The AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group Level 3 certificate for Forest School Leaders provides learners with the knowledge and skills required to support individuals in Forest School programmes and outdoor learning.
This qualification enables learners to gain the skills and knowledge required to plan and lead Forest School programmes.
This qualification is designed to develop leadership, facilitation, practical and teaching skills to enable learners to understand the principles and ethos of Forest School. It also enables learners to deliver Forest School programmes. It is designed to meet the needs of school and college staff, teachers and teaching assistants, youth workers, adults and professionals in training to become a Forest School leader. This qualification will prepare learners for further study and employment in the outdoors.
Please note:
- Minimum age is 19 This is a Department for Education Requirement.
(The minimum age for qualified Forest School Leaders is 21). - You will need 2 years previous experience of working with children.
- You must be confident in undertaking a level 3 qualification having gained level 2 qualifications in the past.
Components covered
The Woodland Environment
Looks at the ecology and ecosystems of your site and woodlands, how to identify species there and why this is important and how to look after your site sustainably.
Practical Skills
How to light fires safely with your group including safe siting, safe management and risk assessments. How to use a range of tools safely yourself and with the children you work with. How to make simple items from wood using tools. How to tie knots and use them at Forest School. How to build shelters and ensure this is done safely. How to cook on an open fire, considering food and hygiene.
Learning and Development
Looks at the theories behind the practice, includes play, learning theories, holistic development, the importance of self-esteem, emotional intelligence and resilience. This unit also looks at reflective practice and what we have discovered and learnt delivering our forest school sessions.
Planning and Preparation
This unit prepares you for delivering your own forest school, whether it is an existing forest school, or you are starting from scratch. We will look at all the policies and procedures and risk assessments as well as your site. To ensure you are ready to start sessions safely.
Delivery
This is the ‘doing’ part. You will deliver your 6 forest school sessions, observe and reflect on how it has gone and what impact your sessions have had.
Assessment method
Portfolio of evidence and practical assessments during the training.
You will have an in person delivery assessment where we will come and visit you in your setting and see you leading a forest school session. This is a great time for you to seek advice and ask questions as well as share your successes.
All work can be submitted via our online training platform.
The trainers
Our Forest School training team are very experienced and have spent many years working in the outdoor environment in a range of settings and scenarios. We have been delivering Forest School training at our Bishops Wood Centre since 2007, training many people from across the UK and from Europe.
Our trainers are available to offer support throughout the course and can be contacted by email or phone to answer your questions or support you further if needed.
Example Timetable
The course involves 9 days of face to face training. During these 9 days you will be given all of the information and skills to complete your portfolio of evidence. A selection of assessment criteria will be signed off as completed during this time.
Please note the qualification takes between 9-12 months to complete from the first day of training.
There are 3 hand in dates through the year when you will submit assignments. This is broken down to make this easier and so that you can receive ongoing support and feedback from our training team.
You will also book in a delivery assessment (when we come to your site) at a time that works for you within the first 9 months.
What's Included
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Expert Tuition -
Hot and Cold Drinks
Handouts and a folder which will help you complete your portfolio.
Online resources are also available.
All tools and equipment required for the course.
Hot drinks are available through the day.
Please bring a lunch with you.
On the last day of training, we cook food over a camp fire.
Before You Attend
Prior to the training you will need to complete 3 forms and return them to Bishops Wood Centre for checks.
- Learner registration form.
- Medical consent form.
- Photographic consent form.
In order to be registered on the course you must provide official photographic ID, such as a driving licience or passport to confirm your full name. You will need to bring this with you on the first day of training.
A lot of the course is run outdoors so please bring appropriate clothing for the time of year.
Please ensure you have with you:
- Walking or strong sturdy footwear are required.
- Photographic ID for day 1
- Camera
- Notebook
- Pens and pencils
- Insect repellent
- Water bottle
- Lunch
- Any medication required
Opportunities to attend this course
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Wed 22, January 2025 09:00 - Wed 26, March 2025 17:00
The Level 3 training takes place over nine days. The dates are Wednesday 22nd and 29th January, and 5th, 12th and 26th February, and 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th March 2025. Please note this course is non-residential
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Tue 28, January 2025 09:00 - Thu 06, March 2025 17:00
The Level 3 training takes place over nine days. The dates are Tuesday 28th January-Wednesday 29th January, Tuesday 4th February-Wednesday 5th February, Tuesday 25th February-Wednesday 26th Feb, Tuesday 4th March-Thursday 6th Mar 2025 Please note this course is non-residential
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Tue 29, July 2025 09:00 - Fri 08, August 2025 17:00
The Level 3 training takes place over nine days. The dates are Tuesday 29th July-Thursday 31st July, Friday 1st August, Monday 4th August-Friday 8th August 2025 Please note this course is non-residential
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Wed 08, October 2025 09:00 - Fri 14, November 2025 17:00
The Level 3 training takes place over nine days. The dates are Wednesday 8th October and Thursday 9th October, Wednesday 15th October and Thursday 16th October, Wednesday 5th November and Thursday 6th November, Wednesday 12th November and Thursday 13th November, and Friday 14th November 2025. Please note this course is non-residential