Suffolk Wildlife Trust - Award for Forest School Assistants (March 2025) - Level 2

This five day course is designed for individuals wishing to assist with the delivery of a forest school programme.

Location: Foxburrow Nature Reserve, IP12 1NA

Course dates: 10th - 14th March 2025

Time: 9:30am - 5:30pm each day

Please note you do not have to complete a Level 1 before completing the Level 2. Equally, you do not have to complete a Level 2 before the Level 3. You can go straight into any Level provided you meet the entry criteria. A Level 3 qualification is required to allow you to lead Forest School sessions.

Entry Criteria

• Participants should be over 18 years of age and have experience of working with young people

Course Cost: £620

Course Layout

5 days of training in theory and practice to cover:

• Supporting Learning and Development at Forest School
• Practical skills for the Forest school Assistant

Please click below for awarding body assessment criteria, learning outcomes and hand-in dates.

Level 2 overview
Level 2 Learning and development unit (hand in date: 15.09.25)
Level 2 Practical skills unit (hand in date: 21.07.25)

This is an outdoor course.

A Level 2 workbook which should be completed within 6 months of the start of the course.

As part of the coursework you will need to assist with at least three forest school sessions run by a Level 3 qualified Forest School Leader and independently complete your observations and record of support.

Course content

The Level 2 course will prepare you with the skills to effectively support a Forest School Leader in the delivery of Forest school sessions. We will discuss the Forest school approach to learning and a positive attitude to taking risk. Practical skills covered will include safe lighting, management and use of a campfire in a Forest School setting, safe use of a range of hand tools and a variety of games and activities. Also covered will be the identification of woodland flora and fauna, and sustainable use of a woodland within the context of Forest schools. The course will be run on Forest School principles, so you will see the Forest School ethos in action.

Please note that the Level 2 qualification will not entitle you to lead your own Forest School sessions in local woodlands.

Topping up from Level 2 to Level 3

There is the option to top up to a Level 3 Forest School Leader for participants who have done a level 2 with us. Cost: £850 (a reduction of £150)

If you are a school or other organisation wishing to book your place via invoice please complete the online booking form here.

Please ensure you have read and agree to the terms and conditions and Learner Agreement before booking. Our Diversity and Access policy, Students complaints and appeals procedures are also available as links within the Terms & Conditions.

For more conservation jobs and courses please see www.environmentjob.co.uk