Forest School Activities Online Training
After 30 years of working with teachers, outdoor professionals and healthcare workers…
And spearheading the transformation of education and healthcare through nature…
I’ve consolidated my comprehensive tool kit of tried and tested outdoor learning activities together with up to date health and safety information.
Now thanks to the step-by-step training videos and downloadable resources included in my Forest School Activities Online Training Course…
You can learn the practical skills and techniques you need to take groups outdoors confidently.
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How is this course different from the Level 3 Qualification?
This online training resource does not give you a formal qualification in Forest School Leadership.
It has been designed at the same standard and beyond as a Level 3, by Marina Robb, an endorsed Forest School Association Trainer with 30 years experience.
The course aims to enable and equip people with the practical delivery of Forest School-based activities to a high competency, with all the correct health and safety and pedagogy weaved through the course.
There is no requirement to have a Forest School Qualification to take children out of doors to learn and play. As a teacher or practitioner, you are legally obliged to have risk assessments in place and insurance relevant to practice offered.
The Forest School approach builds on 6 core principles, and is part of a weekly child led provision, delivered by a qualified practitioner. If you want to deliver an ongoing Forest School rather than Forest School based activities or Outdoor Learning, then we recommend you take a Level 3 'in-person' qualification with Marina Robb
"Spearheading the transformation of education and health through nature"
This video-based online learning course gives you everything you need to run engaging outdoor sessions…
From acquiring the skills … to mastering the techniques … to health and safety risk assessments …
Remember, this extensive nature-based training programme comes from my 30 years of experience teaching Forest School to outdoor practitioners and teachers like you in face-to-face settings … and now online.
I understand the barriers you face: namely space, time and cost.
This comprehensive training will equip you with the outdoor learning knowledge and skills you need to overcome perceived barriers and take your classroom outdoors.
You’ll get clear guidance … on how to run engaging activities for early years, primary and secondary children.
You’ll get practical tips on … conducting risk and benefit assessments.. and much more.
You’ll get lifetime access to my highly visual training videos that let you see and hear in detail the outdoor activities taught. You can replay the videos as many times as needed.
So that by the time you complete the Forest School Activities Online Training Course
You’ll have all the information you need to plan engaging outdoor sessions…
Take a look at some of the activities you’ll learn
Making a Rope Bridge
Tying ropes between trees can be used for climbing, bridges or rope walks. If your group are going to be climbing then your ropes need to be weight bearing and thick enough! We usually recommend 12 mm thickness. This video presents two of our most favourite knots – the timberhitch and our tensioning knot. These knots are incredibly versatile, used for teambuilding, problem-solving, imagination, play and creativity.
Leaf Bashing
This video looks at some simple ideas that we can use to make natural paints and crafts. Depending on the season and the research you might like to do, it’s incredible how much colour can come from the natural world, from near and afar! We look at what you might need for leaf bashing both as an educational activity for identification and language development.
Tracking Games
The first thing you need to do is to make a stencil creating the shape of an animal track. Using a stanley knife is really helpful with this. Once you have your stencils, you can create many fun and engaging opportunities to build connection with animals. This activity develops the skill of shape and pattern recognition and stimulates ongoing curiousity about animals. You may decide to extend this activity by finding out more about what the animal eats, where it sleeps, what its habits are and what time of day or night it is active. Using animal toys also gives the opportunity to tell some stories and set up different tracking challenges which fun and exciting!
What do other people say about the course?
Mr. P. Howard,
Deputy Headteacher, Clayton le Woods CE Aided Primary School, Chorley
"We had a number of staff wanting to do the Outdoor Teacher’s Online Training, and not having the funding to train them all to the Level 3 standard through conventional routes, we wanted something online where we can then work as a collaborative group to set up 'Clayton-le-Woodlanders"
Sarah Cox
Headteacher, Brook Infant School and Nursery, Crawley
"The Outdoor Teacher Course has enabled us as a school to train several members of staff to a high standard so that they can confidently lead woodland sessions with our young children. This online module-based training has been affordable, flexible and relevant, whilst also ensuring we can train a wide spread of staff to be competent outdoor teachers.”
George Hounsell
Director of Primary Sport & Community, The Marches Academy Trust
“To help improve our outdoor learning provision and to continue to develop our staff knowledge on how to run activities in our outdoor learning spaces such as Forest School, we decided to enrol 5 of our staff on the Outdoor Teacher’s online training. These courses and videos have been a huge support and have helped refresh our teachers to ensure our pupils get first class provision.”
So, whether you’re a nursery or school teacher or who wants to embed outdoor learning into the curriculum...
An outdoor practitioner looking to refresh your skills and gain inspiration…
Or even a health worker looking for a safe and secure approach to enhancing your clients’ wellbeing…
The Forest School Activities Online Training Course can get you to where you want to be…
Enrol today and get:
Module 1: Fire & Pedagogy (normally £49.99)
Build your confidence and learn to safely light fires with your group using a range of methods. Learn to prepare and set up your fire site in a safe way and see how the children can get involved.
