ITC Level 3 Forest School Leader Training

• How to look after and maintain your tools for Forest School.
• How to demonstrate and risk assess your tools effectively.
• How to use the tools to make something useful.How to tie knots and lashing that will help you build an awesome forest school area.
• How to put up a tarpaulin shelter. Fire lighting and campfire cooking, including how do this safely and hygienically; as well as how to risk assess the activities.
• Looking at forest management and how to reduce the impact of forest school on the natural environment.
• How to risk assess your area for activities.
• Shelter building activities and risk assessments to do with this.
• Ideas of activities for leading your own sessions.
• How to plan and deliver engaging, fun, safe Forest School sessions

• Anyone Interested in Outdoor Education
• Anyone Looking For a Career Change
• Teachers
• Classroom Assistants
• Early Years Settings
• Childminders
• Youth group leaders
• Conservation workers
• Forest School Assistants

Completion of the practical course and required coursework qualifies you to work as a ITC Level 3 Forest School Leader. The Level 3 is equivalent to an A Level. This qualification is designed for those wanting to become a Forest School Leader or set up their own Forest School. It comprises of five units that are designed to qualify a learner to become a Forest School Leader, enabling them to plan and deliver a Forest School programme.

Trainees need to have a DBS check, be aged 21 or over and have some experience working with children and young people.

There is no expectation that you hold a level 1 or 2 in order to access this course.

Trainees will also need to support a minimum six Forest School sessions in order to complete their Forest School Leader coursework.

Forest School First Aid and Paediatric First aid is compulsory even if you hold a First Aid qualification.
Forest School First Aid training covers practical skills needed by those who work with children, providing the confidence and knowledge to deal with comprehensive life-saving first aid emergencies in the outdoor environment, including first aid for adult helpers. The complementary Paediatric first aid qualification satisfies Early Years Foundation Stage practice guidance and statutory guidelines.
Both First Aid qualifications are now available with The Outdoors Group at an additional cost, however you can complete with an alternative provider should you wish to.

Learn more about Forest School First Aid and Paediatric First aid

• That all staff are suitable, highly skilled and passionate with a broad range of specialist qualifications and experience
• To always have a qualified first aider on site
• To provide the best toilets in the woods!
• To always provide the best beverages–filter coffee not instant!
• To create a sense of community and that you will leave feeling inspired and positive
• To continue to support you before, during and after your learning journey with us
• That our training will reflect the needs of our students

Where do I do my six practical sessions?

If you have your own setting (for example if you work in a school or nursery), you can do your six sessions there but if you don’t have access to a Forest School site and/or children, you can apply to volunteer at one of our sessions for a half term block in order to fulfil this part of your coursework.

Do I need to do First Aid?

The Forest School and Paediatric First Aid course is compulsory and is a separate qualification, even if you already have a first aid qualification. Most insurers require Forest School Leaders to have a Paediatric and Forest School First Aid qualification in order to deliver sessions.

Shall I do Level 2 or Level 3?

This is entirely up to you but Level 2 only qualifies you to assist at Forest School sessions whereas Level 3 qualifies you to plan and deliver your own sessions.

Is there accommodation near the training venue?

Exmouth Forest School is conveniently located between Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton so there are plenty of campsites, air bnbs and hotels nearby if you don’t live locally.

How long do I have to complete the course and what does the coursework involve?

You have a year to complete your written portfolio which contains a mix of different work from risk assessments and woodland management work to questions on child learning and development theory as well as evidencing your practical skills.

Do you offer any post-practical course support?

We run free termly written and practical coursework support days for trainees to attend to get some extra support with their portfolio.

What is the difference between Forest School Leader Level 2 and 3? 

Level 2

• GCSE equivalent
• Qualifies you to be a Forest School Assistant
• 3 sessions needed as part of coursework portfolio (these are practical taught sessions with a small group of children)
• £660
• Minimum age of trainee: 18

Level 3

• A-Level equivalent
• Qualifies you to be a Forest School Leader
• 6 sessions needed as part of coursework portfolio (these are practical taught sessions with a small group of children)
• £900
• Minimum age of trainee: 21