Qualifications and training

Forest School Qualifications and levels

Level 3 Forest School Leader

This qualification is considered essential for those wishing to lead a Forest School with young people, children or adults. It is accredited by ITC First and recognised by the Forest School Association. On successful completion of the course, students will be awarded the Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders. Accreditation of this qualification will be either with Aim or with ITC First. Full details are available from the awarding bodies websites Aim Forest School Leader or ITC First Forest School Leader.
Content is a carefully structured mix of theory and practical activity, delivered over 10 face to face teaching 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 in running the first 6, weekly, pilot sessions of a longer Forest School programme. You will need to show evidence of how you have adapted your programme to the emerging needs and interests of your participants.

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 into five units:

• Delivery of a Forest School programme

• Forest School programmes and the woodland environment

• Learning and development at Forest School 

• Planning a Forest School programme

• Practical skills for a Forest School programme

In addition to the taught sessions students are required to carry out background reading and research and complete a Forest School workbook which includes all aspects of the study programme.

Other requirements

Students must complete a two day outdoor Paediatric First Aid course

Students must be aged 21 or over

Students must hold a current DBS certificate.

For details of our planned Level 3 courses and how to book a place click here. 

• Practitioners already holding a L2 Forest School Qualification may be able to do a 5 day “top up” course with us to gain the Forest School Leader Qualification.

• It is not necessary to hold the L2 qualification before taking the L3 course.

​Level 2 Forest School Assistant

This qualification is for people who want to help at Forest School, but not take on the full responsibilities of the Forest School leader.  It is great for committed staff, volunteers and sometimes parents who are interested and it offers a good grounding in Forest School.  It includes 5 days of training and some course work where students assist at 3 sessions of an established Forest School.  

The course is structured int 2 units

Unit 1: Understanding how Forest School and Forest School experiences can support learning and development and being able to perform the role of a Forest School Assistant.

Unit 2: Sustainable woodland management, risk assessment and carrying out practical task such as using tools, erecting shelters and safe fire siting at 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.

​Students are awarded the L2 Forest School Assistant qualification, again either through Aim or ITC First. Full qualification details are available from the awarding bodies websites Aim Forest School Assistant or ITC First Forest School Assistant

For details of our planned Level 2 courses and how to book a place click here.

Level 1 Introduction to Forest School (not currently being run by Under the Hazels)

If Forest School is a new concept to you, then the level 1 training course may be a good starting point. This is a 2-day training course.