SQA Forest Kindergarten @ SCQF Level 7

Introduction

This programme leads to a National Award and is suitable for qualified early learning practitioners, early years workers, managers, teachers, third sector workers, and others who wish to organise and supervise regular off-site visits to woodland and green spaces for children in their care.

Accredited through the SQA, the award recognises the value of woodlands as an integral part of the learning process for pre-school and all early learners. This course covers the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to develop a forest kindergarten.

The SQA-accredited Forest Kindergarten course has been designed to support practitioners who wish to establish a routine of off-site visits to local woodlands or nearby green spaces for the children in their care. It acknowledges the numerous benefits of providing children with regular and frequent opportunities to play freely in natural woodland environments.

Course code

SFRK

Location

Dumfries Campus

Duration

3 hrs per week over 12 weeks

Price

£95.00

Availability

Location: Dumfries
Evening 1 – 17 Apr 2025 18:00
Evening 2 – 24 Apr 2025 18:00
Evening 3 – 01 May 2025 18:00
Evening 4 – 08 May 2025 18:00
Evening 5 – 15 May 2025 18:00
Evening 6 – 22 May 2025 18:00
Evening 7 – 29 May 2025 18:00
Evening 8 – 05 Jun 2025 18:00
Evening 9 – 12 Jun 2025 18:00
Evening 10 – 19 Jun 2025 18:00
Evening 11 – 26 Jun 2025 18:00
Evening 12 – 03 Jul 2025 18:00

Entry Requirements

  • This course is designed for individuals who are currently employed or volunteering in a childcare setting.
  • Access to a setting that ofers Forest kindergarten or other similar outdoor play activities, such as, in a nursery, school or voluntary setting.

Course Content

What You Will Learn:

Place – Identifying a suitable woodland and taking practical steps, such as conducting a risk assessment and preparing the environment.
People – Planning and interacting with both children and adults, with practical strategies to engage and inform staff, children, and parents.
Pedagogy – Exploring potential ways to expand children’s experiences of playing in the woods.

The college also includes the emphasises on the need for accurate risk assessments and health and safety processes in the delivery of this award.

Assessments

In addition to written assessments, group and individual presentations, the course includes a requirement to observe an outdoor session with children that aligns with the principles of Forest Kindergarten. This observation can take place at your workplace or another setting of your choice. The college will assist in arranging visits if needed.
You will also be expected to apply your learning by leading part or all of an outdoor session with children.

Career Prospects

Once you have successfully completed this award you will be able to plan and deliver outdoor activities using a forest kindergarten approach.

Course Contact Details

If you would like more information or to reserve a place on a course, please get in touch.

Telephone: 01387 734199
E-mail:shortcourses@dumgal.ac.uk

Booking Terms & Conditions | Dumfries & Galloway College (dumgal.ac.uk)

Selling Points

Outdoor learning not only improves mental wellbeing and health and fitness, it can make a huge difference to children’s confidence levels and their ability to risk assess while encouraging a lifelong love of the outdoors.

Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Childcare and Early Years

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