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 Sussex
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 Sussex where you can use the skills you learn during your Forest School training.
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is one of the largest wildlife settings in England that offers an exceptional wetland and coastal landscape. The reserve features multiple habitats including saltmarsh, saline lagoons, grazing marsh, and reedbed. Children can see 5 different birdwatching hides and explore a variety of plants, birds, and rare animals. They can grow awareness about endangered species and enjoy being comfortable in nature. Rye Harbour also has over 400 species of flowering plants.
Guestling Wood
Offering a stunning landscape with wildflowers, Guestling Wood is another natural setting in Sussex that has some of the UK’s most rich and diverse woodlands. The bright meadows display a range of bluebells in spring and buttercups in summer that provide nectar to the insects. This wildlife setting can inspire an interest for the natural processes among children in forest school and help them connect with diverse species in the woodland.
Stoneywish Nature Reserve
For those who wish for an incredible retreat away from modern living and within nature, Stoneywash Nature Reserve is a great place to explore. It is situated close to the village of Ditchling and extends to an area of 50 acres. This nature reserve encloses some beautiful meadows, woodland, and wetlands that are filled with native flowers and have numerous farm animals. Children can make their way to explore woodpeckers, owls, and deers and feed the giant carp in the Big Pond.
