ABOUT

“The best classroom and the richest cupboard is
roofed only by the sky”

MARGARET MCMILLAN

ROOFED BY THE SKY is an international convention in Cork, Ireland, with a focus on promoting outdoor early years learning.

Outdoor learning is a vital part of a child’s holistic and healthy development, which is often overlooked. We want to raise awareness of the benefits of outdoor learning and to inspire our attendees to restore the sacred connection with nature and learning outdoors.

The Convention is for academics, parents and anyone else who would like to deepen their understanding of the value of outdoor play for children. We want to demonstrate that the best classrooms are roofed only by the sky.

Participants will enjoy insights from inspirational leaders in this field and have an opportunity to participate in hands-on outdoor workshops showcasing best practices. Through these learning experiences participants will be perfectly positioned to enhance their careers and improve their local communities and/or family life with a renewed focus on outdoor learning.

Our not-for-profit organisation, Early Years Outdoor Learning Convention Ltd (EYOLC Ltd), was established by a group of three individuals with extensive expertise in early years education and a passion for outdoor learning. The Convention will be organised in collaboration with early years organisations, the Department of Education and Skills, and third level colleges and universities.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Kind regards,
Gillian & Averil

OUR MISSION

To create a better world by nurturing a love for our natural environment and drawing on what it has to teach us in order to help children grow up confident, curious and respectful of nature and each other.

ABOUT

“The best classroom and the richest
cupboard is roofed only by the sky”

MARGARET MCMILLAN

ROOFED BY THE SKY is an international convention in Cork, Ireland, with a focus on promoting outdoor early years learning.

Outdoor learning is a vital part of a child’s holistic and healthy development, which is often overlooked. We want to raise awareness of the benefits of outdoor learning and to inspire our attendees to restore the sacred connection with nature and learning outdoors.

The Convention is for academics, parents and anyone else who would like to deepen their understanding of the value of outdoor play for children. We want to demonstrate that the best classrooms are roofed only by the sky.

Participants will enjoy insights from inspirational leaders in this field and have an opportunity to participate in hands-on outdoor workshops showcasing best practices. Through these learning experiences participants will be perfectly positioned to enhance their careers and improve their local communities and/or family life with a renewed focus on outdoor learning.

Our not-for-profit organisation, Early Years Outdoor Learning Convention Ltd (EYOLC Ltd), was established by a group of three individuals with extensive expertise in early years education and a passion for outdoor learning. The Convention will be organised in collaboration with early years organisations, the Department of Education and Skills, and third level colleges and universities.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Kind regards,
Gillian & Averil

OUR MISSION

To create a better world by nurturing a love for our natural environment and drawing on what it has to teach us in order to help children grow up confident, curious and respectful of nature and each other.

ABOUT

“The best classroom and
the richest cupboard is
roofed only by the sky”

MARGARET MCMILLAN

ROOFED BY THE SKY is an international convention in Cork, Ireland, with a focus on promoting outdoor early years learning.

Outdoor learning is a vital part of a child’s holistic and healthy development, which is often overlooked. We want to raise awareness of the benefits of outdoor learning and to inspire our attendees to restore the sacred connection with nature and learning outdoors.

The Convention is for academics, parents and anyone else who would like to deepen their understanding of the value of outdoor play for children. We want to demonstrate that the best classrooms are roofed only by the sky.

Participants will enjoy insights from inspirational leaders in this field and have an opportunity to participate in hands-on outdoor workshops showcasing best practices. Through these learning experiences participants will be perfectly positioned to enhance their careers and improve their local communities and/or family life with a renewed focus on outdoor learning.

Our not-for-profit organisation, Early Years Outdoor Learning Convention Ltd (EYOLC Ltd), was established by a group of three individuals with extensive expertise in early years education and a passion for outdoor learning. The Convention will be organised in collaboration with early years organisations, the Department of Education and Skills, and third level colleges and universities.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Kind regards,
Gillian & Averil

OUR MISSION

To create a better world by nurturing a love for our natural environment and drawing on what it has to teach us in order to help children grow up confident, curious and respectful of nature and each other.

MEET THE TEAM

Child, Children, childhood, Play, Outside, outdoors, outdoor learning, learning, outside, playing, playing outside, families, early years, early years teacher, early years professionals, forest schools, nature, nature walks, childcare, forest schools, nature activities, childhood, healthy Ireland, heathy living, growing up, conference, convention, early childhood education, education, fun, raising babies, raising boys, raising girls, raising families, hours outside, best conference, weather, wild swimming, wilderness, last child in the woods, natural navigation, green, sustainability, best convention, best conference. Cork, Cork county, Visit Cork, Failte Ireland, Fota Island resort, Fota Island. Gillian Powell, Ollie Sheehan, Averil Sheehan, Mary Geary's childcare, Care-a-lot childcare, Thrive Nature Activities for Families and Children, David Coleman, Maureen Gaffney, Helen Bilton, Forest Schools, Outdoor Curriculum.
GILLIAN POWELL

Gillian has over thirty years’ experience as an early years educator. In 2015 she completed her Masters Degree in Education and has been researching and sharing her knowledge about outdoor education ever since; lecturing, tutoring, designing curriculums and creating reading material on the subject for teachers and schools. Her ‘Thrive, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter – Outdoor Nature Activities For Children 2-8 Years series is due for publication in February 2021.

