Meet the Team
Founders
Growing Wild Outdoor Nursery was set up in 2019 by experienced nursery leaders, Janet and Lindsey. It is the realisation of a shared dream to give children the best start in life by being free to play in a natural environment.
I am passionate about children being in and learning from the natural world. I have worked in the outdoors for the past 24 years, initially in countryside management and conservation, leading groups of adult volunteers on practical and working with schools. My work lead me to train as a forest school practitioner in 2005 which inspired me to set up my own business (Growing Wild) so I could focus full time on supporting children to make a connection with the great outdoors.
Following the birth of my youngest child, I trained as a childminder and cared for children five years and under, spending a large proportion of the day outside. For three years before opening the nursery, I worked as an early years’ practitioner at an outdoor nursery in Sheffield.
I have two children and with them and my partner I enjoy camping, cycling, playing on rope swings and cooking on campfires.
I have worked in the early years’ sector for almost 30 years – in schools, forest school, nurseries and universities as well as providing consultancy and training in play and learning outdoors.
I love to travel and have visited several countries renowned for raising happy, confident children, such as Denmark and Iceland, and use this knowledge and experience in the work we do at Growing Wild.
More recently I have had the opportunity to speak at conferences such as the Early Childhood Expo and Nursery World Show, which I hope to continue in the future to spread the word of the importance of outdoor play in young children’s wellbeing, learning and development.
My passion has always been to give children the time, space and freedom to play outdoors and to provide the experiences that will enable them to grow into confident and creative individuals who will care for each other and for the world they live in.
I am passionate about children being in and learning from the natural world. I have worked in the outdoors for the past 24 years, initially in countryside management and conservation, leading groups of adult volunteers on practical and working with schools. My work lead me to train as a forest school practitioner in 2005 which inspired me to set up my own business (Growing Wild) so I could focus full time on supporting children to make a connection with the great outdoors.
Following the birth of my youngest child, I trained as a childminder and cared for children five years and under, spending a large proportion of the day outside. For three years before opening the nursery, I worked as an early years’ practitioner at an outdoor nursery in Sheffield.
I have two children and with them and my partner I enjoy camping, cycling, playing on rope swings and cooking on campfires.
I have worked in the early years’ sector for almost 30 years – in schools, forest school, nurseries and universities as well as providing consultancy and training in play and learning outdoors.
I love to travel and have visited several countries renowned for raising happy, confident children, such as Denmark and Iceland, and use this knowledge and experience in the work we do at Growing Wild.
More recently I have had the opportunity to speak at conferences such as the Early Childhood Expo and Nursery World Show, which I hope to continue in the future to spread the word of the importance of outdoor play in young children’s wellbeing, learning and development.
My passion has always been to give children the time, space and freedom to play outdoors and to provide the experiences that will enable them to grow into confident and creative individuals who will care for each other and for the world they live in.
Outdoor Nursery, Barnsley Team Members
Vicky’s passion for working with children began when completing a Nursery Nurse (NNEB) course which enabled her to travel and work worldwide as a nanny. She returned to education and embarked on a degree in Playwork which took her to South Africa and working with children in poverty.
Vicky went on to work within a local authority to support the setting up of out of school clubs which then developed into delivering training in the community around the importance of play.
When taking a break to bring up her three children she became involved in her community by supporting the local pre-school and becoming a school governor. She then moved into a new role within Further & Higher education to support degree students on their placements within childcare settings. Vicky enjoys being outdoors with her dog Charlie, running up hills and having fun in the mud!
Vicky was Deputy Site Manager before taking on her role as Site Manager in April 2024.
Mandy’s favourite thing is being with children in the outdoors. Having three children of her own (in their teens and twenties), she has seen how spending time outside is vital for their development and sense of well-being.
Mandy originally worked in theatre-in-education, using this as an opportunity to bring environmental education to children. Since then, she has delivered environmental education training courses nationally.
When not at Growing Wild, Mandy is a professional coach and facilitator. She enjoys gardening, walking, reading, dancing and amateur dramatics.
Mandy took on the role of Deputy Site Manager in April 20204 and is currently working towards an NVQ Level 5 in Early Years Leadership.
After completing and qualifying with the NNEB, Hannah worked as a private nanny at a ski resort in France and also for Thomson Holidays running Kids’ Clubs.
After returning to the UK she worked as a live-in nanny and also a daily nanny for many years. She loves being outdoors and think children learn best through playing in a natural environment with kindness and fun. They learn great things.
She enjoys family time, running, walking the dog, seeing friends and travelling.
