This level 3 qualification is designed for those who would like to set up and run a Forest School programme and is equivalent to 'A' level standard.

Eligibility

To book this course, you will need:

• To be over 18 years old
• To hold a valid DBS certificate
• An established link with an educational facility or similar environment caring for children, young adults or people with additional needs
• Access to a woodland
• 2 years’ experience in an educational setting or alternative (you do not need to hold a teaching qualification) 

To complete the qualification you will need:

• A First Aid certificate in either Paediatric First Aid or Outdoor First Aid. This can be completed within the 9-month duration of the course, but must be complete before your qualification can be issued.

It is also recommended that all practitioners have a level 2 Food Hygiene certificate covering all aspects of preparing and cooking food (outdoors)

What to expect from the course:

• Attend 8 training days at Aughton Early Years Centre - 6 are theory and practical skills and 2 days are practical skills assessment
• You must complete a portfolio of evidence, within 9 months from the start date
• You must run a 6-session Forest School pilot programme in your chosen setting, which includes a work-based assessment by your Forest School trainer

We recommend you allocate 2 hours per week to Forest School activities over the course of the 9-month training period.  It is vital that your setting supports you in allocating this time to dedicate towards achieving your qualification.

The Forest School Accreditation

The course is accredited by Welsh OCN (Agored Cymru) and provides 19 credits within five Units of Study:

• Supporting Learning, Play and Development in the Natural Environments (5 Credits) Looking at theories of learning and how to support holistic development. How to raise self-esteem and develop emotional literacy in learners
• Observation & Evaluation of Forest School (2 Credits) Focussing on the use of different observational techniques and how these can be used to enhance children’s learning
• Sustainable Use & Management of Natural Resources (3 Credits) Looking at different ecological structures and threats to these systems. Identifying different species within these environments and relating this to your own site. Looking at the historic management of natural environments and how this is relevant to modern outdoor learning practice
• Teach Outdoor Practical Skills (3 Credits) This unit covers how to use the outdoor environment for learning and how to teach a range of practical woodland skills to others, including using tools and fire.
• Deliver Forest School (6 Credits) Looking at the recent history and context of Forest School, planning, delivering and evaluation of your own Forest School sessions. Writing policies and procedures to enable safe practice and reflecting on your own professional development.

If you have any queries with the course requirements, please do not hesitate to get in touch so we can discuss your situation and find a solution.

Training Dates:

The next course will start in September 2026.  

• Monday 7th & Tuesday 8th September 2026
• Monday 14th & Tuesday 15th September 2026
• Monday 21st & Tuesday 22nd September 2026
• Monday 28th & Tuesday 29th September 2026

Costs

• The cost of the level 3 course is £900 including VAT 
• The Forest School registration fee of £229.20 is included in this price
• The registration fee is paid at the time of booking to secure a place.
• The remaining fee will be invoiced separately and must be paid before the start of the course.

 Book Now

We advise the purchase of a kit bag containing items essential for you to successfully take part in the tool days and to practise your skills.  Please see links to the kit bags below:

The Individual Training Kit 

Deluxe Individual Training Kit 

A 5% discount off the retail price and a discount code will be provided once you are booked onto the course.