Forest School

Audience

This is suitable for early years staff, teachers, childminders and out-of-school provision.

Aims

Throughout the course participants will learn to:

• Consider the ethos and impact of Forest School practices
• Gain practical ‘hands-on’ Forest School experiences to be able to implement this unique way of learning into your setting
• Consider how Forest School compliments the Early Years Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum through a variety of practical experiences and discussions.

Additional information

Recommended reading: Forest School in Practice by Sara Knight.

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/wellington boots are recommended along with warm waterproof clothing.

Lunch is not provided so please bring a packed lunch.

Booking and reservations for Early Years Workforce Development.

Audience

This is suitable for Level 2 Assistants and Level 3 Forest School leaders, plus anyone who is currently completing their forest school training.

Aims

Our Development Days will include:

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

Additional information

There is funding available for this training.

Booking and reservations for Early Years Workforce Development.

Audience

All early years forest school practitioners, childminders, out-of-school clubs, and schools, including learners undergoing forest school training.

Aims

Our peer support group will be a chance to share practice, refresh knowledge, collaborate with other forest school leaders and practitioners and have fun. We will have a 30-minute discussion towards the end of the network. 

Additional information

Educators are encouraged to bring equipment, tarpaulin, rope, fire strikers, dead wood, etc. So, they can practice freely. There will also be equipment to use onsite.

Booking and reservations for Early Years Workforce Development.

This course is for people who want to help at Forest School, but not be the Forest School leader. It is great for committed staff, volunteers, and sometimes parents who are interested and is a good grounding in Forest School. It includes six training days and some coursework where students assist at a Forest School. You need to be over 18 to complete this qualification.

You will learn the following:

• Practical skills
• Theoretical and nature knowledge
• Complete all assessments/paperwork to gain the qualification

Who can attend:

• Teachers
• Early Years Practitioners
• Teaching and Learning Assistants
• Headteachers
• Volunteers
• Parent/carers

How long does it take - approximately six to nine months:

• Six days of training
• Assisting at a Forest School
• Personal study time

Level 2 students can top-up to Level 3 with us - you do not need Level 2 to begin Level 3.

Level 3 is the most popular course as it equips you to run Forest School. Forest School leaders take this course and learn the practical skills, theoretical and nature knowledge, and all necessary paperwork for Forest School to succeed. Students are teachers, Early Years Practitioners, Teaching and Learning Assistants, Headteachers, and sometimes Wildlife Experts or Rangers. The course takes around nine months to complete including ten days of training; a personal visit from one of the trainers and your study. You can begin your Forest School journey at this level. You must be over 21, with at least two years of experience working with children and a Level 2 certificate or above in child care or teaching.

You will learn the following:

• Practical skills
• Theoretical and nature knowledge
• Complete all assessments/paperwork to gain the qualification

Who can attend:

• Teachers
• Early Years Practitioners
• Teaching and Learning Assistants
• Headteachers

Entry criteria:

• Over 21 years of age
• Two years of experience working with children
• Hold a Level 2 certificate (or above) in childcare or teaching

How long does it take - approximately 9 months to 12 months:

• Ten days of training
• A personal visit from one of the trainers
• Personal study time

You can begin your Forest School journey at this level.

Please note, that all Level 3 practitioners need to have a full Outdoor Paediatric First Aid certificate.

You will automatically be allocated a space when you book your Level 3 training. If you do not wish to complete your outdoor first aid through Cambridgeshire County Council or the dates are not suitable, please let us know. Funding is not available for outdoor first aid training. 

An appropriate level of First Aid competence is an essential part of operating as a Forest School practitioner. The Forest School Association (FSA) recognises and supports the provision of First Aid training that is delivered at the appropriate level, by trainers with outdoor knowledge and assessed in a fair and relevant way (Forest School Association 2016).

As part of your Level 3 Forest School Leader training, Cambridgeshire County Council delivers the 16-hour outdoor first aid to complete this requirement. You will automatically be allocated a space when you book your Level 3 training. If you do not wish to complete your outdoor first aid through Cambridgeshire County Council or the dates are not suitable, please let us know. Funding is not available for outdoor first-aid training.

Booking and reservations for Early Years Workforce Development.

Booking and reservations for Early Years Workforce Development.

Booking and reservations for Early Years Workforce Development.

Booking and reservations for Early Years Workforce Development.

Booking and reservations for Early Years Workforce Development.

Booking and reservations for Early Years Workforce Development.

We are pleased to announce that they have partnered up with Cambridgeshire Skills to offer funding options towards the cost of Forest School training. This includes Introduction to Forest School, Forest School and Under 2's, Level 2 Forest School Assistant and Level 3 Forest School Leader.

Eligibility for funding to support the cost of the qualification

If you think you may be entitled to claim funding, we will support you to complete an additional enrolment form. Below are the criteria that must be met in order to be eligible:

• You must live in Cambridgeshire and aged over 19 (our funding is for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough residents only and learners who have lived in the UK for over 3 years)*

You must also meet one of the below criteria:

• You are seeking employment and require qualifications to do the job
• You are on a low income and earn less than £22,500 a year
• You are in receipt of benefits
• You have not achieved a Level 3 qualification to date and/or you need a Level 3 qualification as a license to practise forest school.

Please note, funding is based on individual circumstances and not all criteria are required.

*Other eligibility may apply.