Childhood Practice & SVQ Provision
Forest Kindergarten course
Campus Granton Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 7
Study mode Part time
Start date
Apr 2025
Course enquiry form
Course overview
The SQA-certified Forest Kindergarten course has been developed for practitioners who want to establish a routine of off-site visits to a local wood or nearby green space for children in their setting. It is recognised that there are many benefits to allowing children to play freely in local woodlands frequently and regularly.
The course consists of 2 full days outdoors/in college.
Session 2024/25 course dates will be:
- Saturdays, 5 and 12 October
- Wednesdays, 26 March and 2 April 2025
- Saturdays, 26 April and 10 May 2025
- The course will cost £214
There may be additional dates offered according to demand. We can also deliver a bespoke group session for organisations or settings. For further information or to register interest in future dates, contact jane.stevenson@edinburghcollege.ac.uk.
What you will learn
- Place - Locating a suitable woodland and taking practical steps including risk assessment and preparing the space.
- People - Planning and engaging with children and adults including practical suggestions to engage and inform staff, children and parents
- Pedagogy - Possible lines of development to extend children’s experiences of playing in the woods.
Placement information
- The course requires observation of an outdoor session with children that follows the principles of Forest Kindergarten. This can be done in your workplace or a setting of your choice. The college will support with arranging visits where required.
- You are expected to test your learning by leading part or all of an outdoor session in practice with children.
How the course is assessed
- The majority of the course requirements are assessed during the sessions by taking part in activities and discussions.
- In addition, you will develop and present information to show your understanding as part of a group at the end of the session.
- You will also complete a reflection where you discuss your learning from both the observation and trying out a Forest Kindergarten session in practice.
Number of days per week
- The course consists of 2 full days outdoors/in college
Entry requirements
- The course suits those currently working or volunteering in a childcare setting.
- In your personal statement please give information on your current job/volunteer role and state whether you currently have access to a setting which provides Forest Kindergarten or similar outdoor play opportunities.
English Proficiency Requirements
To enable our students the best opportunity of achieving this course, applicants for whom English is an additional language require an existing English language certificate at IELTS Level 5.5 or equivalent. Alternatively, additional language applicants must undertake an English Language Assessment at College. There will be a cost of £20 for this test unless you receiveJob Seekers AllowanceWorking Tax CreditHousing BenefitDisability BenefitIncome SupportIf you are an asylum seeker or refugee. English proficiency at IELTS Level 5.5 or equivalent is a course requirement. If you would like any more information on this contact Duncan.munro@edinburghcollege.ac.ukProgression and Articulation Routes
- HNC Childhood Practice
- PDA Level 8 Childhood Practice and Additional Credits
Career options
There are a growing number of settings in Scotland which are following the Forest Kindergarten approach, including purely outdoor services. Staff with interest and skills in outdoor pedagogy are highly sought after.
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Granton Campus | Part time | 24/04/25 |
