Leaders in Forest School intervention in the Midlands since 2006.
Nationally Recognised Training
Featured on Panorama and BBC News.
Winners of Birmingham's 'Best Green Business'.
Nominated for the 'Big Society' award.
We are an OCN Accreditation Training Centre who are passionate about the outdoors and its endless learning benefits.
Delivered in partnership with Outdoor Learning (UK) Ltd.
Training
To us, it seems clear that the natural environment is where we all naturally love to learn. This is why we are committed to providing top quality training for adults working with children and young people.
Our aim is to enable as many people as possible to maximise the use of their outdoor spaces, whether in the centre of a city or out in the countryside. Our training has been designed upon the firm foundations of our many years experience delivering Forest School and a vast range of Outdoor Learning projects.
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Forest School
Here at Forest Schools Birmingham we are more than just a training company, we are a community and a support network. We want to guide you through your training and practice. From planning, designing and installing your site, offering support in your setting to get started or just a place to ask questions and advice. We are here for the journey.
Our Forest School training is accredited by the Open College Network. It is of the very highest standard with practical skills and safety as its backbone. Underpinned with sound and engaging development theories; rather than telling you about Forest School we show you Forest School, employing creative, fun and practical training techniques.
Lime Woods
​We have a wonderful venue 40 mins from Birmingham City, 30 mins from Worcester and 10 minutes from Kidderminster.
Lime Woods is a 10 acre nature reserve with a beautiful Yurt classroom. Here you will immerse yourself in your Forest School Journey and feel as though you are 'getting away from it all!'
Located in a beautiful tranquil setting, tucked away in a hidden corner of the stunning Worcestershire countryside, mature woodlands comprise of a diverse mix of native deciduous broadleaf trees including Lime, Oak, Beech and Field Maple.
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Adventurous types can take advantage of free 'wild' camping onsite!
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If you prefer your creature comforts there is an excellent guest house within walking distance of the woods.
Travel by train to Stourbridge Junction (25mins from B'ham New Street) and we'll transport you from there!
OCN Level 3 Forest Schools Practitioner Award
Forest School supports children's empathy with nature, the child's' mental and physical health (and yours!!), and fabulous use of 'The Outdoor Classroom'.
"This training has completely changed my life and my approach to teaching..." Paul, Woodthorne Primary School.
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Our training consists of:
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• a one week intensive initial training period.
• a personal development and portfolio period of approx 6 months.
• regular email prompts to keep you on track.
• support from your trainer during your personal development period.
• an assessment week which examines your practical skills and your understanding of delivery techniques and approaches.
• a 3 month consolidation period after your assessment to submit your portfolio.
• ongoing support from the office to get up and running.
Level 3 training Diary
OCN Level 2 Forest Schools Practitioner Award
This week long course is aimed at those who:
• Would like to assist a Level 3 Practitioner in their setting
• Early Years Practitioners who would like to gain confidence in using the outdoors with their little ones
• Parents who would like to be 'that' parent who is confident in their outdoor skills and wants to learn a different way of 'being' with the family.
• Educators who want to make the most of the 'Outdoor Classroom'.
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This course runs side by side with the Forest School Leader course, so is ideal for settings needing a site 'Lead' and a 'Support'.
Level 3 training Diary
Level 2 training Diary
First Aid for Forest School and Outdoor Learning
We are proud to have a 1st Aid trainer with the very highest credentials. We work with Paramedics and Fire Fighters, with extensive experience of working in highly volatile situations.
This course has been written by a medical professional to specifically enhance your Forest School and Outdoor Learning delivery. It is a paediatric course, approved by OFSTED and is appropriate for all aspects of education.
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"Carolynne & Sam thought the course was very well presented and best First Aid course they had attended. The presenters were really knowledgeable and their approach to how the course was delivered made it easy to remember. Overall a very enjoyable 2 days."
Mrs Bernie Timmings
School Business Manager
Heathlands Primary Academy
In addition to the usual content of a First Aid course, you will also become competent in dealing with a range of possible injuries you may encounter in a typical Forest School or Outdoor Learning session.
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This course is accredited by the Open College Network.
Training takes place at Fircroft College over a period of 2 consecutive days.
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OCN Level 2 First Aid for Forest Schools and Outdoor Learning.
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To book your place on one of our First Aid Courses, or for more information, just call or email us:
First Aid training Diary
Forest School Taster Days
FOREST SCHOOL? HAVE A TASTE!
This is an opportunity for those of you who are interested in the Forest School model to gain insight into why Forest School is so relevant in today's educational sector and society.
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Ticket price includes lunch and refreshments cooked over the fire, and an in depth Q&A session.
GAIN INSIGHT INTO:
• The connection between accessing nature and good mental health.
• The learning theories that underpin Forest School.
• The importance of risk benefit.
• Understanding why we use fire with children and the relevance of these practices.
• An opportunity to 'breathe'...
Forest School Taster Diary
Forest School Inset Training
Inset Days with Forest School
Our inset days are designed to inspire your staff to use your outside spaces to their fullest.
The days are very hands on and, as ever, we teach you by getting you to ‘do’ as much as possible, from learning theories and curriculum to fires and fantasy play! There are no slide shows here, just active, exciting, fun learning!!
These inspirational days include:
• An introduction to Forest Schools and outdoor learning
• Skills to enhance your outdoor practice
• Ideas for outdoor sessions; approach to an outdoor curriculum
• Links to curriculum and child development
• Demonstrate how to utilise your outdoor space effectively
• As well as specific Q&A with a highly experienced trainer
Inset training
Any day can be tailored to suit your needs and we are happy to work with you on your ideal outcomes.
INSET training prices start from £500.
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To book your inset day or find out more, please get in touch:
01384 262898
Level 2 Food Hygiene
for Forest Schools, Bushcraft and Outdoor Learning
Do you cook outdoors with groups? Confused about hygiene?
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This is an intensive 2 day course focusing on how to keep ourselves and our groups safe and hygienic while cooking in the outdoors.
Set in and around the grounds of a beautiful Cadbury heritage site in Birmingham, you have the opportunity to book an overnight stay if you need. www.fircroftt.ac.uk
Day 1: An intensive day examining classic food hygiene practices and policies.
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Day 2: Putting knowledge into practice in woodland, setting out your cooking and cleaning space and cooking over the fire.
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During the two days you will achieve a Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate and an Outdoor Practice compliance certificate.
Level 2 Food Hygiene
Cost: £140
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Don’t live in Birmingham? Accommodation is available on-site, please enquire for more details and available dates.
Testimonials
A wonderful experience. Thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Amazing people and thank you Afric, Nick and Ruth for you incredible passion, knowledge and time; you made this experience so special. Thank you for allowing me to camp in this amazing, beautiful woodland, it has been incredible. Loved the stories, activities and basically absolutely everything during this wonderful week.
Mike Smith - Holy Cross School