Certificate in Forest School Leaders

 Do you want to develop your skills and expertise in outdoor education? If so, this could be the course for you.

DCG has an excellent track record for high-calibre, inclusive teaching, and learning. This is complemented with a team highly qualified and experienced practitioners from Little Explorers, our very own ‘outstanding’ forest school nursery. We strive for excellence and deliver dynamic training in the beautiful grounds of Broomfield Hall. This training course is the nationally recognised standard of training for individuals wishing to develop, lead and manage Forest School programmes.

You will have exclusive access to a high-quality forest school learning environment, library, and career development services. There is ongoing support for your professional development, with quality advice and guidance for career progression.

What are the benefits?

• You will develop your understanding of the principles of the Forest School ethos
• You will gain the skills and knowledge required to plan, develop, and deliver Forest School and nature-based
• You will have opportunities to develop your interpersonal and collaborative working skills
• You will enhance your career opportunities in education, outdoor learning and environmental education

Experience of working with children and young people 

Age 19 years or over 

Have a relevant Level 3 or above qualification (early years, teaching, play work or youth work) 

Have or working towards ITC Outdoor First Aid (16 hours face to face delivery)

Have a suitable setting to be able to deliver a minimum of 6-week forest school sessions to your chosen client group. It is your own responsibility to secure a placement. You will need to have an enhanced DBS check to volunteer/work in an education setting. This is the student’s responsibility; the school may need to support you in this process

Forest School Programme: Delivery

You will gain knowledge and skills to facilitate and evaluate a Forest School Programme

Forest School Programme: Learning and development 

You will gain knowledge and understanding of the Forest School pedagogy and approach to Learning and Development

Forest School Programme: Planning and preparation

You will gain knowledge and skills to plan a Forest School Programme with an understanding of the ecological impact of Forest School

Forest school Programme: Practical Skills 

You will gain practical skills and be able to teach practical skills to Forest School participants

Forest School Programme: The woodland environment 

You will gain knowledge of the benefits of woodlands, their structure and management

Delivered on-site, at our Broomfield Hall campus.

To be advised.

Formative assessment is ongoing, this is consistently and coherently arranged to build cumulatively sufficient knowledge and skills to meet the requirements as a forest school leader. 

Summative assessment is at the end of topic/unit, these are formally assessed against awarding body requirements. 

Formative assessment methods:

• Observations
• Question and answer
• Presentations
• Group discussions
• Woodland based practical tasks

Summative assessment methods:

• Assessment tasks – practical tasks, assignments, work booklets, leaflets, posters, presentations
• Observation
• Professional discussions

We will discuss progression opportunities with you during the course.  You could progress to a Higher Education course.

For more information contact Derby College on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk