Outdoor Learning in the Early Years

Outdoor Learning in the Early Years: Learning from the Forest School Approach

Aim of the training

To examine the forest school approach to learning and consider ways of using the ideas and principles of forest school in your own settings to benefit the children.

Who is it for?

Anybody who works with children in the Early Years Foundation Stage who is interested in getting children outside.

What can I expect?

This is a practical course held entirely outside in a woodland setting. Expect to take part in a variety of activities and games, sometimes taking the role of the child and sometimes considering from a practitioners point of view. Expect to get dirty and to be moving around frequently. Wear comfortable clothing appropriate to the weather forecast for the day, which you don’t mind getting dirty.

Who are we?

We have been delivering forest school in schools and nurseries since 2013, opened our outdoor pre-school in Grappenhall in 2015 and our fully outdoor preschool in Adlington in 2017.

Course Content

• Health benefits of spending time outside in nature
• The importance of being prepared with the right clothing and kit
• How the principles of forest school benefit children
• Some of the different ways in which children learn
• Using natural resources which promote and encourage characteristics of effective learning
• Risk and benefit and why children need to be able to take risks
• Lots of practical ideas for activities outside in nature

Links to EYFS

Overarching principles: Unique child; Positive Relationships; Enabling environments; Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates; Characteristics of Effective Learning; Areas of Learning and Development

Safeguarding and welfare requirements Suitable people; Safety and suitability of premises, environment and equipment; Staff qualifications, training support and skills; Key person; Equal opportunities.

Cost:

£45 per person

Other Information:

Hot snacks may be cooked outdoors on the day by the group, we will ask about any special dietary needs you may have. Please bring your own packed lunch.