Training

Training to be a Forest School leader with me is not just about gaining a nationally accredited, OFQUAL regulated, Level 3 qualification. My course is designed to support you to learn and achieve that goal, but it is about much more than just studying for a certificate. I try to make your training feel as much like Forest School as possible within the confines of a structured, nationally accredited qualification. Every day in the woods is packed with relevant content but learning is varied, often informal and conversational with a focus on the practical and leadership skills that will set you up to be a confident, safe and knowledgeable forest educator.

I usually run 3 courses a year with a maximum of 12 participants in each group. Formats and locations vary to suit as many individual circumstances as possible. Training always includes 10 face to face days in an inspiring mature woodland and includes visits to existing Forest School / kindergarten settings. Small group sizes mean that I can offer phone and email support as you need it, after our face to face sessions have finished. Coursework is spread across a 10 month period and units are submitted and marked one by one to help manage your workload and motivation. Most participants receive their certificates around a year after starting the course. I am a registered centre with AIM awards and the only Forest School Association Endorsed Trainer in the South West of England.

Course Dates

Apply

Course Dates -Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders

Autumn 2024 North Devon

Takes place in stunning mature oak woodland on the Tapeley Park estate on the Torridge estuary. Ten Tuesdays across the Autumn term with a break at half term. Sept 10th, 24th. Oct 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd. Nov 5th, 12th, 19th,26th. Cost £990

Autumn 2024 South Devon

Takes place in mixed woodland on the Ashcombe Estate between Exeter and Torquay on the site used by our friends at A Touch of the Wild. Five weekends through the Autumn Term. 7th and 8th Sept; 28th and 29th Sept; 19th and 20th Oct; 9th and 10th Nov; 30th Nov and 1st Dec. Cost £990

Spring 2025 North Devon

Takes place in stunning mature oak woodland on the Tapeley Park estate on the Torridge estuary. Ten Thursdays across the Spring and Summer terms – no sessions at Easter or half term. March 30th, 27th. April 3rd, 24th. May 1st, 8th, 15th,22nd. June 5th, 12th. Cost £990

How to apply

Email learning@richardirvine.co.uk for an application form and to arrange a time for an informal chat on the phone.

Conversation – I like to talk to all prospective course participants to make sure that this is the course for you and to answer your questions.

Complete application form and payment of £100 deposit.

Payment of the full course fee is due by enrollment on the first day. I am happy to discuss spreading payments between time of booking and course start date.

Entry Requirements:

Minimum age on enrollment of 19, (please note the Forest School Association and Department for Education have a minimum age requirement for Forest School leaders of 21)
Participants should be confident that they can complete work to an academic standard at level 3 (equivalent to ‘A’ Level)
Experience of working with children / young people in an educational setting (not necessarily outdoors) is essential. This could be in school, early years, youth work, voluntary organisations, home education etc. If you are just starting on the path to Forest school leadership from an unrelated career, it is highly advisable to gain as much experience as a volunteer to make sure that this is something that you definitely enjoy doing.
Before leading programmes, participants must satisfy statutory safeguarding and health and safety requirements (eg,DBS checks and first aid qualifications) as well as holding appropriate insurance and site use permissions.