Meet the team

Changing the face of early years settings

Meet the team behind the adventures

We’re incredibly proud of our Forest School for Life team.

They are the beating heart of our forest school community. They make each day possible, and bring a unique sense of wonder and enthusiasm to every day.

Find out a little more about them below.

Victoria

Founder

Victoria

Founder

Carolyn

Early Years Deputy Manager

Carolyn

Early Years Deputy Manager

Shirley

Forest School Deputy Manager

Shirley

Forest School Deputy Manager

Hayley B

Team Supervisor

Hayley B

Team Supervisor

Clare

Practitioner

Clare

Practitioner

Eva

Practitioner

Eva

Practitioner

Hannah

Practitioner

Hannah

Practitioner

Hayley M

Practitioner

Hayley M

Practitioner

Keomi

Practitioner

Keomi

Practitioner

Lily

Practitioner

Lily

Practitioner

Marie

Forest School Practitioner

Marie

Forest School Practitioner

Martyn

Chef

Martyn

Chef

Nella

Practitioner

Nella

Practitioner

Nicola

Practitioner

Nicola

Practitioner

Paul

Maintenance

Paul

Maintenance

Rebecca

talk:Wildlife Educator

Rebecca

talk:Wildlife Educator

Sadie

Practitioner

Sadie

Practitioner

Sonia

Chef

Sonia

Chef

Steph

Practitioner

Steph

Practitioner

Summer

Practitioner

Summer

Practitioner

Zoe

Early Years

Zoe

Early Years

A message to families and future practitioners

At the heart of our values lie Making a Difference and Kindness. We are committed to fostering a transparent, supportive, and collaborative work environment that prioritises team building and professional excellence.

Our dedicated team is hardworking and deeply attuned to nature and the changing seasons. We cherish the strong relationships we cultivate within our community and take immense pride in promoting high standards of child development. As a team we are always learning, reflecting and refining our practices. 

Above all, we strive to provide a warm, nurturing environment where children flourish in nature while gaining essential life skills supporting them for their next transition. Working outdoors offers unique challenges, but the rewards—connecting with nature, seeing personal growth, and making a tangible difference—are truly unmatched. The changing seasons bring fresh experiences, and no two days are ever the same. It’s a career that builds resilience, deepens appreciation for the environment, and fosters a strong sense of purpose.

Bank Staff

We are always looking to expand our bank staff team. If you have experience of working outdoors with children or have experience in the early years or perhaps you’re a retired teacher who doesn’t need regular work and think you’d be a good fit email us with a CV or written statement and we look forward to connecting with you.

Next steps

We’d love to show you around our forest school in person. You’ll have the opportunity to see all the different areas in use,  and ask all the questions you have! Please use the buttons below to get in touch or book a visit.

Contact us

Contact us

Book a visit

Book a visit

FAQs

FAQs

Victoria: Founder of Forest School For Life

What made you want to work in an outdoor setting?

Whilst looking for a childcare options for my daughter in 2007 I soon recognised families needed new and inspiring Early Years options. So I created my own. An all outdoor community not limited by ages or stages, but a true reflection of society.

What’s the best thing about working for Forest School For Life?

My team are the beating heart, our families, children and the community are the soul of our setting.

Favourite season: Winter 

Favourite food cooked over the fire: A spicy vegetable chilli!

“Forest School For Life is unique. I followed my heart when creating this community, and this is my offering to the Early Years community. I faced many obstacles along the way, but ultimately never gave up. I want this community to grow and I want families to have higher expectations of early years providers. This setting continues to evolve, continues to contribute, continues to support children and offer opportunities to flourish and reach their full potential.”

Carolyn: Early Years Professional, Deputy manager

Deputy Carolyn, is our Early Years Professional Practitioner and Special Educational Needs Coordinator [SENCo]. Carolyn holds in her heart and mind “what it’s like for a child” to attend our sessions. We love Carolyn’s warmth and professional reflective challenge, it keeps our setting continually improving and ensures we deliver high quality care through her expert lens.

Carolyn is studying her Forest School qualifications and champions the rights of Babies to access Nature.

What’s the best thing about working for Forest School For Life?

Our FSFL family! A supportive, warm team who truly care for each other, the children and their families.

What made you want to work in an outdoor setting?

Discovering the natural world and sharing the ‘awe and wonder’ with the children.

Favourite season: Winter 

Favourite food cooked over the fire: Warm beans on toast on a chilly day

 

Shirley: Forest School Deputy Manager

Deputy Shirley, is our experienced Forest School Guru (and storyteller). Shirley holds in mind “what it’s like to be part of our community” on behalf of our families. We love Shirley’s practical skills and love that she gives the children a sense of “thrill” and wonder with an “anything is possible” frame of mind. Shirley ensures we are delivering high quality experiences for all the children, through the ages and through reflective practice. Shirley is our Norfolk STEPS trainer and is studying towards the Maths Champions. 
 
