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Free Level 3 Forest School Leaders Course in March

CostFREE
Duration119 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyAim Awards awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 3 Forest School Leaders Course in March. Classes run at The March Community Centre, with part-time daytime sessions at a manageable pace. You must be over 21 with at least two years of experience working with children and a Level 2 certificate or above in childcare or teaching. There's a pre-course interview and informal telephone call before you start. The course takes around nine months, including ten days of training, a personal visit from a trainer, and independent study. It covers everything you need to plan and run your own Forest School sessions.

Who this course is for

Level 3 is the most popular course as it equips you to run Forest School. Students are teachers, Early Years Practitioners, Teaching and Learning Assistants, Headteachers, and sometimes Wildlife Experts or Rangers. The course takes around nine months to complete including ten days of training; a personal visit from one of the trainers and your study. You can begin your Forest School journey at this level.

Entry requirements

You must be over 21, with at least two years of experience working with children and a Level 2 certificate or above in child care or teaching. There will also be a pre-course interview and informal telephone call.

What you will learn

  • You'll learn how to plan and lead Forest School sessions safely and effectively.
  • You'll develop skills in risk assessment and managing outdoor environments.
  • You'll explore child development and how outdoor learning supports it.
  • You'll learn how to observe and document children's learning in a natural setting.
  • You'll build knowledge of woodland ecology and how to use it in sessions.
  • You'll practise practical bushcraft and nature-based activities suitable for different age groups.
  • You'll understand safeguarding responsibilities in an outdoor learning context.

How you will learn

Learning combines ten days of face-to-face training at The March Community Centre with independent study and a personal visit from one of the trainers. You'll be assessed through practical observations, written assignments, and a portfolio of evidence from your own Forest School sessions. Assessment is ongoing across the nine-month course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. The March Community Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Forest School Leader: plan and run sessions in schools or community settings.
  • Early Years Practitioner: outdoor learning specialism adds value in nursery roles.
  • Teaching Assistant: support class teachers with outdoor and nature-based activities.
  • Primary School Teacher: integrate Forest School into curriculum delivery.
  • Outdoor Education Instructor: work with children in nature-based programmes.
  • Wildlife Ranger or Countryside Officer: combine conservation work with education.
  • Play Worker: lead nature play in holiday clubs or after-school settings.

What you could study next

Once you hold the Level 3 Forest School Leaders Certificate, you could move into leadership or specialist roles that benefit from further study. A Level 4 or Level 5 qualification in Education and Training would support those moving into mentoring or teacher training. Early years practitioners may also consider a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for the Early Years, which supports management roles in childcare settings.

Apply on ebsontrackprospect-ccc.tribal-ebs.com →
Apply now →

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