Levels of Training
Our Forest School training courses are accredited through the Open College Network (OCN).
The levels of Forest School training:
Level 3 Practitioner/Leader Training – Forest School Practitioner Award (9 month course).
Level 2/3 Top Up Training - this is for those who already hold the level 2 FS certfiicate (3 month course).
Level 2 Assistant Training – Forest School Assistant Award (5-day course).
Level 1 Introduction Training – Introduction to Forest School Award (3-day course).
Which training course is for me?
"I have a level 2 and but would like to gain the level 3 leader award" - As you have already completed the level 2 Forest School Assistants training, you will not need to do the whole of the level 3 course from the start. The course you want is the 'level 2/3 top up course' and you start at module 3 of the modular course.
"I want to assist at Forest School" - you will need the level 2 training. Once you have completed it you can progress on to leader training via the 'level 2/3' top up course.
"I am new to Forest School" - Start with level 1. This level of training can be used as a springboard on to further Forest School training, ultimately leader training at level 3.
Level 3 FS Practitioner Training Format & Content
The level 3 training is the nationally recognised standard of training required to lead Forest School sessions with children and young people. It is a medium-term training course which takes around 9 months to complete. This training is accredited through the Open College Network (OCN) and carries 18 credits at level 3.
Modular Format Course Layout for Level 3:
This is a new format for the level 3 training. This format is divided into shorter 2-day 'modules' with each module progressing on from the previous one. Each module has a workbook requiring short written answers to be completed. This should ensure that students are able to complete their coursework whilst they are progressing through the training modules. The two assessments are the same as for the standard format course.
1) The modular format course starts with a 2-day Foundation Module. This module is an introduction to the concept of Forest School, covering general health & safety, basic identification skills, an introduction to play and its links to Forest School. A short workbook will need to be completed.
2) The next three modules are all Leader Modules and are 2-days each: Leader 1, Leader 2 & Leader 3. These modules are progressive, each covering the material in increasing depth and each requiring completion of a module workbook. The content of these three Leader Modules will cover the application of learning theories to Forest School, methods of increasing self-esteem and working on emotional intelligence, group management, communication strategy, risk management, ecological impact assessment/management plan, as well as working with tools and campfires for use at Forest School.
3) A 1-day Practical Skills Assessment. Students will be assessed on their competence with knots and their safe use of tools and firecraft.
4) Delivery Assessment - Students plan and run a 6-week Forest School Programme, with a small group of children in their own choice of woodland setting. Students will need to write up their evidence of session planning, risk assessments, observations and evaluations for their 6-week Forest School Programme. During the 5th or 6th session of their 6-week Forest School Programme, students will be assessed on their leadership skills and their Health & Safety documentation for running Forest School Programmes. Students will need to book themselves in for a 2 hour assessment.
Standard Format Course Layout for Level 3:
1) The standard format course starts with a 5-day Intensive week. During this week students cover the application of learning theories to Forest School, methods of increasing self-esteem and working on emotional intelligence, group management, communication strategy, risk management, ecological impact assessment/management plan as well as working with tools and campfires for use at Forest School. Students are given a coursework file, showing all of the assignments they will need to complete, as well as handouts and websites to support their learning. Students are also given access to our Student pages of our website for further support. During the intensive week students are set an interim assignment, which is marked with feedback.
2) This is followed by a 3-day Practical Skills Assessment training. The Practical Skills Assessment training covers assessment of students competence of knots, safe tool use and firecraft. During this training element students also cover further training on group management , session planning and risk assessment, as well as a group tutorial on health and safety regarding their 6-week Forest School Programme.
3) Students then plan and run a 6-week Forest School Programme, with a small group of children in their own choice of woodland setting.
4) Delivery Assessment - During the 5th or 6th session of their 6-week Forest School Programme, students will be assessed on their leadership skills and their Health & Safety documentation for running Forest School Programmes. Students will need to book themselves in for a 2 hour assessment.
5) A half-day Coursework Tutorial - This is a group tutorial and covers what is required to answer each of the assessment criteria in all three of the units. From past experience holding this tutorial at this stage of the training is useful, as students have completed their 6-week Forest School Programme and can relate their session-paperwork and experiences to their answers for the assessment criteria.
