Residential Forest School Study Courses in Denmark 2012 

20 – 24 May

10 – 14 June

Other dates by agreement

 The Scandinavian tradition of using nature and the outdoor environment as a learning resource and not simply as a place for children to ‘let off steam’ has become an important aspect of pedagogy in Denmark – where the majority of kindergartens and early year’s settings use the outdoor environment all year round.

 Over the past decade there has been a growing international interest in using the outdoor environment with children and young people as a way of developing skills and increasing motivation for learning. Recent research studies illustrate that using the outdoors as a learning resource is highly beneficial for physical, mental, social and emotional development in children, young people and adults.

 Each outdoor environment is unique to each setting and a pedagogical knowledge is essential to understanding not only the ‘what’ to do, but also the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of the learning processes – it is through pedagogy that a sustainable and truly developmental way of practice emerges.

 Where: The courses are based in and around Viborg, in the north western part of the Jutland peninsula. For international participants there is also the possibility of combining a study tour to the UK to visit Forest Schools there.

 Who we are:Inside-Out nature aims to give the necessary pedagogical knowledge to develop educators own practice in their own setting.

The consultancy, training and services we provide are backed with theoretical and practical knowledge and give each participant the competence and confidence to use the outdoor environment as a learning resource with children, young people and adults.

Inside-Out Nature is an established and well recommended organisation offering early years practitioners from the UK (and beyond) training on the Scandinavian approach to early years care and education. We have been holding residential study courses in Denmark for the past ten years, hosting participants from the UK, Portugal, Australia, USA and Canada. The organisation is run by Jane Williams-Siegfredsen who was formerly lecturer in education at Bridgwater College and was one of the team who visited Denmark and took back the idea to start Forest School in the UK. Jane has written about children and nature and early years pedagogy, and has a new book due out at the end of 2011 by Routledge, titled Understanding the Danish Forest School Approach.

 The course: The course is accredited by OCN (Open College Network), and participants, upon completion and submission of a reflective account of their visit, will receive recognised certification. This can also be used in part fulfilment our OCN Level 3 Danish Forest School Leader qualification.

The study course aims to give participants an understanding of:

• The pedagogical theories underpinning Scandinavian practice.
• The use of the outdoor environment in the learning processes and early year’s curriculum.
• Design and function of the indoor and outdoor environments.
• Visits and observations; the visits will be to different kinds of mainstream and special kindergartens that illustrate a diversity of outdoor provision.
• Seminar, discussions and documentation.

 Draft Programme

 On the first day participants will be met at an agreed local airport and taken to the motel, where they will have a sandwich lunch and time to relax before going on a guided tour of Viborg, followed by an evening meal at one of Viborg’s restaurants. During the meal we will have chance to get to know each other and share practice. The programme consists of visits to settings covering a range of preschool and after school care provision and will enable participants to discuss methods and philosophies with leaders and pedagogues. There will be a seminar and discussions covering the pedagogical theories, practice and culture of using the outdoors as an integrated part of the child’s learning environment. It is also hoped to be able to include a visit to ReMida creative recycling centre, part of the joint project of the principality of Reggio Emilia in Italy. ReMida is a cultural project that represents a new, optimistic and proactive way of approaching environmentalism and building change through giving value to reject and scrap materials to foster new opportunities for communication and creativity.

 Course fee: £760

 + MOMS (Danish VAT) @ 25%          

(If you have a European VAT registration number you do not have to pay Danish MOMS)

Included in fee:

• Course fee, seminars, discussions and guided visits
• Open College Network registration
• Accommodation in a motel in twin on-suite rooms (single occupancy supplement available)
• Breakfast and packed lunches for the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
• Evening meal on the Sunday and barbeque on the Monday evenings
• A guided culture tour of Viborg
• Transport to and from to and from institution visits and motel

Not included:

• Travel to and from Denmark, evening meal on the Tuesday and Wednesday, out of pocket expenses and personal insurance
• Travel to and from local airports is available, prices vary depending upon how many passengers and which airport used

 What participants have said about the course:

 “This has been a ‘life changing’ experience. I have learnt so much more than I ever imagined I would. I have been truly inspired” Residential course participant.

 “Great to see a range of provision. It was most helpful to talk to leaders and see the children too” Residential course participant.

 ‘Inside-Out Nature training has proved to be an inspiration to practitioners at all levels. The effective balance of theory and practical (outdoors in all weathers!) has resulted in unprecedented levels of understanding and development of excellent outdoor practice, from which our children are now reaping the benefit’.

Jean Lane, EYFS Development Team Leader, Bournemouth Borough Council.

 ‘I will make the most of everything I have gained from this trip. It has helped me develop my vision and understand what I need to do back at home.’  Residential course participant.