Question 1

Who is the training for?

Accepted Answer

The Forest School level 3 training is for anyone working in an educational setting (EYFS and all key stages) young children, adolescents, young people or SEN.

This means the training is perfect for mentors, mental health advisors support workers, social carers, adopters, adoptees, teachers, TAs, educational groups, and caretakers to list a few!

Question 2

Do I need to have completed Levels 1 and 2 to do my Level 3 training?

Accepted Answer

You don’t need to have done Level 1 or 2 to join our Level 3 course.

Question 3

What do the different levels allow me to do?

Accepted Answer

The Level 1 course is for those interested in the ethos of Forest School. It’s an introductory level perfect for parents, caretakers and social workers that want a basic understanding of learning via Forest School. It does NOT qualify you to run Forest Schools Programmes.

The Level 2 qualification is the Assistant Practitioner Award so that you can assist a Level 3 Practitioner, perfect for Early Years practitioners. It does NOT allow you to run a Forest Schools Programme.

The Level 3 training means that you are a qualified Forest School Practitioner and can run a Forest Schools programme and lead Forest School sessions yourself. With this award, you will be responsible for other members of staff.

Question 4

How long do I have to complete the course?

Accepted Answer

You have twelve months after completing the initial training week of the Level 3 course to complete your assessment. You can request an observational assessment at any point after your initial training week once you meet the requirements. 
After your assessment week and having completed and submitted your portfolio (and passed) you will be fully qualified and able to conduct training.

Question 5

How much work does the course involve?

Accepted Answer

The level of work is similar to that of an A-Level.

You will need to complete a portfolio consisting of: general information on becoming a forest school practitioner, programme and session planning, looking at local flora and fauna for environmental impact assessments, management plans and risk assessments.

You will also need to run 6 sessions, over 6 consecutive weeks, doing a minimum of 2 hours per session to create your baseline assessment.

You would not be using fires or tools at this stage – instead using the Forest School ethos to observe the children and create a summative assessment on how to develop the long-term programme. It is important to consider how you will do this depending on your circumstances.

Question 6

I have a full-time job; will I be able to complete the work required alongside this?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most of the people that train with us are working full-time and manage to get the work completed. You have 12 months after your initial training week to complete the assessments. There will always be support available from your mentor to help you through your journey.

Question 7

When will I be able to use tools and fires with groups of children?

Accepted Answer

You are only qualified to use tools and fires once you have handed in your portfolio, it has been marked and moderated, and you have had confirmation that you have passed.

You would not be qualified to use fires or tools before this point as your insurance cover will not sanction unqualified practitioners.

Question 8

Can I do my First Aid after my assessment week?

Accepted Answer

You don’t require first aid in order to complete the course. We strongly advise you have this before undertaking any sessions within your setting.

Question 9

What space do I need for Forest Schools?

Accepted Answer

Ideally any natural setting large enough to facilitate your participants. Public areas (parks) might need permission. Check bylaws for fires and woodland sustainability.

Forest School is enabled through loose natural parts (sticks, mud, leaves, stones etc) and so you are seeking to gain access to, or to create the provision of, a space that is natural and abundant in these resources to stimulate and facilitate exploration.

Question 10

Do I need to bring my own equipment?

Accepted Answer

We advise you to keep an eye on the weather and season in which the training will be conducted. Warm clothing, wellies, gloves and waterproofs in the colder months.

Bringing your own equipment to practice your skills is also advised but can also be supplied. Get in touch to discuss this further.

Question 11

Do I need a DBS?

Accepted Answer

You will need a DBS to facilitate Forest School within your session if you are working with children.

You won’t need one to take part in the training, however, as the indoor training room is within a nursery, those without a DBS will have to be supervised.

Question 12

What happens if you are unable to complete the course within the allotted time?

Accepted Answer

We understand that circumstances can change and that these can hinder your process of completing the course. We’ll always consider your situation and act accordingly. Your mentor is always available via email and we’re always happy to help!

Question 13

What are the costs? Is there any financial support?

Accepted Answer

Please check our 'Our Courses' section to see our prices.

Financial support – We do not offer financial support, however, we do offer payment plans.

Question 14

I have a different question, how can I get in touch?

Accepted Answer

We're always happy to chat and answer any questions you may have. 
Give us a call on 07479678798 weekdays 09:00 - 18:00, or pop us an email @ hello@forestschool.life anytime!

OUR COURSES |

OUR SERVICES

Frequently asked questions