Facilitator Training for EPV approved Nature-Based Learning Course

We look forward to welcoming you into a growing community of practice supporting the growth of nature-based learning in Ireland.

When: 9:45-17:00 Saturday 28th February, 9:45-16:00 Sunday 1st March

Location: Blackrock Education Centre

Who is this facilitator training for?

This training is designed for primary teachers and educators with experience in Forest School or other nature-based learning approaches who wish to deepen their practice or facilitate the EPV summer course ‘Outdoor Learning using a Forest School approach’.

Educators who are not yet ready to commit to running a summer course are very welcome to attend. In this case, the training can be taken as:

• An opportunity to explore facilitating an EPV course in the future, or
• A refresher in nature-based learning and outdoor pedagogy.

What does it entail?

This weekend facilitator training was co-developed as part of the Scaip Project (www.naturebasedlearning.ie) to support teachers with experience in Forest School practice to deliver the EPV-approved course ‘Outdoor learning using a Forest School approach’.

It focuses on outdoor pedagogy and the skills needed to facilitate adult learning, enabling facilitators to support other teachers to bring children outdoors for regular, meaningful learning experiences.

This training has been developed in partnership with Global Action Plan (GAP Ireland) globalactionplan.ie and is funded by the Department of Education as part of the ESD to 2030 grant.

Why are we offering facilitator training?

The ‘Outdoor learning using a Forest School approach' EPV summer course has been delivered successfully over the past two years through Blackrock Education Centre, receiving consistently positive feedback. Teachers report feeling re-energised, more confident teaching outdoors, and motivated to embed nature-based learning more fully within their schools.

In response to growing national interest and environmental need, this facilitator training was co-developed as part of the Scaip Project to support teachers with experience in nature-based learning to deliver the EPV course. The training focuses on outdoor pedagogy alongside the skills needed to facilitate adult learning and is supported by Blackrock Education Centre.

By training facilitators across the country, this programme helps make the Nature-Based Learning EPV course more accessible nationwide, and supports a growing culture of outdoor learning, wellbeing, and sustainability in schools.

Who is running it?

Jenny Dungan (Scaip Project) in collaboration with Emer Savage (Global Action Plan Ireland).

Why train to be a facilitator?

• Gain professional recognition and leadership in Nature-Based Learning
• Access paid, accredited facilitation work through EPV courses
• Deepen your own practice through facilitating adult learning
• Develop valuable skills in adult education and professional learning
• Expand your professional network nationwide
• Make a real impact on teacher confidence, pupil wellbeing, and sustainability education
• Join a national community of Nature-Based Learning facilitators.

What will the facilitator training cover?

• Key differences between teaching children and facilitating adult learners
• How to plan and deliver a pre-approved EPV summer course
• Practical requirements when working with Teacher Education Centres and venues
• What’s involved in running the course in Summer 2026 and beyond

To run this course in summer 2026, you will need to submit your application form to the Education Centre before 27th February. We can support you with this in advance of the course.

What does the EPV-approved course Outdoor Learning using a Forest School Approach cover?

Outdoor Learning using a Forest School Approach is a five-day EPV-approved course that immerses teachers in outdoor, nature-based learning. It builds confidence and competence in bringing children outdoors for regular, meaningful learning experiences across the curriculum, while supporting SSE and whole-school development.

The course includes:

• Active, child-led, play-based and inquiry-driven learning
• Curriculum integration and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
• Wellbeing, reflection, and connection to place

To get a sense of what this EPV course is about, watch the short video of participants’ experiences of the course in 2025.

Also check out other Workshops in Bray.