Forest Schools Assistant Course

The accredited Level 2 course from Archimedes Forest Schools, trusted by a quarter of a million practitioners worldwide.

Grounded in Forest Schools Heritage

Developed by Archimedes Forest Schools, the organisation that has shaped Forest Schools practice in the UK for over two decades. The curriculum reflects the established ethos, principles, and pedagogy taught to a quarter of a million practitioners worldwide.

Practical, Field-Tested Skills

Covers the core competencies of the assistant role: site awareness, risk and benefit assessment, basic tool use, fire safety, and outdoor session support. Each module reflects standards refined through years of in-field training delivery.

A Defined Role in Outdoor Learning

Prepares learners to work alongside a qualified Forest Schools Leader with clarity and confidence. The course addresses observation, behaviour support, and inclusive participation, the practical foundations of the Level 2 Assistant qualification.

About the Course

The Level 2 Forest Schools Assistant qualification is designed for those who wish to support outdoor learning in a professional capacity. It is suited to teaching assistants, early years practitioners, childminders, youth workers, parents, and others working with children in natural environments. No prior qualifications or formal teaching background are required. The course is open to anyone with a genuine interest in nature-based education and a commitment to working thoughtfully with children outdoors. The programme provides a thorough grounding in the philosophy and practice of Forest Schools, from the principles of child-led learning to the practical requirements of safe and effective session support. On completion, learners are equipped to assist a qualified Forest Schools Leader, contribute meaningfully to programme delivery, and understand the scope and boundaries of the Assistant role. For many graduates, Level 2 is the foundation on which a longer career in outdoor education is built, including progression to the Level 3 Forest Schools Leader qualification.

Meet Your Mentor

Sarah Blackwell is the founder of Archimedes Forest Schools, established in 2000, and one of the pioneers of the Forest Schools movement in the United Kingdom. Over the past two and a half decades, Sarah has built Archimedes into the largest Forest Schools training organisation in the world, with approximately 250,000 practitioners trained through her face-to-face and online programmes. Her courses are taught across the UK and internationally, and the Archimedes methodology has shaped how Forest Schools is delivered in primary schools, nurseries, special educational needs settings, and youth organisations across the country. As a speaker, Sarah has addressed several hundred education conferences, professional development events, and sector gatherings, where her work has been instrumental in establishing Forest Schools as a recognised pedagogical approach rather than an outdoor activity. She has advised educators, school leaders, and training providers on the principles and practical implementation of the Forest Schools ethos. This Level 2 Forest Schools Assistant course distils that experience into a programme designed for those entering the field. You will be trained by the practitioner who has, more than any other, defined what Forest Schools means in the UK today.

