OCN Level 3 Forest School Practitioners Award

Date: Monday 28^th February to Friday 4^th March 2011 (Training component – please see below for assessments.)

Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm

Location: Whitlingham Country Park

Cost: £880 (including VAT)

Description:
The Forest School Practitioner training award is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification and is accredited through the Open College Network (OCN). It is aimed at teachers and other education professionals already working with children/young people to become qualified to lead Forest School Programmes.

The Forest School Practitioners Award consists of 18 OCN credits contained in three units of study:

• Learning and Development at Forest School
• Forest School Practical Skills and Woodland Management
• Establishment and Delivery of a Forest School Programme

The training equates to 70 hours of taught time and requires, on average, a further 110 hours of self-study time from the student.

Entry Criteria:

• Be over 21 years of age.
• Be a qualified Teacher, Play worker or Youth worker (to Level 2 or equivalent) OR compile a portfolio of at least 2 years experience of working with children/young people in a leadership capacity.
• Have a current CRB disclosure (or Disclosure Scotland Certificate).
• Have or be in the process of acquiring a current valid Paediatric First Aid for Outdoors certificate (2-day ITC or equivalent).

Course Itinerary:
All of the course elements need to be attended:

• Intensive Week 28^th Feb – 4^th March 2011.
• Practical Skills 27^th – 29^th April 2011.
• Assessments 20^th, 22^nd, 23^rd, or 24^th June 2011.
• Tutorial 20^th June 2011 (9am – Noon).
• Portfolio due 30^th September 2011.

Assessments:

There are two assessments:

• Practical Skills assessment which takes place during the practical skills training.
• Delivery Assessment – each student will be assessed on their leadership. This is a 2 hour assessment at one of the student’s weekly Forest School sessions and takes place during the Assessment dates as above. If students are working outside of a 20mile radius from the training venue, an additional assessment supplement will be charged.

Coursework Portfolio:
Students will need to compile a written coursework portfolio in order to complete this training. This requires the student to do further reading, research, writing of short essays and creation of a Health and Safety Handbook for their 6-week Forest School programme. Detailed instructions are given during the training and further support is given during the coursework tutorial.

Equipment and Kit:
The tools and equipment required on the training will be provided by the FSTC. Students are required to purchase their own Safety boots (approved Safety Wear) and provide their own waterproofs and outdoor clothing for use on the training.

Booking:
Please view the Level 3 Information booklet available on the Forest School page.

This course is facilitated by The Forest School Training Company. Please visit their website to download a booking form here.