Meet the team
Surrey Hills Forest School Holiday Club is HIRING!
We are looking for kind, compassionate and fun people to assist our Holiday Club leaders in running inspiring, creative and exciting forest-based sessions during the school holidays.
Interested? . . . Apply today.
Owner & Forest School Leader
Lee Davis
“As the owner and director of Surrey Hills Forest School, my Early Years journey began with a vision to create outdoor spaces for children to gain hands-on learning, using nature as its backdrop.
“After completing my Forest School qualification, a BA honours in Early Years Management in Practice and six years of hard work, I am proud to say that my vision for flexible, child-led childcare has been realised.
“I am always keen to pass on my knowledge of the environment and believe that children need to be given the opportunity to learn how to manage their own risk.
“I am looking forward to continuing on this journey for many more years to come.”
Duty Manager
Alice Strzebrakowski
“I have been working in education for 15 years as a social carer, primary school teacher for KS1 and early years and a PSHE and well being coordinator. I have also gained qualifications as a children’s mindfulness teacher, yoga teacher and PSHE specialist. In my spare time I enjoy hiking , mountain biking, running, being with my family, singing and playing the ukulele.
“I am on an absolute mission to help develop children holistically paying particular attention to supporting their well being and helping them to blossom as individuals. After so many years working inside a classroom it is joyous to be outside and to see how the magic of Forest school develops so many skills an inside classroom cannot offer. Such as resilience, independence , creativity and self confidence.”
Deputy Duty Manager
Kaila Hamilton
“I love being a part of the Surrey Hills Forest School team. Working with children is so motivating, uplifting and magical and the setting is just an absolute bonus. I’m delighted to share the children’s journey in this wholesome environment.
“I have always loved being outdoors, nearly all of my favourite memories were created out in nature and as an adult I still love to explore and soak up the tranquility. Me and my fiancé love taking out our inflatable kayak, gardening, camping and bike rides!
“I have 7 years experience working with children in nursery settings and as a nanny and also as a children’s entertainer at parties.”
Practitioner
Hattie Roberts
“I’m a qualified teacher and forest school leader.
“I love being outdoors and teaching children nature based skills. I have a specialist interest in children’s mental health and strongly believe in nature’s benefits to physical and mental well-being.
“I love being part of the team at Surrey Hills Forest School!”
Practitioner
Amy Smith
“I have worked in Early Years Settings since 2012 working with children from Birth to Year 6. I have a Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies. I am also a Florist and run my own small business.
“Forest School enables me to combine my two passions, Early Years and Nature. I love learning alongside the children about our natural environment including the plants, trees and animals we are so lucky to have around us. Being in nature is so soothing and enables children to develop according to their next steps without being over stimulated. Having the space and fresh air to move around and grow in is something children, plants and adults can all thrive from and we are testament to that.”
Practitioner
Harriet Andrews
“I’m an enthusiastic, qualified primary school teacher with a specialism in early years. I have a degree in Art and Design and my artistic background enables me to engage a wide variety of learners using a creative and diverse approach to teaching.
“I am also a mum to two young children who continue to teach me more about childhood development on a daily basis.
“I’m passionate about the positive impact the natural outdoor environment has in helping children learn successfully.”
Forest School Leader
Nike Werstroh
“I’m an outdoor enthusiast who believes that children can’t start early enough to explore the outdoors. I have a Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People’s Workforce and over ten years experience in childcare. I love sharing my passion for the outdoors with children and encourage them to spend more time playing outside.
“I love hiking, travelling, exploring and reading. When I’m not building a den or making campfires at forest school, I will probably be hiking, researching and writing my next walking guidebook.”
Business Development Manager
Paul Bridge
“My role is to help develop Surrey Hills Forest School. I have far too many years of experience of starting, running and developing businesses, but this role enables me to do what I am passionate about – making sure children have fun while learning about the world (ideally in nature) and helping them be the best they can.
“Being the father of 2 has led me into various child centric roles such as with the PTA and running the local scouts group. I’ve been lucky enough to have helped develop Surrey Hills Forest School into exactly the kind of place I wish I could have sent my children. You’ll see me around being jolly and telling terrible jokes.“
Our Qualifications
Surrey Hills Forest School is fully Ofsted Registered. All activities are rigorously risk assessed and planned before hand. All staff working for Surrey Hills Forest School are DBS checked and qualified in Early Years childcare. The Forest School Leader will hold the relevant qualifications.
From our recent Ofsted inspection:
“Children are highly engaged and motivated to learn in this delightful setting. They have superb opportunities to play and learn in the carefully designed spaces, such as the bird hide and tool station. Staff create a welcoming environment deep within the woods and encourage children to explore freely and independently. The manager demonstrates immense passion, knowledge and ambition and is keen for children to experience hands-on learning in the natural environment.”
Like to Join our team?
We are always keen to hear from people who are interested in joining us. Please complete the form below and we will get back to you if we have any vacancies.
