Level 4
Outdoor Learning and Forest School Trainer
Course Summary:
Our Accredited Level 4 – Certificate in Leading Forest School and Outdoor Learning Training course is a bespoke programme of individualised training and mentoring available for those wishing to become lead trainers for Forest School and Outdoor Learning courses.
To our current knowledge, this course is the only fully independent, accredited and nationally recognised Level 4 course that is not part of a franchise now available in the UK.
Our aim is to support and build confidence in new trainers through an agreed individualised learning and mentoring programme that facilitates building of specific skills and gaining experience in all aspects of running Accredited FS and OL training.
Level 4 trainees will be given access to all the course resources and materials, developed over 20 years of training experience as well as gaining all the benefits of becoming a part of the international Cambium Trainers Network.
“We were interested in rolling out Outdoor Learning Level 1 training to all Newport Flying Start Childcare Practitioners. Due to budget restrictions we wanted to deliver this ‘in-house’ so we approached Cambium Training and they were able to be flexible and deliver the appropriate level of training (Stage 1 and 2 of the Level 4 Forest School) in order for us to deliver Outdoor Learning Level 1 or 2 to our staff. We have now delivered this to 22 Childcare Practitioners.
Perhaps the most the beneficial element of becoming a Cambium trainer is being part of a network and being able to receive support, skill sharing and additional CPD. This allows me to continually improve my skills and engage with other trainers to share best practice. The annual MOOT is a fantastic opportunity to meet other trainers and update techniques and methods.
Sam and Carol are really experienced, approachable and reflective trainers who are always available for advice and deliver excellent training.’”
Developed by Cambium Sustainable and Natural Resources Wales from a pilot run in 2009, this course has been revised and updated regularly, to include enhanced practical skills training and embeds a licence to deliver all levels of Outdoor Learning Training that form part of the nationally recognised Agored Cymru suite of Outdoor Learning Qualifications.
These qualifications are delivered across the UK by trainers who recognise the value of a range of Outdoor Learning, Forest School, Coastal School, Wellbeing in Nature and other units, adding value and flexibility to the pathways that their learners can take.
Our Outdoor Learning & Forest School Training Level 4 programme comprises the following stages:
Stage 1 – Cambium License to Deliver Outdoor Learning Training at Levels 1 and 2, Advanced Practical Skills and assessment of training practical skills
Stage 1 and 2 combined – Accredited Level 4 training
Both stages can be completed together.
Once accepted on to the course, you will attend part or all of the five days of initial training that deliver the stages consecutively. This means you can choose a staged approach over a period of time or fast track the course and gain the full Level 4 Accredited unit.
To deliver the following courses, you only need to complete Stage 1:
Level 1 - Award in Outdoor Learning
Level 2 - Award in Outdoor Learning Practice
Level 2 - Award in Outdoor Play Practice
To deliver the following courses, you need to complete Stage 1 and 2:
Level 2 - Award in Assisting Forest School
Level 2 - Award in Assisting Coastal School
Level 2 - Award in Assisting Wellbeing in Nature
Level 3 - Certificate in Leading Forest School
Level 3 - Certificate in Leading Coastal School
Level 3 - Certificate in Co-ordinating an Outdoor Curriculum
Level 3 - Certificate in Leading Forest and Coastal School
Level 3 - Certificate in Outdoor Learning Pedagogy
Level 3 - Certificate in Wellbeing in Nature Practitioners
Entry Requirements for Stage 1:
Track record of two years or more of delivering curriculum-based outdoor learning.
Recognised Level 3 (or above) qualification in education, training or teaching.
Experience of leading or assisting adult training is desirable but not essential before starting the course.
Completion of Stage 1 leads to the Cambium Certificate in delivering Outdoor Learning at Level 1 and 2. This programme of learning and practical experience opportunities usually takes 12 – 18 months to complete and covers all aspects of the delivery of training at Level 1 and 2 in your own area. These courses can be aimed at young people 14+ through to educational professionals who would like to expand and improve their outdoor learning practice.
