To ensure high quality of provision in Forest Schools, accredited training is vital. The Open College Network (OCN) provides 3 levels of Forest Schools accreditation:

 

• OCN Level 1 – Introduction to Forest School: An introduction to Forest School for practitioners wanting to support an existing Forest School or gain confidence and skills in working outdoors with children within their own setting.

• OCN Level 2 – Assistant Forest School Practitioner: An award for practitioners regularly assisting a Forest School Leader.

• OCN Level 3 – Forest School Practitioners Award: Qualification to become a Forest School Leader, enabling them to run a 'Forest School'.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Training Providers

All Forest School training in Norfolk is currently provided by FSTC (Forest School Training Co.) in partnership with Birchwood Learning. Please refer to the FSTC website for further information about the different levels of training.

 

The national FSA also provides guidance and advice on choosing a Forest School training provider as well as definitions, ethos, principles, mythbusting etc please click here.

 

Details of CPD opportunities which may be relevant for Forest School practitioners are also available through Norfolk County Council's Environmental and Outdoor Learning Team.

 

Please note that FSA Norfolk does not run Forest School training, although we do organise regular 'First Aid for Forest School' courses and other CPD training (see Events).