment Template
Create a professional, comprehensive risk assessment for forest school site in forest schools settings. Tailor hazards and measures to your needs and download a professional PDF. Add your own branding.
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What this covers.
This template focuses on typical risks and controls for forest school site in forest schools settings. You can add, remove or adapt items to match your context.
Potential benefits
- Encourages resilience by allowing space for safe risk-taking and challenge.
- Develops independence, problem-solving, and teamwork skills outdoors.
- Builds connection with nature through regular immersive experiences.
- Promotes curiosity, observation, and deep learning across the curriculum.
- Improves physical health and motor skills through active exploration.
Typical hazards & measures
- Low visibility (fog or low light) — Reschedule if visibility is too poor, provide high-vis gear if dim, restrict boundaries, ensure whistles or call-back signals are heard clearly, carry torches as backup.
- Students with additional needs — Staff made aware of individual needs in advance. 1:1 support provided where needed. Instructions given visually and verbally. Activity adapted to be sensory-friendly if required. Staff monitor regulation and offer breaks without stigma.
- Cold weather exposure — Check temperature and wind chill, require layered clothing and gloves, offer warm-up breaks, limit exposure, cancel if unsafe, store spare warm clothing on site.
- Toileting issues outdoors — Set clear toileting protocol, locate and mark toilet area, provide wipes/sanitiser, offer privacy, teach hygiene procedures, ensure staff supervision if needed.
- Fire safety and emergency response — Mark a clear fire circle with safe spacing and provide a detailed safety briefing before each session. Burn only dry, approved wood, avoiding resinous branches and all artificial materials. Supervise fire use closely and prohibit running near flames. Keep extinguishing equipment (fire blanket, water bucket) accessible and check it before every session. Monitor for sparks or spitting wood, and extinguish the fire if unsafe. Train staff and children in emergency procedures and conduct regular reviews.
How to use this template
- Click Create Risk Assessment: Forest School Site to begin immediately.
- Review suggested hazards and measures, then tailor as needed.
- Download your PDF. Create a free account if you want to save.
FAQ
Do I need an account to start?
You can begin filling out your risk assessment straight away. Create a free account if you want to save your work.
Can I download a PDF?
Yes - download a clean, professional PDF at the end.
Can I edit a saved assessment?
Yes, personal and unlimited members can edit saved assessments from the account dashboard.