THIS COURSE IS FOR HAF APPLICANTS FROM WIRRAL OR CHESHIRE WEST AND CHESTER.

IF YOU ARE FROM A COMMUNITY, VOLUNTARY AND FAITH SECTOR ORGANISATION FROM WIRRAL OR CHESHIRE WEST AND CHESTER YOU MAY ALSO APPLY, BUT MAY BE ADDED TO A RESERVE LIST.

Training Outline (You must attend BOTH sessions)

The programme is designed to address key areas of skills knowledge and understanding with regards to working in the outdoor environment of a school.

The programme is not designed to replace Forest School Training.

We would always advocate that where a school is committed to working outside the classroom with its children using a Forest School approach then the investment is made in the training or working with an accredited Level 3 Forest School Practitioner.

The work undertaken by staff within the grounds of their school should always supported by documentation that deals with safe practice and safeguarding of the children they are working with.

To this end as a part of the training participants will be provided with generic documentation which can be adapted to support the work they undertake.

Session 1:

An introduction to Forest School it’s ethos and working practices.

Introduction to simple activities which can be used with children in a Forest School setting including shelter building.

A focus this session on the safe use of fire.

A fire forms a stimulating and exciting focus for an outdoor session, we will look at.

• Positioning of a fire
• Construction of a fire
• Fire lighting (Both for staff and with children)
• Management of groups around a fire
• Risk Assessment and associated safety procedures and equipment

Session 2:

The focus for this session will be the use of small tools.

The ability for children to undertake tasks for themselves is a key principle of the Forest School approach.

This includes where appropriate the use of small tools which may include cutting implements such as saws, secateurs and knives. We will look at

• Safe storage of tools
• Correct use of tools by adults
• Key teaching points when working with children
• Safe working practices with children
• Risk Assessment associated with tool use.
• Maintenance of tools.

This session will be an opportunity to put into practice some of the skills covered over the previous weeks.

Ideally we will light a fire, undertake some activities and cook some simple food.

It will also be an opportunity to discuss next steps including a future assessment of competence and a signing off process.

Delegate feedback:

‘Absolutely amazing, loved every minute and learnt so much’

‘I found the forest skills training very relaxing, informative and fun. Rachel delivered two intriguing and enjoyable sessions and explained everything so clearly I have been able to take away skills such as rope tying and fire making away and implement them from memory. I thoroughly enjoyed the both days training and would want to do more. Rachel was always helpful and ready to answer any questions the group had. I would recommend this training to others as it’s a great way to be outdoors and learn new life skills to go on to use in work or personal life’ 

Note:

• There is a maximum of two places from each organisation.

• Failure to attend the training without giving 2 working days’ notice, will result in a £35 admin charge per place.

• Those organisations that fail to attend training will be shared with the partnership board at decision making.