Forest School Leader Training

Course Information 

Starts: October 2019
Dates TBC
Level 2: £700        
​Level 3: £1,420 
Level 3 top up from Level 2: £950         
Tutor: Louise Ambrose - Forest School Training Company

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

ABOUT THE COURSE

Our modular Forest School Leader (Level 3) and Assistant (Level 2) training courses run over a period of nine months at The Sustainability Centre in the Hampshire South Downs. The training is run by Louise Ambrose from the Forest School Training Company and is accredited by the Open College Network (OCN). Level 3 trainees receive 12 training days, split into 5 modules. Level 2 trainees receive 5 training days split into 2 modules, with the option of topping up to Level 3 the following year. See the course flyers for further information. 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.
  • Our training is run by Louise Ambrose, who is a very experienced tutor with a long history of delivering Forest School training. Louise has a background in ecology, outdoor learning, and is a qualified teacher. Louise is highly respected as a trainer in the Forest School community and receives outstanding feedback from her students. ​
  • We keep the group size small, with two tutors teaching a maximum of 12 Level 3 trainees, so you get quality time with our tutors.
  • Trainees get access to a comprehensive website with handouts, links and resources to support you during self study time.
  • As well as the 12 training days we offer one practice day each term (on a Saturday), where you can come to the woods to practice skills with support from our tutors.
  • We offer 'tutor on call' days once a month, where a tutor is on hand to speak over the phone or online to support students with any questions they may have or coursework elements.  
  • We will visit your Forest School programme (Delivery Assessment) to observe you in practice and offer tailored feedback and support.
  • We use a range of assessment methods for students to provide evidence for the qualification (not just all through writing). 
  • We offer optional free membership to the Forest School Association for one year - the UK professional body for Forest School.

WHAT IS FOREST SCHOOL?

Forest School is a long term repetitive 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.
"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. Follow the links below to book and use code: stay-with-us

Forest School Practitioners Award - Level 3            

Level 3 – Is the level of training required for a practitioner to establish, lead and deliver a Forest School. It is a 9-month course (12 training days) comprising of intensive training, distance learning, practical and written assessments.  Price: £1420.00 or £950 if you are topping up from Level 2.

Forest School Assistants Award - Level 2

Level 2 – Is appropriate for staff or volunteers who regularly help at a Forest School and wish to gain a qualification as an assistant. The training is a 5-day intensive training course followed by hands-on time supporting a Forest School Leader at their Forest School and written assessments. - Price £700.00

WHO IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR?

Further detail on the course levels and entry requirements can be found on the Forest School Training Company website.

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.  
    Thank you we look forward to speaking to you soon
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