We provide training on inclusive practice in the outdoors and our courses include Therapeutic Skills for Outdoor Leaders and Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing, Green Dementia Care and supporting young people with PMLD in the Outdoors. Our training is developed with Clinical Psychologists and a multidisciplinary therapy team, informed by research and supported with a range of practical activities and strategies.
The outdoors provides a rich, ever-changing sensory experience that is different from season to season and from one second to the next.
Our Therapeutic Skills training programme for Forest School and Outdoor Leaders is the first of its kind in the world. To date we have trained more than 600 Outdoor Leaders and have over 200 Approved Practitioner's across the UK and Internationally. We also hold a monthly support programme for Newly Qualified Forest School Leaders.
Nature Circles is a daily outdoor intervention that supports children’s emotional regulation, helping them feel calmer and ready to learn throughout the school day. It is designed for primary school children with SEMH needs, neurodivergent profiles, or those needing extra support with transitions.
for Forest School Leaders and Outdoor Practitioners
The Certificate in Therapeutic Skills provides Outdoor Leaders with the therapeutic knowledge and practical strategies to support those with a range of needs providing an inclusive and therapeutic Forest School experience.
Taught by a Clinical Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist, multidisciplinary outdoor therapy team and range of those with lived experience.
Each of the 4 modules is designed to enhance your practice and provide you with the skills to support children therapeutically in Forest School settings. Modules include The Forest School Leader's Therapeutic Toolkit, meeting the needs of children with learning disabilities at Forest School, supporting children with attachment difficulties and developmental trauma at Forest School and Child development and developmental therapies at Forest School.
Delivered online or in-person
For those working with adults with dementia and Forest School Leaders
The Certificate in Green Dementia Care is the first of its kind in the UK. This fully accredited course equips Forest School Leaders and Care home Support Workers with the knowledge and skills to deliver Nature based dementia interventions.
Upon completion of The Certificate in Green Dementia Care you will gain a license to deliver our Elders of the Woods sessions at Care homes or in the Community, supporting the Mental health of individuals with dementia.
Delivered online or blended
For those working with children with PMLD and Forest School Leaders
In the Certificate in Supporting Children with PMLD in the Outdoors you will learn how to harness the power of the outdoors, to support children with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities.
Twinkleboost Explorers is an Outdoor Sensory Stories and Nature based play programme to support the communication and emotional wellbeing of children with Severe and Profound and Multiple Learning disabilities. Designed by a Speech and Language Therapy Team, Forest School Leader and Clinical Psychologist
By the end of this programme you will not only earn ‘The Certificate in Supporting Children with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities but also become a Twinkleboost Explorers Licensed Leader, able to offer Specialist Outdoor sessions for children with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities in your own setting.
Delivered online or blended
For Forest School Leaders and Outdoor Practitioners
The Certificate in Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing provides Therapeutic Forest School Leaders with training in Supporting Adult Mental Health from our Clinical Psychologists. Modules include Understanding Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing, Understanding Trauma, The Adult Mental Health Toolkit and The Woodcraft for Wellbeing Programme.
In addition to gaining the Certificate in Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing for Outdoor Leaders, course attendees also gain a licence as Woodcraft for Wellbeing Practitioners.
Delivered online
The Newly Qualified Forest School Leader Programme
Gaining a Forest School qualification is a big achievement. But once the study period is over, many Forest School Leaders are on their own.
Our programme includes the Certificate in Therapeutic Skills for Outdoor Leaders and a Skill Development Day and a range of workshops on session planning, careers support, mentorship and wellbeing.
Once you've successfully completed a course with us, we offer an optional 'Approved Practitioner' programme.
As part of the programme you can use our logo on your website and promotional materials, ongoing CPD and support access an online workspace where you can benefit from peer support, advice from our Paediatric Therapy Team and further opportunities.