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Forest School Level 1

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Forest School Level 1 Accredited Course is an introductory qualification designed for individuals interested in supporting forest school sessions and finding out more about it. It is ideal for teaching assistants, early years practitioners, volunteers, and parents who want to understand the core principles of forest school without leading sessions independently.

Course Overview:

  • Purpose: To introduce learners to the fundamental principles of Forest School, including play, child-led learning, risk assessment , environmental awareness and taking part in forest school activity ideas.
  • Level: Beginner (suitable for those who want to assist but not lead Forest School sessions).
  • Accreditation: AIM – AIM Qualifications
  • Duration: 2 days face to face plus online content

Course Content:

  1. Introduction to Forest School Principles
    • History and philosophy of Forest School
    • Benefits of outdoor learning for child development
    • Understanding the six Forest School principles
  2. Outdoor Learning & Child Development
    • The role of play in learning
    • Risk-taking and resilience in natural environments
    • Basic observation and support techniques for children
  3. Practical Outdoor Skills
    • Safe tool use (basic tools like peelers for whittling)
    • creative ideas for natural resources
  4. Health & Safety in Outdoor Environments
    • Dynamic risk assessment and site safety checks
    • Understanding and managing natural hazards (e.g., weather, plants, wildlife)
    • Safeguarding and well-being considerations
  5. Environmental Awareness & Sustainability
    • Promoting respect for nature and sustainability
    • Leave No Trace principles
    • Encouraging biodiversity and habitat protection
    • Obeservation of a Forest School Sessions
      • Role of a Forest School assistant
      • Group management in an outdoor setting
      • Assisting a Level 3 practitioner in delivering sessions

Assessment & Certification:

  • Portfolio-based assessment, including written reflections, risk assessments, and activity plans.
  • No formal exam, but practical participation and coursework submission are required.
  • Upon completion, learners receive a Level 1 Award in Forest School

Who is it for?

  • Teaching assistants, early years educators, and parents
  • Volunteers wanting to support Forest School sessions
  • Anyone interested in outdoor education without leading sessions

Course Content

1. Understand the Forest School approach to learning.
1.1 Outline the Forest School approach to learning and development
In-Person (Required)
1.2 Identify ways in which Forest School supports the development of the whole person
1.3 State ways that play can benefit participants at Forest School
1.4 Observe a Forest School session run by a qualified Level 3 Forest School Programme Leader
1.5 State the roles of the Forest School Leader and other adults at the session observed
2. Be able to participate in Forest School experiences
2.1 Participate in a range of Forest School experiences
Produce an activity guide
3. Understand methods of identification of woodland species
3. Understand methods of identification of woodland species
1 Quiz
Name methods of identifying local woodland species, providing examples
4. Understand how Forest School impacts on the woodland environment
4.1 Identify how Forest School experiences may impact on the woodland environment
5. Understand hazards at Forest School
5.1 Identify different types of hazards and their associated risks
5.2 State how these risks at Forest School may be reduced