Level 3 Forest School Leader Training

Children of the Forest Prospectus

The qualification

This course leads to the AIM Qualifications Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders (610/7123/7). You can read the full qualification specification on the AIM website.

It covers how to facilitate groups in a learner-centred way, how to care for and manage a Forest School site sustainably, and the practical skills a Forest School Leader needs.

Two ways to train

Both courses lead to the same qualification, with the same 10 face-to-face days in our woodland near Uffculme, Mid Devon. Sessions run from 9am to 5pm.

  • Sunday course: 10 Sundays spread across the year, typically 3 in September, 3 in March or April and 4 across June and July. There's time between each block to try things out and come back with questions.

  • Intensive course: two full weeks, one in the Easter holidays and one at the start of the summer holidays. This format suits people travelling from further afield.

Exact dates for each course are on the booking pages.

Support between training days

Coursework support and catch-up sessions run over Zoom in the evenings, at times the group agrees. These sessions count towards your course hours.

Every learner can also have an optional site visit from me. It isn't a formal observation, more a supportive consultation, and it can cover:

  • site design

  • individual learner support

  • communicating with senior leadership

  • anything you're finding tricky in your setting

Study time

The course totals around 180 hours of study, as a rough guide:

  • 70 hours of face-to-face training

  • 49 hours of coursework

  • 12 hours running your pilot sessions

  • 12 hours of evening Zoom sessions

  • 37 hours of private practice: fire lighting, ropes and tarps, tool work and personal reflection

Everyone moves at their own pace.

Entry requirements

No prior Forest School or outdoor experience is needed. You'll need:

  • to be aged 18 or over when you enrol (AIM's rules mean you can't act as a Forest School Leader until you're 21)

  • Level 2 English and maths, or equivalent (recommended)

  • a DBS check in place before your pilot sessions

  • a 16-hour outdoor first aid certificate before you deliver sessions (you can complete this during the course)

Pilot sessions

AIM requires every learner to plan and deliver six pilot Forest School sessions. I recommend six sessions of around 2 hours with the same group of 8 to 16 learners, on a site suitable for Forest School.

You can run your pilots any time after the spring training days. If you don't have a group or a site, I can help you find one. If you'd like to pilot with Children of the Forest, it's a 12-week volunteer commitment: 6 weeks observing and 6 weeks leading.

Assessment and portfolio

The course is pass or fail, assessed through a portfolio of evidence and in-person observation. You'll get a personal Google Drive folder with templates, but you're welcome to submit in your own format, such as journals, presentations, artwork or recorded discussions with me.

The portfolio covers AIM's five units:

  • Planning and preparation

  • Learning and development

  • Delivery

  • Practical skills

  • Woodland as a learning environment

Practical skills are observed in person during the training days. Some pieces of coursework need to be done before your pilot sessions, and the rest after them, because they involve reflecting on how your pilots went.

Submissions and feedback are unlimited. Once a piece meets the criteria, I sign it off. Your portfolio is due 12 months from your first training day, and you can buy a 12-month extension for £200.

Cost and what's included

The course costs £1,100. That includes:

  • 10 days of face-to-face training

  • all templates and materials

  • tutor support and evening Zoom sessions

  • an optional site visit

  • all feedback and assessment

You arrange your own first aid course and DBS check. Payment is due when you book, but Klarna, Clearpay and other options let you spread the cost.

Discounts

There are discounts for applicants from minority groups and for learners topping up from a Level 2 course. Get in touch to check whether you're eligible.

Accommodation

There's no accommodation on site. Our travel and accommodation page lists nearby glamping, campsites and hotels.

How to apply

Each cohort has up to 15 places. You can book through our Bookings page, or book a free discovery call on the Forest School Leader Training page if you'd like to chat first. After booking you'll get a confirmation email, followed by emails guiding you through the next steps.