Meet our team
Lindsey Farrow (BSc (Hons), PGCE Early Years (3 – 8))
Lindsey has worked with young children since 1999 and has worked in maintained schools across the whole of Key Stage One and the Early Years foundation stage. Following her passion for Early Years, Lindsey became manager of Simmondley Pre School where she has been since 2008. During this time she has been invited to support the delivery of a Mud Kitchen workshop at an Every Child a Mover DCC conference and she has published an article in Elizabeth Jarman’s Communication Friendly Spaces journal. Lindsey has also presented at a DCC conference for Headteachers with regards to the implementation of 30 hours, and the impact on children, setting and planning and delivered a seminar on wellbeing and promoting positive behaviour strategies for the Derbyshire Annual Conference.
Nicola Kay (BA (Hons), EYTS)
Nic formed Natural Explorers with Lindsey in 2014 as a business manager however upon discovering her love for early years returned to university and successfully completed her Early Years Teacher Status, with a grade of outstanding. Nic has presented at a DCC conference for Headteachers with regards to the implementation of 30 hours and the impact on children, the setting and planning and delivered a seminar on wellbeing and promoting positive behaviour strategies for the Derbyshire Annual Conference.
Kerry Johnson (Early Years Educator Level 3)
Kerry carried out part of her Level 2 training at Simmondley Pre School and was blown away by the friendliness and support of the staff and families. Kerry joined the supply team once qualified and in 2012 when a position was advertised she jumped at the chance to apply. “I have been working part time at pre school since then and in 2017 gained my Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification which I studied for through pre school”. Kerry has now embraced the role of room lead and continues to be a valued member of the team.
Rebecca Thomasson (Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools, Level 3)
Becca has worked in a range of primary schools and nursery settings and has a Level 3 Teaching assistant qualification. Becca joined the Simmondley Pre School team in January 2018 as an Early Years Educator and immediately felt welcome by all the staff and families. “I am thoroughly enjoying my new role and responsibilities and looking forward to future opportunities especially in learning more about this exciting age range”. Becca completed her Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification in the summer of 2020.
Sue Smy
Sue joined our team as a volunteer whilst undertaking her Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification. Following successful completion of her training, she has since become a member of staff.
