Forest School Training

What is Forest School?

Forest School is a way of teaching in nature that focuses on developing self-worth, courage, autonomy, social skills and physical abilities through different activities guided by a qualified Forest School Leader. Learners get to visit woodlands regularly and explore the outdoor environment in various seasons and weather conditions. They learn to take calculated risks through activities like making and cooking on fires, climbing trees and using tools, such as bow saws and secateurs. Forest School helps learners connect with nature, fostering respect and awareness of our role in it.

This training programme is designed for those who would like to set up and run a Forest School programme.

Are you eligible? To book this course, you will need the following:

An established link with an educational facility or similar environment caring for children, young adults or people with additional needs.
A potential Forest School site.
2 years’ experience in an educational setting or alternative (you do not need to hold a teaching qualification)
To be over 18 years old or over
If your fee is being paid by your workplace, ensure you have permission to attend the course before completing the booking form

To complete your qualification, you must also hold a First Aid certificate in either Paediatric First Aid or Outdoor First Aid. This can be completed within the 9-month duration of the course, but must be complete before your qualification can be issued.

It is also recommended that all practitioners have a level 2 Food Hygiene certificate covering all aspects of preparing and cooking food (outdoors)

Attend 8 training days at Moor Green Primary Academy:
6 of which consist of theory and practical skills
2 days will be spent undertaking a practical skills assessment
You will complete a portfolio of evidence, with half-termly optional zoom sessions to support you with portfolio work
You must run a 6-session Forest School pilot programme in your chosen setting, which will include a work-based assessment by your Forest School trainer.
In order to complete the course in a stress-free manner, we suggest that you allocate 2 hours per week to Forest School activities over the course of the 9-month training period. It is vital that your setting supports you in allocating this time to dedicate towards achieving your qualification.

The Forest School Accreditation

The course is accredited by Welsh OCN (Agored Cymru) and provides 19 credits within five Units of Study:

Supporting Learning, Play and Development in the Natural Environments – 5 Credits
Looking at theories of learning and how to support holistic development. How to raise self-esteem and develop emotional literacy in learners.

Observation & Evaluation of Forest School – 2 Credits

Focussing on the use of different observational techniques and how these can be used to enhance children’s learning.

Sustainable Use & Management of Natural Resources – 3 Credits

Looking at different ecological structures and threats to these systems. Identifying different species within these environments and relating this to your own site. Looking at the historic management of natural environments and how this is relevant to modern outdoor learning practice.

Teach Outdoor Practical Skills – 3 Credits

This unit covers how to use the outdoor environment for learning and how to teach a range of practical woodland skills to others, including using tools and fire.

Deliver Forest School – 6 Credits

Looking at the recent history and context of Forest School, planning, delivering and evaluation of your own Forest School sessions. Writing policies and procedures to enable safe practice and reflecting on your own professional development.

This course is equivalent to 'A' level standard and trainees have nine months from day one of the course to complete it.

If you have any queries with the course requirements, please do not hesitate to get in touch so we can discuss your situation and find a solution.

The overall cost of the course is £1000 + VAT

We advise the purchase of a kit bag containing items essential for you to successfully take part in the tool days and to practise your skills.

Please see links to the kit bags below:

The Individual Training Kit

Deluxe Individual Training Kit

We are pleased to offer a 5% discount off the retail price and a discount code will be provided once you are booked onto the course.

On receipt of this booking form, MGPA will send out an invoice for payment. Payment must be received on or before 4 weeks before the start of the course.

View Ts And Cs

FOREST SCHOOL TRAINING

Become a Forest School Lead and bring the joy of the outdoors to your school

Information about the L3 Forest School Leader course

What to expect from the course:

Some More Details:

When

Costs