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 natural settings in Essex
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 Essex where you can use the skills you learn during your Forest School training.
Thorndon Country Park
Thorndon Country Park is a 500-acre wide beautiful country park that consists of diverse habitats and colourful woodlands. Surrounding the beautiful Childerditch pond, Thorndon is an area of attraction for many migrant and over-wintering birds such as siskins, redpolls, and bramblings. Some ancient and historic woodlands lie alongside the park to offer an explorative experience for children, schools, and families. It also has stunning ancient trees like Giant Oak and Hornbeam Pollards.
Aubrey Buxton Nature Reserve
A wild nature reserve with woodlands and rich grasslands, Aubrey Buxton Nature Reserve, is a woodland made on sandy and gravel soil. It was donated to Essex Wildlife Trust by the late Lord and Lady Buxton in 1976 and was once a park to the Norman House. It now consists of many rare species, including the Lesser Lady’s Mantle and the strange Adder’s tongue Fern. Early years children can find all three species of Woodpecker and explore many butterfly species, including Wild Strawberry and Cowslip.
Warley Place Nature Reserve
Warley Place Nature Reserve is another great nature and wildlife spot in Essex where children can explore an array of spring flowers from snowdrops to daffodils and bluebells. As part of the forest school training, kids can also look out for a variety of birds, including Nuthatch and some invertebrates such as meadow and woodland butterflies, which instils in them a love for nature and wildlife. The site is famous for Edwardian gardens and is maintained by the Essex Wildlife Trust.
