Friday Forest Families
Friday Forest Families
Outdoor learning activities, equipment and the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised Forest and Outdoor Learning Award
Course Overview
Friday Forest Families is a free 9-week outdoor learning programme for parents and carers and their children.
Set in the beautiful woodlands at Newbattle Abbey College, the programme gives you the opportunity to spend time outdoors with your family while building your own confidence, skills and experience.
You will take part in practical forest and outdoor learning activities, develop skills in working with and supporting others, and work towards a nationally recognised Forest and Outdoor Learning Award (FOLA) at a level appropriate to you.
Your children can come with you and take part in activities alongside you, making this an opportunity for the whole family to learn, explore and enjoy the outdoors together.
Who is the course for?
Friday Forest Families is designed for parents and carers who would like to:
- Build their confidence and learn new skills
- Gain a recognised qualification
- Develop practical and leadership skills
- Explore future opportunities in learning, volunteering or employment
- Spend positive time outdoors with their children
- Meet other families and learn in a friendly and supportive environment
You don't need any previous qualifications or experience of outdoor learning.
How will I study?
You will attend Newbattle Abbey College every Friday afternoon from 1.30 pm to 4.00 pm for nine weeks.
The programme has been designed to fit around Midlothian's Friday school hours, giving families time to travel to Newbattle after school finishes.
Most learning will take place outdoors in our woodland campus. Sessions will be practical, informal and supportive, with opportunities to learn through experience rather than sitting in a traditional classroom.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment will be practical and based around the activities you undertake during the programme.
You will be supported to gather evidence of your learning and work towards a nationally recognised Forest and Outdoor Learning Award. There are no formal exams.
What will I learn?
Through practical activities in Newbattle's woodland, you will develop skills and confidence in areas such as:
- Using tools safely and developing practical woodland skills
- Lighting and managing fires safely
- Preparing and cooking food outdoors
- Exploring nature, identifying species and caring for the woodland environment
- Planning and taking part in engaging outdoor activities
- Supporting others to participate safely and confidently
You will work towards a Forest and Outdoor Learning Award (FOLA) at a level that is right for you.
What will my children do?
Your children will be part of the Friday Forest Families experience.
They will have opportunities to explore the woodland, play, discover nature and take part in practical outdoor activities alongside you. Some activities will involve parents and children learning together, while others will give you the opportunity to focus on developing your own skills. Children of secondary age may also achieve a Forest and Outdoor Learning Award at a level appropriate to them.
Am I eligible for this course?
This course is funded specifically to support parents and carers.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a parent or carer with responsibility for at least one child under 18 living at home
- Have an individual annual income of less than £33,000
- Be living in Scotland full-time
You will be asked to confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria when you apply.
If you are unsure whether you are eligible, please get in touch. We will be happy to talk this through with you.