Ask the Expert: Forest school practice

A member of staff is keen on forest school practice in the city and wants to have a fire pit in the garden. I am tempted but anxious. What shall I do?

Agree and look forward to learning new camp songs while you toast marshmallows and serve them with flasks of hot chocolate. Forest school practice – especially in urban settings with tight space and no greenery – is getting popular and hurrah for that. Too many children have experiences limited to plastic and video.

Carry out a risk assessment. Check out other settings that have fire pits: there are plenty and not all of them are in the countryside. Consider the benefits so you have the arguments ready for staff and anxious parents. Do a test run with staff. Sell it to the adults as an enjoyable and fun opportunity for the children. I have never seen a child hurt, but witnessed great joy and excitement.