Myth-Busting: Accreditation vs. Endorsement
Understanding the Forest School Association (FSA) Endorsement
There’s often confusion in the Forest School community about the difference between a qualification and an endorsement, particularly when it comes to the Forest School Association (FSA). This post aims to clarify how these terms relate to one another.
Qualifications and Endorsement Are Not the Same
The Level 3 Forest School qualification I deliver is accredited by Open Awards, an Awarding Organisation regulated by Ofqual (the official qualifications regulator in England and Wales). Any course accredited by an Ofqual-regulated body is nationally recognised. Completing the required portfolio with my programme qualifies you as a Forest School Leader, with the legitimacy to run sessions described as “Forest School.”
The FSA, however, does not accredit qualifications. Instead, it offers endorsement. Endorsement can be thought of as an additional sign of approval, similar to choosing a driving instructor endorsed by the AA or RAC. It signals quality assurance from the FSA but is separate from the formal qualification itself.
The Role of the FSA
The FSA is a membership organisation. It endorses certain versions of Forest School qualifications but not all of them. For example, Open Awards (the body that accredits my course) is not affiliated with the FSA. Because of this, graduates of my course are not eligible for the FSA’s paid Approved Provider scheme.
To put this in perspective: while around 100 providers in the UK are endorsed by the FSA, there are tens of thousands of qualified Forest School Leaders nationwide. With an accredited qualification such as the one from Open Awards, you can lead sessions, secure insurance, and practise as a Forest School Leader regardless of FSA endorsement. Membership of the FSA is still open to you if you wish, though it isn’t required (I am not a member myself).
A Useful Analogy
Think of the qualification as a driving licence: it is the official, recognised evidence that you are competent to lead Forest School sessions. FSA endorsement is more like membership of the AA or RAC. It may provide benefits or added reassurance, but it is not a prerequisite for “driving the car.”
What This Means in Practice
By completing my course, you obtain a nationally recognised, fully accredited qualification that allows you to lead Forest School sessions and obtain insurance. FSA endorsement is optional. For some, the additional recognition may be worthwhile; for others, the accredited qualification is sufficient.
The key is understanding the distinction:
Accredited qualification = your licence to practise.
FSA endorsement = an additional, optional layer of recognition.
Both have value, but they serve different purposes.
Further Reading
