LEVEL 3 CERTIFICATE IN LEADING FOREST SCHOOL
Our 8-day Level 3 Forest School Leader course, accredited by ITC, is designed for those who wish to lead and deliver Forest School programmes with confidence and expertise.
This qualification provides the skills and knowledge required to establish and deliver safe, effective Forest School programmes. It is intended for teachers, early years practitioners, youth workers, outdoor practitioners, community professionals and others who want to become qualified Forest School Leaders. The programme includes eight face-to-face training days, supported and directed learning, practical skills assessments, workplace practice and ongoing tutor support through online tutorials and access to our supportive community. The qualification normally takes between 9 and 12 months to complete.
Qualification requirements
- Be aged 19 or over.
- Applicants should have suitable experience of working with their intended participant group.
- Learners must identify a potential Forest School site and a group with whom they can plan and deliver their pilot programme.
- Applicants must be able to complete the practical, written and work-based elements of the qualification.
Qualification structure
The five units are:
- Forest School Programme: Delivery
- Forest School Programme: Learning and Development
- Forest School Programme: Planning and Preparation
- Forest School Programme: Practical Skills
- Forest School Programme: The Woodland as a Learning Environment
Mandatory pilot programme
As part of the qualification, learners must plan and deliver six pilot Forest School sessions with their chosen group. Learners must evaluate each session, assess the impact of the programme on participants and complete a final summative evaluation.
How will you be assessed?
Assessment is through a comprehensive portfolio of evidence and practical and work-based assessment. Evidence may include:
- written assignments and professional discussion;
- programme plans and session evaluations;
- a Forest School handbook;
- risk assessments and risk–benefit assessments;
- practical skills observations;
- work-based observation;
- witness statements;
- participant observations and impact evidence;
- annotated photographs or video;
- peer assessment;
- reflective practice; and
- a three-year woodland management plan.
Course Dates
Book online or contact for invoice (If you wish to receive an invoice for this course, please contact the office, and this can be arranged)
Course dates: 17, 18, 24, 25 June & 1st, 2nd July 2027
Skills assessment day: 8th and 9th July 2027
Running from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm each day
This course is held at Heath Farm , Swerford , Chipping Norton
