About Me

Where I hope to provide services that support the learning, development, and overall well-being of families and children.

My journey in working with children and families began nearly two decades ago when I started as a nursery nurse. Since then, I have gained valuable experience across the early years and education sector, including pre-schools, forest schools, primary schools, and as an Ofsted registered nanny.

My own challenges during my school years ignited a deep passion within me to ensure that no child goes through the same struggles I faced. I understand firsthand the feelings of being made to feel incapable or not clever enough due to finding classroom learning more difficult than others. These experiences fuelled my determination to make a difference. Starting from the bottom in childcare, I worked my way up, earning an Early Years degree and training as a primary school teacher. Through these roles, I have been able to support numerous children in overcoming barriers in confidence and various areas of development and learning. However, I felt there was even more I could contribute to the community.

Two significant teaching experiences have profoundly shaped my practice and served as inspiration for the development of 'The Calm Approach':

Supporting families as a nanny:

Throughout my career, I have worked closely with multiple families, helping them overcome various challenges, from sleep issues to sibling rivalry and attachment difficulties. It was during my time as a nanny for a family with a baby suffering from severe colic that I delved into researching baby massage to alleviate the symptoms. The profound impact I witnessed prompted me to complete a Baby Massage practitioner course, with the intention of supporting other families dealing with colic. However, I soon discovered that the benefits of baby massage extended beyond colic relief. It enhanced overall well-being and strengthened the attachment between children and their families. From my studies and observations, I firmly believe that a strong parent-child attachment is key to holistic development, benefiting both the child and the parent.

Teaching in forest schools:

My experience teaching and working in forest schools opened my eyes to the transformative power of education beyond traditional classroom settings. I have always been captivated by child development, psychology, and the growth of confidence. Through extensive research, I focused on areas such as confidence development, emotional intelligence, growth mindset and overall well-being. It became evident that spending extended periods of time in nature had overwhelmingly positive effects.

Parents would often share feedback about how their children couldn't stop talking about their experiences in the forest and how their mood had noticeably improved. The abundant literature on outdoor learning further inspired me. Above all, witnessing a child's confidence grow has been the most rewarding aspect of my practice. Interacting and learning outdoors provide ideal opportunities for building confidence, but I believe these principles can also be applied indoors.

A child-centric approach, where the child’s interests and focus guide our work, is paramount. Critical thinking and problem-solving are encouraged by prompting children to consider similarities and differences among possible answers and reflect on the process that led them to their conclusions.

These principles form the foundation the forest school club and are carried through in the private tutoring and homeschool support sessions I offer.

I understand that selecting the right service for your child can be a challenging decision. If you have any questions or just want to discuss services further, please don't hesitate to get in touch, I will respond promptly to provide the information you need.

Qualifications:

• PGCE in Primary Education
• BA Hons Early Years Education
• Advanced Certificate in Forest School and Outdoor Learning
• Infant Massage Diploma
• Baby Yoga Diploma