Module 2: Ropes & Knots (normally £49.99)
Learn to feel confident with ropes and knots and to teach them to your groups. Find out how to safely put up swings and hammocks and how to make a rope bridge and ladder.
Module 3: Cooking on a Fire (normally £49.99)
Learn to cook safely on a fire with your group. This module has printable recipes and will teach you how to cook kebabs, pan pizzas, popcorn, toffee apples, flapjacks cooked in leaves and much more.
Module 4: Shelters & Play (normally £49.99)
Learn how to safely erect temporary group shelters using tarpaulins and to work with the children as they build shelters from natural woodland materials and create diverse opportunities for play.
Module 5: Natural Crafts & Play (normally £49.99)
Get creative with natural materials! Lessons include step by step video lessons on a range of activities including clay fairies, teasel hedgehogs, bird feeders, leaf bashing and natural paints.
Module 6: Using Tools (normally £49.99)
Gain confidence in using basic tools with different age groups taking your group's crafting to another level. Lessons include working safely with knives, saws, palm drills and tent pegs to construct a range of items.
Module 7: Wild Food & Foraging (normally £49.99)
Discover the wonder of fruits, plants and trees and get to know them in a safe and respectful way. You will learn to make creams, syrups, teas and pancakes using nettles, hedgerow berries, cleavers and plantain.
Module 8: Nature Awareness Games (normally £49.99)
Learn how to deliver games with clear instructional videos that are a fun way of learning through nature. Lessons include examples of games that can be played with early years, primary and secondary children.
In fact, you’ll get
- Lifetime access to 87 video lessons full of tried and tested activities, games that make learning through nature fun.
- Examples of games you can play with early years, primary and secondary children.
- 15 downloadable resources, including Risk and Benefits Assessments for each module, Food Safety in the Outdoors, Outdoor Cooking Recipes, A Safety Guide to Swings, A Guide to Greenlight Plants and lots more.
Who provides the Forest School Outdoors Activities training?
Marina Robb (Bsc; PGCE; MA; Msc; Author) is Founder and Managing Director of Circle of Life Rediscovery Community Interest Company and The Outdoor Teacher Ltd, both leading organisations that aim to transform education and health through nature.
Marina is co-author of ‘Learning with Nature’ (foreword by Chris Packham), a must-have book for Forest School & Outdoor practitioners, and ‘The Essential Guide to Forest School and Nature Pedagogy’ (foreword by David Sobel) which contains everything you need to know from theory to practice
Marina has more than 30 years experience in outdoor learning and nature connection. She provides a deep understanding of effective nature education at all levels and for a range of diverse backgrounds.
Marina is a qualified teacher (PGCE) and since 1989 has studied Environmental Education (MA), Environmental Management (BSc) and Social Research (MSc). She is a leading Forest School endorsed trainer and practitioner (UK and International). Her aim is to share her knowledge and experience with teachers and others wishing to work outside the classroom.
Complete the course and you’ll qualify for Forest School Liability Insurance
Birnbeck Insurance is the UK's leading provider of specialist liability insurance for Forest School and Outdoor Learning Practitioners. As such, the firm has approved our Forest School Activities Online Training Course, which means when you complete your training, you’ll be eligible for their Forest School Liability Insurance.
Contact Birnbeck for a quote
Know that your course is available on all devices
The Forest School Activities Online Training Course is mobile friendly and available on all types of devices.
If you have an iPhone you can download the 'Teachable' app from the Apple Store and download the videos onto your phone.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
Satisfaction Guaranteed
If you are not happy with the course you can contact us with an explanation for a full refund within 30 days.
What do other people say about the course?
Róisín Dexter
Primary Teacher and Forest School Leader, Dublin
"Having learned my outdoor skills on face-to-face courses, I initially couldn't understand how they could be learned online.. but The Outdoor Teacher has shown me that they absolutely can! And, in fact, with some extra advantages. For example, I was able to rewind and watch something again in order to take it in more fully or practise it. Marina brings to the screen her decades of experience teaching in the outdoors. Each technique is explained and demonstrated very clearly, with lots of background information and ideas - perfect for both the beginner and the experienced outdoor teacher. I highly recommend The Outdoor Teacher for educators, parents and anyone wishing to share their passion for the outdoors."
Phil Dean
Careers Enrichment and Outdoor Learning Leader
"Marina and her team have created the most excellent forest school online modules that are brilliantly user friendly. She approaches the tasks with passion and simplicity and the quote 'Fear replaced by knowledge' encompasses exactly the reason people are afraid to try foraging. Each stepped approach to gaining the information is clear and succinct with the overriding feeling of being right there in the outdoors. It made me want to go find the nettles in my garden and make some of those crisps!"
