NOCN now supported by the FSA

NOCN becomes the latest Awarding Body to gain FSA support by adopting the additional requirements, endorsed by the FSA, for Centres and Trainers wishing to deliver Forest School courses in the UK. Four of the nine Awarding Bodies that are offering awards in Forest School qualifications, listed on the QCF, are now supported by the FSA. These are OCNWMR, AptEd, AIM Awards and now NOCN. I anticipate many of the others making the necessary changes to their qualification specifications in the next few months. The FSA endorsed minimum requirements for Forest School Trainers entering the sector are fast becoming the industry standard. This does not imply FSA endorsement of the trainers but it does raise the bar a little higher for initial entry and should contribute to our purpose of encouraging quality Forest School for all. (Gareth)