Course Curriculum

4 Chapters · 67 Lessons

1
Introduction to Forest Schools
1. (Included in full purchase)
  About the Course
2. (Included in full purchase)
  Course Learning Outcomes
3. (Included in full purchase)
  Teaching & Learning Approach
4. (Included in full purchase)
  Assessment Methods
2
Unit 1: Skills for the Forest School Programme Assistant
1. (Included in full purchase)
  1.1.1: Identify the Different Layers of a Broad-Leaf and Coniferous Woodland (or Native and Non Native if appropriate)
2. (Included in full purchase)
  1.1.2: Identifying Common Woodland Flora
3. (Included in full purchase)
  [Assessment] Flora
4. (Included in full purchase)
  1.1.2: Identify Common Woodland Fauna
5. (Included in full purchase)
  [Assessment] Fauna
6. (Included in full purchase)
  1.1.2: Identification Techniques
7. (Included in full purchase)
  1.1.3: Evaluate How Humans Can Harm the Woodland
8. (Included in full purchase)
  1.1.4: Outline How Potential Negative Impact Can Be Minimised
9. (Included in full purchase)
  [Assessment] Human Impact
10. (Included in full purchase)
  Unit 1: Evidence
11. (Included in full purchase)
  Unit 1.2: Introduction
12. (Included in full purchase)
  1.2.1 Define ‘Hazard’ and ‘Risk’
13. (Included in full purchase)
  [Assessment] Hazards and Risks
14. (Included in full purchase)
  1.2.2 Carry out a Site Risk Assessment and Risk–Benefit Assessment
15. (Included in full purchase)
  [Assessment] Woodland Risk Assessment
16. (Included in full purchase)
  1.2.3: Dynamic Risk Assessment
17. (Included in full purchase)
  [Assessment] Dynamic Risk Assessment
18. (Included in full purchase)
  Unit 1.3: Introduction
19. (Included in full purchase)
  1.3.1: Appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
20. (Included in full purchase)
  1.3.2: Safe Use of Tools
21. (Included in full purchase)
  [Assessment Video Upload] Bowsaw
22. (Included in full purchase)
  [Assessment Video Upload] Loppers
23. (Included in full purchase)
  [Assessment Video Upload] Sheath Knife
24. (Included in full purchase)
  [Assessment Video Upload] Bill Hook/Axe
25. (Included in full purchase)
  1.3.3: Care and Maintenance of Tools
26. (Included in full purchase)
  1.3.4: Knots Used at Forest Schools
27. (Included in full purchase)
  1.3.5: Make Items Using Woodland Materials
28. (Included in full purchase)
  1.3.6: Erect a Temporary Shelter
29. (Included in full purchase)
  [Assessment] Shelter Building & Knots
30. (Included in full purchase)
  1.3.7: Fire Management
31. (Included in full purchase)
  Unit 1.3: Summary
3
Unit 2: Supporting Learning and Development at a Forest Schools Programme
1. (Included in full purchase)
  Unit 2.1: Introduction
2. (Included in full purchase)
  2.1.1: Holistic Development
3. (Included in full purchase)
  [Assessment] Holistic Development
4. (Included in full purchase)
  2.1.2: Forest Schools Approach
5. (Included in full purchase)
  [Assessment] Forest Schools Approach
6. (Included in full purchase)
  Unit 2.1: Summary
7. (Included in full purchase)
  Unit 2.2: Introduction
8. (Included in full purchase)
  2.2.1: Know how experiences support learning and development
9. (Included in full purchase)
  [Assessment] Principles
10. (Included in full purchase)
  2.2.2 Key Elements of Play & Promotion
11. (Included in full purchase)
  2.2.3: Encouraging Positive Behaviour & Learning
12. (Included in full purchase)
  2.2.4: Promoting Self-Esteem
13. (Included in full purchase)
  Unit 2.2: Summary
14. (Included in full purchase)
  Unit 2.3: Introduction
15. (Included in full purchase)
  2.3.1: Be able to perform the role of Assistant
16. (Included in full purchase)
  2.3.2: Assist with Planning Sessions
17. (Included in full purchase)
  2.3.3: Assist with Delivery of Sessions
18. (Included in full purchase)
  2.3.4: Observations of One Learner
19. (Included in full purchase)
  [Assessment] Self Worth Observation
20. (Included in full purchase)
  [Assessment] CHOCOLATE Box Observation
21. (Included in full purchase)
  2.3.5: Summarise Own Development
22. (Included in full purchase)
  [Assessment] Summarise Own Development
23. (Included in full purchase)
  Unit 2.3: Summary
4
Additional Material
1. (Included in full purchase)
  Creating Natural Shelters
2. (Included in full purchase)
  Using Loppers
3. (Included in full purchase)
  Making a Tripod
4. (Included in full purchase)
  Making a Frame
5. (Included in full purchase)
  Securing your Paracord for Knots
6. (Included in full purchase)
  Hammocks
7. (Included in full purchase)
  Activities vs Experiences
8. (Included in full purchase)
  Outdoor Cooking Example
9. (Included in full purchase)
  Fairy Bracelet Face-to-Face Session

Who This Course Is For

The Level 2 Forest Schools Assistant qualification is suited to those working with, or planning to work with, children and young people in outdoor settings. Common backgrounds include: ✔ Teaching assistants and learning support staff in primary schools ✔ Early years practitioners and nursery educators ✔ Childminders and home-based childcare providers ✔ Youth workers and community programme leaders ✔ Parents and home educators pursuing nature-based learning ✔ SEN support staff working in outdoor environments ✔ Volunteers and helpers at existing Forest Schools programmes ✔ Outdoor enthusiasts seeking a formal entry into the profession The course is appropriate for those new to Forest Schools as well as for practitioners who have been assisting informally and now require a recognised qualification. This course does not qualify the learner to plan or lead Forest Schools sessions independently. That responsibility sits with the Level 3 Forest Schools Leader, and Level 2 is the standard route toward Level 3 progression.