Shirley also co-directs Stay & Play groups on Fridays with Marie and leads Forest School experiences for School Groups who visit us throughout the term. 
 

What’s the best thing about working for Forest School For Life?

Working alongside a strong team of dedicated staff and of course Victoria is pretty awesome too. It has a strong sense of community, and staff are led by the children, following their interests.

What made you want to work in an outdoor setting?

The sense of freedom and the benefits this brings to children. To be at one with nature and the sensory stimulation.

Favourite season: Autumn

Favourite food cooked over the fire: Roasted potatoes with rosemary and baby cherry tomatoes with balsamic vinegar.

Hayley B: Team supervisor

Hayley B is our super organised team member (everyone needs a Hayley B!) Hayley coordinates our baby team and often the wider team when we get so immersed in play. Hayley brings structure and routine which can be an Olympic sport at forest school to the benefit of our babies and toddlers. Hayley is full of songs, nurture and playfulness.

What’s the best thing about working for Forest School For Life?

Working with the babies and watching them grow, you can see the positive impact the environment, different interactions with adults and children has had on them. 

Watching them play with confidence and seeing the smiles on their faces as they do.

What made you want to work in an outdoor setting?

I love nature and spending time outdoors. I love how each season brings different learning opportunities and challenges to the children, which builds a resilience and a confidence that will set them up for their own future life skills and learning.

Favourite season: Spring

Favourite food cooked over the fire: Calzones

Clare: Practitioner

Our dear Clare. Clare is very connected to Mother Earth. Clare has an enormous heart and lots of experience working with families. Clare loves to travel and brings her diverse experiences back into the setting. Clare keeps our setting in tune with the seasons and seasonal celebrations and brings a sense of wholesomeness and nature nurture.

What’s the best thing about working for Forest School For Life?

The community vibe and child led approach in nature.

Favourite food chooked over the fire: Bread and garlic butter

What made you want to work in an outdoor setting?

I love fresh air and being in nature as a community with other children and adults as well as the freedom of working with no walls!

Favourite season: Spring

Eva: Practitioner

Anyone who has had a baby at Forest School will know Eva. Eva is very popular with our babies! Eva is gentle, Eva is thoughtful, creative and holds the babies in her mind throughout the day. Eva is always smiling and full of joy. 

Eva has transformed from a traditional practitioner, to a forest schooler over her time with us. This new way of practice has brought out Eva’s sense of joy and wonder for all to see. Eva is studying towards her Forest School qualifications.

What’s the best thing about working for Forest School For Life?

The wonderful people.

What made you want to work in an outdoor setting?

My love of nature.

Favourite season: Spring

Favourite food cooked over the fire: Porridge

Hannah: Practitioner

What made you want to work in an outdoor setting?

I’ve always loved being outdoors and feel happiest surrounded by nature. Working at FSFL lets me share that joy with children while helping them grow in confidence and curiosity.

Favourite food to cook over the fire: Crumpets

What’s the best thing about working at Forest School For Life?

I love watching children discover new skills and enjoy the freedom of being outdoors, every day brings a new adventure.

Favourite season: Summer

Hayley M: Practitioner

Hayley came to us as a volunteer in the depths of winter ’22 and showed such dedication to the development and wellbeing of the children that we couldn’t let her go. Hayley is gentle and kind and embraces nature wholeheartedly. Hayley is qualified at level 2 and is studying towards her level 3 early years.

What made you want to work in an outdoor setting?

I love being outdoors, I love the physical work.

Favourite food to cook over the fire: Popcorn.

What’s the best thing about working at Forest School For Life?

The children. Without them, there would be no forest school.

Keomi: Practitioner

Keomi is a seasoned forest schooler and exceptionally skilled at working outdoors with our baby team. Keomi is kind, funny, gentle and very resilient. We love Keomi’s playfulness and work ethic. It’s not very often we see Keomi without an armful of children!

What’s the best thing about working for Forest School For Life?

Providing children with experiences they might not encounter elsewhere is so important. I truly hope that every child has the chance to explore that same sense of wonder.

Favourite food cooked over the fire: Nettle Crisps

What made you want to work in an outdoor setting?

I’ve always found it challenging to navigate the limitations of indoor environments on children’s well-being. However, after becoming a parent, my bond with nature deepened, revealing its remarkable benefits for both me and my children.

Since I started working outdoors, I’ve realized there’s no turning back to an indoor setting. The rewards of being outside have surpassed all my expectations.

