Accredited Level 2 Training (Assistant)

Our accredited Level 2 Forest School Assistant training course is designed to provide trainees with all the skills they’ll need to support the Forest School Leaders they work alongside.

This course is accredited through National Awarding Organisation AIM Qualifications & Assessment Group. AIM are approved by and meet the requirements of the Forest School Association. Through AIM, our Curriculum is endorsed by the FSA.

The course covers four areas: the pedagogy that underpins the Forest School ethos and principles, the knowledge and understanding of child-centered learning in nature, the key practical skills that support Forest School (fire, tools, knots, crafts) and the knowledge needed for the safe and sustainable use of woodlands and natural materials for learning.

It is designed to meet the needs of teachers, nursery practitioners, youth workers, and parent helpers who support Forest School on a regular basis. It is also a good step towards becoming a Forest School Leader for people who have an interest in Forest School, but don’t yet meet the Leader entry requirements. 

Please note that there are entry requirements for this course. These are listed further down the page.

We offer 3 types of training schedules:

• A block of consecutive days
• A one-day-per-week schedule
  
• A bespoke schedule, based around your needs (for groups of 8 or more)

Upcoming Training Dates

Course Overview

Click image to download overview 

Curriculum

The Forest School Assistant course consists of 2 units:

• Supporting a Forest School programme: learning and development
• Supporting a Forest School programme: practical skills

Course content for each unit is listed below.

1. SUPPORTING A FOREST SCHOOL PROGRAMME: LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT

This unit focuses on the knowledge and understanding of facts, procedures and ideas unique to Forest School. It also covers some of the theoretical components that underpin the Forest School ethos.

Topics covered include:

• Understanding the Forest School approach to learning: considering its benefits to participants and the role of the assistant in facilitating the ethos
• The importance of holistic development and how it can be promoted at Forest School
• The role and benefits of play at Forest School
• How self esteem can be developed at Forest School and its impact on learning & behaviour
• Assisting with the planning and delivery of Forest School sessions
• Observing individual learners over time and evaluating impact

2. SUPPORTING A FOREST SCHOOL PROGRAMME: PRACTICAL SKILLS

Working safely and practically within a natural environment is key to the effectiveness of Forest School. This unit focuses on the skills needed for the safe and sustainable use of woodlands and natural materials for learning.

Topics covered include:

• Tool use at Forest School: personal skills & safe practice, protective equipment, storage and maintenance
• Useful knots and lashings for Forest School
• Shelter building: applying skills to construct temporary shelters.
• Fire lighting, safety and management: understanding fire preparation, lighting techniques and extinguishing
• Using natural resources: applying practical skills to make craft items from natural materials
• Woodland ecology: understanding the history of woodlands and woodland ecosystems
• Woodland species identification and observation
• Sustainable management of woodland – considering how Forest School can affect the woodland and how this can be managed
• The role of risk at Forest School – considering the benefits of appropriate risk for and how this can be managed

Entry Requirements

Please be aware that there are a few entry requirements for this course. These are listed below:

• You have to be at least 18 years old
• You need a little experience of working with/supporting groups (children, young people, adults)

Before you run your own programme you will also need:

• Access to a group of children/young people/adults to run your 3 FS sessions with
• Valid DBS Certificate

The Training Journey

Resources & Course Materials

As part of the training programme, you will receive course materials, ongoing tutor support and online best practice examples and inspiration. The resources will be accessible through the Student Hub on The Hive website and will include:

• A digital copy of our Training Manual (you will also receive a hard copy)
• A portfolio template to guide you through the portfolio development process (digital and hard copy)
• A reading list and electronic copies of all the resources used during the training course
• Tutor Q&A zoom sessions where your tutor will be available for catch-ups and to answer any question
• Email support from our central team throughout your training journey 
• Tips and advice drawn from our own practice

How To Prepare For The Training

It may be worth contacting or visiting an existing Forest School setting to find out more about how Forest School works in practice. Once you've booked your course with us, The Hive will also provide you with a short list of suggested reads to get you started! 

Cost & Payment Options

The cost of the Forest School Assistant training course is £578.

We offer 3 payment options:

1. You can pay the full amount for the course by booking online below, or over the phone by calling 020 3435 6848. 
2. You can pay in 2 instalments: the first instalment is due at the time of booking, the second is due 4 weeks before the start of the course. Just call us to pay this way.
3. If you receive childcare vouchers, you are able to use them to pay for your course. Just call us to pay this way.

You can also save 5% on the cost of your course by signing up to our newsletter.

Accreditation

Course ID: 139287

Contact Us

To register your interest for one of our courses, request more information or ask a question, you can call 020 3435 6848 or email team@thehive-kids.com. You can also save 5% on the cost of the course by signing up to receive our newsletter.