COMPANY DIRECTOR
NURSERY MANAGER
FOREST SCHOOL LEADER
COMPANY DIRECTOR
FOREST SCHOOL LEADER
We were both working at a local primary school, Erica as a Teacher and Kim as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant. We both trained and qualified as Forest School Leaders (Erica 2010, Kim 2013), and we ran the school’s Forest School programme alongside our teaching commitments. In 2014 Chiltern Forest School Ltd was born. Our aim was to offer the Forest School experience to a wider range of children and this later led to the opening of The Shepherd’s Hut Outdoor Day Nursery.
Our experiences have shown us the huge benefits of learning in an outdoor, natural environment generally and of the Forest School ethos specifically. Recently there have been numerous studies which indicate that time spent in a woodland or other outdoor environment has an extremely important and positive effect on mental well-being.
Callie has many years of experience in management and admin roles. She enjoys being behind the scenes, now ensuring that all aspects of The Shepherd’s Hut are running smoothly and everything is present and correct! Callie is in the office most mornings to answer your queries.
Callie is a strong believer in child-led learning and how children really benefit from spending time in the great outdoors. She has two children both of whom attend Forest School sessions in their primary school.
Together with her family Callie enjoys taking her dog for long walks and spending as much time as possible outdoors.
Sophie has a Level 3 qualification in childcare and 6 years experience working with children. Prior to Shepherds Hut, Sophie worked at Riding for Disabled and taught children and young adults (in group and individual lessons) with a wide range of disabilities on horses.
Sophie's love for horses started at a young age and she also has a number of animals at home. Her dad was a Vet so animals and nature have always been a strong passion of hers!
Sophie shares her love of animals and nature with the children and isn't afraid to get messy outside. She spends most of her free time looking after her horse and riding.
Hannah has just achieved a First Class Honours Degree in Early Childhood Education with Graduate Competencies in. Hannah has worked in a couple of nurseries previously and has completed multiple placements in early years settings as well as babysitting along side. She has always had a passion for working with children and enjoys being part of their early years journey!
In her free time, Hannah likes to cook, walk and spend time with her loved ones.
Hannah has a level 3 qualification in childcare and education. Prior to her qualification she had several experiences working with children through baby sitting and being an older sibling. Whilst doing her qualification Hannah completed two different placements over the two years; one being a day nursery and the other being a school. During these placements Hannah was caring and educating children from 3months - 7 years.
Hannah is very creative and enjoys arts and crafts and also has an interest in photography. She has recently become a mother to a lovely little boy.
Natalie has worked in childcare for 20 years, ranging from running pre-schools/after school clubs and crèches all over the UK to running kids clubs all over Europe. Her favourite place was being an Elf in Lapland!
Natalie has a Foundation Degree in Early Years as well as qualifications in Performing Arts and British Sign Language.
Since having her two sons, Natalie has spent time working in Children's Centres and Learning Support in schools as well as regularly volunteering for local forest school sessions. Through her son’s, Natalie has learnt the benefits of outdoor learning as well as the value of storytelling wherever you are.
Some of Natalie’s hobbies are music, dancing and venturing off with her family in their Campervan come rain or shine!
Abigale has a Level 3 qualification in Childcare and experience working with children in school and nursery settings. She enjoys getting stuck in with messy play and crafts. After completing her degree in Education Studies, Abigale went on a gap year to South East Asia and New Zealand where she spent time volunteering at an animal sanctuary and working on a kiwi orchard.
Abigale enjoys adventures with her dog finding new and exciting places to go on hikes around the country.
Victoria has a Level 3 qulaification in Childcare and has over 19 years experience working with children and in nurseries.
Victoria has a large family and is infact one of a triplet. She has recently become a mother herself to a lovely little boy. In her spare time, Victoria creates and sells button art and enjoys long walks with her dog Shadow. Victoria also has two pet chickens named Shnitzel & Nugget.
Lauren initially studied an arts degree then switched to childcare in which she secured her Level 3 qualification. Lauren has since worked in nurseries obtaining over 4 years experience.
In her free time, Lauren enjoys going on walks, doing yoga, drawing, roller skating and reading. Lauren also offer volunteer work for local art centres painting sets for the Christmas Pantomimes.
Kat supports the nursery's daily routines. She is extremely organised and keeps our resources stocked and tidy. With a certificate in Food Hygiene and Safety, snacks and lunches are prepared appropriately.
Kat enjoys looking after her family, two children, guinea pigs and a hamster! She loves taking long walks in the Chilterns, gardening and watching the birds in her garden. Kat is a keen swimmer and swims roughly 3 miles a week.
Olivia joined our team in 2020 to support the growing demands of admininstartion at The Shepherd's Hut. Olivia used to be part of the cabin crew for BA, flying all around the world. She now has her feet firmly on the ground since becoming a Mum.
The Shepherds Hut Day Nursery
The Shepherds Hut Day Nursery, Nash Lee Lane, Wendover, UK
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