Introduction
This programme leads to a National Award and is suitable for qualified early learning practitioners, early years workers, managers, teachers, third sector workers, and others who wish to organise and supervise regular off-site visits to woodland and green spaces for children in their care.
Accredited through the SQA, the award recognises the value of woodlands as an integral part of the learning process for pre-school and all early learners. This course covers the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to develop a forest kindergarten.
On successful completion of the course, you will develop your knowledge, skills, and confidence to plan and lead forest activities.
Course code
SFRK
Location
Dumfries Campus
Duration
3 hrs per week over 12 weeks.
You will learn through a combination of online study in our virtual online classes. Some face-to-face practical elements will be delivered in an outdoor environment with online content and videos available for consolidation.
Price
£95.00
Entry Requirements
- No formal qualifications are required. However, applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have some knowledge or experience in working with children in an early years setting.
- Access to practical placement in a nursery, school or voluntary setting is also required.
Additional Entry Requirements
Capacity to attend online classes and face to face practical sessions.
Course Content
The Award is made up of the following 3 elements:
- Forest kindergarten site (The place) – locating a suitable woodland and practical steps to ensure a setting can use it
- Planning and engaging with children and adults (The people) – suggestions to prepare, inform and educate staff, children and parents about the woodland visits
- Setting up and leading forest kindergarten sessions (The activities) – possible lines of development to extend children’s experiences of playing in the woods.
The college also includes the emphasises on the need for accurate risk assessments and health and safety processes in the delivery of this award.
Assessments
A variety of assessment approaches are used including observation, written assessment/questions, group and Individual presentations, completion of practical site surveys and appraisals,
Career Prospects
Once you have successfully completed this award you will be able to plan and deliver outdoor activities using a forest kindergarten approach.
Additional funding information
Many of ours courses are eligble for ITA funding is available. Apply for Funding
Course Contact Details
If you would like more information or to reserve a place on a course, please get in touch.
Telephone: 01387 734199
E-mail:shortcourses@dumgal.ac.uk
Booking Terms & Conditions | Dumfries & Galloway College (dumgal.ac.uk)
Selling Points
Outdoor learning not only improves mental wellbeing and health and fitness, it can make a huge difference to children’s confidence levels and their ability to risk assess while encouraging a lifelong love of the outdoors.
Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Childcare and Early Years