Entry Requirements for the full accredited L4 course (Stage 2):
Recognised Level 3 Forest School qualification
At least two years’ experience of running FS programmes designed for a minimum of two different ages or client groups. Ideally the candidate would also have experience of delivering at least one longer FS programme eg. 12 weeks duration or more with one client group.
Experience of FS training (apart from your own training course that enabled you to become a FS practitioner) is desirable but shadowing of a L3 training is part of the Level 4 process.
Completion of the 2 Stages above leads to the Accredited L4 unit in Leading Outdoor Learning and Forest School Training. This programme of learning and mentoring usually takes between 18 and 24 months to complete and covers all aspects of establishment of training in your own area, preparing for and delivering 2 L3 Forest School or Coastal School courses.
A summary of the course content is available on request. Please contact us for an application form for the full Level 4 course.
Following successful completion of the L4 training course, you are required to work with Cambium in the delivery of your first 4 training courses at any Level of FS or OL to ensure consistency in best practice training delivery. Following this probationary period new trainers are free to choose to stay registering their courses with Cambium or make other arrangements.
We are very pleased to say that 95% of our Level 4 trained students have chosen to stay with us.
Once accepted on the Level 4 you will need to evidence or achieve the following:
Current suitable First Aid qualification
Continuing practice of running OL sessions / FS programmes (including long term programmes if not already accomplished)
Public liability insurance suitable for training adult groups as dictated by organisational requirements / freelance operation
Current food hygiene Level 2 qualification
Please note– the above points are achieved by the candidate in their own time and do not form part of the course content.
After becoming an Associate Trainer with Cambium Sustainable you will:
Have full use of all our course training materials and our experience of delivering FS Training at all levels
Have access to experienced and accessible help and advice at all stages of training and beyond
Benefit from online learning support systems for administration of your courses and to support your learners
Have access to our online portfolio system for your learners
Be able to deliver high quality Accredited Training for both Forest School and our Outdoor Learning Units that is modular and offers opportunities for continuing professional development for learners
Receive mentoring, guidance and advice from experienced members of training team
Become an Associate Trainer with Cambium and join our international network of trainers across, attending standardisation meetings and other events that further your training expertise
Have the opportunity to take part in a yearly programme of CPD for trainers
Benefit from being associated with the internationally recognised Cambium brand
Receive competitive rates for student registrations and expert IQA services provided as part of our registration services
Be able to advertise your Forest School & Outdoor Learning courses through our website and take booking through our online booking system
Receive a discount on purchases from www.outdoorlearningresources.co.uk for trainers and your students
The learning units we use, and the associated materials are updated on a regular basis to ensure they are fit for purpose
Our Forest School Level 3 course is recognised by the FSA and our training is accredited by the Institute of Outdoor Learning
Course Costs:
Stage 1 – £1,800 + VAT
Stage 2 – £1,800 + VAT
Cost of signing up for both stages £3,300 + VAT
Level 4 courses are run on a regular basis from near our main office in Hay on Wye on the border of Wales and England. We have a maximum of 6 students per course.
In the first instance, please contact Sam or Holli by phone or email for an informal chat about your training needs and to find out the dates of the next course. You will need to carry out some market research and put together a simple business plan as part of the application process.
International Settings
We work with international settings and can offer the accredited Level 4 unit to those working overseas.
Once qualified, you will be able to deliver training for all of the units mentioned above, however, on a slightly different basis.
For all international cohorts of learners, Agored Cymru has developed Quality Assured Lifelong Learning (QALL) units. These units are not regulated by Qualifications Wales or Ofqual, but are developed and quality assured by Agored Cymru as part of its wider suite of learning opportunities. The content of the units is exactly the same as those delivered in the UK.
Agored Cymru and Cambium are committed to maintaining transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements while supporting the progression of all learners.
Please Note – Our experience of delivering Outdoor Learning and Forest School training since 2004 has led to our belief that striving for best practice delivery, attention to detail, personal relationship building and ethical practices in business are keys to success. We expect our Associate Trainers to develop similar threads in their training and we reserve the right to refuse admission on to these courses or to cease working with organisations that we feel do not reflect this outlook.