Lead Outdoors with Confidence

Step into the woods knowing how to assess the site, manage risks, and create a safe space where children can explore freely. The groundwork that lets the real magic happen.

Watch Children Come Alive in Nature

Learn how to support child-led discovery, the kind of learning that turns reluctant pupils into curious adventurers. You'll know when to guide, when to step back, and when to simply watch the moment unfold.

Make a Difference for Every Child

Build the observation and inclusion skills to support every child in your group, from the quiet ones to the live wires. The kind of work that ends each day feeling like it actually mattered.

How It Works

The course is delivered entirely online and is self-paced, allowing learners to study around existing work and family commitments. The programme is structured around four chapters covering 67 lessons, with all materials accessible from any device. Format - Video instruction, written materials, downloadable resources. Duration - Most learners complete the course within four to twelve weeks. Assessment - Knowledge checks and assessment activities throughout the course, with a final assessment submission for qualification. Support - Learners have access to course tutors for questions and feedback during their studies.

Accreditation

This course leads to the Open Awards Level 2 Award for Forest School Assistants, a UK-regulated qualification awarded by Open Awards, an Ofqual-recognised awarding body. The qualification sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and is the standard recognised credential for those working in an assistant capacity at Forest Schools programmes in the UK. While the qualification is awarded under the UK regulatory framework, both Open Awards and Archimedes Forest Schools are recognised internationally. Graduates have gone on to work in Forest Schools, outdoor learning, and nature-based education settings across the UK, Europe, and worldwide. On successful completion, learners receive their Open Awards Level 2 certificate and may progress to the Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification, which enables them to plan and lead Forest Schools programmes independently.

What Our Graduates Say

Read from practitioners who've completed the course and are now working in Forest Schools, schools, and outdoor settings across the UK and beyond.

Forest Schools Testimonials — Elaine S.
(Verified Customer)

Launch price £597 After launch £697 Offer ends 15th June

✔ The Open Awards Level 2 Forest School Assistant qualification ✔ Regulated by Ofqual under the UK qualifications framework ✔ Self-paced study, complete in your own time ✔ Study on any device, anywhere ✔ No prior qualifications required ✔ A clear pathway to Level 3 Leader

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FAQs

• Do I need any prior qualifications to enrol? No. The course is open to anyone with an interest in supporting outdoor learning. No formal teaching qualifications or prior Forest Schools experience are required. • Will this qualify me to lead Forest Schools sessions? No. The Level 2 qualification prepares you to assist a qualified Forest Schools Leader. To plan and lead your own sessions, the Level 3 Forest Schools Leader qualification is required. Many learners use Level 2 as the foundation for progressing to Level 3. • Is the qualification recognised by employers? Yes. Archimedes Forest Schools is the largest Forest Schools training organisation in the UK, and its qualifications are recognised by schools, nurseries, and outdoor learning providers nationwide. • How long does the course take? The course is self-paced. Most learners complete it within four to twelve weeks, studying alongside other commitments. • Is there an assessment? Yes. The course includes knowledge checks throughout, along with a final assessment that must be completed to receive the qualification. • Can I progress to Level 3 after this course? Yes. Level 2 is the recognised stepping stone to the Level 3 Forest Schools Leader qualification, which enables you to plan and lead your own Forest Schools programmes. • What if I need help during the course? Support is available throughout your studies in the dedicated group. Questions can be submitted through the course platform and are answered by experienced Forest Schools practitioners.

Become a Forest Schools Assistant