Forest School & Paediatric First Aid – Devon & Cornwall

Practical, scenario-based Forest School and Paediatric First Aid training for those working with children in outdoor and Early Years environments. Courses delivered on Dartmoor, Devon and in Truro, Cornwall.

2 Days – 16 Hours | Forest School & Paediatric Certification | Devon & Cornwall

Upcoming Courses

£190 | 2 Days | Forest School & Paediatric First Aid

Forest School First Aid with Paediatric First Aid – Devon & Cornwall

2 Days | 16 Hours | Two Qualifications | Practical Outdoor Training

Our Forest School First Aid course is designed for those working with children and young people in woodland, outdoor learning and Early Years environments.

Delivered over two days, this practical course develops the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage first aid emergencies involving infants, children and adults, including situations where emergency services may be delayed.

Training combines essential first aid knowledge with realistic outdoor scenarios, preparing learners to respond effectively in challenging environments.

Who Is This Course For?

Forest School leaders and practitioners
Early Years (EYFS) practitioners
Teachers and teaching assistants
Outdoor education staff
Woodland and nature-based learning providers
Scout, Guide and youth-group leaders

What Will You Learn?

The course includes:

CPR and AED use for adults, children and infants
Managing an unresponsive casualty
Choking and breathing emergencies
Severe bleeding and shock
Head, spinal and musculoskeletal injuries
Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
Common medical emergencies
Hypothermia and environmental emergencies
Managing casualties in remote outdoor environments

Qualifications and Certification

Upon successful completion of the required assessments, learners receive:

Level 3 Award in Forest School First Aid (RQF)
Paediatric First Aid certification

The course is designed to support practitioners working in Forest School and Early Years environments. Learners should confirm that the certification meets their setting’s specific requirements.

Course Locations

Dartmoor, Devon: Practical training in a realistic outdoor environment.

Truro, Cornwall: Tomperrow Scout Campsite, providing an excellent setting for outdoor first aid training.

Why Train with Optimal First Aid?

We specialise in practical first aid training for outdoor, remote and higher-risk environments. Our experienced instructors focus on realistic scenarios and developing the confidence to act when it matters.

Book your place today and develop the skills to manage first aid emergencies in Forest School and outdoor learning environments.

Questions? Contact Optimal First Aid on 01626 249194.

Why Choose Optimal First Aid?

Optimal First Aid specialises in practical first aid training for outdoor, remote and higher-risk environments.

Our instructors have operational and outdoor experience and use realistic scenarios to develop confident decision-making. Learners practise assessing casualties, prioritising treatment and adapting first aid to the conditions around them.

Our focus is not simply helping learners pass an assessment. It is preparing them to manage genuine emergencies when professional medical assistance may be some distance away.

FAQ

Where are your Forest School First Aid courses held?

Our 16-hour Forest School First Aid courses are delivered on Dartmoor in Devon and at Tomperrow Scout Campsite near Truro, Cornwall. Both locations provide realistic outdoor environments for practical first aid training.

Does the Forest School First Aid course include Paediatric First Aid?

Yes. Our course includes both the Level 3 Award in Forest School First Aid (RQF) and additional Paediatric First Aid certification, subject to successful completion of the required assessments.

Is Forest School First Aid suitable for Early Years (EYFS) practitioners?

Yes, the course is designed for Forest School leaders and practitioners working with children, including those in Early Years settings. Learners should ensure the Paediatric First Aid certification meets their setting’s specific EYFS requirements.

How long is the Forest School First Aid qualification valid?

The qualification is normally valid for three years. We recommend annual first aid refresher training to maintain skills and confidence between qualification renewals.

What is the difference between Outdoor First Aid and Forest School First Aid?

Outdoor First Aid focuses on managing emergencies in outdoor and remote environments. Forest School First Aid also addresses the needs of those working with children and young people. Our Forest School course includes additional Paediatric First Aid certification, whereas our standard Outdoor First Aid qualification does not.

Do I need previous first aid experience to attend?

No previous first aid experience is required. Our Forest School First Aid course is suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners looking to renew their qualifications. Training combines practical demonstrations, realistic scenarios and assessments to develop confidence in managing emergencies.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 306 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Martin Stronach 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Having recently completed my FREC 3 re-qualification with Toby Osbourne at Optimal First Aid; I can sincerely say.

Three years ago, when I first completed FREC 3 with a different provider, the mindset was strictly transactional, it was treated as a box-ticking exercise just to secure the licence required for my field.

Fast forward to today, and my perspective has completely shifted. FREC 3 isn't just about maintaining a licence to operate; it’s about honing a vital skill set. Toby and the team at Optimal First Aid reinforced this from day one.

Within just two days of training, I felt more competent, confident, and current in my scope of practice than I have in the last three years.

Same qualification, but a completely different level of delivery:

Realistic Scenarios: The practical exercises are as close to real-life operations as it gets.

Exceptional Instruction: The level of knowledge and teaching standard is truly commendable.

Exceptional equipment: Fully operational,  kit, required for first responders.

Realistic Props: Immersive scenario setups, reinforceing the realities of operational environments.

Toby and Optimal First Aid have completely transformed my approach. FREC 3 isn't a means to an end, when taught correctly, it ensures operators are mentally and physically prepared to handle real emergencies effectively.

A massive thank you Toby, and I will definitely be back for subsequent training.

I can wholeheartedly reccomend Toby, and Optimal First Aid to anyone looking to excel as a Responder.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   becky walker 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve done my FREC 3 course this week and wow! Absolutely amazing! Very impressed with delivery, equipment availability, knowledge of the instructor!

Highly recommend!

Thank you to the team @optimalfirstaid!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Diako Serwd 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely amazing FREC 3 course . Toby kept us engaged throughout the whole course and had a lot of hands on training. This course ISNT PowerPoint death . Will definitely be back for my FREC 4
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   J Stelfox 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic experience on the 5 day FREC 3 course. Toby delivers the content in away that keep you constantly engaged and every practical scenario has something new and challenging to focus on. Very supportive environment with so much to learn. Thank you for the experience it has been very valuable!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Joe Newton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Extremely well run FREC-3 course, very engaging and would highly recommend. Feel very confident following the course putting it all into practise
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sophie Edwards 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really enjoyed completing my FREC 3 course with Optimal First Aid. The instructors were knowledgeable, friendly and made the whole course enjoyable while still keeping it professional and challenging. There was a good mix of theory and hands-on training, and everything was explained clearly with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and practise the skills. I came away feeling much more confident in dealing with different situations. Would definitely recommend Optimal First Aid to anyone looking to complete their FREC 3.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lianne Evans 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Today I took part in a first aid course with optimal first aid limited. It was thorough, informative and engaging. Our trainer, Toby was friendly and professional.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Suzy Crane 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic explanations given during this First Aid training in Devon. Best I’ve had.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ethan Paynter 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent day of First aid training. Toby came out to our work place and was very competent in his delivery.

All content was very well taught.

There was a real emphasis on being practical and hands on especially with the CPR training and AED training.

Im confident I can apply what ive learnt today
Would recommend
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chloe Lee 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great first aid training, informative, fun and hugely helpful.

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