Ofqual regulated qualifications developed by qualified teachers
Active Glos
Not-for-profit
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University Of Glos
5* Reputation
Our trainees are our best advocates; they give us 5 stars
Train in a working setting
Complement theory with practical sessions alongside children
Train to lead Forest School with the Level 3 qualification
What does training look like at Inspired?
Gain confidence
Learning outside the classroom
Using traditional Scandinavian methods
Learn to Lead Forest School
Join us as you achieve your Ofqual regulated Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification. Internationally recognised, this qualification allows you to run sessions with all age ranges, in a number of countries throughout the world.
2024-07-09
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great instruction, clear and contextual.
2024-07-09
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
An amazing and life changing course! I couldn't recommend the Level 3 Forest School Practitioner course enough. Shane provides expert guidance and a really strong support system to complete the qualification. He really makes sure you understand the ethos of Forest School and empowers you to make it your own.
2024-06-10
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The course was everything I hoped it would be and more! Shane has a wealth of knowledge to share and the course sets you up perfectly to run your own Forest School with confidence. The 5 practical days and invaluable and the course guide that Shane has developed is great to keep you on track and supported with assignments. It was such a fun course to complete! Thank you Shane and Mark for setting this up and bringing the teachings of Sweden to Gloucestershire! I would highly recommend this course to anyone who is passionate about the outdoors and wants to ignite this in others!
Lauren
2024-06-08
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
A great course for building the skills and confidence to deliver authentic forest school sessions effectively. The hands on nature of the practical training day was excellent and Shane was a patient and extremely knowledgeable guide. There is a lot of independent study but the online guidance and Shane's ready availability at the end of an email really helped me to plot my way through. Thanks to Shane for all his patience and guidance and to Mark as well for his support.
If you can, give it a go!
Tony
2024-06-05
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I started with an idea of what Forest School is and ended up with lots of new information that I didn't expect! Now I feel more confident about future projects and I know that I can count on Shane's support and suggestions if necessary. I recommend this course especially for those who want clarification on the practical part relating to the management of a Forest School. :)
2024-05-10
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I cannot recommend this course enough, having been teaching outdoor education for some years now I can honestly say that Shane is a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic at producing excellent forest schools leaders.
You will not only learn the fundamentals of forest schools but you will fall in love with all things outdoors. I will certainly keep my eye out for other courses that Inspired Forest schools are running, as the atmosphere and teaching are excellent.
Thank you Shane for your time and patients and for making the course fun. Mike
2024-01-30
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I loved my training sessions with Shane at Inspired Forest School. He was helpful, supportive and encouraging. I am so grateful that I chose to do my training through Inspired and would recommend anyone else to do the same!
2024-01-19
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Definitely the most inspiring course I have attended. Shane is an exceptional course leader and has an extensive knowledge of the natural world and how to inspire children.
This course has given me amazing skills to work with the children at my preschool, and also to use my new skills in my Scouting. I cannot wait to attend more CPD with Inspired Forest School Training. Thank you Shane & Mark
2024-01-15
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Highly recommend!
Shane is a fantastic teacher and leader guiding our group through the course and sharing his knowledge with us. The course took place in a few different settings to be able to give us a proper insight to what can be achieved with Forest School. Looking forward to returning for the different workshops in the future.
2024-01-02
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Inspiring and helpful
🟢 Forest School Leader Training
Level 3 Forest School Leader training – 5 ‘face-to face’ practical days PLUS equivalent 5 days theory content (self study) Begins March 2025
Train with us to be an Open College Network accredited Forest School Leader, recognised the world over. We are an award winning, accredited training provider, offering a practical setting to train alongside children.
