This week has seen our first Forest School Leader Training course of the year in our woods at Exmouth and once again, it’s been such a pleasure to spend five days with a group of enthusiastic folk facilitating the start of their Forest School journey. With seven more courses to run this year, we thought we’d have a quick look at why we pride ourselves on being one of the best providers of this training in the country.
1. We walk the walk
All our instructors are not just trainers but also Forest School Leaders themselves. They approach their training delivery with the insight of having actually done it themselves, for years in woodlands around Devon. They know the realities of running Forest School sessions and this informs our training, so it is realistic, relatable and appropriate for those going on to deliver their own sessions after training with us. Our wider company runs a variety of Forest School sessions all year round, from Toddler Clubs to Home Education groups, from Holiday Clubs to Birthday Parties. This means that we are not removed from the action, and we stay abreast of best practice and any updates within the wider Forest School community. Any changes in practice or developments that take place in our Forest School sessions then informs our training to make sure it is as up to date and relevant as possible.
2. We’ve been doing it a lonnnggg time!
We ran our first Forest School Leader training course back in 2014 which means that we’ve been delivering this training for over 11 years! During that time, we’ve had the pleasure of training over 700 people to become Forest School Leaders. We’ve had several different instructors and delivered our training across a few different sites, but the constant has been our commitment to fantastic training and sending out the next generation of Forest School Leaders into the wild!
3. We support our trainees to be the best they can be
We work hard to ensure that our trainees receive all the support they need to complete their coursework and training with us to the best of their ability. As well as our intensive five-day course in the woods, we offer free termly coursework support days (both practical in the woods and online) for all our trainees still completing their coursework. We also ensure that we are responsive via email or phone to any queries they may have and make sure that we are always able to give them the support they need.
And it seems to pay off! ITC First (our awarding body) say that we consistently produce the highest quality of portfolios of all their training providers. And whilst we can’t take the credit for the work of our candidates, we’d like to think that the support we offer has helped them along the way!
4. We work hard, but we also play hard
Training for a role that includes potentially dangerous activities (such as using sharp tools and fire lighting) does need to be taken seriously. A lot of concentration is needed and hard work to ensure that you can keep the people you work with safe once delivering Forest School sessions. However, it’s also important to have fun – playfulness and joy is such an important element of Forest School and so we believe in starting at the top by making sure that we have fun when training the people who will be running sessions! One of the constants on all our training courses is the good nature, playfulness and laughter that rings out throughout the woods over the five days of training.
5. We create a welcoming, safe and supportive learning environment
We strive to provide an inclusive and friendly environment for our training courses that is accessible to all. However, rather than us tell you about how successfully we think we do that, we thought we’d share some feedback from the last few years about our trainers and the space that we hold…
“I would like to acknowledge just how wonderful I thought the course was that I went on. Annie and Neil were two of the warmest, friendliest and professional trainers I’ve had the pleasure to meet. From day one they made us feel very welcome and put us at ease. They were always happy to explain anything that you might be having trouble with. Even if the questions were repetitive. Always with a smile was their approach which was reassuring for everyone. They have a rare quality of establishing a great connection with all participants from the get go.”
“Nick had a wonderful demeanour and approach with us all. Professional yet human and honest, making him really approachable and fun with good boundaries – a great role model for a successful FS leader! Ali was amazing at explaining how activities can be altered or demonstrated to young learners. His energy was inspiring and motivating – him and Nick worked well together.”
I thought the course was extremely well managed and taught. The support was fantastic, and tutors was very knowledgeable indeed. If ever I needed support, I got it and feedback was brilliant. I have gone on to begin full time work as a Forest School Leader which I really love. Thank you Outdoors Group for your brilliant teaching and guidance. I truly appreciate it.
So whether you work in education and want to add another string to your bow, fancy a change of career and want to do something meaningful in the outdoors, or think being a Forest School Leader would benefit the voluntary work you do…what are you waiting for? Find out more about the course here and perhaps we’ll see you in the woods later this year…
Author: Hannah Durdin, Content Officer & Forest School Leader
Date: Thursday 20th February 2025
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