Intensive Forest School Leader Training

Person-centred, nature-based training

Collection links
Location address: Sylva Foundation Wood Centre , Long Wittenham
Chosen age group:

Ages: 18+ years

Available tickets:
Pay by Invoice £2375 per sessionPay in 4 Instalments £2350 per sessionPay by Stripe Link £2350 per session +3 more
Next date: Saturday 4th Jul,
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Intensive Forest School Leader Training block mentored by Where The Fruit Is
Our pedagogy
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). It also includes 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. Individual mentoring and leadership coaching will assist international colleagues in developing 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 3 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 are qualified. Join us to become part of a growing and supportive international learning community and experience the transformative power of quality Forest School practice.
About your mentors
Where The Fruit Is
Transformation through nature connection
We help leaders and change makers rediscover their purpose and realise their potential by training and coaching in and through nature. Our FSA-endorsed trainers work alongside FSA Recognised Providers and the local FSA-affiliated group, building an effective learning community to nurture and encourage our trainees.
Sarah Lawfull
Leadership Coach, Trainer, and Consultant
With a background in mainstream teaching, early years, SEND, and voluntary youth work, I have witnessed the impact of implementing Forest School's ethos and principles in every area of my life. I set up Where The Fruit Is to raise awareness of Forest School's power to build communities with and improve outcomes for invisible young people, many of whom are neurodivergent, who struggle to access education. I now collaborate with NGOs and county councils to lead local and national nature-based education projects. As co-founder of the Nature Premium campaign, I advocate for all children to have funding for regular nature-based learning experiences from 3 to 18 years as part of their education. I am an FSA-endorsed trainer, the Forest School Association Chair, a Royal Society of Arts Fellow, and a member of the Henley Centre for Coaching and the International Coaching Federation. My passion is helping people of all ages find their purpose, strengths, and joy to fulfil their potential through learning and playing in nature.
Sarah Walker
Forest School Trainer and Practitioner
If I'm not running my own Forest School sessions, then I'm helping others to become Forest School Leaders - what could be better than supporting other people to do the job I love!? I spent over 15 years teaching and teacher-training in British international schools around the world before returning to the UK in 2012 when I started helping out at her local Forest School. Since 2017 I have worked full time as a qualified, freelance Level 3 Forest School Leader, setting up and running long term Forest School programmes in Oxfordshire schools and I now train with Sarah Lawfull at Where the Fruit Is. When I'm not out in the woods, I can be found out on my bike, hammock-camping or volunteering with our local scout group – i.e. somewhere in the great outdoors!
Cultivating Curiosity
Daniel and Vicky
At Cultivating Curiosity we organise and deliver nature connection and bushcraft programmes that enable and encourage more people to enjoy nature, develop woodland skills and become more connected human beings. ​ Cultivating Curiosity is based in Sussex and runs programmes throughout the year, whatever the weather. We build camp fires and shelters, track local wildlife, immerse ourselves in woodland games and stories, make crafts, and learn about the land. Above all, we have fun. Cultivating Curiosity programmes are designed to be engaging and confidence building. We work with local education groups during school term time and run several holiday programmes.
This course is for
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. It also suits people wanting to change or develop their careers. Learners must be at least 19 years old to study this qualification. Although we recognise transferrable skills, participants usually have prior experience working with their planned client group (Contact Sarah Lawfull directly if this is not the case on 078282 34952).
Learning aims
Aim 1
Understand the ethos and principles of Forest School and put them into practice through setting up and running an Introduction to Forest School programme.
Aim 3
To develop confidence in a wide range of practical skills using ropes, tools, fire and natural materials, knowing why and how to use these with client groups whilst minimising the ecological impact.
Aim 5
To understand woodland ecology, identify plants and animals in your site and create a sustainable management plan with your client group.
Aim 2
Understand the benefits of choice and risky, challenging play and have the knowledge and confidence to provide profound learning opportunities in a woodland environment.
Aim 4
To build learning power and develop reflective practice in yourself and the groups you work with.
Aim 6
To create your own Forest School Handbook, with policies and procedures relevant to your country, cultural context and the needs of your client group.
Travel/ Accomodation
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, where possible, we will help you connect with other trainees before you travel to the UK so that you can share transport and accommodation. Light breakfast and refreshments will be provided each day.
Pricing information
Ticket namePay by Invoice
Price£2375
InformationOrganisations that require us to be set up as providers on their system
Ticket namePay in 4 Instalments
Price£2350
InformationPayable in 4 Instalments by invoice: £900/ £500/ £500/ £450
Ticket namePay by Stripe Link
Price£2350
InformationPay in full immediately
Ticket namePay in 4 instalments
Price£2300
Information4 instalments - £1000 deposit / £500/ £500/ £300
Ticket nameIntensive Accredited FSL
Price£2250
Ticket nameNeeds an invoice
Price£2250
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LEARNER REFLECTIONS0 reflections
Where we'll be
Sylva Foundation Wood Centre , Training Barn , Long Wittenham, Oxfordshire, OX14 4QT
WHAT’S PROVIDED
Meals
Safety
Enhanced DBS
Risk Assessment
Public Liability Insurance
Safeguarding Training
First Aid Training
First Aid Kit
Smoke Detector

Please note

Please note, it is the responsibility of the booker to satisfy themselves about the adequacy of the safety measures. This platform is merely an introducer and does not verify the items listed here.

Cancellation Policy
Cancellation or Alteration by the Learner On confirmation of the cancellation from WTFI in writing, the Learner must pay a cancellation fee at a percentage of the course fee: 50% between three months and up to one month before commencement of training. 75% between one month and one week before commencement of training. 100% in the final seven days before commencement of training or once training has commenced

My experience is an educational activity and the 14-day cooling-off period under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 therefore applies. After the 14 day period my standard policy will apply.