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Environments & Outdoor Learning

Beyond the Classroom: Forest School Practice

 Discover how Forest School principles can inspire outdoor learning, resilience, confidence, and a lifelong love of nature. 

 

 Ideal for early years practitioners wanting to introduce Forest School approaches into their setting. 

 🕒 30 Minutes | 💻 100% Online | 📚 Self-Paced Learning | 🎓 Certificate Included | 🚀 Instant Access 

Why This Course Matters

 Nature provides children with endless opportunities to explore, take appropriate risks, solve problems, and develop confidence. Understanding Forest School principles helps practitioners create meaningful outdoor experiences that support children's holistic development and wellbeing. 

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Course Details

 Everything you need to know before enrolling. 
What You'll Learn
 
By completing this course, you will be able to:
 

✓ Understand the principles and ethos of the Forest School approach.

✓ Explore how outdoor learning supports children's physical, emotional, and social development.

✓ Use practical nature-based activities to encourage exploration and curiosity.

✓ Promote safe risk-taking and manage outdoor environments effectively.

✓ Plan inclusive Forest School-inspired sessions for children of all abilities.

✓ Work with families and the wider community to enrich outdoor learning experiences.

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Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Forest Schools

  • What Forest School is
  • Core principles and philosophy
  • Child-led learning
  • Benefits of regular outdoor experiences

Module 2: Child Development and Learning Outdoors

  • Holistic development
  • Building resilience and confidence
  • Communication and teamwork
  • Supporting independence through nature

Module 3: Practical Outdoor Skills

  • Nature-based learning activities
  • Encouraging exploration and curiosity
  • Using natural resources creatively
  • Developing practical outdoor experiences

Module 4: Risk Management and Safety

  • Dynamic risk assessment
  • Supporting safe risk-taking
  • Outdoor behaviour expectations
  • Creating safe learning environments

Module 5: Planning and Delivering Sessions

  • Planning engaging outdoor sessions
  • Inclusive outdoor learning
  • Adapting activities for different ages and abilities
  • Reflecting on children's learning

Module 6: Working with Families and Communities

  • Encouraging family involvement
  • Promoting outdoor learning beyond the setting
  • Building community links
  • Creating a culture of outdoor exploration
Who Is This Course For?
This course is ideal for:
 

🌿 Early Years Practitioners

🏡 Childminders

🏫 Nursery and Preschool Staff

👩‍🏫 Room Leaders

🌳 Practitioners interested in outdoor learning

🎓 Early Years Students and Apprentices

No previous Forest School experience is required.

Certificate
📜 Certificate Included
Upon successful completion of the course, learners will receive a downloadable certificate which can be used as evidence of professional development and training.
The certificate can be downloaded immediately after successful completion.
Course Features
📱 Mobile Friendly
💻 Fully Online Learning
📜 Certificate Included
🎯 Interactive Learning Activities
🤝 Learner Support Available
📅 12 Months Access
⏱ Learn at Your Own Pace
🚀 Instant Access After Enrolment
Why Choose Stepping Stones?
🌟 Designed Specifically for Childcare Professionals
📚 Practical, Workplace-Focused Learning
🎯 Easy-to-Follow Online Training
💻 Flexible Learning Around Your Schedule
🚀 Instant Access After Purchase
📜 Certificate Included
🤝 Friendly Learner Support
💷 Affordable Professional Development
🏡 Trusted by Early Years Professionals Across the UK

How It Works

Enrol Online

 Purchase the course and gain instant access to your learning dashboard. 

Complete the Training

 Work through the course at your own pace on desktop, tablet or mobile. 

Receive Your Certificate

 Successfully complete the assessment and download your certificate. 

Ready to Get Started?

 Bring learning beyond the classroom and discover how nature can inspire curiosity, resilience, confidence, and lifelong learning. 

ENROL NOW - £15.00

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a qualified Forest School Leader?

 No. This course provides an introduction to Forest School principles and practical outdoor learning strategies that can be incorporated into everyday early years practice. 

How long does the course take?

 The course takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. 

Is the course fully online?

 Yes. The course can be completed online using a computer, tablet, or mobile device. 

Will I receive a certificate?

 Yes. A downloadable certificate is available after successful completion. 

Is this a Forest School Leader qualification?

 No. This is an introductory course designed to help practitioners understand Forest School principles and confidently use nature-based learning in their own setting. 

Training for Your Whole Team?

This course is perfect for individual learners looking to develop their knowledge and skills.

If you're a nursery owner, manager, or organisation looking to train multiple staff members, explore our Pathways and Partnership solutions.

These programmes combine training, workforce development, compliance support, and progress tracking to help settings build confident, capable, and inspection-ready teams.

 Individual Course   Team Training & Pathways 
 ✅ Instant access   🏢 Designed for nurseries and childcare settings 
 ✅ Self-paced learning   📈 Support workforce development 
 ✅ Certificate included   📋 Improve compliance and training oversight 
 ✅ Ideal for individual professional development   👥 Train multiple staff members 
 £15  🤝 Ongoing support available 

 

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