Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders (RQF)

Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders (RQF)

Key Points

• Qualify as a Forest School Leader with an approved Forest School Association qualification
• Learn how to plan and deliver a Forest School programme
• Achieve a Level 3 Certificate qualification
• Includes a practical placement arranged by the learner
• Start and study at any time

About Your Qualification

The Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders qualification has been designed to deliver the necessary skills and knowledge you will need to run a Forest School Programme and is supported by the Forest School Association. Learning consists of online theory and gathering your own portfolio of evidence in a forest school setting.

Throughout five units, this blended learning qualification covers how to set up and run a Forest School programme, how to facilitate groups in a learner-centred way and how to manage a Forest School site in a sustainable way.

Achievement of the qualification will help organisations acquire the ‘Learning outside the Classroom’ (LOTC) quality badge and the yellow LOTC mark for meeting the quality standards set by the Forest School Association.

All the material is readily available once you enrol, so you’re able to start right away! This course includes a mandatory practical placement, which you will need to arrange yourself. The placement you arrange can be organised and completed at any point in the course.

Getting Started

learndirect is the UK's leading online course provider. Our online courses and qualifications give you the flexibility to engage with your studies whenever suits you best.

The benefit of online learning is that you can plan your studies around your existing commitments. So, you're able to progress with your learning in a way that works for you, without the stressful balancing act. With no classes to attend or a timetable to stick to, you're in control of the pace and place of your learning.

What's more, we have dedicated and experienced online tutors to support you throughout your qualification, as well as all the material being readily available as soon as you enrol, so you're able to start right away.

Modules

Unit 1: Forest School Programme: Delivery

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to facilitate an ‘Introduction to Forest School programme’ according to the Forest School ethos and principles
• Be able to assess the impact of the ‘Introduction to Forest School programme’ on participants
• Be able to evaluate an introduction to Forest School Programme

Unit 2: Forest School Programme: Learning and Development

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the Forest School Principles and approach to learning and development in relation to an ‘Introduction to Forest School programme’
• Understand the value of the play process at Forest School
• Understand relevant theories of development and learning and their application to Forest School
• Understand the impact of behaviour on learning and development at a Forest School
• Know how to reflect on own Forest School Training

Unit 3: Forest School Programme: Planning and Preparation

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the development of Forest School
• Be able to manage the ecological impact of a Forest School programme
• Be able to develop the underpinning documents required for a Forest School Programme
• Be able to plan a Forest School programme in line with the Forest School ethos and principles

Unit 4: Forest School Programme: Practical Skills

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to apply a range of practical skills relevant to a Forest School programme
• Know how to facilitate a range of practical skills relevant to a Forest School programme, in line with the Forest School ethos and principles

Unit 5: Forest School Programme: The Woodland Environment

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the structures of woodlands
• Know how to identify a range of flora and fauna and understand the importance of identification
• Understand the management of woodlands as a sustainable learning environment
• Understand the importance of a relationship between Forest School and the woodland environment

Entry Requirements

This qualification is suitable for learners aged 19+. Please note, the minimum age for Forest School Leaders is 21. This is a Forest School Association and Department for Education requirement.

Minimum Age Restriction

19

Average Completion Timeframe

You have 24 months to complete your course.

Placement or Practical Required

This course includes a mandatory practical placement, which the learner will need to arrange themselves.

Due to the nature of the qualification and its purpose, learners must spend a significant amount of the guided learning hours in the presence of their trainer/assessor in an outdoor setting.

If Placement or Practical Required, When?

The placement you arrange can be organised and completed at any point in the course.

Additional Requirements

Upon completion of this course, you can register as a Forest School Leader from age 21 with the Forest School Association (FSA).

Certification Timeframe

Learners can expect their certification within 6 months of completing the course, following the (EQA) External Quality Assurance of assessment.

Course Fees

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

To successfully gain the Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders, you must achieve 18 credits. Assessment will take the form of a range of in-depth theory assessments for each unit along with a combination of video and photo submissions taken during the practical. Your supervisor will also need to provide witness testimonies.

When Are You Assessed?

As you’re in control of how you learn, you’re also in charge of when you hand in your assignments. This enables you to take as long as you need to thoroughly understand the unit before completing any assignments.

SEG Awards

Upon successful completion of this qualification, you will be awarded a Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders, an Ofqual regulated qualification: 610/3685/7.

This qualification is regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulations (Ofqual) in England and is part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Skills and Education Group Awards offer qualifications and assessments which are regulated by CCEA, Ofqual and Qualifications Wales. They are driven by delivering a high-quality and trusted service to Centres and learners, so that everyone gets the education they deserve.

Skills and Education Group Awards offer qualifications and assessments which are regulated by CCEA, Ofqual and Qualifications Wales. They are driven by delivering a high-quality and trusted service to Centres and learners, so that everyone gets the education they deserve.

Career

Forest Schools are experiencing a surge in development and popularity, leading to an increased demand for certified Forest School Leaders. More individuals are recognising the value of the Forest School philosophy and are expressing interest in it.

You can be confident in the knowledge that the Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders has been developed with the support of the Forest School Association and specialists in Forest School education and training.

Upon successfully completing the Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders, you have the option to transition directly into employment as a Forest School Leader. Each local authority has a designated forest school coordinator who can provide information on schools in the area offering forest school programmes.

Alternatively, you can enhance your credentials by pursuing additional studies. We offer a variety of other courses and qualifications in the Horticulture and Forestry sectors to help you advance your career prospects.

Frequently Asked Questions