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’. “

I love working with children and I cherish their creativity and uniqueness. The forest is a playground of endless potential and I couldn’t think of a better place to facilitate growth and curiosity.

By witnessing nature’s many beautiful forms, from the changing seasons to the rich interactions of the mycelial network beneath our feet, this allows us to connect to our environment and feel a part of something so much greater. During my psychology degree, I took this concept into my research practice and facilitated various eco-psychology interventions, from guided forest walks to breath-based meditation practices during cold-water immersion. Through these practices, I explored how nature is a mirror to the human condition, and immersing oneself in her boundless offerings is an enriching and affirming experience.

Before joining the Out There team, I was a researcher at the University of Bristol and specialised in Developmental Psychology. I worked with children between the ages of 3-7 and explored their understanding of various emotional and behavioural phenomena. I also have several years of nannying experience and have been involved with drama-therapy interventions for children on the autistic spectrum. Collectively, my experiences have cemented my passion for working in early years settings and I look forward to taking this further into the great outdoors!

The fact is that given the challenges we face, education doesn’t need to be reformed; it needs to be transformed.” (Robinson, K, 2009)

I am a huge advocate for active learning, emphasising that a sense of ownership and personal involvement is the key to successful learning. Chris Watkins defines learning as “The human process of creating meaning from experience.” what better way to experience learning than being surrounded by nature? Out There shares my passion for creativity and sustainability by recycling and reusing materials across all areas of learning, from crafts to den building. Working outdoors, surrounded by nature, allows me to channel my bubbly and energetic personality into a positive learning environment for the children.

I am an NQT with over eight years of experience working with children of all ages in various settings, including teaching in both primary and secondary schools, a family-run nursery, nannying, volunteering abroad to teach English in Cambodia and Sri Lanka, and working in orphanages, nurseries, and schools in Africa. 

I grew up in a house surrounded by babies and toddlers; ever since I can remember, I have shared the same love that my mother has for children. She started running The Little Summer House Nursery from our eco-garden studio when I was just a teen. Working alongside her was where my love for working with children was born and what inspired me to volunteer in Africa, helping to build nurseries and working in orphanages and schools. Teaching is more than just a job for me. I am passionate about child development and providing a loving and positive environment for children, filled with fun and as much learning through play and nature as possible, all of which help them to flourish and realise their full potential.