ITC Level 3 Certificate for
Forest School Leaders
Are you looking to gain the knowledge, understanding and skills and tools you need for employment as a Forest School Leader? Join our ITC Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders and gain your qualification with FSA Endorsed Trainer, Marina Robb and friends.
For any questions please email us
or call 01273 814226
Our Level 3 Certificate consists of 9 practical days training at our stunning woodland site in East Sussex, as well as 1 day online (3 separate webinar sessions). The practical days take place across the seasons so you can experience the woodland and nature throughout different times of the year. Students get fully involved from the onset!
Who is the ITC Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders for?
The Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders 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.
The course is suitable for Teachers, Health workers, Youth workers, Playworkers, Rangers, Ecologists & Teaching assistants with significant experience of working with young people or adults (at least two years).
Next ITC Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders Course Dates
Parts 1 and 2 plus our Development Days take place at our stunning woodland located at Mill Woods, near Laughton, East Sussex, BN8 6BP.
Public transport is now available to Mill Woods via the FelxiBus service. Why not consider travelling by train to Lewes then use the FlexiBus to travel to Laughton. Prior booking is essential using the Pingo app. See their website for details. Car sharing is also recommended to reduce cars on site.
March 2026 Course Dates
Webinar 1:
Welcome & Course Overview & Theory Group
Wednesday 9th March 2026 6.00pm to 7.00pm
Part 1 in the woods:
19th & 20th March 2026 (2 days with CLR Practitioners Mark and Helen)
8.30am – 5.00pm
Webinar 2:
6th May 2026
5.00pm – 7.00pm
Part 2 in the woods:
14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th May 2026 (5 days)
8.30am – 5.00pm
Webinar 3:
1st July 2026
5.00pm – 7.00pm
Part 3 in the woods:
9th & 10th July 2026 (2 days)
9.30am – 3.30pm
(Please note: Our beginning times for part 1-3 are often 8.30am and end by 5pm – this is to allow for set up practice and extra time where necessary)
Cost: £1,135
This course includes lifetime access to The Outdoor Teacher’s Forest School Activities Online Training Course taught by Circle of Life Rediscovery founder, author and trainer Marina Robb. Normal cost £297 + VAT.
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Testimonials
It's hard to think I won't be coming back to Mill Woods, such a stunning learning environment. This has been one of the best experiences of my career and has made me took at my classroom based teaching in a whole new light.
A wonderful laughter-filled knowledge experience. A time to relax and chill in the woods whilst connecting and learning so much. Marina and her team know their subject incredibly well and teach with such enthusiasm. If I could do it all over again, I would do it in a heartbeat.
This course has pushed me out of my comfort zone and opened up a whole new pathway for me I didn't think was possible. With amazing support from Marina and her team, I feel so much more confident in my abilities as a learner and practitioner. This work is so important for future generations.
Life is full of rushing and planning ahead but this course provides the tools to ensure we stop, take time to listen, see and hear what's around you and listen to what's happening within.
There aren't enough words to say how fantastic this course has been. I've felt so welcome. If you're thinking about doing this course, get yourself down to the woods and do it. You won't regret it.
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.
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.
What you’ll learn
The ITC Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders 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 the 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.
The ITC Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders 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 |
£1,135
New for 2025, this course includes lifetime access to The Outdoor Teacher’s Forest School Activities Online Training Course taught by Circle of Life Rediscovery founder, author and trainer Marina Robb. Normal cost £297 + VAT. |
Course Features
- 9 face to face training days
- 3 webinars
- Access to our online learning resources
- Video materials
- Links to best practice
- Downloadable resources for you to keep
Recognised certification, approved by the Forest School Association and awarded by ITC First.
Your 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, Helen Stringfellow, Jennie Lamb and Anna Richardson.
Marina Robb 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.
Find out more about our team here.
Why get an ITC Level 3 Certification?
Learn how to apply outdoor learning to the curriculum
The ITC Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders 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 £150). 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
UNIT 1 (D) Workbook FSP Practical Skills
Credits 3; GLH 27; TQT 30
UNIT 2 (E) Workbook FSP The Woodland Environment
Credit 6; GLH 50; TQT 60
UNIT 3 (B) Workbook FSP Learning And Development
Credits 3; GLH 27; TQT 30
UNIT 4 (C) Workbook FSP Planning And Preparation
Credit 3; GLH 26; TQT 30
UNIT 5 (A) Workbook FSP Delivery
Credit 3; GLH 25; TQT 30
Download our ITC Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders Qualification Specification
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, Portugal and SE Asia.
We are a leading organisation in nature connection and personal development. We’ve received many grants and awards for our work with groups across different ages and backgrounds.
Bonus content
New for 2025, this course includes lifetime access to The Outdoor Teacher’s Forest School Activities Online Training Course taught by Circle of Life Rediscovery founder, author and trainer Marina Robb. Normal cost £297 + VAT.
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
ITC Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders – Portugal
We work in partnership with the Associação Escola da Floresta in Portugal the next training starts in Autumn 2026, please find out more here.