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, the above 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 that we have developed over 15 years of training experience as well as gaining all the benefits of becoming a part of our Cambium Outdoor Learning 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 and Natural Resources Wales from a pilot run in 2009 this course has been revised and updated 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. This Suite of Units are delivered across the UK by trainers that recognise the value of having a range of Outdoor Learning, Forest School, Coastal School and Outdoor Curriculum Coordinator Units available, adding value and flexibility to the learning pathways that their students 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 and Advanced Practical Skills and assessment of training practical skills
Stage 2 – Accredited Level 4 training
Each stage must be achieved before progression to the next stage is possible. Once accepted on to the course students attend part or all of the five days of initial training that deliver the Stages consecutively. This makes possible a modular approach over a period of time or to fast track the course for those wishing to gain the full Level 4 Accredited programme.
Students who would like to be able to deliver the Level 1 – Award in Outdoor Learning and the Level 2 – Award in Outdoor Learning Practice / Outdoor Play Practice courses need only complete Stage 1.
Candidates entering on to Stage 1 only must have accomplished the following:
Track record of two years or more of delivering curriculum / outcome linked outdoor learning.
Recognised Level 3 (or above) qualification in education / training / 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 establishment 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.
Candidates entering on to the Accredited L4 course (Stage 2) must have accomplished the following:
Recognised Level 3 Forest School qualification
At least two years’ experience of running FS programmes designed for a minimum of two different age / 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 as listed above leads to the Accredited L4 Certificate in Leading Outdoor Learning and Forest School Training. This programme of learning and practical experience opportunities 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 a L3 training course as well as looking at the context of OL / FS training, its recent history and background. 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, candidates are required to work with Cambium in the delivery of their first 4 training courses at any Level of FS or OL Training 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 to any of the above courses, candidates must achieve the following (if not already accomplished)
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 bulleted 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 your students
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 students
Receive mentoring, guidance and advice from experienced members of training team (Sam Goddard and Carol Travers have both been involved with development and delivery of all Levels of FS Training for many years)
Become an Associate Trainer with Cambium and be entitled to join our network of trainers across the UK, 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 all of our training is accredited by the Institute of Outdoor Learning
Cambium Trainer courses may contain elements of group work but are largely bespoke programmes aimed at building training that meets your needs and equips new trainers to deliver best practice training in future.
Course Costs from 2025:
Stage 1 – £1,800 + VAT
Stage 2 – £1,800 + VAT
Cost of signing up for all three 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 5 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.
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.
