In order to deliver Forest School you will need at least one Level 3 FS Leader. Some Forest Schools use two Leaders, and some use one Leader and one or more Level 2 Assistants. Other staff involved with the programme should at least participate in an introductory training session, and may choose to get a Level 1 qualification. For best value and delivery, an introductory session for other staff involved with the client group will spread the benefits across the curriculum.

Forest School Leader Practitioner Award (Level 3)

Trainees may be expected to have some experience of a Forest School programme, including a supporting statement, before embarking on the training. Many groups buy in external providers initially, and gradually phase in their own Leaders as they train.

Training consists of around 70 taught and 120 independent hours work. The format of the training varies with the provider, from a 5 day intensive, to several weekends or evenings; some allow trainees to participate in a FS programme for themselves. Forest School Wales will be piloting a more flexible “apprenticeship” format over summer 2009.

The trainee will need to complete a folder of work including units on Learning & Development and Practical Woodland Management. The trainee will compile a handbook of policies and procedures, then plan, lead, and evaluate 6 sessions. The trainee should receive certification, and be a practising FSL within 12 months of starting.

Groups: When selecting your trainee, you are seeking someone who can deliver and co-ordinate your FS provision in future. Your trainee will require a certain amount of time and commitment. It is useful to acknowledge this from the outset, and to factor in financial implications: much time and money continues to be wasted by trainees dropping out on becoming aware of the time involved, not just in completing the training (90 learning hours), but in co-ordinating their group’s FS provision subsequently.

The basic Training costs around £750 plus an up-to-date first aid certificate, and any cover / planning time required.

Training Providers

Training Providers will be members of the OCN Forest School Training Network which works to ensure consistency and quality of training, and to facilitate networking between Trainers.

Swansea Neath Port Talbot Forest School (SNPT FS) delivers a variety of Training at all levels.

The Forestry Commission organises 3 regional Level 3 programmes per year in Wales, using a mixture of FC and external providers.

The FEI has good information on their website about training in the rest of the UK.