Ella is a co-founder of Out There Kindergartens. She is an experienced Early years practitioner (Level 3 in Childcare and education) and an outstanding Forest School Leader. She has worked with Out There since 2016 and supports the Director/Owner in managing both Kindergartens and the Forest School. She has played and continues to play, a major role in the direction of Out There.

“ I feel very strongly about children having the chance to experience learning outdoors. Forest School promotes learning through risk taking and imaginative play and allows for freedom of expression in a natural environment. The woodland setting has so much to offer children with regards to their holistic experience. Our outdoor preschool will allow children opportunities to engage in a magical learning adventure with our carefully chosen activities and flexible child led approaches’. “

“Guten Tag! I am Ulrike and moved from Germany to Bristol in May 2018.

I have worked in Germany for more than 7 Years in different childcare settings with children aged between 0-11 Years old and in other nurseries in Bristol. I have a level 6 equivalent teaching degree. I also took a specialised training for working with children aged 0-3 for 2 Years and am currently starting my Forest School Leader training.

Working with children has always brought me a lot of joy. It’s incredible how children can keep reminding you that we never stop learning, and there is always something new to be curious about!

I firmly believe that children need the freedom to develop at their own pace and discover their own interests. Child-led learning is the key to support children on their development journey. Having hands-on experience and acquiring skills to become independent, happy humans, that are part of a community that encourages diversity and love for our world.”

Alex joined the team in June 2019, having previously worked as a teaching assistant in a primary school reception class. Prior to this she studied at Bath Spa University and gained experience in Early-Years when on placement at St Paul’s Children’s Centre (a lead teaching school). She also has previous experience volunteering in a Forest School similar to Out There. Alex is a fantastic practitioner who is a real hit with the children as she engages with them in a caring but playful way.

“My name is Alex and I have been working in Early Years since 2016. My enthusiasm for the natural world came from a childhood spent helping my parents garden and led me to study Archaeology and Geography to Masters level. I soon realised my passion was not the outdoors alone, but sharing the wonders of it with people. I explored various avenues in education, from Libraries and College to Primary schools and Forest school, through which I developed a deep interest in and decided to pursue Early Years education.

I am ambitious to practice a holistic, environmentally conscious form of education which grounds children's learning in the practicalities of the real world and enables children to discover and grow their individually unique capabilities.

When I’m not hanging out with trees I enjoy singing in choirs, attempting new knitting challenges, swimming and cooking.”

I am passionate about children engaging their senses and exploring the natural environment around them. Having grown up in West Wales playing outdoors throughout childhood, I know that every little wild space is a bustling paradise full of opportunities for learning and explorative play. 

I began my journey with Out There in 2018 when I volunteered at the Brislington kindergarten for six months and then worked as a key worker at Stapleton for a year when it opened. Since then, I moved to Brighton to pursue a degree in Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status, worked as an Early Years Teacher, and travelled to Southeast Asia, New Zealand, and Australia. During my travels, I observed children learning and exploring in many ways, often with very little. I have returned full circle to Bristol and my favourite workplace, Out There, with a backpack full of ideas and a deep understanding of how children learn.

My name is Hannah. I grew up in Dorset with a nature-loving family. I moved to Brighton to study at university and have lived in Bristol for about eight years.

I am an early years teacher and have worked in early years education since 2014, primarily in schools and nurseries in central Bristol.

In my experience, I have seen the amazing value of outdoor learning and how it positively affects children, empowering them to explore, build self-confidence, and feel safe and regulated. I believe in a child-centred, play-based approach focusing on their emotional needs, interests, and learning styles.

I recently qualified in horticulture and am passionate about all things green! I am particularly interested in native flowers and plants, especially those with useful properties and folklore. I love to forage, using wild materials not only for eating but also for making things. I feel most like myself and happiest when outdoors.

Hello, my name is Hanna. I have been working in early years education since 2021 and am currently completing my EYITT Early Years Teacher qualification. Previously, I worked in animal rescue centres and completed a degree in Animal behaviour. I believe that spending time in nature is wonderful for both children's and adult’s mental health.  I feel that the Forest School environment offers children the chance to connect with the natural world and become compassionate, kind and adventurous learners.

In my spare time, I love swimming, reading, yoga, and spending time outside. I am so excited to join the Out There team and look forward to meeting you!

My name is Hollie-May, and I have worked with young people aged between 1 and 24 for most of my career. This has included youth work, nursery settings, nannying, mentoring, and a music career. 

The fundamental values of my work are building solid and trusting relationships. I am passionate about equipping young people with a toolkit to navigate life, understand themselves through nature, and offer a safe space for the unfolding.

Working outside helps us understand that we are nature! We are very much part of this beautiful economic system, which is life, and to thrive, we must ebb and flow through our journey and the seasons. It's all welcome!

Working with young people has always brought me such a sense of joy and curiosity that is ever-growing!'

As a passionate advocate for outdoor education, I believe that Forest School is essential for fostering children's connection to nature and enhancing their physical, emotional, and social development. With three years of experience as a room lead in a nursery setting and specialised Forest School leadership training, I bring both practical expertise and a deep understanding of how outdoor learning can enrich young minds.

I believe that child-led learning empowers children to take charge of their own learning journey, grow in independence, confidence, and a genuine love for exploration. In a natural setting, children are free to follow their interests, ask questions, and discover the world around them at their own pace. This approach not only nurtures their curiosity and creativity but also helps them develop critical problem-solving skills and resilience. By allowing children to lead their learning, we support their growth as capable, confident individuals. ‘