Hi! I’m Matt, and I’m VERY excited to be launching Bramblings Forest School in the Nailsworth area!
So here’s a bit about me………
I’ve worked in education for over 14 years now, a large part of this as a Primary School teacher both in the UK and also in Australia. I gained my level 3 Forest School Leader qualification at Bishops Wood in Worcestershire in 2019. This then led to a role as education lead on an organic farm running residentials for children living in challenging circumstances, running lots of cooking and woodland sessions.
Having worked in Primary Schools for many years, I appreciated the structure, knowledge and skills that a classroom can provide. However, I increasingly felt that I could ‘make the most difference’ whilst working with young people in an outdoor setting, combining my passions for nature and sustainability. Therefore I began to take on roles and responsibilities in environmental education, and explore alternative career ‘jumps’…..
Was there a role where I could continue to work with young people, including those facing challenges in their lives?
Could I put a focus on hollistic learning, including personal/inter personal skills that I feel are so important in childhood development?
Could I act as a facilitator rather than a teacher, where I could plan sessions and activities based on student engagement?
Finally (and most importantly), could I do this in nature, where I feel most at home and where I have seen so many children THRIVE!?
Fortunately, the answer is YES, and the answer is FOREST SCHOOL!!
I now live in the area with my fiancee (Kat), son (Lochlan) and miniature schnauzer (Maisy). When I’m not in the woods, I love to cook, hike, run and play/watch football as a long-suffering Sheffield Wednesday supporter!
My qualifications include:
Forest School Leader (Level 3)
Forest School First Aid/Paediatric First Aid (16 hours, March 2023)
PGCE Primary Teaching
Hi, I’m Maisy!
I’m a bit new to this ‘woodland’ lark. You see, I’m Australian and we call it the ‘Bush’. I hadn’t even seen snow until I arrived in the UK!
I love running around like a lunatic in piles of leaves or when I get wet, chasing squirrels futilely and eating any leftovers from Matt’s campfire meals!
You may see me now again at Bramblings. I am quite noisy, but I’m just saying hello…..you’ll know that I’m friendly as my tail will always be wagging!
