The Shepherd's Hut Outdoor Day Nursery - Aylesbury

Erica is a fully qualified Teacher with over 20 years of experience. She has also trained and qualified as a Forest School Leader (in 2010) and runs Forest School programmes in schools alongside our teaching commitments. In 2014 Chiltern Forest School Ltd was born. Our aim is to offer the Forest School experience to a wider range of children and this led to the opening of The Shepherd’s Hut Outdoor Day Nursery.

My experiences have shown me 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.

Kim is a fully trained and qualified Forest School Leader (in 2013) and runs Forest School programmes in schools alongside our teaching commitments. In 2014 Chiltern Forest School Ltd was born. Our aim is to offer the Forest School experience to a wider range of children and this led to the opening of The Shepherd’s Hut Outdoor Day Nursery.

My experiences have shown me 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 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.

Lauren was born and raised in Zimbabwe. She studied at the London Montessori Centre achieving a Level 3 qualification. After which she went sailing for several years before starting a family. She has worked in schools and nurseries in Africa, the Middle East and the UK.

Lauren enjoys time with her now adult children, exploring local woodland walks, reading, live music events and singing very badly!

As a new staff member, Esther is a great addition to the team!

Olivia supports Callie in the office with daily duties, new enquiries and other administration requirements.

Kat prepares meal times and ensures the smooth running of the routines. Kat devises a healthy balance of snacks throughout the day and always provides a variety. Kat has her Level 2 certificate in food safety and hygiene and always has the kitchen in spotless condition.

Aiman completed her Level 3 Early Years Apprenticeship with us and is now a qualified Practitioner.

Lauren initially studied for an arts degree and then switched to childcare in which she secured her Level 3 qualification. Lauren has since worked in nurseries obtaining over 4 years of experience.

In her free time, Lauren enjoys going on walks, doing yoga, drawing, roller skating and reading. Lauren also offers volunteer work for local art centres painting sets for the Christmas Pantomimes.

Penny has enjoyed many years of experience in nurseries and has joined us to complete her Level 3 qualification in childcare. Although never having worked at an outdoor nursery before, Penny understands the enormous benefits being outside brought to the children. Having always loved the outdoors and outdoor activities Penny was able to foster the same love in my 3 sons who are all grown up now!

In her spare time, Penny's interests include walking with her dogs and friends as well as enjoying music and films.

Jade is a fun, caring, enthusiastic individual who has joined us after working in Forestry environments.

Hannah has joined us from a Waldorf-style childcare setting.

She shares our passion for children learning through play and being outdoors.

Henny was born in Worcestershire and grew up on a mixed farm developing a natural love of the countryside and all living things from an early age. At the age of 4, Henny's love of dance was established and she gained a scholarship to study at The Arts Educational School of Performing Arts. After graduating in classical & modern ballet, Henny went abroad to Germany and Ireland to dance in various companies working up the ranks to become principal soloist. Henny has experience teaching drama and speech, putting on school productions and taking mime workshops.

In 2000 Henny began working at Maryland Pre-school near Amersham and went on to complete her Level 2 in Early Years Education. This was followed by becoming a Forest School Leader in 2015. During the 24 years there, Henny developed the garden, going on to be awarded a silver and two gold medals in the schools category for the R.H.S.

Henny loves to spend time with her family, in the garden, walking with her dog Jesse and volunteering as a Sunday school teacher at her local church.

Jackie 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.

Jackie joins us after working many years with horses and understands the benefits of spending as much time outdoors as possible.

Natalie has worked in childcare for nearly 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!

She has a Foundation Degree from her 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 sons, 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 camper van come rain or shine!