During the face-to-face training days a variety of teaching methods are used including:
• Presentation with follow up discussion for many of the theoretical aspects of the course,
• Instruction/ demonstration with opportunities to practice for many of the practical/ skills-based elements of the course.
During the face-to-face training days we provide all the necessary tools and safety
equipment for use by trainees. We ensure that they are appropriate and in good working
condition. Trainees need to come with a pair of sturdy boots (ideally safety boots), outdoor
clothing (including waterproofs) and a camera (optional but recommended). We provide a
journal, a course file and reference material or sources for all the theoretical topics covered
that trainees can refer to for their learning and written assignments. We also provide a
library for learners to access during the face-to-face sessions.
The assessments which take place during the training:
• Tutor observations during face-to-face training days.
• Interim assignments (normally four written assignments completed between the initial
training days and practical skills days)
• Practical Skills and Peer Assessment (during the practical skills days)
• Observation of trainees delivering one of the six sessions that they will deliver for their
‘Introduction to Forest School’ programme (the Mentoring Visit)
• Coursework Portfolio*
*Trainees have to complete a coursework portfolio containing evidence for the five units
which includes a number of written assignments and a site and group-specific handbook of
policies and procedures. Feedback from the interim assignments, a personal tutorial during
the practical skills assessment days and portfolio tutorials and workshops assist trainees with the writing of assignments. Further support is available via email.
Before you can qualify as a Level 3 Forest School Leader you must also hold a relevant
Outdoor/Forest School First Aid (OFA) Qualification. This is a 2-day course which equips you
with skills and strategies to care for the infants, children and adults involved both in indoor
and outdoor activities (a standard 1 day Paediatric First Aid or First Aid at Work certificate is
not sufficient). If you do not have this qualification, you can complete it as part of the course
(for £100) or book independently (most providers charge around £160).
It is good practice for Forest School Leaders to gain the knowledge and understanding of
food hygiene and skills in safe handling and cooking to enable them to safely cater at Forest
School for individuals and groups. During the Practical Skills Assessment Days trainees will
learn how to keep food and groups safe and how to comply with the legal requirements in an
outdoor setting where there may be no access to running water, refrigeration, or the facilities
associated with a catering kitchen. Charlotte is a qualified assessor for the Level 2 Outdoor
Food Safety Qualification and will assess trainees both practically and through a short
written test, enabling them to gain a Level 2 Certificate accredited by ITC First.
Mentoring Visit
Whilst you are running your 6-week ‘Introduction to Forest School’ programme, one of your
tutors will visit you at your site to provide mentoring support and guidance. They will observe
a session and provide written feedback relating to safety, leadership and your application of
the Forest School ethos and principles. An additional charge of £75.00 plus 45p mile is levied
for participants working outside a 50-mile radius of the training venue.