Intensive L3 Forest School Leader Training

The ethos and principles of Forest School are at the heart of our training. We invite you to take the reins of your learning journey, to explore and grow at your own pace.

Our experienced trainers are skilled facilitators, coaches, and guides, here to support and empower you. We value your unique experiences, knowledge, and interests, and encourage learning from each other as well as drawing on the expertise of our Forest School Association learning community to bring the perspectives of other FSA Recognised Providers and FSA Endorsed Trainers.

Courses are co-created with you because we believe collaboration enhances the learning experience and brings the human element into learning. Together, we explore how and why nature connection and the Forest School approach meet the pressing needs of every generation across cultures and countries.

This intensive training has been designed to meet the needs of international colleagues travelling from other countries and UK residents who prefer an in-depth face-to-face learning experience; our experiential workshops have been condensed into three weeks with timetabled self-study days.

Small, person-centred cohorts ensure a supportive learning environment that helps individuals adopt Forest School's pedagogical approach while tailoring it to their countries, cultures, and contexts.

The first two weeks of training are run at the inspirational Sylva Foundation Wood Centre, where we spend time in the Future Forest Forest School site planted by local schools, beautiful ancient woodlands and a local nature reserve. The third week, we move to the Oak Leaf Forest School site on the Berkshire Downs.

Our programme includes visits to Forest School in action, training in two different Forest School sites, opportunities to plan and lead Forest School sessions with school children and a family group of adults and children, the Institute for Outdoor Learning recommended two-day Outdoor First Aid course, and specialist Outdoor Food Safety training (both accredited and led by FSA Endorsed Trainers). Two days will be spent exploring Forest School and Autism with neurodivergent and neurotypical trainers and Forest School leaders. You will get a year-long subscription to Red Squirrel Resources (lively online materials) and Forest School Association student membership.

Group study tasks and monthly group webinars enable participants to support each other, ask questions, gain diverse perspectives, and share their challenges and successes, both before and after the in-person training. Individual mentoring and leadership coaching will help international colleagues develop a culturally relevant programme.

You will need to develop your Forest School Handbook, run your Introduction to Forest School programme (at least six sessions ), and complete an e-portfolio. The timescale for completion will be anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. It is up to you.

It is possible to start your studies up to a year before joining us in the woods of Oxfordshire - international trainees find this option hugely valuable. Our monthly webinars support self-study and collaborative working - you can begin these up to one year before attending in-person training.

We will train you to a standard that will enable you to apply to become an FSA Recognised Provider once you have been running your FS programme for at least two years and have achieved the L3 qualification.

Join us to become part of a growing, supportive international learning community and experience the transformative power of high-quality Forest School practice.

International and UK-based educators, youth leaders, early years practitioners, health care and social workers, parents, veterans and therapists who wish to work in a nature-based outdoor learning context, through leading Forest School programmes in line with the ethos and principles of Forest School. It also suits people wanting to change or develop their careers.

Learners must be at least 19 years old to study this L3 qualification in Forest School leadership. Although we recognise transferable skills, participants usually have prior experience working with their planned client group.

Before booking:
Please use this Calendly link to arrange a short Zoom call with lead trainer Sarah Lawfull https://calendly.com/sarah-929/30min (you may need to copy and paste the link into your browser)

The Sylva Wood Centre is accessible by taxi from Didcot Parkway railway station and is located on the Sustrans National Bike Route 5.

Local accommodation may be found in Long Wittenham, Little Wittenham, Didcot, Abingdon, or Oxford. For international participants, we will, where possible, help you connect with other trainees before you travel to the UK so you can share transport and accommodation.

Light breakfast and refreshments will be provided each day.

Visas - we will provide a visa application letter to help you apply for the relevant travel visa.