Frequently Asked Questions

School of Outdoors has over 40 years of expedition and event management experience in both lowland and mountainous environments in the UK and overseas, and is an Approved Activity Provider for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

During practice and qualifying expeditions, teams are remotely supervised to allow independence while maintaining safety. Instructors move between direct, close, and remote supervision depending on the stage of training and risk management plan.

Yes. Electronic tracking devices are used as part of the overall supervision plan. Tracking information is shared only with the Course Director, instructors, and school staff to ensure participant safety.

A reasonable level of everyday fitness is required. Regular walking, school sport, or daily activity will help your child enjoy the experience. Training walks and practice expeditions help participants build confidence and understand their limits.

Instructors provide overnight pastoral supervision following an agreed supervision plan. Typical curfews are 9:00pm for returning to tents and 10:00pm for quiet time, in line with campsite rules.

All instructors are first aid trained and carry comprehensive medical kits. Parents will be kept informed, and if necessary, you may be asked to collect your child. Support is available at all times via the School of Outdoors on-call team.

Parents should call School of Outdoors’ 24/7 emergency number (01296 336644). The team will contact the Course Director, who can relay messages or arrange communication if needed.

To encourage teamwork and independence, only one mobile phone per team is permitted for emergency use. Direct contact with home is discouraged, and misuse of phones may result in removal from the event.

School of Outdoors supplies all essential group equipment, including tents, cookers, maps, compasses, first aid kits, trackers, and water pumps. Replacement costs apply if equipment is lost or damaged.

Yes. Rucksacks can be hired for £15 per programme. Hired rucksacks are delivered to the event start location and must be returned at the end. Booking is completed via the parental consent link.

Due to navigation and outdoor conditions, finish times may vary. Parents will be informed if delays occur. A late collection fee of £10 per 15 minutes applies if you are more than 15 minutes late.

The qualification covers low-level countryside and woodland where routes follow clear paths or tracks, river crossings use bridges or recognised crossing points, and groups remain close to access points. It does not cover open hillside, mountainous terrain, hazardous ground, or winter conditions.

You must be at least 17 years old, registered with Mountain Training, and have either:

• Evidence of 10 varied low-level walks, or
• Completed a recognised personal skills course such as Hill Skills.

Lowland Leader training is delivered over a minimum of 2 days (16 hours). It focuses on leadership, planning, navigation, safety, group management, and teaching skills rather than assessment.

Yes, unless you are granted an exemption. Candidates who have already completed Mountain Leader or Hill and Moorland Leader training may progress straight to assessment. Others with substantial relevant experience may apply for exemption, but there is no exemption from assessment.

Before assessment you must have:

• A logbook with 20 quality low-level walks (or 10 plus a Hill Skills course)
• A current first aid certificate (minimum 16 hours, in-person, assessed)

Most candidates benefit from allowing at least six months between training and assessment to consolidate skills.

Assessment runs over a minimum of 2 days (16 hours) and looks at your ability to:

• Lead and manage a group
• Plan and adapt routes
• Navigate accurately (including poor visibility)
• Manage hazards and emergencies
• Demonstrate appropriate leadership and decision-making

Outcomes are Pass, Defer, or Fail.

You’ll need suitable personal walking equipment for lowland conditions, including clothing for wet and windy weather, a rucksack, food and drink, and basic navigation tools. Full kit lists are provided before the course, and assessors expect sensible, appropriate choices rather than expensive gear.

Once qualified, you can independently lead groups on lowland day walks within the scope of the award. Many leaders use the qualification for work with schools, youth groups, charities, or community organisations, and it also provides a strong foundation for progressing to Hill and Moorland Leader or Mountain Leader.

This course is designed for anyone working or volunteering in outdoor, remote, or adventurous environments where emergency help may be delayed. This includes outdoor instructors, expedition leaders, teachers, youth workers, DofE leaders, and activity professionals.

Outdoor First Aid focuses on managing casualties when help may be up to two hours away and covers environmental factors such as cold, heat, terrain, weather, and remoteness. It goes beyond workplace first aid by addressing realistic outdoor scenarios and prolonged casualty care.

Yes. The QNUK Level 3 Award in Outdoor First Aid (RQF) is regulated by Ofqual and meets the requirements for Emergency First Aid at Work, as well as outdoor industry and National Governing Body (NGB) requirements.

The course is delivered over a minimum of two days (16 guided learning hours). Learners must complete the qualification within 7 weeks, although most candidates complete it across a single 2-day course.

You will learn how to manage a wide range of injuries and medical emergencies in outdoor settings, including CPR and AED use, bleeding control, hypothermia, fractures, spinal injuries, anaphylaxis, asthma, diabetic emergencies, and casualty assessment in challenging environments.

Assessment is made up of:

• A 60-minute multiple-choice exam (pass mark 70%)
• Observed practical assessments, which must be completed to a pass standard

Both theory and practical competence are required to achieve the qualification.

No previous first aid qualification is required. Learners must be at least 14 years old, have a reasonable level of English, and be physically able to perform practical tasks such as CPR on the floor.

Yes. A portion of the course is delivered and assessed outdoors, using realistic scenarios and environmental challenges. Some providers may choose to deliver the full course outside, weather and location permitting.

The qualification is valid for three years. After this period, learners are required to complete a requalification course to remain current and compliant.

After completing this course, learners may progress to:

• QNUK Level 3 First Person on the Scene
• QNUK Level 3 Rescue Trauma and Casualty Care

This course also supports ongoing professional development for outdoor leaders and instructors.

Reimagine is relationship-led and trauma-informed, prioritising emotional safety and trust before academic outcomes. Learning is personalised, flexible, and delivered through meaningful experiences rather than rigid classroom structures. Progression is based on readiness, not time.

Learning may be practical, creative, sensory, vocational, reflective, community-based, or outdoors. Literacy and numeracy are introduced when the young person is ready and always linked to their interests and real-world experiences.

Reimagine follows a five-stage developmental journey: Discover, Explore, Deepen, Broaden, and Thrive. Each stage reflects emotional readiness and confidence rather than age or time spent on the programme.

There is no fixed timeframe. Young people move forward when they are ready, ensuring progress is sustainable rather than rushed. Some may attend short-term; others may require longer support.

All sessions are shaped by Trauma-Informed Practice and the PACE approach (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy). This helps young people regulate emotions, rebuild trust, and feel safe enough to engage in learning.

Safeguarding is central to Reimagine. All staff are trained in safeguarding and trauma-informed practice, with a Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy DSL in place, operating within clear safeguarding policies and procedures.

Yes. Reimagine works collaboratively with families, schools, and local authorities to ensure placements meet each young person’s needs and support longer-term outcomes.

Outcomes include improved confidence, emotional regulation, communication, independence, and readiness for learning. For some, this may mean reintegration into school; for others, transition to specialist provision, training, or another pathway.

Reimagine often forms the foundation for progression into the Work Ready Programme or other vocational, educational, or specialist pathways once a young person is emotionally ready.

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.