Level 3 Forest School Leader Training

Children of the Forest — September 2025 Cohort

Course Format & Delivery

Course title: Forest School Leader Training Level 3 at Children of the Forest

The qualification is accredited through AIM Qualifications.

You can view the full qualification specification here:
📄 Course Specification PDF

The course runs over a 10-month academic year, starting in September 2025 and finishing by September 2026. Learners attend:

  • 10 in-person training days, delivered across:

    • September 2025: Sundays 14th, 21st, and 28th

    • March 2026: Sundays 1st, 8th, and 15th

    • June 2026: Sundays 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th

This seasonal structure gives learners hands-on experience across weather conditions, outdoor environments, and shifting group dynamics. It also allows time to absorb, reflect, apply, and return with questions throughout the year.

Online Check-ins:

Between training blocks, learners join monthly Zoom calls arranged at mutually convenient times. These check-ins support coursework, confidence, and community.

Site Visit Option:

Each learner is offered an optional site visit from their tutor. This is not a formal observation, but a supportive consultation. It may focus on:

  • Site design

  • Individual learner support

  • Communicating with senior leadership

  • Any area of challenge or curiosity in your setting

Study Expectations:

Learners should plan for around 96 guided learning hours over the year. Some complete coursework alongside training, others wait until later in the process — this is entirely up to the learner.

Entry Requirements

We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds. If you’re unsure whether now is the right time, you’re encouraged to book a free discovery call.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Aged 19 or older

  • Level 2 English and Maths (or equivalent) recommended

  • DBS check must be in place before starting your practical placement

  • 16+ hour Outdoor First Aid is required before delivering sessions (can be gained during the course)

Previous Experience:

No prior Forest School or outdoor experience is required. The course adapts to the needs and strengths of each cohort.

Placement Access:

You’ll need access to:

  • A group of 8–16 children

  • A site suitable for delivering Forest School sessions

You must deliver:

  • Six 2-hour Forest School sessions with the same group

We can support learners in finding a site or group if needed. For those completing their placement with Children of the Forest, a 12-week volunteer commitment is required (6 weeks observing, 6 weeks leading).

Digital Requirements:

  • Reliable internet access

  • Ability to use Zoom

  • Comfortable uploading documents or media

Alternative arrangements (e.g. paper submissions or video-based work) can be made to meet individual needs.

Assessment & Portfolio

This course is pass/fail, assessed via a flexible digital portfolio built over the year.

Submission:

Each learner is given a personal Google Drive folder with templates. You can:

  • Use the templates provided

  • Submit in your own format (e.g. journals, presentations, artwork, recordings)

Acceptable Evidence Includes:

  • Written work: session plans, risk assessments, reflections

  • Photos, videos, creative work

  • Zoom recordings of discussions with your tutor

  • Alternative formats that clearly meet assessment criteria

You can read the official unit breakdowns here:

Feedback & Sign-off:

  • Unlimited submissions and feedback are included

  • Once a piece of work meets requirements, it is signed off

  • Learners can submit work any time during the course

Practical Skills:

Some practical elements (e.g. fire lighting, tool use, knots) must be demonstrated. This usually happens during in-person days, but video evidence is also accepted if needed.

Final Deadline:

  • Portfolios are due 12 months from course start

  • Extensions are available:

    • 12 months additional time

    • £200 extension fee

Course Fee & What’s Included

Total Cost: £999

This includes:

  • 10 days of face-to-face training

  • Access to all templates and materials

  • Ongoing tutor support

  • Optional site visit

  • All feedback and assessment

Learners arrange their own First Aid and DBS check.

Payment Options:

Payment is due in full at booking. However, the website offers Klarna, ClearPay, and other payment options to spread the cost.

Discounts:

We offer discounts for:

  • Minority group applicants

  • Learners topping up from a previous Level 2 course

Contact us to check your eligibility.

Refund Policy:

Our full cancellation and refund terms are included in our Terms & Conditions, linked during the booking process.

How to Apply

Visit our website at children-of-the-forest.com and head to the Level 3 course booking section.

Spaces are limited to 10–12 participants for each cohort. Bookings remain open until the course is full or begins in September 2025.

Discovery Calls:

Want to chat before committing? You can book a free discovery call on the course page. It’s a great way to explore if this path is right for you.

What Happens After Booking:

  • You’ll receive an automated confirmation email

  • Follow-up emails will guide you through next steps and preparation