International Forest School Leader Award Training Course

Fully online program with flexible in-person practical training options

Earn an internationally recognized, accredited certification

Developed and led by experienced Forest School leaders

Designed to enhance your skills and elevate your professional standing

Gain practical, real-world expertise from industry experts

Course Overview

Format: Online Course with Optional In-Person Training (Dubai, UAE)
Duration: Up to 24 months to complete at your own pace
Accreditation: Fully accredited by the CPD Certification Service
Recognition: Endorsed by the International Forest School Association (IFSA)

Train Anywhere, Anytime
Join our flexible online course designed for aspiring Forest School leaders in this region—and globally. Whether you're in the UAE or abroad, you can learn from anywhere and access full in-person training options in Dubai.

Learn from the Pioneers
Our trainers are the creators of the first Forest School in the region. Learn from their deep practical experience, tailored to the unique cultural and environmental context of this part of the world.

Full App Integration
Access the course across all your devices—laptop, tablet, or phone. Engage with content, submit assignments, and join live sessions seamlessly.

Packed with Practical Guidance
Get real-world tips, toolkits, and templates to help you:

  • Set up your own Forest School or nature-based business

  • Design safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate outdoor sessions

  • Navigate regulations and build a supportive community

Complete at Your Own Pace
Enjoy up to 24 months to complete your training—almost double the time offered by many providers—allowing you to learn without pressure.

Ongoing Live Support
From live online seminars and guidance sessions to one-on-one mentorship, we support you every step of the way.

Upon Completion

You’ll receive a CPD-accredited Forest School Leader Certificate, recognized by the International Forest School Association (IFSA)—enabling you to lead Forest School sessions anywhere in the world.

Course Structure – 6 Comprehensive Units

Each unit blends theory with practice, tailored for both global and regional (desert) environments:

Unit 1 – Nature & Sustainability

  • Ecosystems & biodiversity

  • Site creation & management

  • Conservation & sustainable practice

Unit 2 – Practical Skills

  • Safe tool use

  • Fire lighting & cooking

  • Shelter building

  • Nature-based projects

Unit 3 – Learning Through Nature

  • Educational theory & the Forest School approach

  • Practical strategies for applying child-led learning in nature

Unit 4 – Policies & Procedures

  • Safeguarding essentials

  • Health & safety

  • Risk assessment and documentation to support best practice

Unit 5 – Session Leadership

  • Plan, lead, and evaluate a series of 6 Forest School sessions

  • Gain confidence through hands-on delivery

Unit 6 – Unique Extended Content

  • Creating a Forest School from scratch

  • Forest School for homeschoolers

  • Mindfulness & Forest Bathing

  • No assignments—only video tutorials to reduce your workload

Note: A valid 16-hour First Aid Certificate is required to lead sessions. We guide you on how to get it.

Regionally Adapted for Desert Environments

This course goes beyond the standard UK-based curriculum:

  • Forest School principles adapted to desert climates

  • Practical strategies for creating Forest School sites in non-wooded settings

  • Unique resources for homeschooling, mindfulness, and tool-based learning

  • Designed and delivered by the first certified Forest School leader in the UAE

What's Included

  • Full online training (CPD-accredited)

  • App & multi-device access (phone, tablet, laptop)

  • Exclusive session templates, tool guides, and planning documents

  • Live seminars + 1:1 support

  • 24 months access (twice as long as most providers!)

Cost & Enrollment

  • Course Fee: AED 7,000

  • Face to Face Practical Training: + AED 2,500 ( Optional)

  • Payment Plans: 3- or 6-month installment plans available

  • New groups open every 3 months. Limited to 10 learners per cohort for quality mentorship.

To enroll or ask questions, contact us at:
natureeducator@naturatribe.com

Extra Perks & Exclusive Content

  • Create your own site—even if you only have a flat school field

  • A full session planning guide with 100s of activity ideas

  • Tool construction & progression guides

  • Mindfulness & Forest Bathing practices

  • Printable templates, kit lists & learner-led project plans

  • Forest School for homeschooling & unschooling families

This is more than a training—it's a movement to reconnect children with nature, wherever you are.

MEET THE TRAINERS

  • DAVID FISHER

    David, the driving force behind Rooted Learning, has established himself as a highly regarded Forest School trainer and leader, both in the UK and internationally. With over a decade of teaching experience, David is a qualified teacher who understands firsthand the demands, challenges, and rewards of setting up Forest School programs in areas with limited resources and access to nature. Despite the obstacles, David firmly believes that the challenges are outweighed by the profound positive impact that the Forest School approach can have on learners of all ages. Motivated by his passion for empowering others, David has designed this course to share his extensive knowledge and practical ideas with all participants.

  • SHERIN BODEKJI WANES

    Sherin, the visionary founder of Natura Tribe, a trailblazing nature-inspired playgroup in the UAE. As the first Forest School Practitioner in the region, Sherin has been organizing and leading nature and forest sessions for the past four years. She exudes a deep love for nature and is driven by her desire to connect individuals with their environments. Together, David and Sherin bring a wealth of expertise and passion to this course, ensuring an enriching learning experience for all. Sherin is adding her local expertise to the course and will be leading the practical sessions on ground in UAE.