Forest School Leader :: April 2021
Forest School Leader training – Level 3

Followed by a practical observation at your setting
*practical course dates shared via email. You must attend these to complete the qualification.
- 155 Guided Learning Hours
- 15 hours on site practical (available once Covid-19 restrictions lifted)
- 130 hours supported online training
In this Forest School Leader, Level 3 course, you will learn practical skills and knowledge to work as a Forest School Leader. This will include building factual, procedural and theoretical knowledge and understanding of Forest School.
1. understand the development of Forest School
2. be able to manage the ecological impact of Forest School
3. develop the underpinning documents required for a Forest School programme
4. plan in line with the Forest School ethos and principles
This qualification combines practical sessions at our setting with theory elements delivered hrough the virtual classroom. These units are fully supported by the team at Inspired Forest School Training, offering advice and coursework marking via the Google Classroom platform you will be invited to via email.
We will also offer you the chance to attend optional free practical top-up dates.
The Forest School Leader award (Level 3) is divided into 5 clear units, of which 3 can be achieved online. The remaining two units will be completed on the Forest School Practical Days (x2) you choose to attend in the future.
- Planning and Preparation
- Delivery
- Learning and Development
- Practical Skills
- The Woodland Environment

Learn practical skills alongside our training team.

Online training completed in your own time with a supportive community and guided assessment tasks.
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Week 1 : Introduction to training with Inspired [3 hours]
A chance to introduce the Forest School Leader (Level 3) qualification and the team supporting you on your journey to qualification.
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Weeks 2 - 3 : Planning and Preparation [3 hours]
Preparing for study is imperative to success. Follow these guides to get ready for the training programme.
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Week 4 : (Unit1) Theories of Learning and Development [5 hours]
Learners will gain knowledge and understanding of the Forest School pedagogy and approach to Learning and Development
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Week 5 : (Unit1) Principles of Forest School [5 hours]
Learners will gain knowledge and understanding of the Forest School pedagogy and approach to Learning and Development
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Weeks 6 - 7 : (Unit1) Social and emotional development [8 hours]
Learners will gain knowledge and understanding of the Forest School pedagogy and approach to Learning and Development
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Weeks 8 - 9 : (Unit1) Key characteristics of Play [9 hours]
Learners will gain knowledge and understanding of the Forest School pedagogy and approach to Learning and Development
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Weeks 10 - 11 : (Unit 2) Outline Forest School development [12 hours]
Learners will gain knowledge and understanding of the Forest School pedagogy and approach to Learning and Development
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Week 12 : (Unit 4) Structure of woodland [5 hours]
Learners will gain knowledge of the benefits of woodlands, their structures and management
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Week 13 : (Unit4) Importance of Flora and Fauna identification [4 hours]
Learners will gain knowledge of the benefits of woodlands, their structures and management
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Weeks 14 - 16 : (Unit4) Create an Identification key [12 hours]
Learners will gain knowledge of the benefits of woodlands, their structures and management
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Week 17 : (Unit4) Woodland management methods [6 hours]
Learners will gain knowledge of the benfits of woodlands, their structures and management
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Week 18 : (Unit4) Involving participants in woodland management [5 hours]
Learners will gain knowledge of the benfits of woodlands, their structures and management
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Weeks 19 - 21 : (Unit2) Ecological Impact on your site [14 hours]
Learners will gain knowledge of the benfits of woodlands, their structures and management
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Week 22 : (Unit2) 3 Year Management plan [6 hours]
Learners will gain knowledge of the benefits of woodlands, their structures and management
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Week 23 : (Unit 5) Portfolio of practical skills
Learners will gain practical skills and be able to teach practical skills to Forest School participants
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Week 24 - 27: (Unit 2) Forest School Handbook
Your Forest School sessions can only begin once this Handbook has been 'signed off' by us
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Week 28 : (Unit 3) Session plans and evaluations
Learners will gain knowledge and skills to facilitate and evaluate a Forest School Programme
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Week 29: (Unit 3) Observations of students
Learners will gain knowledge and skills to facilitate and evaluate a Forest School Programme
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Week 30: (Unit 3) Summative Evaluation
Learners will gain knowledge and skills to facilitate and evaluate a Forest School Programme