Regular sessions: Forest school is a long-term process of regular sessions, rather than a one-off or infrequent visits; the cycle of planning, observation, adaptation and review links each session.

Woodland: Forest school takes place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.

Community: Forest school uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development, and learning.

Holistic development: Forest school aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.

Opportunity to take risks: Forest school offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.

Qualified practitioners: Forest school is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.