Forest School Leader (Forest and Outdoor Learning Award Level 8 – SCQF)

Forest School is an internationally recognised form of outdoor learning. It is more than just ‘playing outside.’

It is an empowering and creative child-centred approach that engages all children but especially those who otherwise struggle to engage in mainstream classroom based education and learning.

The Forest and Outdoor Learning Award provides all the theory, skills and knowledge necessary to set up and lead a Forest School programme. You will leave inspired and excited to make a difference with your new skills.

During the training we will guide you through an enjoyable, supportive learning process with clear, easy to understand teaching materials.

The majority of the course is taught outside, through a mixture of games, practical activities, reflection and skill shares. This is enhanced with an element of online learning.

You will be assessed through the submission of 16 assessment tasks, completed throughout the course which will be completed between the taught sessions.

As part of the course you will need to plan and deliver an 8 week ‘ Introduction to Forest School programme’ with a group of your choosing.

Forest and Outdoor Learning Award is on the SCQF Framework and is delivered in partnership with Newbattle Abbey College. The Forest School Leader Course is delivered at SCQF Level 8 and takes approx 180 notional self study hours. You will also be required to achieve an Outdoor First Aid certificate.

Established in 2016 OutLET: OutLET is a Social Enterprise that provides inclusive outdoor programmes. We work with the local authority, community groups, schools, and families. OutLET accepts all children and young people exactly as they are, recognises their potential and gives them outdoor space to play without pressure. OutLET are Lanarkshire’s only Forest School Association accredited Forest School Provider, we work tirelessly towards our goal of using Play and Culture to ‘Level the Playing Field’ for those affected by social, emotional or economic deprivation. Training is mainly led by Christine Smith and Susan McNeish, with Jackie Simpson covering if needed. We have other great team members who often support our training courses, bringing their knowledge, experience and anecdotes to the training sessions. If you have questions about any aspect of delivering play, learning, or education outdoors, then please let us know, as we will have someone in the team who can help. Christine has been a Forest School Leader for 8 years and has recently attained her ITC Level 3 Award in Education and Training, which is designed for people working in further education and skills sector. Susan is a highly experienced Forest School Leader and Tutor, and is a retired Countryside Ranger. Susan also has an ITC Level 3 Award in Education and Training. Jackie Simpson, an ex-armed forces engineer/ fire fighter, Forest School Leader and Outlet CEO is also involved in our training. Between us all, we have a wealth of knowledge and experience delivering outdoor play and learning. The training we provide is perfect for Early Years Practitioners, Teachers, Child Minders, Outdoor Playgroup Leaders or anyone with an interest in getting people outdoors! Courses are offered in two ways – establishments contact us directly and we run courses tailored for them or we advertise a course and individuals book on. All of our courses run with a high ratio of tutors to students. Our maximum training ratio is 1:8. If a course is over-subscribed we will advertise another course and offer places to people on our waiting list. Current training that we offer Forest School Leader training Fundamental Outdoor Skills (Previously known as Fire and Tools) CPD Twilight sessions (Running 4pm -6pm) in topics such as Fire, Tools, Knots and Tarps, Inclusive Outdoors, Games, Crafts, etc.

Provider Title:
OutLET: Train Educate Play

Contact Number:
01698 209934

Contact Email:
office@outlet.scot

Website:
https://outlet.scot/

OutLET are Lanarkshire's only accredited Forest School Association accredited provider. OutLET work in Partnership with Newbattle Abbey College to delivery Forest and Outdoor Leader (FOLA) Award qualifications SCQF Levels 2 through to Level 8 - Forest School Leader Award. OutLET: Play Resource aim to deliver and manage all training consistently and to the highest possible standard. We ensure that we do this by the following methods Anonymous feedback from all participants after completion of the course and using that feedback to improve training Highly experienced qualified trainers who continually develop and improve their practice Internal verification of marking Making a complaint We aim to handle complaints quickly, effectively and in a fair and honest way. We take all complaints seriously and use valuable information from investigating to help us improve the service we provide. We treat all complaints in confidence. OutLET: Play Resource assures clients that it will not withdraw services because someone makes a complaint in good faith. People sometimes feel more comfortable about suggesting improvements rather than complaining formally. First you should speak to the Trainer who should always be friendly and approachable. If the suggestion is something that OutLET: Play Resource as a company needs to consider you can send it to: Email: jackie@outlet.scot If you are still unsatisfied your complaint will be passed up to the board of OutLET:Play Resource who will contact you within 3 days.