Level 3 Leading Forest School

Name: Level 3 Leading Forest School
Start: 2026-10-07T09:30:00+01:00
End: 2026-10-07T09:30:00+01:00
Location: The Coombes CE Primary School

About

Join The Keys Academy Trust for Forest School Leader training. This Level 3 course is for anyone interested in creating and running successful Forest School programmes. The course is based on the six Forest School Principles and will give you the best start on your Forest School journey. It consists of five study units (across nine days) at Level 3:

1. Supporting Learning, Play, and Development in Natural Environments
2. Delivering Forest School
3. Observing and Evaluating Forest School
4. Sustainable Use and Management of Natural Resources
5. Teaching Outdoor Practical Skills

You will dive into both theoretical knowledge and lots of practical skills practice. As part of the course, you will put together a Forest School Programme for your own setting, complete a work-based assessment, and create a portfolio of evidence. About halfway through, there is a one-day workshop to help solidify everything you have learned.

You will have lots of support from your tutor (Rachel Winter), who is available by phone or email for any questions or guidance during your training.

By the end of this course, you will have the skills and understanding you need to inspire young people through regular, long-term play and learning in nature.

Entry Requirements:
1. Relevant experience supporting children outdoors.
2. Established link with a group and a potential Forest School site.
3. 18 years or over.

Before undertaking the Level 3 Forest School course, you are strongly advised to achieve a suitable First Aid Qualification and hold a current DBS certificate. This is the responsibility of the individual participant.

The course consists of eight in person sessions, all based at The Coombes CE Primary School from 9.30am - 4.30pm on the following dates: 7, 8, 14 and 15 October, 4, 5, 11 and 12 November. There will be an additional support day that can be in person or virtual and will decided mutually within the cohort.

Attendees will need to provide their own lunch and refreshments.

The Keys Academy Trust is part of the Cambium Sustainable Trainers Network which has trainers in many parts of the UK. We cooperate in Continuing Professional Development, standardisation of assessment and feedback, submission of work for accreditation to Agored Cymru (Formerly OCN Wales) awarding body and internal and external quality assurance. Trainers meet regularly to discuss the latest developments, and to exchange ideas, skills and techniques and to play for the future. Most members of the Cambium Network provide services direct to schools and other bodies wishing to engage with the expanding use of Forest School, Outdoor Learning and Coastal School techniques in early years, primary and secondary education.