I would like to become an independent Forest School practitioner - how do I go about finding a site to run my sessions? Expand We recommend contacting local schools to see if you can work with their children and use their grounds; or local landowners, councils or the forestry commission. It may also be useful to get in touch with your local Forest School Association Group - FSA Norfolk, FSA Suffolk or FSA Essex.
Do I have to book the First Aid training with the Green Light Trust? Expand You can choose to obtain your qualification elsewhere as long as it is a certified 16 hour Outdoor First Aid qualification. We do however recommend our training provider, as they have many years of experience in both Outdoor First Aid and Forest School delivery.
I intend to operate as a freelance Forest School practitioner - what are the chances I will be able to find work? Expand Forest School is an ever growing National and International movement, joining as a member of the Forest School Association you will have access to all the job offers and other Forest School opportunities. https://www.forestschoolassociation.org/fsa-affiliated-groups/
When will the observation of our Forest School session take place as part of the training process? Expand Once you have completed Unit 4 (Forest School Guide) and it has been passed by the tutors, you can plan your six pilot sessions. You can then book your tutor observation visit, this will be on your 4th, 5th, or 6th session. If you attended a Spring term course for example, then you should aim to run your sessions in the Autumn term of the same year.
What do you need to see when you come out to our Forest School session for the observation? Expand We will need to see: Insurance: site and personal DBS number 16 hour Outdoor First aid certificate Your First Aid kit Risk assessments: site, daily, individual (if applicable)
Where do we stand legally if we were to run Forest School sessions before we are qualified? Expand You cannot call your sessions Forest School until you are qualified. You can name your sessions something else for example; Outdoor Learning, but please check your insurance as most insurance companies ask for the qualification, especially when having fires.
Do you have a list of recommended books to read prior to the course starting? Expand Yes there will be a list of recommended reading in your joining pack. Many of the books can be borrowed from your local library, and can often be purchased second hand.
Can I hand deliver my assignments to The Foundry in Lawshall? Expand Yes. Assignments can be posted or hand delivered. If posting please send recorded delivery to ensure they arrive safely. Our office is open Mon - Fri, 9am-5pm.
Are there any extra costs involved for handing in late of Forest School assignments? Expand Costs will be charged for work that exceeds the deadline, unless the extension has been agreed with GLT. £25 per unit for over 4 weeks £50 per unit for over 6 weeks. More information can be found in the terms and conditions in your information pack.
If I am booked onto a course, can I transfer to another? Expand Yes depending on availability, extra costs may incur. Please speak to Lindsay in the office.
How do I book a place on Forest School Training? Expand Visit our Book a course page for full details of upcoming courses, eligibility requirements, prices and how to book.
What is the margin allowed either side of the word count when submitting assignments? Expand We allow 10% either side of the stated word count on Forest School assignments. Please try not to go over the maximum number of words.
Why do I need an additional Outdoor First Aid training qualification if I already have the Paediatric? Expand You are required by Open College Network accrediting body to complete a 16 hour Outdoor First Aid qualification. This will be specifically tailored for a Forest School context and situations that might arise within the woodland. The Paediatric is only 12 hours in total and does not cover specifically outdoor scenarios.
Can you recommend an Insurance company specifically for Forest School? Expand For anything Forest School we recommend Birnbeck Insurance Company: https://www.birnbeckinsurance.co.uk/commercial-insurance/forest-school-liability/
Are fires allowed in public spaces? Expand You will need to have specific permission from the Landowner or Council to have fires on site, and you will need to check your insurance cover.
By what dates do payments for the FS training courses need to be made? Expand A deposit of £100 is required to secure your place on booking. Payment in full will need to be received at least 6 weeks before the start of your course.
Can I book on a CPD course without being Forest School trained or in the process of training? Expand Yes, our CPD courses are open to all.