Search for Learning and Development Services and Pathways

This course is designed for those who would like to develop, set up and deliver Forest School programmes. This will enable leadership of Forest School Programmes linked to child development.
Through a combination of practical outdoor learning and indoor teaching, we will explore the benefits for children as child led learners for lifelong skills. This will enable you to deepen your knowledge and understanding, looking at the philosophy and the ethos behind the Forest School approach.
All delegates must be over 21.
Have a relevant Level 2 qualification.
Have a current DBS check.
Have an appropriate First Aid qualification.
Have an established link with a client group and a Forest School site.

Subjects and modules we will cover include –
Supporting Learning, Play and Development in the Outdoors
Forest School Leader
Observation and Evaluation of Outdoor Learning
Sustainable use of Natural Resources
Teaching Outdoor Practical Skills

This is a QCF accredited course through Cambium and Agored. (QCF) 19 credits

Training includes-
• Face to face training and teaching with 5 units of study at Level 3 including –
Theory of play; coordination and delivery of Forest School Programme; holistic development; impact of Forest School on behaviour; emotional intelligence ; play and development; observation and assessment; historical use of woodlands and sustainability and management of natural resources; identification and ecology; risk benefit and management; fires; tool use and cooking.
• Skills assessment.
• Complete a portfolio of work for assessment
• Tutorial
• Practical work based assessment.
• Access to South Glos Skills Share Network
• Start-up gift package

• You will need to source and attend an appropriate two day First Aid training to cover you for working Outdoors (not included in course cost)
• The course equates to 70 hours of taught time and requires, on average, a further 120 hours of self-study time from the student.

“ Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better” Albert Einstein

Acorn Health & Safety have recently revised their guidance regarding the wearing of face masks. From 1st August 2020, it will be mandatory to wear face masks during practical elements of the course however delegates may choose to wear the mask throughout the course.

This applies to our First Aid and Manual Handling courses, where 2m social distancing cannot be maintained.

If you are attending any of our courses, please can you ensure you bring your own 3 ply face mask (Please see examples of approved mask style below). Fabric masks and face coverings are not acceptable for practical elements.



This one day course provides adult social care staff who are responsible for moving people, with basic information and skills at an introductory level.The course is designed for anyone working in a care setting who are required to move people within their role. Please make sure you wear suitable clothing and footwear as there is a practical aspect to this training.

Days 2, 3 & 4 specifically for Practice Educators and is to be booked following contact with Sally Norris, Workforce Development Advisor.

Butterflies and Bees is changing its name to Therapeutic Parenting Pick 'n' Mix
As many of you will be aware, Butterflies and Bees has been running for a number of years now. It has seen many changes during this time, not least due to the varying knowledge and experience that our Thinking Aloud Team bring to the courses, but also as further research into trauma continues to develop our understanding of how to support and respond to children and young people therapeutically. As a result Kirsty Fraser, feels that the course has changed quite dramatically from what it originally was and feels that now is the time to update and rename the intervention so that it better describes the outcomes that Thinking Aloud are hoping to provide. As a result they will be using the time between now and September to develop their new intervention. They are hoping to offer some focus groups/workshops for carers and young people over the Summer to help develop the course. This will be called Therapeutic Parenting Pick 'n' Mix, based on the recognition that both young people and carers have individual needs and responses to strategies and techniques. As I receive more details about this course so these shall be shared with you. 

More details will follow


Please note: By booking onto this course, you are consenting to your contact details being passed onto the trainer. This is so they can send the Zoom invitation to you.

This blended half day course has been developed in direct response to the current Covid 19 situation, and is designed specifically for online delivery to smaller groups of participants. It covers what self-harm is, and why people might hurt themselves, as well as providing space to think about what a helpful response to someone who has hurt themselves might be. It has a strong emphasis on bringing the voices of people who use self-harm to the virtual room, and provides space and time for reflection. This course has been developed to either stand alone or complement others in a series of events, and utilises a range of tools to offer a participative online training experience.

Worksheets, handouts and copies of the presentation will be available to complement learning.

Our expertise: Self-Injury Support has 30 years’ experience in delivering high quality self-harm education to a wide variety of settings and participants. Our approach is participative and reflective, and is focussed on bringing the voice of people who use self-harm into the room, building empathy and confidence for supporters.

South Glos Council Staff:  if you don't already have a Zoom license please see attached or follow this link MS FORM

The standard charge for this course is £40. Please refer to our Course Charges on the Home page for information on discounts and exemptions

These 50 minute coaching sessions with coaches will assist council staff in coming up with strategies and action plans to maintain and build their wellbeing and resilience. Unlike counselling which provides a safe space to explore worries and concerns, these confidential coaching sessions will help staff come up with individual plans to help them build their resilience, understand what they can do to enhance their wellbeing and overcome current and future obstacles. There are activities and exercises that wellbeing coaches can also give people to work through in their own time if they would find it useful.

Please note these sessions will be delivered by skype or telephone.  Your coach will contact you to confirm the best method for you.