A 5 day outdoor course certified by AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group for those wishing to assist with the delivery of a Forest School programme

Please note you do not have to complete a Level 1 before completing the Level 2. Equally you do not have to complete a Level 2 before the Level 3. You can go straight into any Level provided you meet the entry criteria. A Level 3 qualification is required to allow you to lead Forest School sessions.

Entry Criteria

• Participants should be over 18 years of age and have experience of working with young people

Course Layout

 5 days of training in theory and practice to cover

• Supporting Learning and Development at Forest School
• Practical skills for the Forest school Assistant

Training days run from 9.00am – 5pm.

A Level 2 workbook which should be completed within 6 months of the start of the course

As part of the coursework you will need to assist with at least three forest school sessions run by a Level 3 qualified Forest School Leader and independently complete your observations and record of support.

Course content

The Level 2 course will prepare you with the skills to effectively support a Forest School Leader in the delivery of Forest school sessions. We will discuss the Forest school approach to learning and a positive attitude to taking risk. Practical skills covered will include safe lighting, management and use of a campfire in a Forest School setting, safe use of a range of hand tools and a variety of games and activities. Also covered will be the identification of woodland flora and fauna, and sustainable use of a woodland within the context of Forest schools. The course will be run on Forest School principles, so you will see the Forest School ethos in action.

Please note that the Level 2 qualification will not entitle you to lead your own Forest School sessions in local woodlands.

What will I need for the course?

• Packed lunch, cup and snacks
• Suitable outdoor clothing for the weather conditions (trousers, not shorts)
• Stout shoes or boots. Please do not wear sandals.
• A camera can be useful for recording some of the activities.
• A notebook

We will provide:

• Hot drinks
• All required paperwork
• All tools and equipment for the outdoor tasks(N.B. For a variety of reasons we would ask you not to bring your own tools)