Welcome to our Forest School Training Course in Lancashire

Welcome to Little Explorers Training, we are delighted that you have decided that now is your time to develop your skills and become a level 3 Forest School Lead. Our course is run over 6 weeks and taught by the amazing Jenny and Michelle from Nomad Rangers. Both Jenny and Michelle have years of experience delivering Forest School sessions to a wide variety of people and have hands on knowledge of all Forest School related questions.  

The site is situated in Billinge, Wigan. Close to the border of our neighbouring towns of St Helens and Warrington. We are less than 10 minutes away from Junction 26 of the M6. The entrance to the site is approximately 200 metres from the junction of Crank Road and the B5206, opposite the main entrance to the former Billinge Hospital site.  Travellers from the North or South, on the M6, should leave at Junction 26 (A577) and follow signs for Billinge. 

The nearest main railway station is Wigan North Western on the West Coast Main Line. Orrell Station, on the Wigan Wallgate – Liverpool Line is approximately 1 mile away. 

Our next course runs over 6 weeks the dates are as follows: 

Session 1	Monday, September 16, 2024
Session 2	Monday, September 23, 2024
Session 3	Monday, September 30 2024
Session 4	Monday, October 7, 2024
Session 5	Monday, October 21, 2024
Session 6	Monday, October 28, 2024

Your training days start at 9.00am prompt so please arrive at 8:45 in order to get yourselves ready. The day will finish at 4:30.             

As we will be outside for the majority of the day it is important you are prepared for all weathers even in summer! 

It is your responsibility to come with the right outdoor clothing to keep you warm and dry throughout the day. Here is a list of the things we recommend. 

• Strong sturdy walking boots 
• Waterproof coat  
• Waterproof pants  
• Hats and gloves to keep in your bag (just incuse, it can get very cold under the trees even in summer!) 
• We recommend wearing plenty of layers 
• Water bottle 
• Hot drink 
• Pack lunch 
• Tissues  
• Note pad and pens 

Forest School Training Syllabus 

Over your six weeks of training with us you will be undertaking 5 units. 

Each unit is comprised of a set of learning outcomes which each learner has to achieve in order to gain your qualification. 

These are as follows:  

Learning and Development at a Forest School  

1. Understands relevant theories of learning and development and their application to a Forest School programme 
2. Understand how a Forest School programme can support holistic development and learning  
3. Understand the impact of behaviour on learning and development at a Forest School programme 
4. Be able to reflect on own Forest School training 

Planning a Forest School Programme

1. Understand the development of the Forest School ethos
2. Understand the ecological impact of a Forest School programme 
3. Know the relevant policies and procedures required for a Forest School programme 
4. Be able to plan a Forest School programme

Forest School Programmes and the Woodland Environment 

1. Understand the structures of woodland 
2. Know how to identify a range of flora and fauna 
3. Understand the importance of flora and fauna identification for the Forest School Programme leader 
4. Understand the management of woodlands as a sustainable learning environment

Delivery of a Forest School Programme 

The learner will: 

1. Be able to deliver a Forest School programme 
2. Be able to assess the impact of Forest School on participants 
3. Be able to evaluate a Forest School programme

Practical Skills for a Forest School Programme

1. Be able to facilitate a range of woodland skills appropriate to a Forest School programme 
2. Be able to facilitate campfire management appropriate to a Forest School programme

What to expect each training day 

On day one will consist of the theories of learning and how Forest School supports holistic development and how the impact of behaviour impacts teaching at Forest School. 

Day two will consist of understanding the structures of woodland and learning how to identify a range of flora and fauna. Also understanding the management of woodlands as a sustainable learning environment. 

Day three you will be learning about the development of the Forest School ethos. Understand the ecological impact of a Forest School programme and know the relevant policies and procedures required for a Forest School, and be able to plan a Forest School programme 

Day four you will be learning about practical Skills for a Forest School Programme, be able to facilitate a range of woodland skills appropriate to a Forest School programme. Be able to facilitate campfire management appropriate to a Forest School programme 

Day five is all about being able to facilitate campfire management appropriate to a Forest School programme 

Day six will be a recap day and help and support in your own Forest Schools.  

Course Cost :£900. Only payable once your booking is approved by our course leaders.

If you would like to join us please download our booking form here or email us at [email protected] for more details. Here are our booking terms and conditions. Please make sure you read and understand these before booking.