6) Coursework Portfolio - students will need to compile a coursework portfolio which is written evidence for both the practical and theoretical aspects of their training.
Entry criteria for level 3 training. Students must:
be aged 21 years or over;
have a teaching, play-work, youth-work or ranger qualification of (equivalent) level 2 or above;
have a current enhanced CRB / Disclosure Scotland certificate;
have a current and valid First Aid certificate (minimum 2-day incl. Paediatric & Outdoor First Aid);
be leading group activities with children/young people.
All information, materials and other health and safety equipment will be provided during the training course. Students will be required to provide their own Safety boots and outdoor clothing for use during the training. (For details on safety boots see FAQs).
Level 2/3 Top Up FS Practitioner Training Format & Content
This training is specifically for those who already hold a level 2 FS Assistant certificate and wish to top up their trainig to become a Forest School Practitioner, leading at Forest School. The training consists of 4 modules and includes two assessments. Students will join level 3 students who are on the modular format at module 3.
Entry criteria for level 2/3 Top Up:
Be over 21 years of age
Hold a level 2 Forest School Assistant Certificate
Have a current enhanced CRB disclosure (or an enhanced Disclosure Scotland Certificate)
Have or be in the process of acquiring a current valid Paediatric First Aid for Outdoors Cerificate (2-day ITC equivalent)
Course Layout:
1) The course starts with Module 3 & 4 of the level 3 course, which are both 2-days each. These modules are progressive, each covering the material in increasing depth and each requiring completion of a module workbook. The content of these modules will cover the application of learning theories to Forest School, methods of increasing self-esteem and working on emotional intelligence, group management, communcation strategy, risk management, ecological impact assessment/management plan, role of the leader, as well as working with tools and campfires for use at FS.
2) Module 5 is a 1-day Practical Skills Assessment. Students will be assessed on their competence with knots and their safe use of tools and firecraft.
3) Students plan and run a 6-week Forest School Programme, with a small group of children in their own choice of woodland setting. Students will need to write up their evidence of session planning, risk assessments, observations and evaluations for their 6-week Forest School Programme.
4) Delivery Assessment - During the 5th or 6th session of their 6-week Forest School Programme, students will be assessed on their leadership skills and their Health & Safety documentation for running Forest School Programmes. Students will need to book themselves in for a 2 hour assessment.
This training is accredited through the Open College Network (OCN) and carries 18 credits at level 3.
Level 2 FS Assistant Training Format & Content
This training is aimed at those who are supporting an existing level 3 qualified Forest School Practitioner. This training qualifies you to assist at Forest School. This training requires you to take part in 3 Forest School sessions in the role of the assistant.
The level 2 training can also be used to progress on to further Forest School training, ultimately leader training at level 3.
Entry criteria for level 2:
Be 18yrs or over;
Have an enhanced CRB / Disclosure Scotland certificate;
Have experience of working with children or young people;
Have access to a Forest School programme run by a level 3 qualified Forest Practitioner.
Course Layout:
5-day Intensive Week (covering theory, practice and skills assessment)
Assist with planning and running 3 sessions of Forest School with a qualified FS Leader
Coursework Portfolio hand in
Content:
Health & Safety, including Risk Assessments and flora/fauna identification
Knots, Safe Tool use & Firecraft
How to assist at Forest School
Understanding Play
Building confidence and emotional intelligence
This course is OCN accredited and carries 4 credits at level 2.
All information, materials and other health and safety equipment will be provided during the training course. Students will be required to provide their own Safety boots and outdoor clothing for use during the training. (For details on safety boots see FAQs).
Level 1 Introduction to FS Training Format & Content
This level of training is designed as an introduction to the Forest School ethos and basic skills. It can also be used as a spreingboard on to further Forest School training, ultimately leader training at level 3.
Entry Criteria for Level 1:
Be over 16 years of age;
Have access to a Forest School programme run by a level 3 qualified Forest Leader.
Course Layout:
2-day Intensive Training (covering theory and practice)
Observe 1 session of Forest School run by a qualified FS Leader
Finish Course Workbook
Content:
Introduction to the concept of Forest School
The importance of Play
Introduction to flora/fauna identification
Knots
Experience of Forest School
This course is OCN accredited and carries 3 credits at level 1.
