LINCS Forest School Leader Level 3 Training Spring 2026 Cohort

This course includes 10 days of face to face training, Forest school first aid qualification and 10 monthly online support sessions.

Forest School training can be a deeply reflective and transformative process, alongside learning the skills to lead or support forest school programmes you will learn how to care for the natural environment and mitigate the impact of sessions. You will understand the http://www.forestschoolassociation.org/full-principles-andcriteria-for-good-practice/ and how forest school promotes holistic development. You will explore the principles of play and educational pedagogies that support self-directed learning alongside the practical aspects of delivery, including health and safety with risk benefit analysis.

Level 3 is designed to qualify the trainee to become a Forest School Leader, able to set up and run a Forest School programme. Level 3 covers how to facilitate groups in a learner-centred way, and how to manage a Forest School site sustainably. It also covers the practical skills required of a Forest School Leader.

The course takes around 180 hours of study time, comprising 10 days of face-to-face training and assessment, including a visit to assess in your setting and online support. You are required to complete a portfolio of evidence, including the planning and delivery of a forest school pilot programme. Candidates must hold an enhanced DBS certificate prior to delivery of sessions.

Face to face training days are as follows:

• Sat 28 Mar, 8.30am - 5.30pm
• Sun 29 Mar, 8.30am - 5.30pm
• Mon 30 Mar, 8.30am - 5.30pm
• Sat 9 May, 8.30am - 5.30pm
• Sun 10 May, 8.30am - 5.30pm
• Sat 12 Sep, 8.30am - 5.30pm
• Sun 13 Sep, 8.30am - 5.30pm
• Sat 16 Jan, 8.30am - 5.30pm
• Sun 17 Jan, 8.30am - 5.30pm
• Mon 18 Jan, 8.30am - 5.30pm

Online support sessions one evening once a month.