What does the training involve?

This is a thorough training qualification that will provide you with the knowledge and skills to set up, run or lead a Forest School. The course content demonstrates Forest School links and application to the Early Years Learning Framework and National Curriculum at all ages.

Forest School can be run in Urban and Rural settings in a natural environment.


The first third of the training which relates to Forest school development and underpinning theories is an Online module. Upon enrolment and payment of the course you will receive an access to the Online module of the training where you will be able to complete this at your own pace. There are assignments that will be submitted via the Online module to FSLI tutors who will mark them and give you feedback . Although this module is Online you can contact FSLI Tutors at any time. This online training will take you about 20 hours to complete but as stated you can do this at your own pace.


Following this you will attend 5 days of face to face training , where we will spend a lot of time demonstrating and ensuring you are confident with all the practical elements listed below


· Risk benefit analysis, risk management, health and safety policy and practice

· Observations and analysis of children at Forest School

· Practical experience of a Forest school session

· The environmental impact and sustainable management of the Forest School site

· Embracing indigenous culture and relationship to country

· How to plan and evaluate Forest School sessions

· How to complete a ‘Forest School Handbook’ for your service

· Common knots, lashings and building self-supporting structures and shelters

· Safe tool use and maintenance, woodcraft activities and application with children

· Fire lighting, management and safety cooking on a fire

· And much more..


What is Forest School Learning Initiative?

This organisation was established by a highly experienced Forest School Leader Christina Dee. Chris has been a Forest School Leader since 2000. Along with her team they have trained in excess of 3000 Forest School Leaders and continue to support them in the development and implementation of Forest School all over the UK and in Australia, Malaysia and China. The feedback from training offered by Chris and the FSLI team has been exceptional, consistently ensuring 95% of our students complete their Forest School Training within a year.


Forest School Learning Initiative offers you the opportunity to undertake ITC First Training Level 3, provided by experienced trainers who have an outstanding reputation having been a leading trainer for 20 years. All our Trainers are practising Forest School Leaders who lead sessions of Forest School weekly to 500 children in 13 settings. We are recognised by the Forest School Association as a Forest school provider.


Forest School Learning Initiative is of course insured. Chris and her team, hold current DBS checks and First Aid at Work and Paediatric First Aid qualifications.

Sydney: Monday 22nd September – Friday 26th September 2025 inclusive / $1995 pp
Canberra: Monday 29th September – Friday 3rd October 2025 inclusive / $2095 pp