Training

Through our accredited Forest School and bespoke training offers, we empower educators, enabling them to provide inspirational, playful outdoor learning for groups of all ages. 

Our learner-centred, strengths-based approach ensures that participants in our courses have great fun and leave knowing they have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to inspire and meet the needs of the children they work with. Our training encourages and gives participants the skills to lead colleagues in transformational culture change.

Our training is person-centred and flexible; we adapt each course to meet the needs and interests of the participants. We know how important it is to build learning communities which is why we train in small groups; relationship is everything.  

We are now training a small number of trainers each year and mentoring them to become FSA endorsed trainers. Our three-week intensive course is now proving popular with international trainees.

Please book a free Zoom call with me to discuss your training needs. The call is by default, 30 mins, but don’t feel we have to fill this and if we need longer, that’s great too.

Accredited Training 
 
Level 3 Forest School Leader Training Programme 
Format 1 – Modular Course of 12 days (8.30 am – 5.30 pm) spread over 6 months, with additional accredited Level 3  specialist first aid ( 2 days) and Level 2 outdoor food hygiene, a supportive tutor observation in your own setting and 12 monthly webinars (1.5 hours) 
 
Format 2 – Intensive Course of 15 days (8.30 am – 5.30 pm) spread over 3 weeks, plus accredited Level 3 specialist first aid ( 2 days) and Level 2 outdoor food hygiene, 12 monthly webinars (1.5 hours) and regular virtual tutorials.
 
Level 2 Forest School Assistant and Level 1 Introduction to Forest School Training runs alongside the Forest School Leader programme in the same formats. We also offer Refresher Training for colleagues who trained a while ago or trained online and want an in person training experience without having to complete a portfolio.

Other Accredited Training includes:

  •  Level 3 Award in Forest Kindergarten: Local Nature Play (4 days) 
  •  Level 3 Award in Education and Training (12 days) – runs alongside Forest School Leader training 
  •  Level 1 Award  in Forestry in the Community (40 hours)
  •  Level 3  Outdoor Adventure First Aid (2 days)
  •  Level 2 Outdoor Food Safety (1 day)

Bespoke training includes:

  • Paths to Resilience – Emotion Coaching through Forest School 
  • Creating Autism-Friendly Communities through Forest School 
  • Story Telling
  • Nature Based Play
  • Grounded – the power of risky, challenging play to build brains

What people say

Sarah has developed her considerable expertise, reaching out to those who struggle to succeed in a school environment. She is a skilled trainer; the quality of her courses is very high and often transformational for practitioners and parents who participate. 

Advisory Teacher

I was like a rabbit in the headlights, the only non-teaching member of the group and felt very much out of my depth. Sarah clocked my insecurities and very cleverly supported me.  Becoming an FSL has changed how I parent, partner and befriend, and it has opened my eyes to genuine self-reflection and a world of constant learning.

Forest School Leader

Sarah was a very kind, supportive, caring individual who guided me to seek out the ‘can do me’. Sarah helped me believe in myself and gave me the confidence to support and guide others.

Forest School Leader

This training has changed my life. I know who I am and what I want to do.

Forest School Leader

Sarah and Sarah really do live and breathe the Forest School ethos and principles. From day one, we led our own learning with their skilled facilitation and support. They expected us to engage fully, so we did,  to be brave, and we were.

Forest School Leader

Paths to Resilience Emotion Coaching

It was the first time I’d chatted with my colleagues at such a level. It helped me understand them better.

Class Teacher

Talking about our emotions impacted our relationships with one another. We see each other in a different light.

Head Teacher

It helped us realise we all need support at certain times, as do our children.

Class Teacher

Sarah helped me realise that being kind to ourselves is OK and connection is key.

Teaching Assistant

Participants in a Natural Well-being Course for Teachers

I feel inspired and more confident. I had loads of fun and feel so relaxed.

I am more motivated to go outside and know mistakes are okay.

This training sparked my enthusiasm and inspired me. I don’t need to do activities. I am learning to trust my gut feelings and allow the children more freedom.