PPP2 for Forest Schools
Learn how to put PARS into practice in your Forest School. By the end of this PPP2 you will be able to begin to use PARS Methods, Theories and Techniques to...
Empower children through child-centred practice
Using PARS practice means that adults deliver child-led Forest School sessions. The PARS model enables adults to make decisions about how best to support child-centred learning in real time.
Describe your approach to other adults
Learning PARS provides adults with a technical language to describe their professional approach to other adults and an NCFE certificate to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
Feel confident in your practice
Adults who use PARS tell us they are more relaxed and happier at work, and teams work better together when they are all using PARS practice. Children have much more fun and are more relaxed too!
Watch Dr Shelly Newstead, the creator of the PARS model, discussing
how PARS can support Forest School provision in 'The Forest School Podcast'
Find the balance with
PARS training!
I now feel much more confident in my knowledge of, and ability to explain, the techniques I am using in my work with children, and why these methods are important. This will help in discussions with both my team of staff, and parents of the children attending our club, but will also help me to improve my own reflexive practice!
Sara Farish, Norfolk, UK
We now have a model which helps us to describe our practice in a professional way without having to resort to programming activities to demonstrate that we are professionals who know what we are doing.
Adam Smart
Smartkidz Forest School
The PARS training is a fantastic professional development opportunity for those who want to learn more about play theory and playwork practice in the context of schools.
Rob Francksen
Former Headteacher, Suffolk
What is involved in a PARS programme?
Teaching
Your PARS programme will be taught live by a PPP4 qualified PARS Licensed Trainer. All PARS courses are interactive with plenty of time for discussion and learning from other participants. The course materials are provided online and include handouts and two course handbooks which you will use to help you complete your assessments.
Practice
During the course you will be asked to try out some of the PARS model whilst working with children. Real-world case studies, discussions and assessments will enable you to put PARS into practice in your Forest School setting. You will not be assessed in your workplace.
Assessment
PARS is an NCFE International Award Centre. Your assessments are completed online through short assignments and multiple choice texts. You will receive feedback from your dedicated PARS assessor and supported throughout the assessment process.
Course Details
Dates
1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th June & 6th July
Session Times
Mondays 7-9pm UK
Live Teaching
12 hours
Total Qualification Time
25 hours
Meet your PARS Licensed trainer
Diane Jones
Diane worked in the public services sector for over 30 years, before a change of career early 2023. Since this time Diane has worked with children aged 2 to 11 in a variety of roles, including Safeguarding and Playwork. Her love of the outdoors has led her to start a journey as a Trainee Early Years Practitioner at an outdoor nursery, which she believes complements the PARS values for children.
Diane loves learning and developing her own practice in all areas, recently completing the PPP4 qualification. She enjoys delivering Playwork training courses for Sheffield Play Partnership and uses her knowledge and experience to help others who want to learn more in this area.
Patrick Jones - Course author
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to attend previous PARS training before I join PPP2 or PPP3?
There is no requirement for previous PARS training or playwork experience before joining a PPP2 or PPP3 programme. Anybody who wants to take part in PPP4 and become a PARS Licensed Trainer must complete PPP3 first.
Will I need to do homework?
Yes, afraid so! PPP2 and PPP3 are NCFE accredited Customised Qualifications, so all participants need to do weekly assignments during the course to demonstrate how they can put PARS playwork into practice when working with children. These assignments are assessed by our Assessment Team who will give feedback on each assignment.
What is included in the cost of the course?
The cost includes all live teaching sessions and course materials, assessment and certificate from NCFE. There is nothing else you will need to pay once you have joined the course!
Once I get my PPP2 or PPP3 qualification, can I teach others to use PARS?
No. To teach PARS to others, you must be qualified to PPP4 and be a PARS Licensed Trainer. If you are qualified at PPP3, you may be eligible to join our PARS Schools Mentor Programme. For more information on how to share your PARS knowledge with others, please get in touch!
How long does my PPP2 or PPP3 Customised Qualification last?
Technically there is no expiry date for your NCFE certificate. However, we strongly encourage you to continuously develop your PARS playwork practice and you can find plenty of opportunities to do so here!
Do I have to attend previous PARS training before I join PPP2 or PPP3?
There is no requirement for previous PARS training or playwork experience before joining a PPP2 or PPP3 programme. Anybody who wants to take part in PPP4 and become a PARS Licensed Trainer must complete PPP3 first.
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