Forest School Training Level 3
Get the knowledge, understanding and skills you need for employment as a Forest School Leader.
Your training will combine fundamental principles of Forest School with best practice from environment and nature education, child development and wild, free and therapeutic play.
For any questions please email us
or call 01273 814226
Who is Forest School Training Level 3 for?
Forest School Training Level 3 is for people who understand the importance of play and the outdoors for children’s health and wellbeing and capacity to learn. Also, that giving children opportunities to experience nature is a prerequisite for caring for nature.
Teachers, Health workers, Youth workers, Playworkers, Rangers, Ecologists & Teaching assistants with significant experience of working with young people or adults (at least two years).
Testimonials
The Forest School Leadership course with Circle of Life Rediscovery is one of those experiences that has formed a turning point in the way I view the world. I can no longer go into the woods or a natural space without being curious about its flora and fauna and without wanting to play. I would highly recommend the course both for being something really fun to do, as well providing a thorough grounding and starting point in the practices of Forest School.
A great balance of theory and practical skills. Just truly an amazing experience, I feel confident to now deliver sessions.
I loved how all the participants were bought together through activities, games and music and how I have noticed nature at a different level. There was an excellent combination of outdoor and classroom lessons.
What you’ll learn
Forest School Training Level 3 gives you all the practical and planning skills you need to run a Forest School:
- Child development theory
- Observation and listening to children
- The benefits of the outdoors and play
- How to create your Forest School handbook
- How to develop policies and risk assessments
- Woodland stewardship and management
How Forest School Training Level 3 training works
Your training will take place across seasons so that you can experience nature and what’s possible throughout the year.
During the course, you’ll complete:
- Written work including short assignments
- Risk assessments and health and safety policies
- Practice files
- Reflective logs
- Practical demonstrations
- A pilot programme designed, run and assessed by you.
And take part in group discussions.
Forest School Level 3 Training equips you to provide a safe, fun and professional experience for your young people outdoors.
The course will inspire both you and your groups to be curious about life, learning and nature.
Testing your skills and knowledge
Six Forest School pilot sessions form part of your assessment. During your pilot sessions, you’ll find and assess woodland/nature space and plan and deliver Forest School sessions based on your observations of the children. After that, you’ll write up your pilot.
Tips for pilot studies
- To carry out a pilot, you need to be covered by insurance. Therefore, we recommended you carry out your pilot sessions within an established organisation or school (we can help you with this).
- Think about your options in advance. Know we can support you in finding a suitable placement.
- Build confidence during your six pilot sessions with peer support. Share knowledge. Improve your understanding. Work together to complete tasks.
Course Details
| Number of units | 5 |
| Credit value | 18 |
| How long will it take? |
One year to complete 180 hours in total.
|
| Cost | £995 A deposit of £200 is required to secure your place. Full payment if within 60 days of the training start date. |
Course Features
- 8 face to face training days
- 3 webinars
- Access to our online learning resources
- Video materials
- Links to best practice
- A student upload area to share valuable resources
- Downloadable resources for you to keep
Recognised certification, approved by the Forest School Association and awarded by ITC First.
Your Forest School Level 3 training facilitators
Our tutors are dedicated, experienced and, best of all, have up to date knowledge of Forest School and environmental education, as well as issues relating to mental health.
Trainers include Circle of Life Rediscovery Director Marina Robb, Mark Lloyd, Jennie Lamb and Anna Richardson.
Marina is co-author of The Essential Guide To Forest School & Nature Pedagogy (2021) and also co-authored the popular, ‘Learning with Nature: A how-to guide to inspiring children through outdoor games and activities’ (2015) with Anna Richardson.
Why get a Forest School training certification?
Learn how to apply outdoor learning to the curriculum
Forest School Training Level 3 provides a complete foundation to working in nature with groups of children of all ages and capabilities.
Once qualified, you’ll be able to take out groups of young people, families and adults outdoors, enabling them to discover the natural world, increase their learning, confidence and sense of wellbeing.
Develop your career
Qualified Forest School leaders work in schools, colleges, charities, health-based organisations, early years, older groups, nature-based organisations, social services, playwork, and independently.
What about first aid and DBS requirements?
Participants should also have access to a group with whom they will run a six-week Forest School Programme.
All participants must be DBS checked and hold a first aid certificate by the end of the training.
This can be a 16-hour ITC outdoor first aid certificate or equivalent.
A tailored two-day First Aid in the Outdoors, delivered and certified by a provider registered with the HSE, is also acceptable.
We can provide this during the training (at an additional cost of £140). For more details about our 16-hour Forest School ITC First Aid course please click here.
I’d like more detail. Download our unit guides
Download Forest School Programme: Delivery
Credits 3; GLH 27; TQT 30
Download Forest School Programme: Learning and Development
Credit 6; GLH 50; TQT 60
Download Forest School Programmes: Planning and Preparation
Credits 3; GLH 27; TQT 30
Download Forest School Programmes: Practical Skills
Credit 3; GLH 26; TQT 30
Download Forest School Programmes: The Woodland Environment
Credit 3; GLH 25; TQT 30
Next Forest School Training Level 3 Course Dates
Parts 1 and 2 take place at our stunning woodland located at Mill Woods, near Laughton, East Sussex, BN8 6BP.
November 2022 Course Dates
Webinar 1:
Welcome & Course Overview & Theory Group
Wednesday 2nd November 2022
5.00pm to 6.00pm
Part 1 in the woods:
10th, 11th and 14th, 15th November 2022
8.45am – 3.30pm/4.00pm
Webinar 2:
Monday 21st November 2022
5.00pm – 6.30pm
Webinar 3:
Monday 20th February 2023
5.00pm – 6.30pm
Part 2 in the woods:
2nd, 3rd and 6th, 7th March 2023
8.45am – 3.30pm/4.00pm
Cost: £995
March 2023 Course Dates
Webinar 1:
Welcome & Course Overview & Theory Group
Thursday 9th March 2023
5.00pm – 6.00pm
Part 1 in the woods:
23rd, 24th & 27th, 28th March 2023
8.45am – 3.30pm/4.00pm
Webinar 2:
Thursday 30th March
5.00pm – 6.30pm
Webinar 3:
Thursday 20th April
5.00pm – 6.30pm
Part 2 in the woods:
27th, 28th April & 2nd & 3rd May 2023
8.45am – 3.30pm/4.00pm
Cost: £995
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Why learn with Circle of Life Rediscovery
Circle of Life Rediscovery CIC has over 25 years of experience in training professionals and inspiring thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds into the outdoors in both the UK, Ireland, Portugal and SE Asia.
We are a leading organisation in nature connection and personal development. As such,we’ve received many grants and awards for our work with groups across different ages and backgrounds.
Our team also offers the Forest School Programme Leadership Level 3 Training in Ireland hosted by Forest School Ireland.
Bonus content
Sign up for Forest School Training Level 3 and get a 40% discount on The Outdoor Teacher’s Forest School Activities Online Training Course taught by Circle of Life Rediscovery founder, author and trainer Marina Robb.
Get 100 videos and resources and step by step instructions
Get a bumper pack of additional inspiring activities and ideas to use in your Forest School sessions
Refresh core skills from your Level 3 training