The commission's Forest Kindergarten Training has received full accreditation from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
The SQA accreditation means the training could be rolled out to other colleges and educational institutions across Scotland from August. Currently, the course is only delivered by West College Scotland.
FCS developed its Forest Kindergarten Training in 2009. The training is designed to equip early years practitioners with the knowledge, understanding and skills to support children in learning though play in local woodlands and greenspaces. It covers activities such as exploring for bugs, tracking animals, arts and crafts and den making, as well as learning about the dangers and risks to look out for in a woodland setting.
Around 200 students have undertaken the training since it was developed.
Sally York, education policy adviser at Forestry Commission Scotland, said, ‘FCS’s partnership with the SQA has been invaluable for accrediting the Forest Kindergarten course.
'With it becoming a nationally recognised qualification, this will add value to the course for early years practitioners. It will benefit them and the children they work with, in that the practitioner will have a more in depth understanding and appreciation of early years pedagogy and play outdoors.’
Geraldine Miller, curriculum quality leader childhood practice at West College, said, ‘We have been embedding the three-day Forest Kindergarten programme in our course delivery since 2014 and are very fortunate to have the support of FCS in its roll out for early years students.
'The Kindergarten programme thus far has engaged students and staff in practical hands-on learning, designed to equip them with the skills needed to make the most of the outdoor space available. This allows children the freedom to play, explore and learn without limits.
‘With the Scottish Government 1,140 hours expansion programme underway it is important for early years practitioners to embrace the possibilities within the boundaries of their settings. As a college we are delighted that SQA and FCS have this new national work-based award, which recognises the value of on and off-site outdoor space as an integral part of the learning processes for pre-school children.’
FSC is now looking for colleges and educational institutions across Scotland to deliver the newly accredited course as part of their early years curriculum. Those interested in finding out more should e-mail Marian Cairns at the FCS.
