Forest School training - Levels 1, 2 and 3
Click here for Forest School training
huathe offers Forest School training at Levels 1, 2, and 3. This enables our learners to choose the qualification that suits them best and to top up to leadership level if they wish.
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YOU DO NOT NEED TO START AT LEVEL 1!
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Levels 1 and 2 are for those wanting to know more about Forest School and for those interested in helping or supporting, but not leading.
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Level 3 gives you all the skills and knowledge you need to become a Forest School leader and take children out to the woods to learn. This is the most popular course.
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There is more information on each level below
Level 3 - Forest School
Leadership training
This course will equip you to lead Forest School with young people, children or adults. It is accredited by ITC First and recognised by the Forest School Association. It is considered essential for those wishing to lead Forest School. On successful completion of the course, students will be awarded ITC Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders.
Content is a carefully structured mix of theory and practical activity, over 10 face to face days, aiming to inspire students to achieve a heartfelt understanding of the Forest School ethos and to empower you to ‘go out there and do it’. As part of your training, we support you to prepare and run a pilot Forest School programme (once a week for 6 weeks), adapting to the learning needs of the children as the programme unfolds.
Training takes about nine months to complete and includes 110 hours of self study. Teaching input can be a mixture of long weekends or continuous block of days. We include active support for you to complete your training throughout the period of study.
The course is structured in five units:
1. Delivery of a Forest School programme
2. Forest School programmes and the woodland environment
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3. Learning and development at Forest School
4. Plannng a Forest School programme
5. Practical skills for a Forest School programme
Students will need to carry out background reading and research and complete a Forest School workbook which includes all aspects of the study programme. Students also need to complete a two day outdoor (Paediatric) First Aid course which is usually part of the course.
To be considered for Forest School Leadership Training you will first need:
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to be aged 21 or over
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to hold a Level 2 certificate in child care or youth work (or to have at least two years experience of working with children and a letter of recommendation from a teacher, playleader or nursery manager), or Qualified Teacher Status or Early Years Professional Status.
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a current DBS certificate
A list of our current Level 3 courses is here
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Level 2 is the course for people who want to help at Forest School, but not be the Forest School leader. It is great for committed staff, volunteers and sometimes parents who are interested and is a good grounding in Forest School. It includes 6 days of training and some course work where students assist at a 3 sessions of an established Forest School. Level 2 students are able to ‘top up’ to Level 3 with us – you do not need Level 2 to begin Level 3.
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Students are awarded ITC Level 2 Award for Forest School Assistants.
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Level 1: Introduction to Forest School
This is suitable for people who wish to know more about Forest School, but who don’t want to lead Forest School groups. It includes 3 days of training and includes observations of other Forest School sessions. Level 1 students are able to ‘top up’ to Levels 2 and 3 – you do not need to begin your journey here if you know you would like to be a Forest School Assistant or leader.
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Students are awarded ITC Level 1 Award in Forest School Ethos and Principles
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Level 2 Forest School Assistant
To apply for one of our courses read our Terms and Conditions and complete the application form here