Exact dates (8 practical days):  28th, 29th, 30th, 31st, 1st July & 4th, 5th, 6th August 2025

Our accredited Level 3 Forest School Leader training course provides trainees with all of the skills that they’ll need to lead rich and creative Forest School sessions, in a safe and 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.

FSIL Unique Selling Point - as part of your practical learning, you will get to observe a real life Forest School session! Conducted at Totstars Forest School Nursery, by FSIL-trained Forest School Leaders.

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.

Entry requirements:

Participants should be over 18 and ideally have experience 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 logistical hurdles. Please contact us to discuss this if you are still keen to follow this path.

What we will need in advance:

• Proof of identification.

• Evidence of DBS check - be in the certificate itself, or confirmation from your organisation that they have received it as part of your employment. 

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.

• Suitable trainers or outdoor boots. Please do not wear sandals.

• A camera can be useful for recording some of the activities.

• Notebook and pen.

Price:

Cambium Registration fee: £208.80

Course: £900

Total: £1108.80

Duration:  8 practical days including 2 skill days. 

Self funded: self-funded trainees can pay via 4 direct debit payments. The initial £250 payment is a non-refundable deposit, followed by 3 monthly payments of £286.26.

Post-practical days:

A coursework portfolio will need to be completed 12 months after the last practical day. For this element of the course, you are entitled to 20 hours of guided learning with your trainer.