Charlotte's WOod
Forest School Training and CPD
ABOUT
forest school training
Forest School is an inspirational, child-centred approach to learning and play in the outdoors. It provides regular opportunities for children and young people to explore, discover and develop skills through hands-on experiences in nature. Rooted in curiosity, resilience and connection to the natural world, Forest School helps to build confidence, wellbeing and a lifelong love of learning and of being outdoors.
You can find out more about the 6 principles of Forest School on the Forest School Association website: Read more here
Charlotte is an experienced headteacher and a qualified Level 3 Forest School practitioner and trainer. She has experience of leading Forest School sessions with children aged 2-11 years. She is a Forest School Association (FSA) endorsed trainer and trainer assessor.
According to the Forest School Association: Forest School training can be a deeply reflective and transformative process, so it is worth identifying a trainer with whom you gel well. It is also important to acknowledge that the quality of the training you receive, the type of qualification you end up with, and the level of ongoing support that is available all vary hugely in the UK. FSA Endorsed Forest School Trainers have all been through a rigorous, three-stage quality assurance process, are able to demonstrate that they meet a variety of high standards, and are committed to reflective, ongoing professional development.
Charlotte co-trains with Sarah Allington from Nature of Learning. Click Here to view Sarah’s Website
Forest School
Training & CPD
An Introduction to Forest School
This one-day practical training course is perfect for adults who support (or will be supporting) Forest School sessions, as well as anyone considering Level 3 training or curious to find out more about what Forest School is all about.
The day includes:
- An introduction to the Forest School ethos and principles
- Opportunities to develop knowledge of the woodland environment and how to use it as a learning resource
- Basic practical skills such as knots, shelter building, tool use, and safe fire lighting
By the end of the day, you’ll leave inspired, with new skills and a clearer understanding of how to put the Forest School ethos into practice.
L3 Forest School Leader training
Take your Forest School journey to the next level with our Level 3 Forest School Leader training. This accredited course is designed for those who wish to become fully qualified Forest School Leaders, able to plan, lead and evaluate high-quality Forest School sessions.
The course covers:
- The Forest School ethos and principles in depth
- Planning and delivering safe, engaging and inclusive outdoor learning experiences
- Advanced practical skills, including tool use, fire safety and risk management
- Observation, assessment and reflection techniques to support learner development
Ideal for practitioners, teachers or outdoor educators ready to lead Forest School sessions independently, this training equips you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to create meaningful learning experiences in the natural environment.
Forest School First Aid Training
This Ofqual-regulated course is ideal for anyone working outdoors with children through to adults. Delivered by Peritia Training and accredited by ITC First, it’s fully aligned with Forest School principles and is essential for Level 3 Forest School Leaders.
Held in a woodland setting, the course combines realistic outdoor scenarios with continuous assessment – no final examination. Successful participants gain a three-year First Aid certificate, plus a Paediatric First Aid certificate.
Level 2 Outdoor Food Safety
This one-day course provides the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to handle, prepare and cook food safely in outdoor settings. Designed for Forest School Leaders and assistants, nursery practitioners, scouting leaders and anyone catering for groups outdoors, it focuses on maintaining food safety where facilities such as running water or refrigeration may be limited.
The course combines engaging theory with hands-on activities and concludes with a short-written assessment. Successful participants will receive a Level 2 Certificate accredited by ITC First.
Forest School Leader Skills Share
This one-day course is designed for both new and experienced Forest School Leaders who would like the opportunity to connect with other practitioners, share ideas and experiences, practise practical skills and discover new activities and games to use with their groups.
The day is learner-led, with time to share successful resources, games or activities you have tried, as well as opportunities to develop your own skills. Typical activities may include using tools to craft simple items, practising knots to create useful structures, exploring natural dyes and cordage, and developing fire-lighting techniques. You will also have the chance to prepare a cooking fire, try out campfire cooking and enjoy games that can help motivate and energise learners at Forest School.