Level 3 Forest school leader training: Frequently asked questions

Q: I don’t have a site or client group in mind to run my six pilot sessions. Is this okay?

A: We recommend that you have a good idea of where and how you will run your pilot sessions before you start the course. There are many ways to approach finding a site and group; some run their sessions at their settings if they already work in childcare or education or with groups; some approach local landowners or their local authority, explaining that they will have training, insurance and a handbook in place before their pilot sessions start. Groups need to have at least 8 learners and ideally no more than 16. These can be people you already know. You are also welcome to run your pilot sessions at your site with our learners - please contact us to discuss this.

Q: I already have a paediatric first aid certificate, is this enough?

A: In order to pass the course, you will need a 16 hour (2 day) Outdoor or Forest School specific, with Paediatric first aid certificate. We can recommend local course providers and may also run a course at our site, which you will be informed about.

Q: How academic is the course? Will I need to write a lot of essays?

A: The course does have a significant academic element, but the support from your tutors continues throughout. After the initial five practical training days, the written coursework begins. (Academically, as a Level 3 course, this is at the level of an A Level).

To complete the portfolio, you will need to do some background reading about flora and fauna, child development and learning theories, play and forest school research. We will help and guide you with this and provide book recommendations (and direct links to online files for free where possible). As someone wanting to become a forest school practitioner, this reading should be interesting rather than onerous, helping to develop your knowledge and skills.

You will also need to write your forest school handbook, which will include writing policies and procedures. We support and guide you through face-to-face and Zoom call training, and comprehensive templates with aspects to consider. A large portion of the portfolio is reflective, writing about the experiences you have had with your learners during your pilot sessions.

We recognise that some learners may find written work challenging for a variety of reasons, and we work to ensure our course is as inclusive as possible for learners with different styles and needs. Some portfolio pieces may be submitted in a different format, such as video or recorded discussions with your tutor. Please contact us for more information.

Q: How much time will I need to dedicate to the course?

A: In addition to the practical days in the woods, there are regular evening Zoom calls to support with coursework (these are recorded for those who cannot attend). Coursework deadlines are roughly every month, so you should expect to be working on a written piece throughout the course. We have found that spacing out the deadlines works far better than leaving it until the end of the course, as it allows us as tutors to feed back throughout, and manages the workload for students. In addition to the written work, you will need to practice and maintain your practical skills such as nature ID, tool use, knots and firelighting, including creating four artefacts from natural materials. We would advise that those who have full time work and/or family commitments may need to plan how they will make time for their individual study throughout the year.

Q: Do I have to meet the portfolio deadlines that are spread through the year?

A: The deadlines are carefully structured and ordered, to give students the most time in which to run their pilot sessions, and to give ongoing feedback and support. We believe that the modular approach gives students the best chance of success. We do however understand that life happens and that some deadlines may need to be adjusted for some students. Please do keep in contact with us regarding this. 

Q: Are the results of the course graded?

A: There are no grades associated with this course; only a pass or not. Students are given multiple opportunities for their work to be reviewed throughout the course, before the final deadline. If the deadline cannot be met, extensions will be considered (there is a fee for this, please see our policy documents).

Q: I will be working in a setting where we will not be using tools and / or lighting fires. Is this course for me?

A: Forest school is an ethos and pedagogy which involves risk, but it is not essential to use tools or fire as part of this. However, in order to pass the course, students do need to learn, practice and be assessed on their use of tools and fire and the risk management of these. We often remind students that this course trains them to run forest school anywhere and with anyone; you may not be working in your current setting or with your current client group forever, and this course prepares you for the potentially varied life of a forest school practitioner!

Q: Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?

A: As mentioned, students will need to book and pay for their own first aid qualification. You will also need appropriate insurance to cover you for your six pilot sessions. Other costs may include books (though we strive to provide links to documents for free), tools and outdoor clothing. You will need to access tools (such as axe, whittling knife and saw) to practice your practical skills. If you will find this difficult, please contact us as we may be able to support with this. 

Q: There are a lot of course providers around, with varying costs. How do I choose a training provider?

A: Level 3 courses do vary according to the trainers’ specialist skills, the accreditation body and the level of contact / support time offered. Have a look at the amount of contact time given from the trainer, the amount of support given with coursework, whether or not the trainer visits to observe one of your pilot sessions, and whether there is a practical skills assessment at the end of the course. We have made the decision to maximise the contact time and support given - our aim is to train first-class forest school practitioners and we believe the content of our training goes above and beyond the required elements. We also aim to create lasting relationships with our students, inviting them back for our training days and networking and skillshare events. 

Q: Do I need to attend all of the sessions of the course?

A: Yes, attendance at all sessions is essential. We have a 90% attendance policy to pass the course. In the case of illness or life events please contact us to arrange a solution.