Beth has a Level 3 in Childcare and spent 3 years in different educational settings from birth to 8 years. She then worked at Wigfield farm as an activity worker for 3 years hosting lots of children’s parties, school visits and family events. This makes her invaluable when teaching the children about the animals. She enjoys spending time outdoors especially at the beach with family and friends. She loves taking her little godson outside to explore nature and find insects. Beth has recently completed her Forest Schools Practitioner Training too!
Vicky’s passion for working with children began when completing a Nursery Nurse (NNEB) course which enabled her to travel and work worldwide as a nanny. She returned to education and embarked on a degree in Playwork which took her to South Africa and working with children in poverty.
Vicky went on to work within a local authority to support the setting up of out of school clubs which then developed into delivering training in the community around the importance of play.
When taking a break to bring up her three children she became involved in her community by supporting the local pre-school and becoming a school governor. She then moved into a new role within Further & Higher education to support degree students on their placements within childcare settings. Vicky enjoys being outdoors with her dog Charlie, running up hills and having fun in the mud!
Vicky was Deputy Site Manager before taking on her role as Site Manager in April 2024.
Mandy’s favourite thing is being with children in the outdoors. Having three children of her own (in their teens and twenties), she has seen how spending time outside is vital for their development and sense of well-being.
Mandy originally worked in theatre-in-education, using this as an opportunity to bring environmental education to children. Since then, she has delivered environmental education training courses nationally.
When not at Growing Wild, Mandy is a professional coach and facilitator. She enjoys gardening, walking, reading, dancing and amateur dramatics.
Mandy took on the role of Deputy Site Manager in April 20204 and is currently working towards an NVQ Level 5 in Early Years Leadership.
After completing and qualifying with the NNEB, Hannah worked as a private nanny at a ski resort in France and also for Thomson Holidays running Kids’ Clubs.
After returning to the UK she worked as a live-in nanny and also a daily nanny for many years. She loves being outdoors and think children learn best through playing in a natural environment with kindness and fun. They learn great things.
She enjoys family time, running, walking the dog, seeing friends and travelling.
Beth has a Level 3 in Childcare and spent 3 years in different educational settings from birth to 8 years. She then worked at Wigfield farm as an activity worker for 3 years hosting lots of children’s parties, school visits and family events. This makes her invaluable when teaching the children about the animals. She enjoys spending time outdoors especially at the beach with family and friends. She loves taking her little godson outside to explore nature and find insects. Beth has recently completed her Forest Schools Practitioner Training too!
Marybeth left college with a Level 2 and Level 3 in childcare and education and has taken part in many placements in the Barnsley area including primary schools and nurseries. She has recently qualified from university with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours Degree in Early years with a 2:1.
She has always wanted to work with children to help them achieve and learn to the best of their ability. She believes children learn best through risk and challenge opportunities and should be provided with freedom of choice to learn and develop in their own way. In her spare time she loves exploring the outdoors, going on long walks, camping, reading and going to the coast. She enjoys exploring natural materials in the outdoors and using them in activities at the nursery.
Leigh graduated with a 2:1 degree in Education Studies in 2012 and has worked with various age ranges from birth to young adults. Her passion however is working in Early Years and especially outdoors. She recently completed an early years outdoor training course to continue to develop her growing knowledge of outdoor provision. She has 4 children of her own- Leigh’s youngest child attended Growing Wild first and Leigh loved it so much she decided she wanted to work for us too!
Rosie is a qualified primary school teacher who has always loved teaching Early Years children.
She believes children learn best through play, having the resources and opportunities to learn and the encouragement to have a go.
Rosie has recently enjoyed completing the Outdoor Thinking Training which has deepened her knowledge of what children can learn through outdoor play and has embedded her love of the outdoors.
Rosie has always loved being outside. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, going on walks with her three dogs, singing and going on camping holidays.
Marybeth left college with a Level 2 and Level 3 in childcare and education and has taken part in many placements in the Barnsley area including primary schools and nurseries. She has recently qualified from university with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours Degree in Early years with a 2:1.
She has always wanted to work with children to help them achieve and learn to the best of their ability. She believes children learn best through risk and challenge opportunities and should be provided with freedom of choice to learn and develop in their own way. In her spare time she loves exploring the outdoors, going on long walks, camping, reading and going to the coast. She enjoys exploring natural materials in the outdoors and using them in activities at the nursery.
