ABOUT US
At Skylarks we are a passionate, knowledgeable and dedicated team
committed to facilitating outdoor learning experiences
Through high quality outdoor provision, we provide opportunities for children and adults to connect with themselves, each other and the natural world. By engaging people in outdoor settings, we help them to understand the natural world and how
to protect and preserve it for future generations.
OUR CREDENTIALS
As a mix of qualified primary school teachers and experienced teaching assistants, we are a growing team with a wide range of knowledge and skills.
All of us are Level 3 Forest School Practitioners and members of the Forest School Association.
We have enhanced DBS registration.
We are trained in Safeguarding, Outdoor First Aid, Teamteach and Food Hygiene and Safety.
THE SKYLARKS TEAM
Jennie, Eleanor, Helen
"The Skylarks leaders are exceptional with young children, guiding them safely through creating sparks, lighting fires, woodwork skills and 'going on bear hunts'."
Alex (aged 4) and his mum Erica
ABOUT JENNIE
I have worked in education for 17 years, including working in a nursery setting where I spent 2 years as a SENCo (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator). I have supported children with special educational needs and profound and multiple learning difficulties. I am a qualified primary school teacher and have taught across Early Years and Key Stage One for the past 8 years.
I established Skylarks Forest School at Lyme in 2016 and began running sessions with the ranger team in February 2017. In addition to running Skylarks, I spend the beginning of my week teaching at a local primary school, where I have developed the outdoor provision to incorporate Forest School practice and outdoor learning. Having embedded forest school into the wider curriculum at the school, I deliver Forest School programmes and outdoor learning to children from nursery all the way up to year 6. In my spare time, I enjoy walking and travelling with my family, as well as going to festivals.
My love of nature and conservation has informed and guided my decision to take my teaching outdoors. I am passionate about connecting people of all ages and abilities with the natural world.
ABOUT ELEANOR
I have worked in special education since 2007. I currently work part-time as an SEN Teacher, leading Forest School in a school for young people with severe and profound learning difficulties. Here we are developing our Forest School practice and have learnt lots about how Forest School can be a powerful tool for learning and experiencing life in a wild natural space. I have also shared my journey through talks as part of training delivered by The Therapeutic Forest.
I took time out in 2014 to do some WWOOFing (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms). I lived and worked on an organic farm in Devon, and experienced first-hand elements of the Forest School ethos such as resilience and self-esteem.
Being in the wilds and experiencing the changing seasons and the elements is very important to me. I love exploring and adventuring in the outdoors, and getting in wild waters. I also like to forage, draw and I am currently learning how to work with green wood to carve spoons and make simple furniture.
I really love and value my Forest School work with Skylarks, especially the strong community feel, parental involvement and the great sense of freedom and autonomy for the children, which I value in my school practice too.
ABOUT HELEN
I started attending Skylarks Forest School with my youngest son. I have been really inspired by the Skylarks Team and it has rekindled my love of the outdoors. This has led me to pursue a career as a Forest School Practitioner. I completed my level three training in June 2021 with Kindling Play and Training, and have been working with the Skylarks ever since.
I also work as a freelance practitioner at a local primary school and do supply work at other local forest schools. I enjoy painting, drawing and photography in my spare time.
A UNIQUE LOCATION
We developed Skylarks Forest School to offer opportunities for children to play and learn in a
private woodland setting. We are fortunate to have established a partnership with Lyme,
our local National Trust Estate, and base our school in Hampers Wood.
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
The Skylark represents our close connection with Lyme as they return to the estate each year to nest. The Skylark’s distinctive song carries far and wide throughout Lyme in the spring and summer, reminiscent of children’s laughter and voice when playing in the woodland.
