This five day course is designed for individuals wishing to assist with the delivery of a forest school programme.

Location: Foxburrow Nature Reserve, IP12 1NA

Course dates:

13th-17th October 2025

Please note, you do not have to complete a Level 1 before completing the Level 2. Equally you do not have to complete a Level 2 before the Level 3. You can go straight into any Level provided you meet the entry criteria. A Level 3 qualification is required to allow you to lead Forest School sessions.

Entry Criteria

Participants should be over 18 years of age and have experience of working with young people

Course Cost: £620

Course Layout

5 days of training in theory and practice to cover

Supporting Learning and Development at Forest School
Practical skills for the Forest school Assistant

Please click below for awarding body assessment criteria and learning outcomes.

Level 2 overview
Level 2 Learning and development unit
Level 2 Practical skills unit

Training days run from 9:30am – 5:30pm.

This is an outdoor course

You will need to complete the Level 2 workbook within 6 months of the start of the course

As part of the course work you will need to assist with at least three forest school sessions run by a Level 3 qualified Forest School Leader and independently complete your observations and record of support.

Course content

The Level 2 course will prepare you with the skills to give effective support to a Forest School Leader in the delivery of Forest school sessions. We will discuss the Forest school approach to learning and a positive attitude to taking risk. Practical skills covered will include safe lighting, management and use of a campfire in a Forest School setting, safe use of a range of hand tools and a variety of games and activities. Also covered will be the identification of woodland flora and fauna, and sustainable use of a woodland within the context of Forest schools. The course will be run on Forest School principles, so you will see the Forest School ethos in action.

Please note that the Level 2 qualification will not entitle you to lead your own Forest School sessions in local woodlands.

What will I need for the course?

Please make sure you bring the following with you each day:

Packed lunch, cup and snacks
Suitable outdoor clothing for the weather conditions (trousers, not shorts)
Stout shoes or boots. Please do not wear sandals.
A camera can be useful for recording some of the activities.
A notebook

We will provide:

Hot drinks
All required paperwork
All tools and equipment for the outdoor tasks(N.B. For a variety of reasons we would ask you not to bring your own tools)

Topping up from Level 2 to Level 3

There is the option to top up to a Level 3 Forest School Leader for participants who have done a level 2 with us.

If you are a school or other organisation wishing to book your place via invoice please complete the online booking form here.

Please ensure you have read and agree to the terms and conditions and Learner Agreement before booking. Our Diversity and Access policy, Students complaints and appeals procedures are also available as links within the Terms & Conditions.

For more conservation jobs and courses please see www.environmentjob.co.uk

Award for Forest School Assistants (October 2025) - Level 2 E4P2806