Child, Children, childhood, Play, Outside, outdoors, outdoor learning, learning, outside, playing, playing outside, families, early years, early years teacher, early years professionals, forest schools, nature, nature walks, childcare, forest schools, nature activities, childhood, healthy Ireland, heathy living, growing up, conference, convention, early childhood education, education, fun, raising babies, raising boys, raising girls, raising families, hours outside, best conference, weather, wild swimming, wilderness, last child in the woods, natural navigation, green, sustainability, best convention, best conference. Cork, Cork county, Visit Cork, Failte Ireland, Fota Island resort, Fota Island. Gillian Powell, Ollie Sheehan, Averil Sheehan, Mary Geary's childcare, Care-a-lot childcare, Thrive Nature Activities for Families and Children, David Coleman, Maureen Gaffney, Helen Bilton, Forest Schools, Outdoor Curriculum.
AVERIL P. SHEEHAN

Averil is an early learning consultant and the Creative Director of Care-A-Lot Childcare in Upton, Cork. A position she’s held for 14 years. In 2004 she completed her Major Award Level 6 in Childhood Care and Education. Averil is a champion of outdoor play and believes that the educational properties of natural environments are vital for stimulating young imaginations.

Child, Children, childhood, Play, Outside, outdoors, outdoor learning, learning, outside, playing, playing outside, families, early years, early years teacher, early years professionals, forest schools, nature, nature walks, childcare, forest schools, nature activities, childhood, healthy Ireland, heathy living, growing up, conference, convention, early childhood education, education, fun, raising babies, raising boys, raising girls, raising families, hours outside, best conference, weather, wild swimming, wilderness, last child in the woods, natural navigation, green, sustainability, best convention, best conference. Cork, Cork county, Visit Cork, Failte Ireland, Fota Island resort, Fota Island. Gillian Powell, Ollie Sheehan, Averil Sheehan, Mary Geary's childcare, Care-a-lot childcare, Thrive Nature Activities for Families and Children, David Coleman, Maureen Gaffney, Helen Bilton, Forest Schools, Outdoor Curriculum.
OLLIE SHEEHAN

Founding Member

Ollie is co-owner and director of Mary Geary Childcare in Carrigtwohill, County Cork, along with his wife, Mary Geary, they operate Ireland’s largest standalone childcare facility, which includes 46 different outdoor play areas. He has project managed many projects including this one. He is also been recognised both locally and nationally for his community work.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

MEET THE TEAM

Child, Children, childhood, Play, Outside, outdoors, outdoor learning, learning, outside, playing, playing outside, families, early years, early years teacher, early years professionals, forest schools, nature, nature walks, childcare, forest schools, nature activities, childhood, healthy Ireland, heathy living, growing up, conference, convention, early childhood education, education, fun, raising babies, raising boys, raising girls, raising families, hours outside, best conference, weather, wild swimming, wilderness, last child in the woods, natural navigation, green, sustainability, best convention, best conference. Cork, Cork county, Visit Cork, Failte Ireland, Fota Island resort, Fota Island. Gillian Powell, Ollie Sheehan, Averil Sheehan, Mary Geary's childcare, Care-a-lot childcare, Thrive Nature Activities for Families and Children, David Coleman, Maureen Gaffney, Helen Bilton, Forest Schools, Outdoor Curriculum.
GILLIAN POWELL

Gillian has over thirty years’ experience as an early years educator. In 2015 she completed her Masters Degree in Education and has been researching and sharing her knowledge about outdoor education ever since; lecturing, tutoring, designing curriculums and creating reading material on the subject for teachers and schools. Her ‘Thrive, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter – Outdoor Nature Activities For Children 2-8 Years series is due for publication in February 2021.

Child, Children, childhood, Play, Outside, outdoors, outdoor learning, learning, outside, playing, playing outside, families, early years, early years teacher, early years professionals, forest schools, nature, nature walks, childcare, forest schools, nature activities, childhood, healthy Ireland, heathy living, growing up, conference, convention, early childhood education, education, fun, raising babies, raising boys, raising girls, raising families, hours outside, best conference, weather, wild swimming, wilderness, last child in the woods, natural navigation, green, sustainability, best convention, best conference. Cork, Cork county, Visit Cork, Failte Ireland, Fota Island resort, Fota Island. Gillian Powell, Ollie Sheehan, Averil Sheehan, Mary Geary's childcare, Care-a-lot childcare, Thrive Nature Activities for Families and Children, David Coleman, Maureen Gaffney, Helen Bilton, Forest Schools, Outdoor Curriculum.
AVERIL P. SHEEHAN

Averil is an early learning consultant and the Creative Director of Care-A-Lot Childcare in Upton, Cork. A position she’s held for 14 years. In 2004 she completed her Major Award Level 6 in Childhood Care and Education. Averil is a champion of outdoor play and believes that the educational properties of natural environments are vital for stimulating young imaginations.

