Training Programme

OCN Level 1 Foundation Course

This is a hands on, fun three day course for people who want to learn more about Forest School and who want to volunteer at sessions, supporting a Qualified Forest School Leader.

Suitable for anyone including teachers, parents, support assistants, nursery nurses, youth workers, artists, community workers, carers, workers from environmental organisations. No previous experience or knowledge needed. This course covers Basic Practical skills and Learning and Development in woodlands and takes place mostly in the woods, rain, shine or even snow !

PLEASE NOTE OCN 1 does not qualify you to deliver Forest School.

DURATION:  3 day intensive, including a visit to a Forest School Session

                 at one of our many sites.

COST:        £200 (Volunteers please ask about funded courses)

DATES:       22-24 November 2010 at Bishopswood Countryside Centre.

                 23-24 May 2011 plus either 25 May or one day during half term.

OCN Level 2 Forest School Assistants Course

This is a four day course for people wanting to qualify as a Forest School Assistant, who would be supporting a Forest School Leader. The course requires coursework to be completed in your own study time and participation in 3 Foresat school sessions.

Suitable for anyone with a Forest School OCN Level 1 and/or interest and experience of working with children and/or adults in the natural environment and who has a OCN 3 level Leader to assist.

This course covers practical skills, woodland management and learning and development in woodlands.

PLEASE NOTE that individuals must have link to a Forest School Leader in order to fulfil training requirements of assisting in 3 sessions.

DURATION: 4 day intensive, some self directed study plus the completion                 of coursework and participation in 3 Forest School sessions.

COST:       £400

DATES:      19-22 October 2010 at Margam Park

                7-10 June 2011 venue TBC

OCN Level 3 Forest School Leaders Course

This course is for people who wish to become Forest School Leaders and/or set up their own Forest School and is a nationally recognised qualification.

Entry requirements

A client group for practical placements

AND at least a level 2 qualification working with children/young people, Teaching or Youth/ Community/Play Worker qualification

OR a level 2 Forest School Practitioner's Award with extensive experience of working with children and young people

The course includes units in Practical Skills and Woodland Management, Learning and Development and setting up a Forest School.

DURATION: 2 day First Aid qualification, 5 day intensive and 2.5 day residential/practical skills days and assessment of practical sessions. This course will take a minimum of 9 months to complete.

COST:   £775 plus £120 First Aid Course - September 2010

            £850 plus £125 First Aid Course - March 2011 onwards.

DATES: 

5 Day Intensive: Wed 22nd, Thurs 23rd, Fri 24th and Mon 27th, Tues 28th September 2010

First Aid Course: Sat/Sun - dates to be confirmed

3 day Practical Skills including an overnight stay: Wed 10th, Thurs 11th and Fri 12th November 2010

5 Day intensive: Wed 2nd, Thurs 3rd, Fri 4th and Mon 7th, Tue 8th March 2011

First Aid Course: Sat/Sun to be confirmed

3 day Practicall Skills including an overnight stay: 30th March - 1st April.

'Play & Learning in Woodlands' Inset Day (Early Years and KS2 children)

This is specifically for people working/living with early years and Key Stage 2 children including parents and teachers. Builds confidence in using the outdoors and direct experience of the importance of play.

Provides an extensive tool box of games, activities and tools. Sited in beautiful woodland setting.

COST £80 per person.

Next courses -

Friday 15th October 2010

Friday 18th March 2011

Friday 17th June 2011

Inset Days for whole school staff in your own grounds or at a local woodland site

This is an inspiring day for all the staff, teachers and support staff to discover for themselves the opportunities for learning in a woodland setting. There will be lots of activities that can be adapted for different stages of learning and fun team building challenges.  Can be held at a beautiful Forest School site, or tailored for your own school grounds.

'Introduction to Forest School' Days for Adults from community groups

This is a Taster day designed for adults from community groups who are thinking of having regular Forest School sessions for their project. It is an opportunity to understand how the Forest School experience can benefit the participants and how the key workers can best support the sessions.

Inspirational Corporate Staff Development &
Training Days for businesses

A special day to inspire your staff, get them out of the office, face personal and team challenges and have fun. This is your chance to try lighting a fire without matches and then cook lunch on it.