Favourite season: Spring

Lily: Practitioner

Lily is a mature and capable young lady with a natural curiosity for young developing minds. We love Lily’s “can do” attitude and we’ve enjoyed being part of her journey into Early Years. Lily has a big heart and is naturally fun and reflective as a practitioner.

Lily qualified with her Early Years Degree in ’25 and I looking forward to starting her forest school qualifications and is keeping an open mind about a teacher training.

What’s the best thing about working for Forest School For Life?

More of an informal learning environment which values child led learning and risky play. As well as the opportunity for children of different ages to play and learn together.

What made you want to work in an outdoor setting?

I really value the idea of children having freedom to learn in their own ways for their early years development. Forest school also enables children to form a relationship with nature and experience the benefits of nature.

Favourite season: Summer

Favourite food cooked over the fire: Pizza pittas

Marie: Forest School Practitioner

Marie is a highly experienced, qualified, warm and caring practitioner. Marie focusses a lot on wellbeing. Marie is naturally creative and always motivated by doing the right thing and also has her SENDCo and communication champion qualifications. Marie has held a variety of roles in the setting which is a credit to her flexibility and broad skills range. 

Marie co-directs Stay and Play on Fridays alongside Shirley and is proudly the founder and director of the re:Think, a local food share and family education organisation.

What’s the best thing about working for Forest School For Life?

The vision and leadership of Victoria. Her compassion for the team that help them be the best for the children and families. The caring and nurturing environment that everyone creates

What made you want to work in an outdoor setting?

Because it’s 100% the best environment for children to learn in, it supports their emotional and mental well-being, builds resilience and fosters joy awe and wonder in the natural world

Favourite season: Autumn

Favourite food cooked over the fire: Pancakes

Martyn: Head chef

Martyn, the Grandad of the forest. Martyn is a storyteller and our Permaculture expert. Martyn loves to grow fruit and vegetables and enjoys managing our gardens in the woods. Martyn has transitioned from early years practitioner to head chef and culinary master! We love watching the children help out in the kitchen and learn about where their foods come from.

What’s the best thing about working for Forest School For Life?

The children and the amazing staff.

What’s your favourite snack cooked over the fire?

Sausages

What made you want to work in an outdoor setting?

It’s better for your health and wellbeing.

What’s your favourite season at FSFL?

Late Spring

Nella: Practitioner

Nella is so joyful. Nella is an experienced forest schooler and finds her flow dancing and role playing with our children throughout the woods. Nella is a creative storyteller and a thoughtful and nurturing practitioner. Nella is full of song, love and laughter and we love seeing her being led into an imaginary world by the children.

What made you want to work in an outdoor setting?

I feel much happier and calmer when I am outside. I feel passionate about both adults and children spending time in the outdoors and wanted to work somewhere that supports and encourages it.

Favourite food to cook over the fire:Damper bread

What’s the best thing about working at Forest School For Life?

The amazing and supportive team and the freedom and space to be our authentic selves.

Favourite season: I love the spring time!

Nicola: Practitioner

Nicola joined the team as bank staff and lucky for us (and our community) Nicola ended up staying with the team! Nicola’s passion for her new career is evident in her very real and thoughtful connections with the babies. We wish Nicola lots of luck as she embarks on an apprenticeship with the fabulous Pen Green to formalise her natural maternal instincts.

What made you want to work in an outdoor setting?

A lifelong affinity with nature, a passion for living in an environment that is eco friendly, sustainable and thoughtful. Working with Mother Nature and having the opportunity to be more resilient and adaptable. I would love to live in an eco house and be completely self-sufficient and teach my 3 sons to live off the land.

What’s the best thing about working at Forest School For Life?

Working so close to nature and getting to explore the wonders of the natural world with like minded people. It feels like a family rather than a team.

Favourite season: Spring! Exploring the woodland after winter, eagerly awaiting new growth and the emergence of life. It’s a whole new world to explore with the children.

Paul: Maintenance

Paul’s energy and attention to detail in the woodlands has been exceptional. Paul leans into the ecology of the land whilst maintaining important habitats for the flora and fauna. Paul is always on hand to fix, mend, mow and repair and is definitely the treasure hunter of the team! If you need it, he can find it!

What made you want to work in an outdoor setting?

When retiring from a Corporate Career I decided my wellbeing had to take precedence, working outdoors is an investment in the organisation as much as myself. I very much champion the vision of FSFL.

Favourite food to cook over the fire: Veggie burgers

What’s the best thing about working at Forest School For Life?

FSFL is full of great people, doing great things, in innovative thought provoking ways. The future is outdoors!

Favourite season: Summer. 100% summer.

