Training

The 8 day course is structured to provide in-depth knowledge, understanding and practical skills in the following areas:

Knowledge

Develop an understanding of the Forest School ethos and its principles.
Theories of play, learning and holistic development in the Natural Environment
How to sustainably manage the natural environment and your Forest School site.

Understanding

Planning and preparing for Forest School Programmes
Delivering a Forest School Programmes
Observating, Assessing and Reflecting for Forest School Programme

Practical Skills

Learners will deliver a 'team teach' Forest School session to their peers
Acquire essential hands-on skills for outdoor activities, ensuring safety and engagement.

Course work

Plan and deliver an 'Introduction to Forest School programme', at least six sessions, with the same group of participants. Your trainer will come and assess you leading one of these session. (You will need access to a suitable outdoor space as well as a client group to work with, but we can help you to do this as with one of our ongoing projects at Social Adventures.)
Portfolio of evidence demonstrating your knowledge, understanding and experince of all 5 units covered in the course

Supporting Learning, Play, and Development in Natural Environments
Delivering Forest School
Observing and Evaluating Forest School
Sustainable Use and Management of Natural Resources
Teaching Outdoor Practical Skills

Accreditation

All staff are Cambium Sustainable associate trainers and the course is accredited to Agored Cymru which is a Welsh awarding body, same as OCR, Edexcel, AQA in England. All our courses at Social Adventures and Agored Cymru are recognised by the FSA (Forest School Association) and IOL (Institute for outdoor Learning) throughout the UK.

Training Days/Assessment

Saturday 25th October

Sunday 26th October

Tuesday 28 th October

Wednesday 29th October

Thursday 30th October

Friday 31st October

Saturday 1st November

Sunday 2nd November

Learners will qualify within 9 to 12 months after attending training.

Locations

Our Forest School Training Centres is located 10 minutes drive outside Manchester City Centre.

Woodland - Garden Needs, 1 Radford Street, Salford M7 4NT

Study Centre - The Angel Centre, 1 St Philip's Place, Salford M3 6FA

Payment

The total cost of the course is £1000

The initial payment (£500 excluding the Eventbrite admin fee) is the non returnable booking fee. The remaining £500 is due by 25th October 2025 paid directly to Social Adventures.

To pay in full at the start please email training@socialadventures.org.uk

Forest School Leader - Level Three Autumn Course