Forest School Training and Practice: A Guide by an Experienced Facilitator

If you wish to know more about Forest School and what it entails, the Forest School Association is a good place to start. I trained in 2010 with the West Sussex Wildlife Trust while working for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. Since then, I have been planning and facilitating Forest School programs since 2011, alongside broader environmental and outdoor education since 2001. A video introduction to Forest School can also be watched here.

Since my initial training, I have continuously delivered Forest School sessions across many age groups, from preschool to Key Stage 3. I regularly work with several Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools throughout the academic year, adapting to the changes across the seasons.

My aim is to offer and facilitate bespoke programs for groups and learners within the individual sessions and overall program. This is achieved through careful observation and reflection of participants. I strive to align my Forest School practice as closely as possible with the criteria and principles set by the Forest School Association. You can find these principles here. I am also a member of the Forest School Association.

To ensure my work, practice, and continual professional development remain progressive, I engage with and learn from the global community of Forest School practitioners.

Drop us an email, if you are interested in Forest School provision, Forest school training, First Aid courses as listed or IQA services.
If you want to be informed of upcoming course(s) please contact us, we will not fill up your inbox. Please email me here.

 

About the Forest School Course

This training course is essential for anyone wishing to lead Forest School programmes in their own setting. It covers learning theory and practical skills, plus gives participants the confidence and knowledge needed to establish and deliver their own Forest School programmes.

Our Forest School Leader Training is run by experienced leader and trainer, Adrian Goodhand, and accredited by the awarding body QNUK. An endorsed trainer with the Forest School Association. The course covers a combination of practical skills (tool use, fire lighting, campfire cooking, knot tying, identifying and using natural materials etc.) and theoretical skills (holistic development, self esteem theory, learning theory, learning through play etc.). The course also covers how to set up a Forest School programme, risk management and sustainable use of woodlands. 

Our  Forest School Leader (Level 3) training course is run over a number of months to help participants take on board the course learning, spread the coursework assignment load and reflect on their training. Level 3 trainees receive at least 10 days of training, split into modules. In addition to the training days, participants will be required to set up their own 6 week pilot Forest School programme and submit a coursework portfolio within 12 months of starting the training to Level3 or ‘A’ level standard. The course is described as 24 days worth of work – 10 days attending the training days and the rest is self directed learning time.

What is special about our Forest School Training?

  • We deliver our training in a ‘forest school way’ – over time, in an achievable format and with support.
  • We keep the group size small, with a maximum of 12 students per course.
  • As well as the 9 to 10 training days for Level 3 students, we offer a portfolio support day.
  • Our tutor will also support students via phone, email or internet video calls to provide help with particular assignments and skills.  
  • We offer discounted combined Forest School and Paediatric First Aid Training for students doing their Forest School Training at our centre and ongoing discounts of CPD courses. 

How to apply

  • Email courses@coastandforest.co.uk for an application form link and to arrange a time for an informal conversation.
  • Conversation – we like to talk to all possible course participants, we are simply looking to make sure that you understand the course timeline, the undertaking, and to answer any of your questions.
  • Then complete application form and payment of the deposit.
  • Payment of the full course fee is due by enrolment on the first day. We are more thany happy to discuss spreading payments between time of booking and course start date.

Level 3 entry requirements

Level 3 Forest School Leader candidates must: 

  • Be aged 21 years or over; 
  • Have access to a group with whom they will run an introductory 6-week Forest School Programme. 
  • Experience of working with children in an educational setting, not necessarily outdoors, it is highly recommended to volunteer with a Forest school if you can.

Before delivering their 6-week pilot Forest School programme, candidates must also:

  • Hold a current enhanced DBS 
  • Hold a current and valid First Aid certificate (minimum 2-day Outdoor First Aid or 2-day Paediatric First Aid).  We offer a combined Forest School and Paediatric First Aid course as an optional add-on to the Forest School Training.