Rebecca: talk:Wildlife Educator

Rebecca is a qualified teacher, nature enthusiast, PhD student and lead practitioner for Team: Wildlife. Rebecca delivers curricula led natural history modules on Wednesdays to Home Ed families embracing self directed learning. Rebecca also runs team : Wildlife holiday clubs for the whole setting. 

Rebecca is lots of fun, she’s curious and incredibly inspiring. We’re always learning something new when Rebecca is in the Nest!

What’s the best thing about working for Forest School For Life?

Being part of a genuine community that wants to help children grow up with an appreciation for nature and wildlife.

Rebecca G headshot

 

What made you want to work in an outdoor setting?

Being outdoors always makes me feel better, and I love being able to share that feeling. There is so much to learn about and I still get to discover new things.

Favourite season: I love autumn as the leaves look beautiful, and mushrooms start to spring up! It’s the perfect season to keep warm by a fire!

Favourite food cooked over the fire: Anything bread based and toasted

Sadie: Practitioner

Sadie, who is adventurous, energetic and creative, works with our baby team creating memories to last a lifetime through daily provocations. We love Sadie’s commitment to the team, we love her thoughtful and gentle practice. Sadie is formalising her skills and knowledge also through an apprenticeship with Pen Green.

What’s the best thing about working for Forest School For Life?

My amazing beautiful team and the children

Favourite food cooked over the fire: Muffins with marmite

What made you want to work in an outdoor setting?

Being at one with nature, and seeing the the children thriving and using their imagination in the environment around them

Favourite season: Autumn and summer

Sonia: Chef

Sonia works in partnership with Martyn in the kitchen. Also bringing a sense of fun and playfulness with the children Sonia ensures the meals are seasonal and delicious. Together they ensure the children are having the healthiest starts to life.

What’s the best thing about working for Forest School For Life?

The privilege of being part of an enthusiastic, skilled and hard working team who strive to foster self esteem, creativity and confidence in the children on their learning journey.

What made you want to work in an outdoor setting?

An increased sense of wellbeing.

Favourite season: Early spring when the forest comes to life.

Favourite food cooked over the fire: Sun dried tomato stuffed aubergine.

Steph: Practitioner

Steph is a positive, nature connected practitioner whose shared values echo through our setting. We love watching the meaningful relationships Steph makes with babies and the commitment Steph has to continuous professional development. Steph is a Maths Champion and proudly also the Founder and Director of Time Together Childminding in Wymondham, a Schema Play accredited setting. Steph is studying towards her Forest School qualifications.

What made you want to work in an outdoor setting?

I just feel at home outdoors. Being indoors for too long makes me feel a bit boxed in, but out in nature, there’s space to breathe. The woods give me a sense of stillness and connection, which is something I think we all need more of. Being outside brings out the best in me, and I’ve seen how it does the same for little ones too. It’s a place where they can move freely, follow their curiosity, and really be their true selves. I feel lucky to be part of that.

What’s the best thing about working at Forest School For Life?

I love witnessing the wonder and joy of a baby discovering the natural world, like seeing their face light up at the feel of mud, or spotting a wiggly worm for the first time. It reminds me to slow down and notice the magic in everyday moments too.

Favourite season: Spring. I love the feeling of coming to life after a cozy hibernation. There’s something magical about watching the woodland slowly wake up.

Summer: Practitioner

Summer completed her teaching qualifications in 2024 and initially came to support us in the school holidays to add forest school experiences to her portfolio. Newly qualified and bursting with inspiration and a desire to make a difference to children’s lives we and the children are fortunate to have Summer back on the team full time.  
 

What made you want to work in an outdoor setting?

Children need a creative space to optimise their learning. The great outdoors is a great way for children and staff to connect to nature and use natural resources to boost imagination and creativity.

Favourite food to cook over the fire: Crumpets with a little jam

What’s the best thing about working at Forest School For Life?

Staff build secure relationships with the children. We know the children so well due to observing their child led learning and therefore understanding what they like, dislike and need.

Favourite season: Summer time, sunshine makes everybody feel happier!

Zoe: Early Years

Zoe is amazing. We always start with this! Zoe, who is a qualified early years teacher, joined us after her eldest daughter attended the setting. Zoe is very experienced, full of fun and playfulness. Zoe brings the children a sense of awe and wonder but importantly she also brings the team a sense of adventure. Zoe is logical and can solve almost any problem!

What made you want to work in an outdoor setting?

The freedom it gives me and the children. The opportunity of limitless exploration and watching the woods change with the seasons.

Favourite food to cook over the fire: Crumpets

What’s the best thing about working at Forest School For Life?

Watching the children develop their own learning pathways and being able to support them along their journey at Forest School for life.

Favourite season: Spring.