Child, Children, childhood, Play, Outside, outdoors, outdoor learning, learning, outside, playing, playing outside, families, early years, early years teacher, early years professionals, forest schools, nature, nature walks, childcare, forest schools, nature activities, childhood, healthy Ireland, heathy living, growing up, conference, convention, early childhood education, education, fun, raising babies, raising boys, raising girls, raising families, hours outside, best conference, weather, wild swimming, wilderness, last child in the woods, natural navigation, green, sustainability, best convention, best conference. Cork, Cork county, Visit Cork, Failte Ireland, Fota Island resort, Fota Island. Gillian Powell, Ollie Sheehan, Averil Sheehan, Mary Geary's childcare, Care-a-lot childcare, Thrive Nature Activities for Families and Children, David Coleman, Maureen Gaffney, Helen Bilton, Forest Schools, Outdoor Curriculum.
OLLIE SHEEHAN

Ollie is co-owner and director of Mary Geary Childcare in Carrigtwohill, County Cork, along with his wife, Mary Geary, they operate Ireland’s largest standalone childcare facility, which includes 46 different outdoor play areas. He has project managed many projects including this one. He is also been recognised both locally and nationally for his community work.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

MEET THE TEAM

Child, Children, childhood, Play, Outside, outdoors, outdoor learning, learning, outside, playing, playing outside, families, early years, early years teacher, early years professionals, forest schools, nature, nature walks, childcare, forest schools, nature activities, childhood, healthy Ireland, heathy living, growing up, conference, convention, early childhood education, education, fun, raising babies, raising boys, raising girls, raising families, hours outside, best conference, weather, wild swimming, wilderness, last child in the woods, natural navigation, green, sustainability, best convention, best conference. Cork, Cork county, Visit Cork, Failte Ireland, Fota Island resort, Fota Island. Gillian Powell, Ollie Sheehan, Averil Sheehan, Mary Geary's childcare, Care-a-lot childcare, Thrive Nature Activities for Families and Children, David Coleman, Maureen Gaffney, Helen Bilton, Forest Schools, Outdoor Curriculum.
GILLIAN POWELL

Gillian has over thirty years’ experience as an early years educator. In 2015 she completed her Masters Degree in Education and has been researching and sharing her knowledge about outdoor education ever since; lecturing, tutoring, designing curriculums and creating reading material on the subject for teachers and schools. Her ‘Thrive, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter – Outdoor Nature Activities For Children 2-8 Years series is due for publication in February 2021.

Child, Children, childhood, Play, Outside, outdoors, outdoor learning, learning, outside, playing, playing outside, families, early years, early years teacher, early years professionals, forest schools, nature, nature walks, childcare, forest schools, nature activities, childhood, healthy Ireland, heathy living, growing up, conference, convention, early childhood education, education, fun, raising babies, raising boys, raising girls, raising families, hours outside, best conference, weather, wild swimming, wilderness, last child in the woods, natural navigation, green, sustainability, best convention, best conference. Cork, Cork county, Visit Cork, Failte Ireland, Fota Island resort, Fota Island. Gillian Powell, Ollie Sheehan, Averil Sheehan, Mary Geary's childcare, Care-a-lot childcare, Thrive Nature Activities for Families and Children, David Coleman, Maureen Gaffney, Helen Bilton, Forest Schools, Outdoor Curriculum.
AVERIL P. SHEEHAN

Averil is an early learning consultant and the Creative Director of Care-A-Lot Childcare in Upton, Cork. A position she’s held for 14 years. In 2004 she completed her Major Award Level 6 in Childhood Care and Education. Averil is a champion of outdoor play and believes that the educational properties of natural environments are vital for stimulating young imaginations.

Child, Children, childhood, Play, Outside, outdoors, outdoor learning, learning, outside, playing, playing outside, families, early years, early years teacher, early years professionals, forest schools, nature, nature walks, childcare, forest schools, nature activities, childhood, healthy Ireland, heathy living, growing up, conference, convention, early childhood education, education, fun, raising babies, raising boys, raising girls, raising families, hours outside, best conference, weather, wild swimming, wilderness, last child in the woods, natural navigation, green, sustainability, best convention, best conference. Cork, Cork county, Visit Cork, Failte Ireland, Fota Island resort, Fota Island. Gillian Powell, Ollie Sheehan, Averil Sheehan, Mary Geary's childcare, Care-a-lot childcare, Thrive Nature Activities for Families and Children, David Coleman, Maureen Gaffney, Helen Bilton, Forest Schools, Outdoor Curriculum.
OLLIE SHEEHAN

Ollie is co-owner and director of Mary Geary Childcare in Carrigtwohill, County Cork, along with his wife, Mary Geary, they operate Ireland’s largest standalone childcare facility, which includes 46 different outdoor play areas. He has project managed many projects including this one. He is also been recognised both locally and nationally for his community work.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH