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Forest School

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Welcome to CambsEYC Forest School, an innovative approach to outdoor education and learning.

Our vision is for every child and young person in Cambridgeshire to have access to regular and ongoing child-initiated outdoor experiences following the Forest School ethos. We would like Forest School sessions to be available for all children and young people to enhance the curriculum, accelerate achievement and bring learning to life.

Regular Forest School sessions provide opportunities:

  • To learn and develop through their explorations in woodlands or wild spaces

  • Engage with the natural world using all of their senses, exploring the environment, and developing a deep respect for nature.

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Kara Atkinson, SENDCo, Inclusion and EYFS Lead – Wilburton C of E Primary School.

What impact have you noticed on children taking part in Forest School sessions?

"The children show increased investigation and enquiry skills, awe and wonder, connecting with the wider world, and increased well-being."

"When I am outside, I will be calm and happy."

"At forest school, we can do different things. I like it, I play with different friends."

"Build things, make things"

"Peace and quiet."

"Having a rest from writing all the time." – comments from children from EYFS to Year 6"

What impact have you noticed on staff taking part in Forest School sessions?

"Staff well-being is reported as high on forest school days."

Forest School qualifications, 'Level 2 Forest School Assistant' and 'Level 3 Forest School Leader' equip learners with the practical skills, and theoretical and nature knowledge needed for forest schools to succeed. Both training qualifications are delivered by training provider Under the Hazels, led by Carol Middleton. Carol, who previously worked as a teacher and early years professional, is fully endorsed by the Forest School Association. Having also previously delivered qualifications under the training provider Huathe, Carol has extensive experience in mentoring and nature connection learning.

Training courses and dates

Audience

All professionals working with children aged birth to five years, early years practitioners, childminders, teaching assistants, teachers new to the early years foundation stage (EYFS), and early years teachers. 

Aims

  • To look at the benefits of outdoor play for adults and children
  • Review evidence, research and knowledge on the outdoors, specifically in the early years.
  • Gain new skills and ideas to transfer to use with children in early years.
  • Develop a fondness for being outdoors for the practitioner and the child.
Date Time Location
Tuesday, 3 November 2026 9.30 am to 12 pm Hinchingbrooke Country Park
Thursday, 12 November 2026 9.30 am to 12 pm Milton Country Park

Booking and reservations for Early Years Workforce Development.

Cost details

Members £32.40
Non-members £54
Out of county £90

Audience

Forest School practitioners and trainees.

Aims

This session is aimed at bringing our Forest School practitioners and current trainees together to practice and refresh our skills, share up-to-date thinking and offer a variety of different activities. 
Our development days will include:

  • Refreshing and practising core Forest School skills such as shelters, knots, games, cooking and tool use.
  • How to be inclusive to all children and explore how sensory circuits can become part of your forest school session.
  • Time to think about up-to-date practice and theory.
  • Time to consider the challenges we face during forest schools and add more ideas to our forest school toolkit.

Additional information

This session is practical and will be held outdoors in a woodland environment, whatever the weather, so please wear suitable clothing. It is always cooler under the canopy of the trees and is often muddy, so sturdy shoes or wellington boots are recommended along with warm waterproof clothing.  

Date Time Location

Tuesday, 9 June 2026

9.30 am to 4.30 pm

Little Leverets Forest School, St Neots

Booking and reservations for Early Years Workforce Development.

Cost details

Members £75.60
Non-members £126
Out of county £210

Audience

Forest School leaders and practitioners.

Aims

CambsEYC invites all our forest school leaders and practitioners to our peer support group. This will be a chance to share practice, learn a new skill, refresh knowledge, collaborate and have fun. We will have a 30-minute discussion towards the end of the network regarding current practice within the Forest School Community. 

Additional information

Venues - network meetings are hosted by schools and settings that have Forest School sites. Before each network meeting, an additional information sheet is provided with guidance on what to bring and wear on the day. 

Date Time Location

Monday, 6 July 2026

4 pm to 5.30 pm

Priory Park Primary School, St Neots
Tuesday, 17 November 2026 3.30 pm to 5 pm TBC
Tuesday, 8 June 2027 4.30 pm to 6 pm TBC

Booking and reservations for Early Years Workforce Development.

Cost details

Members £16.20
Non-members £27
Out of county £45

Audience

Practitioners wanting to find out about Forest School sessions and those with an interest in expanding their knowledge of outdoor learning opportunities.

Aims

Throughout this course, learners will have the opportunity to explore:

  • Consider the ethos and the six principles of Forest School.
  • Look at the benefits of Forest School for all.
  • In-depth risk-benefit analysis.
  • Practical hands-on Forest School experiences to be able to implement this unique way of learning in your setting, including tool work, fire lighting and sensory activities.
  • Consider how Forest School complements the EYFS and the National Curriculum through a variety of practical experiences and discussion

Additional information

This session is practical and will be held outdoors in a woodland environment, whatever the weather, so please wear suitable clothing. It is always cooler under the canopy of the trees and is often muddy, so sturdy shoes or wellington boots are recommended along with warm waterproof clothing.  

Date Time Location
Tuesday, 23 June 2026 9.30 am to 4 pm Milton Country Park
Tuesday, 13 October 2026 9.30 am to 3.30 pm Milton Country Park
Thursday, 11 March 2027 9.30 am to 3.30 pm Hinchingbrooke Country Park

Booking and reservations for Early Years Workforce Development. 

Cost details

Members £64.80
Non-members £108
Out of county £180

Learn more with additional benefits and training credits included in the CambsEYC annual membership offer.

For information about accredited Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications, please check upcoming courses — Under the Hazels.

For additional information on the Forest School qualifications, please see qualifications and training — Under the Hazels.

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Contact

Email: ForestSchool@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Forest School Knowledge Hub - A collaborative hub to share information and Forest School practices.