Mini Explorers Nursery

Founder and owner Steph is the beating heart of Mini Explorers and is often the first point of contract for any new families to the nursery. Often seen running about the farm with a phone in one hand and a notepad in the other, Steph is always knee-deep in one project or another. From recruiting flocks of pregnant Herdwick sheep, to re-developing the mud kitchens, Steph is on a never-ending quest to make Mini Explorers an even more exciting and dynamic setting for our children.

Mark Pybus, or ‘Farmer Mark’ as he is known to our children, is our resident farmer and agronomist. When he’s not zooming about the farm in his distinctive black Land Rover looking busy and important, he can often be found talking to small groups of Mini Explorers about his work and enlisting their help to plant trees, move chicken sheds and mend fences. There are always jobs to be done!

Charlotte is our Nursery Manager, leading Mini Explorers with warmth, experience, and a strong focus on high-quality early years practice. She ensures the nursery runs smoothly each day while supporting engaging, purposeful play that promotes learning, curiosity, and children’s development across all areas of the EYFS.

Sarah holds Early Years Professional Status (Level 6) and joined Mini Explorers in August 2023. As Nursery Manager and curriculum lead, she brings energy, creativity, and a deep passion for outdoor learning to Farm School One.

With over 15 years of early years experience, Sarah champions our farm-based ethos using nature, animals, and hands-on exploration to spark curiosity, build confidence, and inspire a lifelong love of learning in every Mini Explorer.

Claire joined Mini Explorers in September 2023 and is our Baby Room Manager and Deputy Nursery Manager. She holds a Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education and brings over 12 years of experience working with children of all ages.

Having previously managed a 2–3-year-old room in Cyprus, Claire is passionate about creating nurturing, stimulating environments where babies feel safe, curious, and confident to explore. She loves sensory and messy play, making the most of our outdoor spaces to support early development and independence.

Warm, welcoming, and endlessly caring, Claire brings both professional expertise and a calm, reassuring presence to Baby Bunnies every single day.

Tara leads our café, The Nest, where she prepares nutritious, home-cooked meals that children truly enjoy. From hearty lunches to freshly baked treats, Tara takes great care in providing balanced food that supports children’s health, well-being, and energy for learning. She is always welcoming, and her warm, friendly approach helps children feel comfortable and confident around food.

Gabby works alongside Tara in The Nest, supporting the preparation of nutritious, freshly made meals and snacks for the children each day. She plays an important role in ensuring food is prepared safely, thoughtfully, and with children’s needs in mind. Gabby’s calm, caring nature helps create a positive mealtime environment where children are encouraged to try new foods and develop healthy eating habits.

Proving that Mini Explorers really is a family-affair, Grandad Bobby is one of the many characters you will hear your children talk about. Grandad Bobby is our resident maintenance guru and groundsman. He helps the children with many of their gardening projects, and oversees the landscaping of the Crabtree Hall grounds. Whilst the children know him as Grandad Bobby, he will be more familiar to many parents as ‘the man on the mower’!