Barefoot + Wild Education
Outdoor Provision Training For Schools
The Barefoot + Wild Education Framework
What Is It?
The Barefoot + Wild Education Framework is a practical, outdoor based approach designed to support school staff to use outdoor spaces intentionally to support emotional regulation, engagement, confidence and independence.
Through practical training and ongoing use of the framework, staff learn how to create opportunities for children to make choices, communicate, connect and participate in ways that work for them.
Why Is It Needed?
With inclusion now a specific area within Ofsted’s renewed inspection framework, schools are increasingly considering how effectively they identify and respond to the needs of all children and young people. There is also a growing focus on strengthening inclusive provision within schools, so that more children can be supported within their existing setting.
For some children, particularly those with SEND or SEMH needs, being present in school does not always mean they are able to fully access or participate in learning. Expectations, sensory demands, communication needs and emotional regulation can all influence how a child experiences the school environment.
This creates a need for practical approaches that staff can use as part of the provision they already offer. When engagement becomes difficult, changing the starting point can create opportunities to understand what is happening for the child, identify barriers and strengths, and develop support around their individual needs.
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By changing the starting point, we create space to understand the child first and develop support around what they need to engage, participate and experience success.
What You'll Receive
Choose from two training options, depending on the level of support that works best for your setting. Both include practical training in the Barefoot + Wild Education Framework and resources to support staff in developing their outdoor provision.
ROOT | £850
2 × 3-hour practical training sessions for up to 6 staff in total.
Delivered to two groups of up to 3 staff.
Staff will experience the Barefoot + Wild Education Framework through practical activities, discussion and reflection, exploring how outdoor sessions can begin with invitation and agency rather than a focus on learning outcomes.
The training encourages staff to slow down and experience activities from the perspective of the child, creating space to reflect on their own responses before considering how the approach could work for the children and young people they support.
During the training, staff will:
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Take part in practical activities from the framework and explore the thinking behind them
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Experience activities from the perspective of the child, with opportunities to slow down, notice and reflect on their own responses
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Explore ways to offer invitation, choice and agency within outdoor sessions
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Practise observation and reflection, considering what a child’s participation and responses might tell us
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Consider children within their setting who may benefit and how the approach could be adapted around individual needs
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Explore ways to make outdoor provision more inclusive and accessible
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Develop realistic ideas for making the most of their existing outdoor space, including possible changes or improvements
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Explore different ways to evaluate and demonstrate progress beyond traditional learning outcomes.
Outdoor Provision Toolkit included
Staff will receive the Barefoot + Wild Outdoor Provision Toolkit, containing practical activities, session guidance, reflection tools and resources to support them in using the framework with children and young people.
GROW | £1,250
Everything included in ROOT, with additional practical support to develop outdoor provision within your setting.
GROW is designed for schools that would like additional support as staff begin using the Barefoot + Wild Education Framework with their pupils. Alongside the full ROOT training and toolkit, staff will have the opportunity to put the approach into practice with children while supported by Barefoot + Wild, as well as receiving ideas and guidance tailored to their own setting.
Alongside everything included in ROOT, your setting will receive:
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A 2-hour supported session with pupils, giving trained staff the opportunity to put the framework into practice alongside Barefoot + Wild, ask questions and build confidence in delivering sessions
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A tailored outdoor space concept proposal, based on your existing space, available ground, the needs of your pupils and how you would like the area to be used
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Seasonal activity inspiration throughout the school year, with a new collection of ideas shared each half term to support staff in continuing to develop their provision
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An opportunity to reflect on early sessions, discuss questions and explore adaptations for individual children
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Further ideas for making the most of the outdoor spaces, natural materials and resources already available within your setting.
Where Is Training Available?
In-person training is currently available to schools across Greater Manchester and surrounding areas. If your setting is outside this area, please get in touch to discuss availability.
Vicki created such a positive learning environment, giving us the confidence, practical skills and enthusiasm to develop our own Forest School provision.
We had the most amazing Forest School training with Vicki. Her expertise and knowledge were evident throughout, and her kind, calm and supportive approach made the whole experience both enjoyable and inspiring.
Testimonials
We came away feeling motivated, excited and full of ideas about how we can use the outdoors to support and engage our young people. A huge thank you to Vicki for such a valuable and memorable training experience!
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