Forest school courses
Forest school is where learners develop confidence and self-esteem through regular hands-on learning in a woodland or natural environment with trees.
Our courses are aimed at teachers and practitioners working in education who want to embed outdoor learning as a whole school approach.
Aim of the courses and training
Our wide range of training and accredited courses aim to empower and equip you to:
- explore a range of activities or experiences to support learning and play
- develop or enhance your setting’s grounds to its full potential
- motivate staff through a whole setting approach using your outside area
- gain confidence in linking the curriculum to outdoor learning
- maximise learning opportunities for children with SEN
- run a nurture group to support children’s personal social and emotional wellbeing and behaviour
- gain ideas to motivate reading and writing outside
- set up a project in your setting’s grounds such as a mud kitchen, maths areas or ponds
Our courses
We offer the following courses:
- Level 1 Award in Outdoor Learning (QCF)
- Level 2 Award in Outdoor Learning Practice (QCF)
- Level 3 Award in Coordinating an Outdoor Curriculum (QCF)
- Level 2 Award in Assisting Forest School (QCF)
- Level 3 Certificate in Leading Forest School (QCF)
Why choose our courses
Our courses:
- are run by experienced qualified forest school trainers who specialise in SEND, curriculum, Makaton, behaviour and communication
- are easy to access from M5 and M4
- offer face to face training and tutorials and practical work based assessment
- give access to a library of books, resources and elearning
- offer further CPD opportunities
- give access to the South Gloucestershire Skills Share Network
The Level 3 forest leaders course also provides 5% discount at the Cambium Sustainable shop, an opportunity to shadow or assist a forest school leader and a start-up gift package,
We are linked to Cambium Sustainable who are an Approved Qualifications Centre and Accredited Training Provider. They deliver nationally recognised QCF courses.
Training courses are also endorsed by the Institute of Outdoor Learning.
CPD opportunities
Our continuing professional development (CPD) courses will help you to:
- develop your knowledge and use of tools
- develop your fire practice and using kelly kettles
- develop your flora and fauna identification skills outdoors
- learn through the seasons
- use maths outside
- support inclusion through risk and challenges outside
- development mindfulness, meditation and wellbeing outdoors
- promote curiosity in the outdoors
Forest leaders course
The Level 3 forest leaders course involves 5 days face to face training and teaching days with 5 units of study. This includes:
- theory of play
- coordination and delivery of forest school programme
- holistic development
- impact of forest school on behaviour
- play and development
- observation and assessment
- historical use of woodlands
- sustainability and management of natural resources
- emotional intelligence,
- identification and ecology
- risk benefit and management
- fire
- tool use and cooking
The course also involves 2 days skills assessment, completing a portfolio of work to be assessed, tutorials, practical work assessment and email and phone support.
At the end of the course, you will receive a QCF certificate in leading forest school.
How to sign up for a course
To register for one of our courses or to find out more you can contact us by:
- phone: 01454 863355
- email: earlyyears@southglos.gov.uk