ITC First Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders

Do you want to inspire others through nature, lead meaningful outdoor learning, and gain a nationally recognised qualification? The ITC First Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders is the professional qualification that enables you to design, lead and evaluate your own Forest School programmes.

This is a practical, hands-on course that combines outdoor skills with educational theory, environmental knowledge and real-life leadership experience. You will spend your time learning outdoors, developing your confidence, and building the skills needed to deliver safe, engaging and learner-centred Forest School sessions.

Why this qualification matters

Forest School is much more than outdoor activities. It is a recognised educational approach that supports confidence, resilience, independence and lifelong learning through regular experiences in nature.

By completing this qualification, you will be able to:

Plan and lead your own Forest School programmes
Deliver learner-led outdoor experiences safely and confidently
Develop advanced woodland and bushcraft skills
Understand child development and learning in natural environments
Manage a Forest School site sustainably
Carry out risk-benefit assessments and site management
Build the confidence to work independently or within schools, nurseries and outdoor settings

Whether you are looking to enhance your current role or begin a career in outdoor education, this qualification opens the door to becoming a fully qualified Forest School Leader.

What you will learn

Throughout the course you will develop both practical and professional skills, including:

Campfire management and safe fire lighting
Safe tool use (knives, saws, axes and maintenance)
Shelter building and woodland crafts
Rope work and knots
Woodland ecology and sustainable woodland management
Flora and fauna identification
Planning progressive Forest School programmes
Observation and assessment of learners
Learning and development theory
Risk-benefit assessment and site management
Managing groups using the Forest School ethos
Reflection, evaluation and professional practice

Learning takes place through practical activities, discussions, demonstrations and supported independent study.

Course Units

The qualification consists of five mandatory units:

Forest School Programme: Delivery
Forest School Programme: Learning and Development
Forest School Programme: Planning and Preparation
Forest School Programme: Practical Skills
Forest School Programme: The Woodland Environment

Together these provide the knowledge and practical experience required to become a qualified Forest School Leader.

Assessment

During the course you will complete:

A comprehensive portfolio of evidence
Practical skills assessments
Planning documents and site management paperwork
Risk-benefit assessments
A Forest School Handbook
Delivery of a Forest School programme with your own learner group
Observations and evaluations of your practice

You will receive guidance and feedback throughout the programme from your trainer.

Who is this course for?

This qualification is ideal for:

Teachers and Teaching Assistants
Early Years Practitioners
Outdoor Educators
Youth Workers
Childcare Professionals
Rangers and Environmental Educators
Home Education Groups
Anyone wishing to establish or lead a Forest School programme

No previous Forest School qualification is required, although experience working with groups in educational or community settings is highly recommended.

The Trainer

This course will be delivered by Jose Gomez, Forest School Leader Trainer at Alma Forest School.

Jose has over a decade of experience in outdoor education across the UK and Spain and has helped develop Alma Forest School since its foundation. He holds a Level 4 Forest School and Outdoor Leader Trainer qualification and specialises in Forest School, Outdoor Learning, Bushcraft and teacher training.

His courses combine high-quality practical training with educational theory, creating an engaging learning experience rooted firmly in the Forest School ethos.

Accreditation

This qualification is delivered in partnership with ITC First, a recognised UK awarding organisation specialising in outdoor learning, community development and vocational education.

Successful learners will receive the ITC First Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders, a regulated qualification requiring 96 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) and 180 Total Qualification Time (TQT). Certificates are issued directly by ITC First upon successful completion.

Alongside the seven course days, these hours include delivering a Forest School programme with your own learner group and completing your portfolio of evidence.

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