Childhood Practice & SVQ Provision
Award in Forest Kindergarten (SCQF 7)
Campus Granton Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 7
Study mode Part time
Start date
Oct 2026
Course enquiry form
Course overview
The SQA-certified Forest Kindergarten course has been developed to meet the needs of practitioners setting up 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 two full days, one outdoors and one at college.
The course will cost £220 per person.
Course 1
- Friday 10 October 2025
- Friday 24 October 2025
Course 2
- Saturday 9 May 2026
- Saturday 16 May 2026
Additional dates may be offered based on demand. We can also deliver a bespoke group session for organisations.
For further information or to register interest, please email duncan.munro@edinburghcollege.ac.uk.
Please note that this course does not include tool use and fire skills. If you are interested in developing these skills, Smart Play Network deliver excellent short courses. Contact James at j.coupe@smartplaynetwork.org for details.
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 for engaging and informing 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 through activities and discussions.
- 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 in which you discuss what you learned from both the observation and from trying out a Forest Kindergarten session in practice.
Number of days per week
- The course consists of two full days outdoors/in college.
Contact us for details of additional dates.
Entry requirements
- The course is suitable for those currently working or volunteering in a childcare setting.
- In your personal statement, please provide information about your current job or volunteer role and state whether you currently have access to a setting which offers Forest Kindergarten or similar outdoor play opportunities.
English Proficiency Requirements
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 the 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 required for the course. 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 is a growing number of settings in Scotland that follow 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 | 09/10/26 |