Our award winning Forest School Training allows you to fit the training into your life at a time that suits, whilst minimising the time required out of class/nursery/work – 5 contact days – at our working Forest School training centre in Churchdown, Gloucestershire. The practical dates are listed below:
Practical Days (x5)
Day 1 – Wednesday 26th March
Day 2 – Monday 7th April
Day 3 – Thursday 1st May
Day 4 – Thursday 15th May
Day 5 – Wednesday 4th June
Forest School Leader training – Level 3
Followed by a practical observation at your setting
155 Guided Learning Hours
35+ hours on site practical
120 hours supported online study (self study)
In this Forest School Leader, Level 3 course, you will learn practical skills and knowledge to work as a Forest School Leader. This will include building factual, procedural and theoretical knowledge and understanding of Forest School.
Course learning outcomes
Once you have completed the studies you should be able to:
1. understand the development of Forest School
2. be able to manage the ecological impact of Forest School
3. develop the underpinning documents required for a Forest School programme
4. plan in line with the Forest School ethos and principles
What will the course entail?
Once you have enrolled on the course we will begin guiding you through the step by step process of the training programme.
Once you have enrolled and completed payment, we will begin facilitating the completion of the theory and practical elements of the course.
The theory elements of the course are completed in your own time through self-study. Our unique approach provides learners with access to an online workbook to facilitate all elements of the studies.
All learning is fully supported by the team at Inspired Forest School Training, offering advice and coursework marking throughout. No questions too big or small.
Where will the practical sessions be?
Our 5 practical dates must be attended in full to complete the requirements of the qualification. These dates include:
Working in at least 4 working Forest School settings
Guidance and instruction on how to use at least 7 hand tools
Group sizes of average 8 people
All equipment and timber provided
And if we have another lockdown in the future?
As the Ofqual Regulated awarding organisation, we can offer extensions to deadlines. We are here to ensure you complete the course and reach your goal, whatever happens.
How many modules are there?
The Forest School Leader award (Level 3) is divided into 5 clear units. You will receive both practical and theory input to allow you to achieve each unit.
Planning and Preparation
Delivery
Learning and Development
Practical Skills
The Woodland Environment
What our current learners say…
Itotally enjoyed my whole Forest school experience can’t recommend it enough you will get so much out of this course. Thank you for a great time.Katy - KS1 teacher
After initial concern as to how I would fit the coursework into my busy life I am so glad I did this course. I absolutely loved it! Shane the tutor was incredibly knowledgeable, clearly passionate, and gave clear constructive feedback where needed. I am now running sessions in school and thoroughly enjoying them alongside the children!Debs - KS2
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us via the chat (bottom right of this page) or email [email protected]
Let’s inspire together!
Frequently asked questions
Is you setting Covid Secure?
Yes. Our setting is within the grounds of a Junior School and we will continue to implement guidance provided by the government.
What are the course requirements?
In order to train at Level 3, you will need to fulfil the following criteria: * Be at least 21 years of age * Hold/have applied for an enhanced DBS certificate * Be qualified to Level 2 (or equivalent) or have experience of working with a group as a leader * Hold/plan to complete a Paediatric First Aid certificate
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes! When you book, you will be invoiced for the full amount, payable within 14 days.
If, however, you would like to pay monthly then please feel free to email [email protected] to request this. Let’s inspire together!
Is this course accredited by Ofqual?
Yes. We are a Direct Claims Status setting for The Open College, providing Ofsted regulated qualifications for Forest School.
Once qualified, your achievements will be recognised in the UK and, currently, five other countries worldwide.
What is the course programme?
The Level 3 Forest School Leader course programme consists of 5 days of supported online training, 4 practical days at our Forest School training centre, plus one observation of between 2 and 3 hours.
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* Day 1-5: On site at our working Forest School setting in the Cotswolds and at two local Forest School settings.
Practical experiences of setting up a Forest School site, risk taking and management of ecological impact, principles of FS, fire, tool use and training alongside children.
Sessions run by trained and practising Primary School Teachers and Forest School Leaders.
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* Days 6-9: Online workbook, alongside unlimited email support, guides you through the theory elements of the course. This involves around 120 hours of fully support, guided learning,. Some trainees will require less time to achieve all objectives, some more.
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* Observation session: Within one year. Observation of between 2-3 hours Once you have your chosen site and group, let a few sessions run and then invite us in to complete your accreditation as a Forest School Leader.
