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My Journey in Education, SEND, and the Transformative Power of Forest School
From the very start of my career, I knew I was meant to work with children. There is something profoundly rewarding about guiding young minds, especially those who face challenges that others may not fully understand. My background in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) shaped me into the educator I am today—patient, empathetic, and passionate about inclusivity.
For years, I worked in various educational settings, helping children with different needs and abilities unlock their potential. Each day was an opportunity to make a difference, to provide a child with the tools they needed to navigate the world with confidence. But while I loved my job, I felt there was something missing—not just for the children, but for myself.
Then, I discovered Forest School.
Stepping into outdoor education was a turning point in my life. Nature has an incredible way of healing, teaching, and inspiring, and I quickly realised that the traditional classroom was not the only place where meaningful learning could happen. In the forest, children were not just students; they were explorers, problem-solvers, and storytellers. They built dens, climbed trees, and discovered the wonders of the natural world—often learning more in an afternoon outdoors than they would in a week inside four walls.
Forest School changed my perspective on education entirely. It showed me that children thrive when they are given the freedom to learn in a way that engages all their senses. I watched children who struggled with confidence find their voices, children with behavioural difficulties develop resilience, and children who felt disconnected from learning suddenly light up with curiosity.
But Forest School did not just change the way I taught—it changed me. Being outdoors every day, working alongside children in a hands-on, holistic way, reignited my own sense of wonder and fulfilment. I felt truly happy, truly alive, and I knew I wanted to dedicate my career to helping others experience the same joy.
That is why I founded Branch Out Forest School—the best decision of my life.
Now, my mission is to help schools and communities build their very own Forest School sites, bringing the magic of outdoor learning to as many children as possible. I want to empower educators to embrace the outdoors as a powerful tool for development and well-being. I want to help children reconnect with nature, rediscover their confidence, and experience the happiness that comes from learning through play and exploration.
Teaching and learning outdoors has brought me so much joy, and now I want to spread that love far and wide. Every school deserves a space where children can run, climb, and create. Every child deserves the chance to learn beyond the confines of a classroom. And every educator deserves to experience the fulfilment that comes from watching their students thrive in the natural world.
If you are an educator, a parent, or a community leader looking to bring the magic of Forest School into your world, I would love to help. Let us work together to build something beautiful—something that will change lives, just as it changed mine.
Because when we Branch Out, we grow.
I have been working in education since 2012, starting as a practical instructor at a land-based college. It was there that I first noticed the incredible impact of the outdoors on my students—how much calmer, more focused, and engaged they became when learning outside. Around the same time, I discovered Forest School, and it instantly resonated with me. My passion for ecology, woodland management, and gardening made it feel like a natural fit, and in 2015, I became a qualified Forest School Leader. I set up a provision at my college before moving to an outdoor kindergarten, eager to immerse myself in this approach full-time.
Working in early years and becoming a parent sparked a deep dive into child development, education theory, and SEND practice, all grounded in my degree in psychology and neuroscience. This strengthened my belief in the power of learner-centered education and the importance of physical movement, hands-on learning, and fostering independence.
Now, as a freelance outdoor educator, I work with people of all ages and needs. I love facilitating Branch Out sessions at a SEND school for learners with autism, running Forest School holiday clubs, collaborating with outdoor education charities, and teaching woodland management and tree identification to adults. I also have the privilege of home-educating my PDA autistic son, which has deepened my understanding of neurodiversity and the importance of creating safe, nurturing learning environments.
Nature has always been at the heart of everything I do. I am passionate about traveling, exploring wild spaces, and bringing the magic of the outdoors to those who might not otherwise have access—whether due to SEND needs, cultural or economic barriers, or lack of green spaces. I also love working closely with schools to help create safe and inspiring Forest School sites where children and young people can feel secure, build confidence, and develop a lifelong connection with nature.
With a range of skills and qualifications in challenging behaviour, trauma-informed practice, arboriculture, gardening, woodwork, landscaping, and permaculture, I bring a hands-on, holistic approach to outdoor learning. I strongly believe that nature connection, physical skills, and Forest School principals can change lives, and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of that journey for so many learners!
I am a qualified Level 3 Forest School Leader, and for over three years, I have had the absolute joy of delivering Forest School sessions to preschool and primary school children. Before that, I spent 15 years as an Early Years Teacher, always striving to create holistic and meaningful learning opportunities.
Spending time outdoors has always been a huge part of who I am, and I feel incredibly privileged to share that passion with the children I work with. As a mother, I love that my own children thrive in nature too—it is where they are happiest, exploring, climbing, getting muddy, and discovering the magic of the natural world. I truly believe that in a time when screens and indoor life dominate, reconnecting with nature is more important than ever.
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is working in a variety of schools, meeting so many wonderful children and staff, and seeing their unique Forest School sites—all created by Branch Out Forest School. Every setting has its own character, and I love watching how each space transforms into a place of adventure, curiosity, and discovery. It is amazing to witness the excitement and wonder as children explore their surroundings, challenge themselves, and develop a deep connection with nature.
I bring my love for crafts, wildlife, tool work, mindfulness, and, of course, plenty of muddy adventures to every session. Seeing children embrace the freedom to be themselves, grow in confidence, and develop a lifelong love for the outdoors is what makes my job so incredibly fulfilling. There is nothing better than watching their faces light up as they make new discoveries, take risks, and build lasting memories in nature.