Jennie Lamb
Girlguiding Trainer & Forest School Practitioner
"Outdoor adventure doesn’t need to be expensive and these modules demonstrate how to run safe and exciting outdoor sessions with children of all ages. Excellent videos enable personal learning and explain the safety issues. A very skilled trainer, Marina provides practical demonstrations with detailed narratives to ensure learners have a good understanding. This enables adults to develop their own skills and provides the background safety and risk assessment knowledge needed to use those skills with the groups they lead."
See for yourself the benefits of our Forest School Activities Online Training Course
Special Price £295+vat
Here’s what you’ll get:
✔️ 8 outdoor learning modules
✔️ Lifetime access to 87 video lessons full of tried and tested activities, games that are a fun way of learning through nature.
✔️ Examples of games you can play with early years, primary and secondary children.
✔️ 15 downloadable resources including Risk and Benefits Assessments for each module, Food Safety in the Outdoors, Outdoor Cooking Recipes, A Safety Guide to Swings, A Guide to Greenlight Plants and lots more.
FAQs
When does the course start?
The course starts as soon as you register. You work at your own pace and you will receive a certificate when you complete.
How long do I have access to the course?
You will have lifetime access to the course! Unlimited access to the lessons and videos for as long as you like, across all your devices.
Is my instructor qualified?
Yes, Marina Robb is a UK Forest School Association Endorsed Trainer and has been training Forest School Leaders since 2011. She has been working with groups in nature since 1995 and you can read more here.
Our organisation can’t pay using a credit or debit card – can we still buy the course?
Yes, we understand that many schools and other organisations can’t pay by card – contact us and we can send you an invoice to pay us by bank transfer in UK Sterling, Euros or Dollars. We can even accept cheques from UK bank accounts.
How is this course different from the Level 3 Training?
This new training resource does not give you a formal qualification in Forest School Leadership.
It has been designed at the same standard and beyond as a Level 3, by Marina Robb, an endorsed Forest School Association Trainer with 30 years experience. The course aims to enable and equip people with the practical delivery of Forest School-based activities to a high competency, with all the correct health and safety and pedagogy weaved through the course.
There is no requirement to have a Forest School Qualification to take children out of doors to learn and play. As a teacher or practitioner, you are legally obliged to have risk assessments in place and insurance relevant to practice offered.
Can I access the course on my mobile?
Yes, the course can be accessed on all devices. If you have an iPhone, you can also download the free ‘Teachable’ app from the Apple Store and complete the course using the app, downloading any videos you like onto your device.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
If for some reason you are not happy with the course, contact us in writing within your first 30 days for a full refund. You will need to include an explanation of why you want the refund.
We don't have access to a woodland - can we do these activities in a playground or park?
Yes, you can. Whether you are near a woodland, park or school playground - all the activities can be adapted for different circumstances.
We have run activities using fire, tools, games, wild food, crafts, swings & ropes, shelters in school yards and playgrounds.
It does take more preparation and consideration of equipment. If you wanted to make fires, you would either designate a small green area of the playground for this purpose or use a fire bowl to lift the fire off the ground. We have also taken many groups on short walks throughout the seasons to gather some plants for many activities.
Posts can be put up to replace trees, so that children can still set up various rope bridges or constructions and with a little thinking you can easily set up a rope swing and tarpaulin shelters.
In schools we often ask parents to contribute a log for our wood pile and ask for help to bring in useful materials we may need over the year.
Can I share my course with my colleagues?
No - the license is granted for 1 user to view the contents of the course. This access must not be shared with any other person and only the named user will receive the certificate and be able to answer the assessments. See next question for bulk licencing queries.
Can we purchase multiple licenses for our staff team?
Yes, please contact us for bulk purchasing discounts. We can set up the user accounts for you and send you access codes and you can pay by invoice.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes, all our courses come with a ‘Certificate of Completion’ from The Outdoor Teacher Ltd. You can view a sample certificate HERE
How can we contact you if we have a question?
Yes feel free to call or email us with any questions - our contact details are on the contact page.
Our commitment to Nature & People:
The Outdoor Teacher, alongside its sister organization Circle of Life Rediscovery CIC aim to transform health, education and family through nature.
We are whole-heartedly concerned about the safeguarding of future generations, human and non-human alike, and the growing understanding of reciprocity between humans and nature. Whilst we are advocates for all people accessing nature and its benefits, we know that this is only healthy if we prioritise the care for the natural world and address issues of equality.
The Outdoor Teacher is working towards becoming a certified B-Corp. Certified B Corps are a new kind of business that balances purpose and profit. They are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. We aim to be part of this community of leaders, driving a global movement of people using businesses as a force for good.
We are using Monzo Business Banking which is listed as an ethical bank: https://monzo.com/ethics.
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