Our courses
We offer Forest School training in Levels 1,2 and 3. Find out more below!
Level 3
*You will receive Levels 1-3 inclulsive in this course* Our accredited Level 3 Forest School Leader training course aims to provide trainees with all the skills they’ll need to lead rich and creative Forest School sessions in a safe natural environment. Outline: The Level 3 course will prepare you to plan, deliver and monitor all aspects of a Forest School programme. We will discuss up to date theories on the Forest School approach to learning, the holistic development of Forest School learners and a positive attitude to risk taking. The practical outdoor learning will include tool use and the safe lighting, management and use of a campfire in a Forest School setting, safe use of a range of hand tools and a variety of outdoor games and activities. Also covered will be the identification of woodland flora and fauna, and the sustainable use of woodland resources within the context of Forest School. The course is structured around five units: • The curriculum that underpins the Forest School ethos. • The knowledge of child-centred learning and play in nature. • The planning and preparation key to successful sessions. • The range of practical skills supporting Forest School. • The knowledge that allows the sustainable use of woodlands and natural materials for learning. • Skills days to assess your practical skills. Applicable to: It is designed to meet the needs of teachers, youth workers, students, parents, carers and those interested in the ethos. What will I need for the course? The course will be predominately outside so please make sure you bring the following with you each day: • Packed lunch, water, and snacks. • Suitable outdoor clothing for weather conditions. • Stout shoes or boots. Please do not wear sandals. • A camera can be useful for recording some of the activities. • Notebook and pen. Entry requirements: Participants should be over 18 and have experience in working within an educational environment. That could be preschool education, youth work or have significant experience working with young people outdoors. Career change/starting from scratch? It is possible to enter and complete this course without previous experience, however this does come with hurdles. Please contact us to discuss this if you are still keen to follow this path. Prices: Cambium Registration fee - TBC Course fee - £1000 Duration: 8 practical days including 2 skill days 9.15am - 4.15pm. A coursework portfolio will need to completed 12 months after the last practical day. The course is running throughout the year. Confirmed dates for next training cohort: 27, 28, 29 June, 11, 12, 13, 19, 20 July. Further dates for future cohorts to be added.
Level 2
*You will receive Levels 1-2 inclusive in this course* Our accredited Level 2 Forest School Assistant training course aims to provide trainees with the knowledge and skill set to support the Forest School Leader. Outline: The Level 2 course will prepare you with the skills to effectively support a Forest School Leader in the delivery of Forest School sessions. We will discuss the Forest School approach to learning and a positive attitude to taking risks. Practical skills covered will include safe lighting, management, and use of a campfire in a Forest School setting, safe use of a range of tools and a variety of games and activities. Also covered will be the identification of woodland flora and fauna, and the sustainable use of woodland resources within the context of Forest School. The course will be run on Forest School principals, so you will see the Forest School ethos in action. There are 4 areas to cover: • The curriculum that underpins the Forest School ethos. • The knowledge of child-centred learning and play in nature. • Skills that support Forest School (fire, tools, knots, crafts). • Understanding the safe and sustainable use of woodlands and natural materials for learning. Applicable to: It is designed to meet the needs of teachers, youth workers, students, and others in providing preparation for further development and study to becoming a Forest School Leader. Entry requirements: Participants should be over 18 and have experience in working within an educational environment. That could be preschool education, youth work or have significant experience working with young people outdoors. Career change/starting from scratch? It is possible to enter and complete this course without previous experience, however this does come with hurdles. Please contact us to discuss this if you are still keen to follow this path. What will I need for the course? The course will be predominately outside so please make sure you bring the following with you each day: • Packed lunch, water and snacks. • Suitable outdoor clothing for weather conditions. • Stout shoes or boots. Please do not wear sandals. • A camera can be useful for recording some of the activities. • Notebook and pen. Price: £550 Duration: 5 practical days 9.15am - 4.15pm. A coursework portfolio will need to completed 12 months after the last practical day.
Level 1
This one-day course is designed to provide trainees with an introduction to the Forest School ethos and learning outdoors. Outline: The Level 1 course will provide you with the skills necessary to become an effective member of a Forest School delivery team. We will discuss the Forest School approach to learning, risk management and the impacts of Forest School on a woodland environment. Practical skills covered will include safe lighting, management and use of a campfire in a Forest School setting, safe use of a range of tools and a variety of games and activities. The course will be run on Forest School principals, so you will see the Forest School ethos in action. The course will cover: • Basic practical woodland skills. • Methods of identifying woodland species. • Exploration of the importance of play, creativity, and child-centred approaches in Forest School activities. Applicable to: It is designed to meet the needs of teachers, youth workers, students, and others in providing preparation for further development and study to becoming a Forest School Leader. Entry Requirements: There are no entry requirements for this Level, anyone can join! What will I need for the course? Please make sure you bring the following with you each day: • A packed lunch, water, and snacks. • Notebook and pen. • A computer and access to the internet and zoom (if online). Price: £25 Duration: 1 practical day over zoom or in-person at Selsdon.