Course Description

'Absolutely incredible - I have not stopped thinking about it all over the past two weeks and I'm reading through all the extra notes Jon has given us. Utterly invaluable - thank you!'

At a glance, this course:

• Supports children's wellbeing and development
• Connects children with nature

Jon Cree will also be running Climbing Frames, Ropes & Ladders Course with Jon Cree ​the same weekend.

About the course

This CPD training course shares knowledge and opens discussions about how outdoor learning practitioners and teachers can support children through times of anxiety and trauma.  The course takes place in our beautiful woodland site in the Hampshire South Downs. Renowned Forest School trainer, Jon Cree, will call on current neurological understanding and share practical ideas to help you understand and support children's emotional wellbeing. 

The course will cover:

• Creating a safe space
• Working with sensory preferences
• Embodiment and integration
• Grounding and centring
• Recognising behaviour is communication.
• Polyvagal theory and the five touchstones of somatic practice 
• Importance of co-regulation
• Working with stories in a therapeutic way
• Nature-based meditation
• Reflections and embodiment practices

This course will reaffirm your knowledge of the emotional benefits of working with groups in nature.

The course will give you:

• Understanding of working with sensory preferences
• Knowledge of embodiment and integration practices
• Recognise the importance of working with themselves as well as their learners
• Understand the crucial role nature interactions can play in supporting emotional regulation

This course is suitable for:

Outdoor learning practitioners and teachers.

What to bring:

• Suitable clothing for spending the day outside
• Sturdy footwear
• Packed lunch or lunch can be purchased from the Beech Café on site

Cancellations, refunds, and bursaries:

Read the full Adult Courses Cancellations and Refunds Policy and Courses Bursary Fund Information.

About the tutor

Jon Cree has nearly 40 years' experience as an environmental earth educator and trainer. He is a Forest School trainer, practitioner and director for the Forest School Association. ​ His passion is helping others ‘get in touch’ with the natural world through dynamic learning programmes and hand-on learning experiences. He has been part of the institute for Earth Education for almost 30 years and a trainer for 20. For many years, global learning has underpinned his education work, working particularly with Teachers in Development Education (TIDE).