Leigh graduated with a 2:1 degree in Education Studies in 2012 and has worked with various age ranges from birth to young adults. Her passion however is working in Early Years and especially outdoors. She recently completed an early years outdoor training course to continue to develop her growing knowledge of outdoor provision. She has 4 children of her own- Leigh’s youngest child attended Growing Wild first and Leigh loved it so much she decided she wanted to work for us too!
Rosie is a qualified primary school teacher who has always loved teaching Early Years children.
She believes children learn best through play, having the resources and opportunities to learn and the encouragement to have a go.
Rosie has recently enjoyed completing the Outdoor Thinking Training which has deepened her knowledge of what children can learn through outdoor play and has embedded her love of the outdoors.
Rosie has always loved being outside. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, going on walks with her three dogs, singing and going on camping holidays.
Inclusion Team
Michelle has nineteen years’ experience as a primary teacher, working across all age ranges. She also enjoys cooking and art club with the children. She has been doing supply at Growing Wild along-side her job at Butterwick Primary in Boston, but has recently given up this post to join our SEND team full-time at Growing Wild. As well as spending time with her own family (Alfie her youngest came to Growing Wild before starting school), she is an avid Barnsley FC fan and season-ticket holder. Michelle loves everything Disney!
In 2024 Michelle completed her SENDCo training and took on this new role with Growing Wild! She is very passionate about supporting children with additional needs and their families to enable every child to thrive!
Nicola is a qualified school teacher who has always had a particular interest in early years and learning through play and children’s own interests. She has worked with different ages of children whilst in her teaching post and through doing some supply work at various schools in Barnsley. Nicola believes all children should have the opportunity to play, explore and learn from nature and the great outdoors, thus loving the whole ethos that Growing Wild Nursery has to offer.
Nicola left teaching and became a full time mum after having her first child, throughly enjoying the time shared together. Taking a keen interest in her children’s education, she later became a parent Governor at her children’s school. Nicola then started her Growing Wild adventure by joining the team to run the Playgroup sessions after having so much fun attending them with her own daughter.
In her spare time, Nicola loves baking, reading, walking her dog, being outdoors and exploring new places with her family.
Chris has worked for 34 years as a Registered Childminder in Sheffield, before joining the Growing Wild team. She provided holistic care and education, based around the outdoors, to encourage a love of nature and learning, centred around children’s individual needs. Chris is dedicated to providing a positive learning environment for all children and passionate about creating opportunities for them to access and explore their world.
In her spare time, Chris enjoys spending time with her family and walking in the countryside.
Michelle has nineteen years’ experience as a primary teacher, working across all age ranges. She also enjoys cooking and art club with the children. She has been doing supply at Growing Wild along-side her job at Butterwick Primary in Boston, but has recently given up this post to join our SEND team full-time at Growing Wild. As well as spending time with her own family (Alfie her youngest came to Growing Wild before starting school), she is an avid Barnsley FC fan and season-ticket holder. Michelle loves everything Disney!
In 2024 Michelle completed her SENDCo training and took on this new role with Growing Wild! She is very passionate about supporting children with additional needs and their families to enable every child to thrive!
Nicola is a qualified school teacher who has always had a particular interest in early years and learning through play and children’s own interests. She has worked with different ages of children whilst in her teaching post and through doing some supply work at various schools in Barnsley. Nicola believes all children should have the opportunity to play, explore and learn from nature and the great outdoors, thus loving the whole ethos that Growing Wild Nursery has to offer.
Nicola left teaching and became a full time mum after having her first child, throughly enjoying the time shared together. Taking a keen interest in her children’s education, she later became a parent Governor at her children’s school. Nicola then started her Growing Wild adventure by joining the team to run the Playgroup sessions after having so much fun attending them with her own daughter.
In her spare time, Nicola loves baking, reading, walking her dog, being outdoors and exploring new places with her family.
Chris has worked for 34 years as a Registered Childminder in Sheffield, before joining the Growing Wild team. She provided holistic care and education, based around the outdoors, to encourage a love of nature and learning, centred around children’s individual needs. Chris is dedicated to providing a positive learning environment for all children and passionate about creating opportunities for them to access and explore their world.
In her spare time, Chris enjoys spending time with her family and walking in the countryside.
C
C
Woodland Nursery, Sheffield Team Members
Jenni is a qualified primary school teacher but has always been interested in early years and learning through play. She is a big lover of the outdoors, whether playing out in the garden, walking the dog in the Peak District or spending time at the coast with family she is happiest when outside exploring! She enjoys being creative with arts and crafts and looks forward to combining this passion with objects from the natural world at Growing Wild Outdoor Nursery.
