Training Courses
Inspire. Educate. Engage.
Practical, evidence-informed training for learning in and with nature
At Muddy Feet®, we help educators, practitioners and organisations develop the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to take learning outdoors.
We offer:
- Accredited training pathways
- Short courses and continuing professional development
- Practical outdoor skills training
- Bespoke training for schools and organisations
- Support to develop and embed outdoor learning
Our courses are friendly, inclusive and grounded in practice. Training combines current research and professional guidance with hands-on learning, reflection and opportunities to exchange ideas with other practitioners.
All courses are delivered by professionally qualified and experienced tutors who actively work within Forest School, outdoor learning and nature-based practice. Learners also benefit from ongoing support, online resources and selected course discounts.
Muddy Feet® delivers practical training across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire.
When you enrol with us, you can be confident that your training will be supportive, professionally delivered and designed to help you apply your learning in the real world.
“Thank you for a great course. The combination of your training expertise, learning by doing and exchanging ideas with other students was really powerful.” Jone, Level 2 Curriculum-based Outdoor Learning learner, 2018
“Alex made me feel at ease and helped build my confidence-not only in using tools myself, but also in running my own sessions in the future. She was a fantastic trainer, with a good mix of theory, practical activities and games. Inclusive, friendly and professional.”- Forest School Leadership learner, September 2021
Which learning pathway is right for you?
There is no single starting point that is right for everyone. Before choosing a course, consider:
- What do you want your participants to experience or achieve?
- Who will take part?
- Will your sessions be curriculum-led or learner-led?
- Will sessions be occasional or take place regularly over a longer period?
- What outdoor spaces, staffing and resources do you have?
- Do you need an accredited qualification or shorter professional development?
Understanding your aims will help you choose between Forest School, curriculum-based outdoor learning or a combination of both.
What is Forest School?
Forest School is a specialist, learner-centred approach based on a long-term programme of regular sessions in a woodland or natural environment.
It supports the development of confidence, independence, creativity, resilience and a meaningful relationship with the natural world. Planning develops in response to learners’ interests, needs and experiences rather than following a fixed series of activities.
Forest School usually includes:
- Regular sessions delivered over an extended period
- Continuity for the same group of learners
- A woodland or natural environment
- Learner-led exploration, play and choice
- Observation-led and responsive planning
- Opportunities for supported risk-taking
- Practical activities, which may include tools and fire when appropriate
- Holistic support for physical, social, emotional and intellectual development
- Reflection by both learners and practitioners
- Leadership by an appropriately qualified Forest School practitioner
Forest School is not primarily curriculum-led, although the experiences and development it supports can complement wider educational aims.
The Forest School Association describes it as an inspirational process that gives learners regular opportunities to develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on experiences in a woodland or natural environment.
What is curriculum-based outdoor learning?
Curriculum-based outdoor learning involves teaching curriculum content through experiences outside the classroom.
It can take place in school grounds, local green spaces, parks, woodlands or other outdoor environments. Sessions can be short or extended, occasional or regular, and may involve a whole class, a small group or individual learners.
Curriculum-based outdoor learning may include:
- Teaching subjects such as mathematics, literacy, science, geography, art or music outdoors
- Using outdoor spaces to make learning practical and meaningful
- Working with the outdoor space already available
- Using free or low-cost natural resources
- Delivering short activities, individual lessons or longer programmes
- Supporting whole classes, groups or individuals
- Developing problem-solving, communication and teamwork
- Encouraging reflection and connections across subjects
Outdoor learning is particularly effective when it is embedded within curriculum planning rather than treated as an occasional additional activity.
Can Forest School and curriculum-based outdoor learning work together?
Yes. The approaches have different purposes, but they are not mutually exclusive.
Curriculum-based outdoor learning can help schools take everyday teaching beyond the classroom. Forest School can provide a separate, long-term and learner-centred process that supports holistic development, wellbeing and nature connection.
When both approaches are understood and planned strategically, they can contribute to a strong whole-school approach to learning outdoors.
How Muddy Feet® can help
We offer training and support pathways across Forest School, curriculum-based outdoor learning and wider nature-based practice.
Whether you are looking for an accredited qualification, a short practical course, whole-school professional development or a personalised training programme, we can help you identify the most appropriate route.
Not sure where to begin? Contact us to discuss your aims, setting and learners, and we will help you find the right training pathway.