Forest School Training

 
 
Forest School Level 2 & 3 Training 
Hackney Forest School is excited to announce Forest School Level 2 & 3 training taking place in summer 2025!
The training will be offered by Hackney Forest School and in collaboration with the charity, The Garden Classroom (TGC) and Richard Skrein, the only London's FSA - endorsed trainer. 
 
 
 
Level 2 & 3 Forest School Training - East London Summer 2025
Starting June 2025
Become a qualified Forest School Lead or assistant. 
 
Booking & Information 
 
Location: Hackney Marshes, Daubeney Road, E5 0EP
Cost: Level 2 £580 & Level 3 £980
Time: 9am - 5pm
When: Starting July 2025
 
 

Lauren Mills

Senior HFS Lead

Course Dates
 
Immersive Training Week:14th - 18th July 2025
Practical Skills Development: 23rd & 24th September 2025 
Ethos & learning: 2nd & 3rd June 2026

 

A limited number of subsidised spaces are available at 25% off for marginalised communities or people in challenging socio-economic situations. Get in touch if you are looking to book a subsidised space.

 

BOOK NOW - email bookings.education@hackney.gov.uk

 

Contact Us
 
If you have any questions or enquiries, please contact;
Lauren at bookings.education@hackney.gov.uk 
Course Structure & Benefits
  • First initial training consists of 5 Day immersive week
  • Reunite for a full packed 2 days of practical skills - woodwork, fire making and cooking!
  • Starting your new journey with finishing off with 2 days Ethos and Learning
  • Each Level 3 Trainee receives an individual, supportive on-site visit
  • Portfolio development: one year from the initial training week to develop their portfolio. Six Forest school sessions are required as evidence
  • Trainees will also be required to organise their first aid training during this period, which is not included in the cost of the course
  • Hand in portfolio of evidence, one year on from initial training week, or sooner
  • Discount off for trainees booking onto cpd training workshops coordinated by HFS

What qualification will I gain and what can I do with it?

 

Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders: This qualification is intended to provide the skills and knowledge required to set up and deliver safe and effective Forest School programmes, for those who wish to become Forest School Leaders. Download the qualification specification here.

Level 2 Award for Forest School Assistants: This qualification is intended for those who wish to become an assistant Forest School Leader or intend to become a Forest School leader in the future, developing knowledge practical skills suitable for the role. 

All of our Forest School training courses are certified by ITC First, who are approved by and meet the requirements of the Forest School Association.

Richard Skrein

Forest School Trainer

Entry Requirements - Training is inclusive to All!

 

There are no formal entry requirements. This qualification is for those aged 19+ with experience teaching or working with young people who wish to become Forest School Leaders.

 

I Wonder What It's Like?
It will be an authentic experience as you train, being within a natural environment as you learn about the natural world and all its wonders; eco systems to identify fauna and flora and how to be sustainable at forest school. While nature takes its course, connections will be made with others as we unearth the holistic approach and development of forest school.   
 
When we unpick the course work and look at the units, you automatically think that we will be sitting down in a closed room, sitting on chairs at tables. Not at all!
This all takes place as you learn hands on, perhaps sitting around the campfire as you discuss the units or standing by the old river lea talking about what is required. 
 
'Understanding learning as a process, not a product and putting the learner at the very heart of this'
 
We will immerse in deep conversations as we discuss up-to-date learning and development theory, understanding the impact of behaviour to learning and development.

Facilitating a range of woodland skills including tools, knots and campfire management appropriate to a Forest School Programme.
 
An understanding of working in an urban context and with high need groups.
 
Don't forget, lots of fun practical ideas to use right away!