Level 2 Forest School Assistant Training

Our training is run at the Sylva Foundation Wood Centre, where we have access to the Future Forest Forest School site planted by local schools, beautiful ancient woodlands and a local nature reserve.

Our courses are not just designed for you but co-created with you. We believe in the power of collaboration and how it can enhance the learning experience. Together, we explore how and why the Forest School approach meets the pressing needs of every generation.

At the heart of our training are the ethos and principles of Forest School. We invite you to take the reins of your learning journey, to explore and grow at your own pace. Our trainers are not just instructors; they are facilitators, coaches, and guides here to support and empower you. We value your unique experiences, knowledge, and interests, and we believe in the power of learning from each other.

Life can be complicated, and we understand that. That's why our training is designed to be flexible and understanding. We offer small, person-centred cohorts, ensuring a supportive learning environment. Don't worry about missing a workshop because of work, illness or family commitments; we've got you covered. Our program is designed to adapt to your needs. New courses seamlessly link with the previous one, providing real-life clients to our more experienced trainees as part of their practical skills assessment. You are welcome to join the following cohort and catch up with any days missed.

Learners may top up their L2 Forest School Assistant qualification to become Level 3 Forest School leaders within two years of gaining certification for an additional fee.

Teaching assistants, parent volunteers, early years practitioners, and youth leaders training as Forest School Assistants to support Level 3 qualified Forest School leaders within their schools and settings.

This course requires the learner to support a Level 3 qualified Forest School Leader with the planning and delivery of three consecutive sessions of a Forest School programme. We run this concurrently with our Level 3 training, so learners often attend with their colleagues who are also Level 3 Leaders.

Please note: this qualification does not equip or qualify the learner to lead Forest School sessions without a qualified L3 Forest School Leader.

The learner needs to be at least 19 years old at qualification.

Training is delivered through in person workshops and ongoing virtual support with interactive webinars over 9-12 months. Trainees are invited to attend additional training days with the next cohort to provide practical learning opportunities and support peers.

This means around 50 hours of direct contact/ support. The remaining 20 hours will be required for self-study, visiting different woodlands, creating group presentations, practising skills and making craft items, and supporting the planning, preparation and delivery of three consecutive Forest School sessions.

The learner must set up a Gmail address for their Forest School training to access online resources and create an electronic portfolio. Full support will be given.

The learner may expect to work collaboratively on projects, communicate their learning to peers, and produce a wide range of evidence for their portfolio, including annotated photographs, video, and audio recordings alongside more formal written assignments.
Our training programme includes student membership of the Forest School Association.

Our Level 2 training runs concurrently with our Level 3 training, enabling assistants and leaders to train together.