What does your role involve?
The South Hills Nurseries Group comprises six settings across Wiltshire, making it possible for me to oversee outdoor learning across the company and for all of our children to access the farm and woodland at our flagship site through use of our minibuses.
We serve a diverse demographic and the principal aspect of my job is to make sure that sessions are pitched at an appropriate level. I take a hands-on role in leading both Forest School and farm activities. That’s the best part – being part of an open-ended learning opportunity with the children.
How did you end up choosing this career path?
I spent much of my time at school being told to ‘stop fiddling’ and ‘sit still’. I was aware that I was being told off, but was never quite sure why. I wanted to facilitate learning. I opted not to apply for a BEd, but to take a BSc degree covering not just teaching, but also the psychology behind how children learn and develop, as well as the wider political and social contexts.
In 2012, I returned to university to complete my Early Years Professional Status.
What makes the childcare approach of South Hills Nurseries unique?
We have cherry-picked what we believe to be the best elements of various approaches. Underpinned by the Montessori method, there is a multi-sensory element to all that we do.
There are certain skills that need to be mastered before the more formal learning of literacy and mathematical skills can be achieved: persistence, resilience and respect for oneself and others.
Through a combination of Forest School and farm activities, our children develop these skills in ‘real’ situations, and also find a real sense of belonging in the active role that they play in the care of our animals.