Level 3 - Forest School Practitioners Award
Training to become a Forest School Leader
HomeTo be a Forest School Leader it is important to undertake the necessary training.
Before you can lead Forest Schools, you need a first aid qualification.
First Aid update –list of recommended providers
Andy Forsyth/ITC andy_forsyth@hotmail.co.uk or 07977 287006 www.itcfirstaid.org.uk
Sam Iskander www.firstaid4life.com
Anubis www.anubis.uk.com
ACORN www.acornsafety.co.uk/Courses/FirstAid
Sarah Jones sarah@cambiumsustainable.co.uk
(we will add any other providers that provide the recommended 16 hour first aid in the outdoors with paediatrics for FS Practitioners.)
Those embarking on the Level Three Forest School Practitioner course will need to ensure that they have appropriate and adequate First Aid training - see guidance below. This training will need to be updated every three years and, as recommended by the HSE, refreshed on an annual basis.
Paediatric First Aid in Outdoor Settings course is a most important source of information and advice for anyone encountering a medical emergency in a non-traditional setting such as Forest School. Improvisational first aid skills are crucial to a successful outcome. This course will equip participants with skills and strategies to care for the infants, children and adults involved both in indoor and outdoor activities.
The Paediatric First Aid in Outdoor Settings course is designed to meet the recommendations of the HSE Health and Safety First Aid at Work Regulations for Appointed Persons in the Workplace. This course also meets the first aid requirements of the Department for Children, Schools and Families for First Aid in Schools.
Providing the organisation has a first aid at work appointed person then the most appropriate first aid qual is the above as it does cover adults and is more appropriate than the straight first aid at work certificate.
Level 3 Training Providers
Most trainers offering Open College Network qualifications in Forest Schools now belong to the Forest School Training Network. The Network was started in 2006 and recommends the following for trainers delivering Level 3 courses:
Active membership of the OCN Training Network including attendance at annual moderation/standardisation meeting and willingness to share good practice.
FEI recognised Training/Qualifications
Training providers for FEI recognised Forest School qualifications.
Level 3 - Forest School Practitioners Award
90 hours
Courses may also be available on a part-time basis (eg evening classes). Building on the previous knowledge and experience of participants, the training covers a wide variety of subjects from child development to fire lighting and Health & Safety.
Level 1
40 hours
This course is ideal for those who wish to support a Forest School Leader.
Level 4 -OCN (Open College Network) Units
Archimedes ran their first Level 4 OCN training course from 14th - 18th January 2008. Please contact Archimedes directly for further details of future courses. Please note there are other routes for becoming a Forest School trainer. For details of the next meeting for all Forest School trainers, please contact your local FEI coordinator.
OCN (Open College Network) Units
Forest School Leaders with a least one years experience looking for qualification to train Forest School Leaders.
Level 3 - Forest School Practitioners Award
90 learning hours
Qualification to become Forest School Leader.
Two courses available; one general and one child-care based.
Entry Requirements
Any level 2 relevant qualification i.e. Forest School, PGCE, CACHE, Play work, Youth Work, Probation, Care, Woodland/Countryside Management and 2 years experience of working with client group or Portfolio including references and evidence.
Course Content
This award will enable you to run an alternative or complementary curriculum within the outdoors. If you have relevant level 2 qualifications, and are over 21 years of age, you can work with your chosen client group and run your Forest School independently. If you do not have current level 2 qualifications we can advise you on what qualification you may need.
During this time you can run Forest School for young people providing a teacher or other qualified adult accompanies the group.
Practical work in outdoor areas level 3
Child development and learning in the outdoors level 3
Promoting Self Esteem in outdoor areas level 3
Development and learning in the outdoors level 3
Emotional learning level 3
Working in outdoor areas with young people displaying anti-social and challenging behaviour level 3
Level 3 Forest School Practitioners Award consists of 6 units of which you need to complete 5.
You can opt to do:
Child Development Unit (if you are working with children aged 3-8 years) or
Working with young people with learning difficulties or those displaying anti-social and challenging behaviour, or in mainstream school in outdoor areas.When you have completed Level 3 you will be qualified to deliver Level 1 Forest School Skills Award.
If you have completed Level 3 and have a formal teaching qualification you will be able to deliver Level 2 Assistant Forest School Practitioners Award.
If you have completed Level 3 and have an assessment qualification you will be able to assess students at Levels 1 and 2.
If you have completed Level 3, have assessment and teaching qualifications you will be able to assess at Level 3 (but not teach).
Level 2 - Assistant Forest School Practitioners Award
60 learning hours
Qualification that will enable you to assist a Forest School Leader.
Two courses available; one general and one childcare based.
Entry Requirements
Either Level 1 or previous experience working with chosen client group.
Course Content
This award is for students who wish to assist the Forest School Practitioner. This qualification forms two-thirds of the Practitioners qualification and can be used as prior learning if required.
Practical work in outdoor areas level 2.
Child development and learning in the outdoors level 2.
Development and learning in the outdoors level 2.
Level 1 - Forest School Skills Award
Student Entry criteria for Level 1 (for those who may help out at a FS setting)
Unit reference and title
England: GA1/1/MR/001 – Introduction to Forest School
Wales: GC91CY002 – Introduction to Learning and Development at Forest School
Entry Level
30 learning hours
An Introduction to Forest School for people with additional Learning needs.
Entry Requirements
No qualifications needed
Course Content
This qualification is for people with learning difficulties and disabilities. Practical work in outdoor areas.
