Free environmental education training for childcare practitioners
Free ‘Wellies in the Woods’ training for childcare practitioners across the East of England.
Groundwork East is inviting childcare practitioners across the East of England to step into nature with Wellies in the Woods – a free, hands-on training programme designed to inspire outdoor learning and creative play for toddlers and young children. Courses run across Luton, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and surrounding areas. They take place online and in-person.
The 3-hour sessions equip early years professionals with the skills and confidence to deliver engaging outdoor activities rooted in nature, storytelling, and seasonal exploration. From building bug hotels to crafting woodland creatures, the activities are simple, low-cost, and designed to spark curiosity in children while supporting their development.
Originally developed as a resource for parents during the pandemic, Wellies in the Woods has grown into a popular programme that encourages families and practitioners alike to embrace the outdoors – rain or shine. Each session is themed around a beloved children’s book, including The Gruffalo, Stick Man, and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, helping to bring stories to life through nature-based play.
Designed for early years professionals, the course introduces the Wellies in the Woods approach to creative, nature-based play for toddlers and young children. Participants will explore the importance of outdoor learning, how to deliver engaging sessions, and how to overcome common barriers to outdoor play.
The training includes:
- An introduction to the Wellies in the Woods programme and its benefits
- Practical guidance on delivering sessions linked to popular children’s books like The Gruffalo and Stick Man
- Risk assessment essentials for outdoor activities
- Group discussions on challenges and solutions around outdoor engagement
- A chance to share best practice with fellow practitioners
- Assess to sessions plans once training is completed
Outdoor play is vital for children’s development, but we know it can feel daunting to deliver. This course is about building confidence, sharing ideas, and showing how outdoor learning can be simple, safe, and fun—all year round.
Hannah Smith, Programme Leader for Groundwork East
I’ve left this training excited and inspired, believing I can help bring the joys, benefits and learning in the outdoors to families I work with.
Previous participant
Participants will also gain access to a rich library of free resources, including downloadable activity sheets, how-to videos, and links to further reading. Whether you’re running a nursery, leading a forest school, or supporting families in your community, Wellies in the Woods offers a fresh and accessible way to bring learning outdoors.
To find out more or book a free place on an upcoming session, please contact: