LtL Professional Accreditation in Outdoor Learning and Play OR Designing for School Grounds (November 2026)
November 3, 2026 – November 4, 2026 
10:00 AM – 4:30 PM 
The Living Planet Centre Details
The accreditation programme operates at a senior level offering two training routes to accredit professionals: Outdoor Learning and Play, and Designing for School Grounds.
The former course is for individuals who are usually working in a role advising and training others in education. Their work is often alongside head teachers, and school staff, with a skill and knowledge level commensurate with that.
The latter course is for design professionals who have experience of working on larger-scale school grounds projects – up to whole site designs. Most of those taking this option are landscape architects. However, if you are a professional designer but not a landscape architect and are interested in this course please talk to us about whether this is the right option for you.
Both courses are appropriate for those working principally in and with schools, however, we only accept candidates with at least two years of experience in at least two settings in developing practice OR designing outdoor learning and play in schools.
All will attend the two days of the course and designers will be expected to attend the equivalent of half a day of training after the main course, at no additional cost.
The course is assessed by submission of a portfolio of evidence and a short written assessment paper. Submissions must be received within 6 months of attending the training. The assessment is only required if you want to be recognised as LtL accredited and some trainees use the course purely as part of their own personal professional development.
Please note that ticket sales close one week before the event starts. Please see our open course booking terms & conditions.
The benefits
The course itself is packed with ideas, resources and challenging sessions with like-minded individuals. Our course feedback is superb, with many commenting that the active, reflective and collaborative programme reflects our values and processes well.
Our name and logo is synonymous with over 35 years of transforming school grounds, improving outdoor learning and championing the value of play. LtL Accredited Professionals are able to display our logo and name as part of the certification, helping win further business.
We work with our Accredited Network to supply resources, advice and information to a mutual advantage. This varies from newly published works to passing on leads for new projects. Course attendees immediately access many resources, and these are further expanded upon successful Accreditation.
In addition LtL only contracts with freelance staff who have successfully completed a relevant LtL Professional Accreditation, and who maintain a set of standards including PVG/DBS, first aid and appropriate insurances. While we do not guarantee work, many on our LtL Accredited Network benefit from multiple days’ work each year and good rates of pay.
In the situation where a school is looking for a professional designer we will put forward names of designers from our Accredited Network to the schools for them to work with directly.
Who this training is suitable for
This training is ideal for experienced individuals looking to build competence and a business around outdoor learning consultancy and training for schools and early years settings. It will help you support and encourage whole school communities to improve their knowledge, skills and confidence in the use of outdoor spaces for learning and play OR to design nature-rich and climate responsive school grounds that support outdoor learning and play. It is also beneficial to those looking for their own personal professional development.
The Outdoor Learning and Play accreditation is for education professionals with at least 2 years’ experience of working with schools at a senior level to support improvements in educational practice or play. You will have a significant education background and be able to relate well to the role of educators and teachers, understand wider curriculum and the role of play in schools or early years settings.
The Designing for School Grounds accreditation is for professional designers who are used to working small and larger-scale school grounds projects and have at least two years’ relevant experience and have worked on at least two educational design projects.
Course overview
The course consists of:
- pre-course reading and preparation
- a two-day course with up to 20 other professionals
- all resources, lunch and refreshments on both days
- a follow up period with exam paper and portfolio to be submitted for marking, before a successful accreditation
The course cost does not include travel or accommodation, but we are more than happy to advise if needed. Many attendees are able to make use of small grant schemes to reduce or remove the cost of the course.
Training location
The training will be taking place at The Living Planet Centre, the home of WWF-UK from 10:00AM – 5:00PM on 3rd November and 9:30AM – 4:30PM on 4th November. The address is Rufford House, Brewery Rd, Woking GU21 4LL.
Before booking
Please read the information about prior experience carefully. During this course we expect a level of understanding and experience around education. You should feel confident of being able to work with a whole school, advising at head teacher level.
If you are unsure, please email Mary Jackson at mjackson@ltl.org.uk
We do restrict access to the LtL Professional Accreditation to maintain standards for our customers, Network members and staff team.
Please look at our staff team pages to give you an idea of the backgrounds our team currently have – which reflect our LtL Accredited Network too.
Related Events
Book your place on one of our open events offering practical, hands-on training for educators in outdoor learning and play.
