The Heritage Council provides ongoing support for Forest School programmes in 2023 through the Heritage in Schools Scheme

The advantages of Forest School are evident now more than ever when the benefits of the outdoor classroom and nature are at an all-time high. As Forest School meets the aims and objectives of the Heritage in Schools programme the Heritage Council will continue to support programmes in 2023. The programme will be offered by certified Forest School Leaders through the Heritage in Schools Scheme.

In 2023 the Heritage Council will fund two Forest School initiatives through Heritage in Schools:

Initiative 1: Six week programme fully funded for five schools (closing date for applications: 10 Feb)

The Heritage Council will fully fund a series of six sessions for five schools. Visits will be offered to schools who may not have the funds to part-pay. Schools may apply by email to the Heritage in Schools Programme Manager (mwalsh@heritagecouncil.ie) by 10 February 2023. Please indicate why your school should avail of full funding and if the school can comply with following conditions:

Weekly sessions over six weeks to the same 15/30 children. A half day booking would be required for 15 children and a full day for 30 (15 in morning and 15 in afternoon with a minimum of two hours per group of 15).
Where possible two qualified and insured Forest School Leaders will work with the group but if two Leaders are not available in an area an identified Forest School champion within the school may assist with full support from the Principal.
Proven interest in enhancing outdoor learning.
An understanding of the principles of Forest School and the role of participating teachers.
Access to transport / parents available to give lifts if the site is not within walking distance of school. Sites are listed below.
Commitment to release staff as required to support delivery.
Commitment to apply and build on the learnings of the programme, to embed outdoor learning in school culture.

Initiative 2: Six-week programme at reduced rates

The Heritage Council will offer a series of six sessions at reduced rates where the school pays the normal school rate for one specialist (instead of two) and the Heritage Council pays the balance. See table below for breakdown of costs.

Schools may apply through the Heritage in Schools website heritageinschools.ie after they have made preliminary arrangements with Forest School Leaders/Heritage in Schools Specialists and can comply with following conditions:

Weekly sessions over six weeks to the same 15/30 children. A half day booking would be required for 15 children and a full day for 30 (15 in morning and 15 in afternoon with a minimum of two hours per group of 15).
Where possible two qualified and insured Forest School Leaders will work with the group but if two Leaders are not available in an area an identified Forest School champion within the school may assist with full support from the Principal.
Proven interest in enhancing outdoor learning.
An understanding of the principles of Forest School and the role of participating teachers.
Access to transport / parents available to give lifts if the site is not within walking distance of school. Sites are listed above.
Commitment to release staff as required to support delivery.
Commitment to apply and build on the learnings of the programme, to embed outdoor learning in school culture.

Heritage in Schools/Forest School sites for 2023

Permits are required for Forest School activities - the programme will be offered in a limited number of sites in 2023 and it is hoped to expand to new sites in 2024.

County	Site
Clare	Lee's Road Amenity Park, Ennis
Clare	Lough Grainey Nature Sanctuary, Flagmount
Galway	Garyland Nature Reserve, Coole Park, Gort

Forest School rates: 2023 (for two Forest School Leaders)

The below rates will apply for 2023 and are subject to available funding:

Visit duration	Half day: 6-series	Full day: 6-series
Cost to school	€300	€500
Cost to Heritage Council	€1,380	€2,500
Cost to DEIS school	€200	€300
Cost to Heritage Council for DEIS school	€1,480	€2,700

Heritage in Schools Forest School Pilot Scheme 2022

A fully funded six-week Forest School/Heritage in Schools programme was rolled out to nine schools in 2022. The sessions were delivered weekly (where possible) to the same 30 children from each school. An evaluation report was completed by an external consultant which found overall, the feedback from teachers and was very positive.

Forest school supports teaching a range of subjects in the local environment, in a real life and relatable context, which increased knowledge of local biodiversity among both teachers and learners. The elements of the programme most valued by teachers included outdoor, experiential learning and free unstructured play.

The cost of the programme to the school, and transport costs, were the main barriers to participation identified by teachers consulted.