Forest School Leader Training

Course Information 

Level 3 Forest School Leader Training

Starts: Wed 23rd October 2019
Cost: £1,170 (arrangement can be made for payment by instalments)
Wed 23rd - Fri 25th October 2019, Thur 14th - Fri 15th Nov 2019, Wed 18th - Fri 20th March 2020 and Sat 23rd -Sun 24th May 2020
Tutor: Adrian Goodhand - Metabolous Education CIC/Natural Choice Training Group

Level 2 Forest School Assistant Training

Mon 28th October - Friday 1st November 2019
​Cost: £600
​Tutor: Adrian Goodhand - Metabolous Education CIC/Natural Choice Training Group

Please scroll down and complete the form to enquire about booking onto our 2019 training.

ABOUT THE COURSES

Our  Forest School Leader (Level 3) training course is run over a number of months at The Sustainability Centre in the Hampshire South Downs. Level 3 trainees receive 10 training days, split into 4 modules.

Our Forest School Assistant (Level 2) training is run at our Centre over 5 days, during October half-term 2019.

Both our Level 3 and Level 2 training is run by experienced leader and trainer, Adrian Goodhand, and is accredited by the Open College Network West Midlands (OCNWM). 

Our training has become synonymous with professional development for teachers, youthworkers, playworkers and rangers alike and offers an optimum combination of practical and tool skills, woodland and ecological management, leadership and risk evaluation and the application of learning theory. 

WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT OUR FOREST SCHOOL TRAINING?

• We deliver our training in a 'forest school way' - over time, in an achieveable format and with support.
• We keep the group size small, with a maximum of 10 students per course.
• As well as the 10 training days for Level 3 students, we offer an extra portfolio support day.
• Our tutor will also support students via phone, email or Skype to provide help with particular assignments and skills.  
• Our tutor will visit your Forest School programme (Delivery Assessment) to observe you in practice and offer tailored feedback and support.
• We offer discounted combined Forest School and Paediatric First Aid Training for students doing their Forest School Training at our centre. 

Forest School Practitioners Award - Level 3         

This is the nationally recognised level of training required if you want to lead at Forest School . There are two assessments (Practical Skills Assessment and Delivery Assessment) to be completed and students will have to run a 6-week Forest School Programme with a group of children in an outdoor setting, preferably woodlands. Students on this level of training will need to ensure they have a 2-day ITC Outdoor First Aid course or a Paediatric First Aid qualification before they start their 6-week FS Programme. This is a 9-day training course, including 2 assessments. (18 credits). ​

Level 3 FS Leader candidates must: 

• be aged 21 years or over; 
• be a qualified teacher, play-worker, youth-worker or support worker (to level 2 or equivalent) OR compile a portfolio of at least 2 years experience of working with their chosen client group in a leadership capacity;
• have access to a group with whom they will run an introductory 6-week Forest School Programme. 

Before delivering their 6-week pilot Forest School programme, candidates must also:

• hold a current enhanced DBS / Disclosure Scotland certificate; 
• hold a current and valid First Aid certificate (minimum 2-day Outdoor First Aid or 2-day Paediatric First Aid).  We offer a combined Forest School and Paediatric First Aid course as an optional add-on to the Forest School Training. 

"It has been an amazing experience, I have learnt an immense amount about Forest School, myself, the woodland sites and learning."

"Thank you so much for an excellent experience. The Sustainability Centre is great for this kind of course."

Get 20% discount on accommodation
when you stay with us during your course in 2019. Follow the links below to book and use code: stay-with-us

WHAT IS FOREST SCHOOL?

Forest School is a long term learning process that supports natural holistic development in learners of all ages and abilities. It originates from Scandinavian (particularly Danish) Early Years systems where child-led learning and play in the natural world are actively encouraged. The philosophy of Forest School is deeply rooted in understanding child development, learning and self esteem theories, and applying this understanding to facilitate powerful learning experiences. The repeated contact with a natural space (ideally woodland) is vital to support this process. Learners are empowered to take responsibility for their own learning, and encouraged to develop skills and independence.

Forest School Assistant Award - Level 2

This level of training is if you want to assist at Forest School. Students will need to assist on 3 sessions of Forest School run by a qualified level 3 FS Leader and write up their observations to gain the qualification. This is a good training level to choose if you want to gain some experience at Forest School first, before embarking on the full level 3 FS Leader course. Once you have gained this level 2 qualification you can choose to top-up to level 3. This is a 4-day training course (6 credits). ​

Level 2 FS Assistant candidates must: 

• Be 18yrs or over; 
• Hold a current enhanced DBS certificate;  
• Have experience of working with children or young people;  
• Assist in 3 sessions of a Forest School Programme run by a level 3 qualified Forest School Leader. 

---

Enquiry Form

​Thank you for your interest in our Forest School Leader training course.  
 
The Level 3 Forest School Leadership training course is the nationally recognised minimum level of training to establish and deliver Forest School programmes. The level 3 course requires considerable commitment of time and energy from the delegate. As a training organisation we feel we have a responsibility to ensure that our training course is the right choice for you, we therefore telephone interview all level 3 candidates before allowing formal booking to take place. For Level 2 Training, please complete the form below and we will email you a booking form.
 
Please complete & submit the form below to enquire about a place on training. We will then telephone you to discuss your booking.