What is the difference between a risk assessment and a risk-benefit assessment?

A standard risk assessment focuses only on hazards to eliminate; a risk-benefit assessment weighs those hazards against the genuine developmental value of an activity, which is the approach recommended for meaningful outdoor play.

We don't have much outdoor space — is this still relevant?

Yes, the strategies are designed to work with small yards and limited green space, not just large gardens or forest settings.

What about bad weather — do we need to cancel outdoor time?

No, the session includes an all-weather activity bank so outdoor learning does not depend on sunshine, along with practical guidance on suitable clothing and equipment.

Is this suitable for settings without a forest school qualification on staff?

Yes, this is not a forest school certification course, but a practical introduction to confident, well-managed outdoor and nature-based learning for any early years setting.

How does this link to our planning and observations?

The session shows a simple way to carry your outdoor observations back into indoor planning, so outdoor time is recognised as core learning rather than a separate add-on.

For early years educators

Outdoor and Nature-Based Early Learning

Outdoor play offers learning opportunities that simply cannot be replicated indoors, but many educators feel unsure about risk, weather and planning. Drawing on her Outdoor Learning certificate, Amy shares practical ways to bring meaningful outdoor and nature-based learning into your setting, including how to carry out a proper risk-benefit assessment.

Led by Amy Byrne — BA (Hons) Level 8 in Early Childhood Education and Care, currently studying a Level 9 postgraduate in play therapy, Children First trained and a Mandated Person. One hour, with a take-home booklet and a dated certificate of attendance.

See dates & book Request this as a private session

Who this is for

For educators, room leaders and managers wanting to build confidence and structure around outdoor and nature-based learning.

What we cover in the hour

The developmental case for regular, varied outdoor learning.
Conducting a risk-benefit assessment rather than a risk-only assessment.
Weather-appropriate planning so outdoor time is not weather-dependent.
Simple nature-based activities that need little to no equipment.
Managing groups safely in outdoor and semi-natural spaces.
Linking outdoor experiences back to indoor planning and documentation.

What you'll leave with

A risk-benefit assessment template specific to outdoor play.
An all-weather outdoor activity bank.
Guidance on group management in outdoor spaces.
Five no-equipment nature-based activity ideas.
A simple way to link outdoor observations to your indoor planning.

Inside the booklet

The booklet includes the risk-benefit assessment template and the all-weather activity bank.

This workshop supports the Aistear theme of Exploring and Thinking and Síolta Standard 2, Environments, and draws on Amy's Outdoor Learning certificate.

How it can be delivered

Delivery formats and prices for Outdoor and Nature-Based Early Learning
Format	Price
Public ticket — live onlineOne hour, small group, booklet emailed	€20 per person
Public ticket — in personOne hour in a venue near you, booklet in hand	€35 per person
Private 1:1 with Amy30 minutes €25 · full hour €50 (3 for €135)	from €25
Private group — onlineParent evening or staff session, minimum 5	€35 per person
Private group — in personYour setting or venue, minimum 6	€45 per person

No VAT and no booking fees. An itemised receipt is emailed instantly, and invoices are available before you book. Running this across a whole setting? Setting packages start at €399.

Common questions

What is the difference between a risk assessment and a risk-benefit assessment?: A standard risk assessment focuses only on hazards to eliminate; a risk-benefit assessment weighs those hazards against the genuine developmental value of an activity, which is the approach recommended for meaningful outdoor play.
We don't have much outdoor space — is this still relevant?: Yes, the strategies are designed to work with small yards and limited green space, not just large gardens or forest settings.
What about bad weather — do we need to cancel outdoor time?: No, the session includes an all-weather activity bank so outdoor learning does not depend on sunshine, along with practical guidance on suitable clothing and equipment.
Is this suitable for settings without a forest school qualification on staff?: Yes, this is not a forest school certification course, but a practical introduction to confident, well-managed outdoor and nature-based learning for any early years setting.
How does this link to our planning and observations?: The session shows a simple way to carry your outdoor observations back into indoor planning, so outdoor time is recognised as core learning rather than a separate add-on.

Related workshops

More in this theme: Outdoor learning · All workshop themes · Upcoming dates

Available live online across Ireland, and in person in Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Louth, Cork and other counties.

Trusted early years resources

Every workshop is grounded in Irish early years frameworks and national guidance.

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