I am a fully qualified Design Technology Teacher (QTS) and have taught all age groups and various subjects for over 18 years, in state, private and special education settings as well as freelance. I trained as a Level 3 Forest School Leader because I absolutely love being outdoors, especially in the woods and I know the power of nature for our well being and our learning. I also realised that many children today are seriously lacking in time outside and especially amongst trees, they just don’t have the opportunity to while away the hours watching, playing, exploring and getting muddy…in fact many live very sanitised lives! I felt such a strong desire and need to address this imbalance for the next generation…
I had designed many outdoor learning projects during my 10 years as Head of Design Technology but when I learned about Forest School, the research and the ethos really spoke to me about fulfilling this need and it was a turning point in my career.
Using their imagination and discovering new things is such a powerful way to learn and enjoy learning, it fills me with sorrow that children are not having these wonderful experiences as I did growing up…Forest School is one solution to that problem and I just love how much the children enjoy and appreciate these simple pleasures when they take part in Forest School & outdoor learning in general.
One thing I have learnt along the way, is that it’s not only our children who need these experiences and opportunities in nature…we do too! Which is why I set up my ‘wild woodland workshops‘ for us big kids!! We need to play too!
I trained with Earthcraft CIC in Canterbury, who I would highly recommend; they are authentic and passionate about what they do. As a freelance Forest School Leader, I am able to offer specialised Forest School sessions in school, Home Education, or recreation settings. I am based in Kent, and I am able to travel to surrounding areas. I am fully insured and have an up to date DBS – I have a fully comprehensive handbook which is available on request.