Meet the Team…

Vicky

Owner and Manager

I have always had a dream to start my own business. In 2019 after the birth of my third child I went into childminding and fell in love with childcare and early years. When COVID-19 hit we moved into the garden which opened a completely new world of learning through nature. After endless research about Forest Schools and the power of child-led learning, I qualified as a Level 3 Forest School Leader, secured some land, and the rest is history! I could not be prouder of how far we have come as a setting and feel strongly that our child-led and forestry ethos is a wonderful start in a child’s journey.

Jess

Operations Manager

I am a qualified Occupational Therapist and previously worked in acute mental health. I took a break from working to look after my three children, and whilst being a full-time mum I started working with a friend to help her childminding business…and look where we are now! I am so proud of our journey to becoming a forestry nursery and cannot believe I work in such an amazing setting. The OT in me loves the child-led approach and I feel like I learn with them every day. I look forward to being part of your little one’s adventure.

Sophie

Deputy Manager

Hello, my name is Sophie and I have just gained a first-class teaching degree from Manchester Metropolitan University. Having had experience in various settings, alongside being a teaching assistant for two years, EYFS is where my heart is. Due to my enthusiasm for child-led outdoor learning, I wrote my dissertation on the importance of child led learning in relation to building children’s personal, social and emotional development (PSED). When I took this position, I could not wait to start and combine my passion with the forest school ethos at Wild Explorers. I look forward to working with you and your children.

Cara

Deputy Manager

I have enjoyed working with children and young people for over 20 years; as a college tutor, youth worker and for the last 6 years in the early years sector. Much of my experience has seen me supporting SEND and ‘at risk’ children and families. Whilst in my role as a youth worker I trained as a forest school practitioner, qualifying in 2018. I believe by allowing the opportunity for children in the early years to embrace and grow in nature through a forest school pedagogy, we are helping to equip them with valuable skill they will need in later life. I qualified as a level 3 early years educator in 2021.

Frances

Nursery Practitioner

I joined Wild Explorers in November 2023 and I’m really enjoying the experience. I initially trained as a primary teacher and I also have a degree in Spanish. I worked in mainstream education for many years, as a class teacher and a Spanish specialist, but have always been interested in the alternative, holistic approach to education. I love seeing the children learning in nature and the benefits it has on physical and mental health. I also enjoy teaching Spanish at Wild Explorers and its really rewarding when I hear the children practicing our songs and saying new words. I have three children of my own.

Bekah

Nursery Practitioner

I’m currently in my third year at Leeds University studying child development and play work. Wild Explorers is the perfect opportunity to put my new skills into practice and I work here whenever I’m not studying. The forest school approach and child-led ethos of the setting has shown me how much this approach helps children grow and develop. I am a naturally busy and sociable person who loves the outdoors, so working in this environment and being able to spend quality time supporting the children to grow is a great opportunity. I’m looking forward to graduating and continuing my career in child-care.

Lu

Nursery Practitioner and SENCO

Hi, I am Lu (Lucinda) mum of 2 small humans, a cat, a dog, fish, chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs! After 19 years working for the Environment Agency, I was ready for a new challenge. On my first visit to Wild Explorers, I knew this was the perfect next chapter for me and have started my early years apprenticeship at the setting. In my spare time I love gardening and I’ve had great fun over the last few months creating a garden for the children to enjoy. I look forward to helping the team continue to create the best natural environment for your children to enjoy.

Maria

Nursery Practitioner

Hi! My name is Maria. I love to travel and I am a mum to 2 teenage boys, spending my weekends supporting my son’s football team. I gained my NNEB childcare qualification at Stockport College in 1998. I worked in a private day nursery first as a nursery practitioner and then eventually as deputy manager. I took a break from working to be a full time Mum and bring up my boys, however, now they are growing up I have missed working with children and feel I want to focus once again on my career. It is wonderful to see the learning, independence and confidence the children gain from being in an outdoor setting.