Forest School Training
Forest School Leaders – Level 3
Ideal for candidates who work off-site or take the ‘lead’ at their school/setting. (Includes tool and fire use).
The qualification is verified by ITC First and is Level 3. The ITC Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders course is also validated by the Forest School Association (FSA). It is open to any practitioners who work with children and young people. We regularly train teachers, teaching assistants, youth works, site managers, governors etc.
What the training involves.
Your training will be a blend of online theoretical sessions and practical sessions based in our woodland Forest School site at Sunny Brow.
The theoretical sessions are hosted online, you will be given access to them once you have registered on the course. You can attend them at your convenience and log your attendance with us. These sessions will be supplemented with the opportunity for live virtual discussion and question sessions with your group and your tutor.
The practical sessions are delivered in two blocks of two days and are normally scheduled Monday and Tuesday of two consecutive weeks. During these sessions you will be trained in knot tying, shelter building, hand tool use as well as fire lighting, campfire cooking and food hygiene. Also, you will be guided through sessions on woodland management and woodland history, understanding emotional intelligence at Forest School along with a range of nature engagement activities and curriculum links.
After these days together and throughout your training course you are required to produce a portfolio of evidence to support and compliment your knowledge and understanding of Forest School and learning beyond the classroom. This portfolio will be submitted at the end of your training and assessment, normally within twelve months from course registration.
As part of your training and assessment you are required to plan, deliver and evaluate a “Introduction to Forest School” programme with your learners and this will be a minimum of six sessions lasting two hours over a period of at least six weeks. These sessions are delivered with the same learners which gives you plenty of opportunities for learner observations, look at progression and provide you with evidence for your portfolio.
Following your initial training, around four months later, you also need to attend development and assessment days.
Level 2 Forest School training
Steve Greaves Outdoors can now offer level 2 training along side the level 3. This course is designed for anyone who is looking to assist an established Forest School leader with a Forest School session and is useful if you are looking to develop those skills.
The training is over four days and there isn’t a requirement to complete a first aid course
To book a place on a course please contact us on 0161 643 3306 or e-mail office@sunnybrow.rochdale.sch.uk
Level 3 Summer 2026 – Cost £1,200.00 including first aid
Initial training:
Summer term: 2026
Module 1: 29th 30th June 2026
Module 2: 6th & 7th July 2026
A two-day first aid course mandatory for the level 3 delegates
First Aid: 12th & 13th October
Development & Assessment:
L3 only: 23rd 24th & 25th November 2026
LEVEL 2 Summer 2026 – Cost £650.00 without first aid £600 including
Initial training
Summer term: 2026
Module 1: 29th 30th June 2026
Module 2: 6th & 7th July 2026
Development & Assessment: Not required for level 2
Please register your interest in the summer term date either by e-mail office@sunnybrow.rochdale.sch.uk
Or by calling 0161 643 3306
Forest School Taster Sessions
An introduction to the concept of Forest Schools.
During the two our session you will see our teacher deliver a forest school session with the children. Our teachers are Level 3 practitioners delivering a session to either the morning or afternoon class. If you are interested in a taster session please contact us
Minimum of 6 Maximum 12 persons per visit – please telephone the office (0161 643 3306).or e-mail office@sunnybrow.rochdale.sch.uk
Cost per head £30 including training materials and refreshments.
Dedicated sessions for colleges/universities can be arranged by request.
Room Hire
Sunny Brow Nursery School has developed some aspects of its provision to support users and the local community. These additional services can help to generate income, which can be utilised for staffing and further enhancements. One of the services on offer is room hire.
• Services are offered on a contracted basis between school and user.
• Contracts are signed on the understanding that services will be delivered for a fee.
• Payments are to be made prior to the services being used.
• Charges are agreed with the Governing Board of Sunny Brow Nursery School (and may be reviewed as situations change).
• At least 28 days notice will be given of any changes in charges.
• Contracts may be withdrawn, by either party, up to two weeks before the hire is due to take place.
• Non-payment will result in services being withdrawn. Charges, agreed by the Governing Board of Sunny Brow Nursery School
Combined Forest School – £150 per day for Forest School site and Forest Rooms
Forest Room OR Forest School site only – £100 (8a.m. to 5p.m.)
Hourly rate, between 8 and 5, £25 for Combined Forest School (Room and site)
Hourly rate, between 8 and 5, £15 for Site OR rooms
The Maple Room*, Oak Room (Main Building) or Training Base – £10 per hour (with additional facilities / refreshments by negotiation) *available for half day sessions only (due to use by children at lunchtime)
Please contact the office for current charges and availability
