Helen Freeman – Director and Manager
I started my career in Early Years 22 years ago. I have always enjoyed the outdoors, but even more so since the arrival of my daughter 6 years ago. After struggling to find her suitable education, where her emotional needs are looked after first, I decided to look at alternatives. Unable to find a provision to meet her needs fully, Geoffrey and I decided to build on the experience we have gained in our existing nurturing early years establishments, and offer primary school children the chance to thrive in an outdoor environment where nurturing children’s emotional needs are at the forefront of everything we do.

Geoffrey Wilmot - Director
I have worked with children in East Devon for 25 years, having started my training in Early Years Education. In that time I brought the Forest School principals into our school as early as 2008 and I now have the opportunity to put my passion into practice all over again here, on the edge of Honiton, in the most wonderful 4 acres for children to be children, learning and absorbing real life skills through all their senses in this natural, special place.

Linda Hymans - Pre-School Assistant
Hello, I’m Linda and I’m very excited to be joining the Forest School Team! I am a qualified N.N.E.B and I have worked in Early Years Education for more than 30 years. Over the past 15 years I’ve worked with the Pre-School age group, half of that time spent at The Folly in Dalwood. During this period, I have witnessed the huge benefits of the outside environment for all children’s holistic development and especially for those that find a more structured learning environment challenging. I have two grown-up children myself; one still living at home, and I love to spend family time with them. I prefer to use as much of my free time as possible outside, I enjoy cycling and going on countryside and coastal walks with my dog and friends. When at home I’m outside maintaining my garden or inside listening to different genres of music, I also enjoy going to see live performances.

Ali Fone - Forest School Assistant
Hi, I'm Ali and I live on a farm with my husband and 2 boys. I am used to rearing calves and taking long walks in the countryside with my family.In September 2020 I decided to start my Forest School journey and I am currently over halfway through my qualification.I joined Nurture for a couple of sessions this past term as a volunteer but I have enjoyed it so much I am now a fully fledged member of staff and am looking forward to completing my Level 3 qualification this Autumn!