Enjoy a rewarding career
Forest School is an innovative educational approach to outdoor play and learning. Its philosophy is to encourage and inspire children of all ages through positive outdoor experiences. It is a way of learning that offers everyone opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning in the woodland or natural environment.
One of the most important and rewarding roles of a Forest School Leader is the ability to provide support for the social and emotional development of children, in particular those combatting low self-esteem.
About the Forest School course
We provide the Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification which consists of five mandatory units, two of which are predominantly the theory behind Forest School, its background and how it links to the Early Years Foundation Stage. Through these courses, you will understand the Forest School Ethos, develop practical outdoor skills and be able to assist or deliver Forest School programmes.
As part of the training we promote reflective practice for self-development and deeper learning, therefore the remaining units consist of planning and delivering six Forest School sessions and demonstrating the candidates competency skills. Learners are provided with practical skills training where they are given the opportunity to learn about the key elements of delivering Forest School specifically to early years children and how to manage the site of your forest school, which includes the use of tools, den-building, knot-tying and making fires safely to cook. This practical training can be arranged in groups or on a one to one basis.
24/7 support from an experienced assessor
You're partnered with a knowledgeable assessor who will support you throughout your learning journey.
Bespoke training online or face-to-face
Choose the format that's right for you. Enjoy the flexibility of digital or the extra personalised nature of in-person training.
Learning style adaptations
Learn how you learn best. We adjust our training courses according to you so you can pass with flying colours.
Career progression advice
Get advice from experts in the sector on how to best achieve your goals. Map out your journey from where you are now.
Why choose Broaden?
Popular natural settings in Bristol
The ethos behind Forest School is that any natural setting can provide an opportunity for children to grow in confidence, explore risk-taking, and develop a curiosity for wildlife. It doesn't matter whether you live in a city or in a rural village; small parks, large nature reserves and even your doorstep can provide the foundation for positive experiences. With that in mind, here we list some of the most popular natural settings in Bristol where you can use the skills you learn during your Forest School training.
Brandon Hill Nature Park
Located at a 10-minute walking distance from the city centre, Brandon Hill Nature Reserve is a hill park in Bristol which is full of wildlife and greenery. The upper slope of the hill is quite steep and consists of informal gardens, an attractive wildlife meadow, and a pond that is home to frogs, toads, and newts. The meadow consists of yellow rattle and ox-eye daisies that blossom in spring and summer to give the nature reserve a unified colour.
Mendip Hills
The Mendip Hills is one of England’s most special places and is a range of limestone hills located towards the south of Bristol. Offering a wide landscape of steep slopes and plateaus, Mendip Hills provides a temperate climate to flourish a range of fauna and flora including small mammals, butterflies, and birds. Mendip Hills is a wildlife setting in Bristol that is home to various creatures of botanical importance and offers a great learning experience for children to promote a love for nature.
Avon Gorge National Nature Reserve
Avon Gorge National Nature Reserve is a part of Britain’s National Trust and is located close to the Clifton Suspension Bridge. This woodland features rare species of trees, of which nine are native and four are imported. These species include Sorbus and Bristol Rockcress which are unique to the Avon Gorge. Because it features many different flora and fauna, children can foster their curiosity about wildlife and be a part of nature to enhance their knowledge and insight.
