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 wildlife settings in Birmingham
The ethos behind Forest School is that any wildlife 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 Birmingham where you can use the skills you learn during your Forest School training.
Cannon Hill Park
Cannon Hill Park is the most popular park in Birmingham and has large conservation and woodland areas. Miss Louisa Ann Ryland, a local benefactor, devoted over 57 acres of meadowland to this park known as Cannon Hill Fields. The park consists of a natural environment and wildlife that are well-maintained to protect nature. This offers forest school children a chance to indulge in nature and develop a love for its creatures that will help them connect with the natural environment.
Plantsbrook Nature Reserve
Surrounded by wetlands and a wildflower meadow, Plantsbrook Local Nature Reserve buzzes with wildlife and consists of pools and open water. It’s a great spot to cycle around and observe nature to its fullest. The reserve offers many ranger-led activities and events for children to help them gain insight into wildlife and nature. Plantsbrook also has a wide selection of different birds and its wetlands and woodland give beauty to the wildlife.
RSPB Sandwell Valley
This nature reserve and flourishing green space encompasses beautiful wildflower meadows that give colour and life to the scrub. It is home to various wintering birds where the children can explore flocks of ducks, swans, geese, and wading birds. Consisting of a variety of habitats, Sandwell Valley’s wildlife sparks curiosity for nature and gives the inspiration to create blooming spaces in your garden. The star species of the reserve feature Lapwing, Whitethroat, and Goosander, among many others.