Jenni was Deputy Site Manager at our Outdoor Nursery before moving to our new Woodland Nursery when it opened in April 2024.
Sarah has had a deep love for the outdoors and adventure from a very young age. She grew up climbing mountains and hiking with her granddad, even learning to identify the names of trees in the forest before she was six. Currently, Sarah is working toward her foundation degree in Supporting Early Years Practice and enjoys sharing her perspective on outdoor learning with her fellow students.
Her passion for “Growing Wild” began seven years ago when she attended a woodland playgroup with her two children. This experience led her daughter to attend the Wigfield nursery site, further deepening Sarah’s commitment to outdoor education.
As a passionate advocate for the benefits of early years learning in nature, Sarah is thrilled to now be living her dream of sharing the joy of outdoor exploration with the “wildlings” at Hesley Wood.
Daniella spent many years training to be a professional dancer and performing around the country. This adds to her passion of always giving children the opportunity to express themselves and find their voice. She has worked in dance schools and primary education for many years and values the importance of Early Years Education. She has young twin boys of her own and loves being outdoors exploring the world with them. Daniella believes that the outdoors offers so many amazing opportunities for children to learn and grow into happy resilient young people.
Daniella is about to start her SENDCo training to further her knowledge and skills and develop her practice towards taking in the SENDCo role at the Woodland Nursery.
Jenni is a qualified primary school teacher but has always been interested in early years and learning through play. She is a big lover of the outdoors, whether playing out in the garden, walking the dog in the Peak District or spending time at the coast with family she is happiest when outside exploring! She enjoys being creative with arts and crafts and looks forward to combining this passion with objects from the natural world at Growing Wild Outdoor Nursery.
Jenni was Deputy Site Manager at our Outdoor Nursery before moving to our new Woodland Nursery when it opened in April 2024.
Sarah has had a deep love for the outdoors and adventure from a very young age. She grew up climbing mountains and hiking with her granddad, even learning to identify the names of trees in the forest before she was six. Currently, Sarah is working toward her foundation degree in Supporting Early Years Practice and enjoys sharing her perspective on outdoor learning with her fellow students.
Her passion for “Growing Wild” began seven years ago when she attended a woodland playgroup with her two children. This experience led her daughter to attend the Wigfield nursery site, further deepening Sarah’s commitment to outdoor education.
As a passionate advocate for the benefits of early years learning in nature, Sarah is thrilled to now be living her dream of sharing the joy of outdoor exploration with the “wildlings” at Hesley Wood.
Daniella spent many years training to be a professional dancer and performing around the country. This adds to her passion of always giving children the opportunity to express themselves and find their voice. She has worked in dance schools and primary education for many years and values the importance of Early Years Education. She has young twin boys of her own and loves being outdoors exploring the world with them. Daniella believes that the outdoors offers so many amazing opportunities for children to learn and grow into happy resilient young people.
Daniella is about to start her SENDCo training to further her knowledge and skills and develop her practice towards taking in the SENDCo role at the Woodland Nursery.
Hiya! I’m Rosie. I have a Level 3 qualification in Early Childhood Education and over six years of experience working between nurseries and SEN provisions. I am currently in my final year at university studying Education with Autism, Disability and SEN. My Growing Wild journey began as a university student on placement and soon began supply work around my university studies. Throughout my placement, I discovered my passion for the resilience around outdoor learning and play alongside creating alternative ways of learning for all learners. I believe this way of learning regulates children, enabling them to learn and thrive to their best potential.
In my spare time I volunteer as a 1-1 on a programme supporting children with additional needs, providing weeklong holidays and providing families with much needed respite. Through my passion of SEN, I intend to further my studies onto a Masters in Autism. I enjoy spending my free time to unwind with friends and family on long walks, travelling to new places, attending events and seeing musicals.
Hiya! I’m Rosie. I have a Level 3 qualification in Early Childhood Education and over six years of experience working between nurseries and SEN provisions. I am currently in my final year at university studying Education with Autism, Disability and SEN. My Growing Wild journey began as a university student on placement and soon began supply work around my university studies. Throughout my placement, I discovered my passion for the resilience around outdoor learning and play alongside creating alternative ways of learning for all learners. I believe this way of learning regulates children, enabling them to learn and thrive to their best potential.
In my spare time I volunteer as a 1-1 on a programme supporting children with additional needs, providing weeklong holidays and providing families with much needed respite. Through my passion of SEN, I intend to further my studies onto a Masters in Autism. I enjoy spending my free time to unwind with friends and family on long walks, travelling to new places, attending events and seeing musicals.
Testimonials
