At Woodland Outdoor Kindergartens, we strive to provide a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow. Each member of our staff team is carefully selected as a result of their knowledge, experience, motivation and personality. Before meeting the children, new staff have an enhanced Disclosure Scotland check, a medical reference and two written professional references. All of our staff team have completed paediatric first aid training appropriate to the outdoor environment, child protection training and a period of woodland training in order that they are aware of health and safety issues relating to childcare and activities in the outdoor learning environment. All staff are registered with the SSSC, GTC or NMC.
Alison Latta (Co-founder)
I was brought up in the south side of Glasgow and began my career as a physiotherapist, having completed a degree in sports medicine ans a masters in physiotherapy. After the birth of my daughter, Kirsty, my interest in child development grew and I became fascinated when exploring the concept of outdoor learning in pre school children.
I was delighted to have the opportunity to establish Woodland Outdoor Kindergartens with my childhood friend Debbie, giving Kirsty and other local children the opportunity to benefit from this unique and wonderful learning experience and to reconnect with nature.
Debbie Simmers (Co-founder)
I have enjoyed a wide and varied career since leaving university with a degree in Chemical Engineering. I initially worked in the field of business finance to become a bank manager at Lloyds TSB, whilst carrying out voluntary work in the residential childcare sector. My interest in young people with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties grew and as a result I moved into a role at a private residential care home for children. Following the completion of my PDA in Child Care Services Management, I took on the role of Head of Support Services at the care home. My interests have now broadened to early years childcare following the birth of my daughter, Sarah, and I am delighted to observe the clear benefits that outdoor education has to offer.
Gail Cisman (Manager)
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Jane Whitehead (Learning and Teaching Co-ordinator)
Originally from Lancashire, I am a qualified primary teacher and work part time between Woodland Outdoor Kindergartens and Glasgow City Council at Primary 4 level. I have a keen interest in ecology and outdoor education and am heavily involved in planning various community and outdoor learning events within my own community. I am very passionate about the ethos of Woodland Outdoor Kindergartens and find it fascinating how pre school children can thrive and develop through outdoor play.
Susan Lancaster (Learning and Teaching Co-ordinator)
I began my career as a landscape architect, which allowed me to develop extensive knowledge of plant life and the natural world. My love of learning and child development took over and so I gained my primary teaching qualification. I am therefore delighted to be working in such a valuable role within Woodland Outdoor Kindergartens, where I can combine my knowledge and skills of teaching with my love of the natural world and impart this knowledge to our children. Originally from Michigan, I now live in Glasgow’s south side with my family and enjoy a wide array of outdoor pursuits including gardening, sailing and developing my allotment.
Graham Fraser (Play Worker)
I previously worked within child sports coaching and have gained valuable transferable skills such as team building, inclusion, ability to motivate and how to have fun with sport. I have been with the Woodland team for over a year now and am looking forward to starting my professional childcare qualification. When in the woods, I particularly enjoy facilitating drama, role play and imaginative play.
Fiona Morton (Practitioner)
Having grown up in a small village, I have always enjoyed outdoor activities and have fond memories of my childhood making mud pies and climbing trees with my dad. I pursued a career in childcare as I am always full of energy and enjoy contributing to children’s learning. Since completing my HNC in Early Education and Childcare I have gained valuable experience working with pre-school children and am now delighted to be working in the woods where the children can experience fresh air, freedom and learn about nature. In my spare time I enjoy reading, watching films and spending time with my family.
Pamela Sinclair (Practitioner)
I have enjoyed a successful career as a nursing sister within the NHS, latterly completing a post-qualification degree in Health Studies to take on a management role within acute services. I saw the practitioner role within Woodland Outdoor Kindergartens as an exciting opportunity to get involved with an innovative and refreshing approach to childcare…one which I wish my children had had the opportunity to gain benefit from. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren and camping. I have recently upgraded my tent to a custom built camper van…a bit of luxury!
Gladys Kay (Practitioner)
I have just recently joined the kindergarten team and have enjoyed exploring the woods with the children and becoming more familiar with their camps – monkey camp and the stone circle being my favourites! I am a fully qualified nursery practitioner with several years post qualification experience and am delighted to use my knowledge and experience in such a varied and stimulating learning environment.
Dougie Robertson (Play Worker)
I have always enjoyed working in the outdoors and having started my part-time study in childcare, working at Woodland Outdoor Kindergartens is the ideal job! I really enjoy being part of this kindergarten, where children are encouraged to be creative take managed risks and develop a can-do attitude. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and playing golf and football.
Gemma Logue (Play Worker)
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Susan Byrne (Practitioner)
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