Brambles Outdoor Nursery
Management Team
Rachel
Beverly
Grace
Owner and Special Needs Co-ordinator
My name is Rachel and I first joined Brambles in 2011 when we opened with the help of a team of volunteers. I started my Brambles journey as Chairperson and parent with my first son Harry. As time went on, I developed an interest of my own in Early Years and completed my NVQ level 2 followed by my Early Years Teacher Qualification. Previously I have completed a degree in Outdoor Adventure Management and enjoyed Sailing and Kayaking.
I have always had a passion for outdoor learning and the opportunities it can give children in life. More recently I developed a strong passion for Special Needs and have started my Masters in Special Educational Needs and my role within the setting is not only co-owner but also Lead SENCo for all of our settings.
At home, we are a military family. I am married to Adam and have been for 16 years and mum to Harry (12) and Oliver (5) who were both fully fledged Bramblers. We enjoy nothing more than walking and exploring on Salisbury plain with our Labradors Willow and Hugo.
Owner and Safeguarding Co-Ordinator
My name is Beverley and I opened Brambles preschool in 2011 with the help of a small committee. Rachel, a parent at the time came on board as our chairperson. The rest as they say is history I have worked with children for over 20 years and had many roles in various settings from cook to practitioner, NVQ assessor, Forest School Leader and finally Manager. Over the years I have gained many qualifications and valuable experience along the way.
I am passionate about the benefits of the great outdoors for children and adults and what could be better than providing amazing environments and experienced staff for children to learn from and thrive in. More recently I have become interested in mental health and wellbeing, noticing the struggles both children and adults experience. I completed mental health first aid training, before last year qualifying as a Solution Focused Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist.
As well as 2 teenage daughter’s and husband of nearly 25 years, I love nothing more than spending time with Tilly our working cocker spaniel who has attended Brambles from 4 months old!
Area Manager and Designated safeguarding lead
I joined the Brambles team in March 2014 and have been at Figheldean as deputy manager, manager, senior manager and now Area manager for our 5 settings and holiday club.
I have had many years of experience in early years and and schools in a variety of settings. I gained my Ba Hons in Primary practice at Winchester university while being an early years practitioner.
I am passionate about treating people as individuals, meeting the needs of our families and my team at Figheldean as well as our wider Brambles community in my new role. The children are at the heart of what we do here at Brambles.
At home, my Fiancé and I just got engaged in Cyprus and have brought our first home together which we share with our rescue dog Ruby. We love spending time with her outdoors across the plain.
Olivia
Finance & HR Co-Ordinator
I joined the Brambles Team in May 2021 as the Finance and Billing Administrator.
I have had a varied career with many different experiences - I was an Officer in the Royal Artillery for 7 years, a chef, a wedding and events planner, the PR and fundraising coordinator for a military charity and following a move to the USA, I volunteered in schools, hospitals and prisons for an organisation called Pets as Therapy.
We're a military family and our frequent moves have enabled me to take advantage of numerous opportunities both personally and professionally.
I have spent the last few years looking after our two sons - the youngest has been a Brambler for the past 2 years and can usually be found in the mud kitchen!
Clare
Senior SENCo
Hi, I’m Clare and I am passionate about supporting children with additional needs, I have enjoyed many years of working with young people in a variety of settings.
For 12 years I worked in specialist residential children’s care homes, supporting children and young people with communication difficulties such as speech, language and autism. I have also worked in outdoor activity centres and assisted Early Years in schools as a TA and specialist 1:1.
​
I started my Brambles journey in January 2020 and took on the role as SENCo / practitioner. Over the years my skills have developed and my role has evolved into Senior SENCo. I support and advise the SENCo’s across all our Brambles settings as well as supporting the children with additional needs at the Figheldean setting. At Figheldean I am a member of the Fox family and can often be found playing and learning with the little foxes.
​
Outside of Brambles I continue my love for the outdoors by having adventures with my husband and two children. We spend our time camping, snowboarding, walking with our dog and riding our ponies across Salisbury Plain.
Cheryl
Senior Manager
Hi, my name is Cheryl and I am very excited to be a part of the Brambles team. I am a fully trained primary school teacher, however, my passion lies within Early Years.
Outside of work, I love nothing more than spending time with my husband, my son Charlie and the rest of our family. I enjoy being outside, going for walks and exploring our local area.
Anna
Marketing & Events
Co-Ordinator
Hi, I'm Anna and I joined Brambles as Marketing and Events Co-Ordinator.
I have worked for the majority of my career in the water industry but in more recent years I have leaned more towards my passion for photography and digital creativity, which I use in my role here at Brambles Outdoor Nursery.
​
I feel so lucky to be able to have this role at Brambles which allows me to blend my passion of nature and creating beautiful digital aesthetics with my creativity and love of outdoor learning.
​
I have a young son and you can normally find us in the forest bug hunting, den building or looking after our pet ducks!
Laura
_JPG.jpg)
Admissions Co-Ordinator
My name is Laura and I started my career in education as a history teacher back in 2011 and worked at Stonar School.
After a few years I was fortunate enough to get promoted to head of history. I love sharing my passion of the past and inspiring children.
More recently, I have developed a real interest for all things admin and I love to be organised. I have worked as a Deputy Head of Admissions at a successful private school and a receptionist.
I am a military wife and have two children, Camilla and Alfred.
I am a big lover of all things outdoors and I love to horse ride when I can find the time and going on family adventures in Wiltshire with our puppy Labrador.
Being outdoors always puts a smile on my face!
Kelly
Admin Co-Ordinator
Hi, I’m Kelly.
My first experience with Brambles was back in 2017 when our son Barney joined the setting in Figheldean where he loved every minute. He made some wonderful friendships, which have continued beyond Brambles. I believe that his time at Brambles has encouraged his love of the big outdoors where he is at his happiest.
​
Professionally, I left college with a BTEC National Diploma in Early Years. I have worked in nursery settings as a nursery nurse, manager and owned my own 30 place day nursery which I started from scratch. I have also worked for the local authority in Children’s Services supporting families, in the NHS as a Community Nursery Nurse and more recently I spent nearly 7 years working for Victim Support Wiltshire providing 1:1 support to people who are victims of crime.
​
I live locally with my husband Alex, son Barney, our dog Des and tortoise Jonah. We enjoy spending time in nature, going for walks and exploring the countryside.