Certificate for Forest School Leaders

 Do you want to develop your skills and expertise in outdoor education? If so, this could be the course for you. It represents the nationally recognised standard of training for individuals wishing to develop, lead and manage Forest School programmes.

DCG has an excellent track record for high-calibre, inclusive teaching and learning. This is complemented by a team of highly qualified and experienced practitioners from Little Explorers, our very own ‘outstanding’ forest school nursery. We strive for excellence and deliver dynamic training in the beautiful grounds of Broomfield Hall. 

You will have exclusive access to a high-quality forest school learning environment, library, and career development services. There is ongoing support for your professional development, with quality advice and guidance for career progression.

What are the benefits?

• You will develop your understanding of the principles of the Forest School ethos
• You will gain the skills and knowledge required to plan, develop and deliver Forest School and nature-based learning
• You will have opportunities to develop your interpersonal and collaborative working skills
• You will enhance your career opportunities in education, outdoor learning and environmental education

*This course is eligible for ‘free courses for jobs’ funding.  A fee assessment will be carried out to ascertain if you are entitled to this concession.

You should:

• Have experience of working with children and young people
• Be aged 19 years or over
• Have a relevant Level 3 or above qualification (early years, teaching, play work or youth work)
• Have – or should be working towards – ITC Outdoor First Aid (16 hours face-to-face delivery)
• Have a suitable setting to be able to deliver a minimum of six weeks of forest school sessions to your chosen client group. It is your own responsibility to secure a placement.
• Have an enhanced DBS check to volunteer/work in an education setting. (This is the student’s responsibility; the school may need to support you in this process.)

Forest School Programme: Delivery

You will gain knowledge and skills to facilitate and evaluate a Forest School Programme

Forest School Programme: Learning and Development 

You will gain knowledge and understanding of the Forest School pedagogy and approach to Learning and Development

Forest School Programme: Planning and Preparation

You will gain knowledge and skills to plan a Forest School Programme with an understanding of the ecological impact of Forest Schools

Forest School Programme: Practical Skills 

You will gain practical skills and be able to teach practical skills to Forest School participants

Forest School Programme: The Woodland Environment 

You will gain knowledge of the benefits of woodlands, their structure and management

This course is delivered on-site, at our Broomfield Hall campus.

To be advised.

Formative assessment is ongoing. This is consistently and coherently arranged to build cumulatively sufficient knowledge and skills to meet the requirements as a forest school leader. 

Summative assessment is at the end of each topic/unit. These are formally assessed against awarding body requirements. 

Formative assessment methods:

• Observations
• Question and answer
• Presentations
• Group discussions
• Woodland based practical tasks

Summative assessment methods:

• Assessment tasks – practical tasks, assignments, work booklets, leaflets, posters and presentations
• Observation
• Professional discussions

We will discuss progression opportunities with you during the course.  You could progress to a Higher Education course.

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk