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.
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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 Dorset
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 Dorset where you can use the skills you learn during your Forest School training.
Brownsea Island
Brownsea Island is located in Poole Harbour and is owned by the National Trust. It offers stunning views across to the Purbeck Hills and consists of many natural habitats including woodland, heathland and a lagoon to support the wildlife. The island’s wildlife features the rare red squirrel and a wide variety of birds, including kingfishers, dunlin, common and sandwich terns and oystercatchers. To promote love for nature among children, Brownsea Island is a great site to have a wildlife adventure.
Tout Quarry Sculpture Park and Nature Reserve
Formerly a stone quarry, Tout Quarry has now been turned into a sculpture park and nature reserve and has scarce wildlife which makes it an interesting site for children to visit. It’s limestones are used to create sculptures that give beauty to the reserve. The park and nature reserve offers an opportunity for children in Dorset to learn about wildlife and stone heritage trough creative activities. When visited in summer, children can see the rare silver-studded blue and grayling butterflies.
RSPB Arne
Located on Poole Harbour and within the Dorset Area of Natural Beauty, Arne is one of the rare sites in the UK that has all six of the UK's native reptiles. Arne weaves in a stunning array of natural habitats which consist of ancient oak woodland and an open heathland. The reserve is famous for its habitats that make it home to a wide variety of species. This setting offers children an opportunity to learn and thrive in a forest school setting.
