The course includes basic work which needs to be done at home in order to complete assignments. There will also be at least one session during the week where students will be able to put their training into practice in a group setting.

We have made the paperwork as straight forward as possible and encourage students to use a range of different ways of presenting work. This includes video, audio recordings, sketches and drawings and making use of other qualifications you may hold where applicable. For those with additional learning needs we will ensure that the best possible support is given.

The course runs 09:30 - 16:00 Monday - Friday

(For details of when the next course is running click here)













Continued support...

Our aim is to train the best Forest School practitioners in the country and as such we recognise a great importance to ensure that you keep on growing in your knowledge and skills as you go forward. We provide skill share workshops on certain Saturdays throughout the year. These are included in the price of the course and are a great opportunity to network and build on your Forest School experience. For more information on the next skill share click on the link here











Where is the course run from?

Our course is run from our 10 acre wood which is situated 15 minutes outside of Newquay (details on booking). We have a couple of large shelters suitable to keep the best of the Cornish weather off for classroom sessions and for the rest of the time we will be out and about! We have a compost loo (a nice one) and a small kitchen where there will be hot and cold drinks (and usually some really nice biscuits!)

Our wood is a mixed broad leaf woodland with loads to explore and learn from!












Who is the course run by?

Our head trainer is Jonathan Burfoot (Jo) who has worked in outdoor education for the last 18 years. Beginning by studying a degree in Outdoor and Environmental Education he then went on to work in a number of settings, teaching and training children, young people and adults which included seven years as an Outdoor Education teacher with Cornwall College. Jo set up Newquay Forest School in 2013 with his wife Anna and together they have a heart for empowering people to be the best they can be using the outdoors as a vehicle for change.  

We may also get a number of our level 3 students to assist on the training who hold a wealth of knowledge, techniques and ideas to learn from.











What are the entry requirements?

The minimum age requirement for the level 1 qualification is 14. Applicants should also have an interest in children and young people’s work and most importantly the drive and desire to see the process through. While we will help out every step of the way and do our best to make the work as straightforward as possible, we do expect that students will show determination and give it their best.  












How much is it?


The level 1 costs £420 all in

(UK students between the ages of 14 and 20 can apply for a bursary through Newquay Forest School worth £200 please contact us here for details)

Payment must be made prior to the course starting either by cheque or BACS












Other benefits include:

Free access to skills workshops with Newquay Forest School

£100 Discount on future level 2 training with Newquay Forest School  

Discounts at our Forest School shop (please note under 18’s will not be permitted to buy knives or axes without a parent or legal guardian present)

Discount on Forest School First Aid courses with Forest School First Aid

Selective opportunities for students showing particular promise to join our sessional register and work alongside Newquay Forest School practitioners during the holidays and at weekends (places are limited and subject to review process)













How do I apply?

For course enquiries please call the office on 07773 799 755 or email us at office@newquayforestschool.co.uk

Level 1

Award in Forest School Ethos and Principles


This nationally recognised training is the first rung on the ladder towards becoming a Forest School practitioner. Designed for students or those wanting to better understand how Forest School is organised and run, it is a great qualification to set you up well for a career in outdoor education.


We always train our sessional staff and students to highest level possible and this course is no exception. Set as the foundation training for all our Forest School staff, we will cover not simply the basic skills and knowledge needed, we will also give practical insight and training in how we organise and deliver sessions (which includes practical experience). The course accommodates students with varying degrees of previous knowledge and different learning styles and abilities.

ABOUT THE COURSE


The course consists of 5 days of comprehensive training in the following areas:


Safe fire lighting techniques for use with children

Tool safety (including knives and saws)

Basic rope work and shelter building

Species identification

Group management and teaching techniques

Managing risks and staying safe in the woods


Click here for course dates

Click here to book on