Amanda has been working in the education system for about ten years both in America and England as well as directing outdoor adventure activities at summer camps in America. She enjoys bringing her passion for supporting diverse learners to the outdoors. In her free time she enjoys rock climbing and walking her dog in the countryside.

Jim works with young people on the TLP program which he really enjoys, especially watching the development of the students as they become accustomed to a different educational setting, learning new skills and coping mechanisms. Jim has many years of experience in educational and residential placements, and really appreciates the benefits of working in the forest, for staff as well as students, to reconnect with nature. He enjoys kayaking, mountain biking, reading and writing.

Jake has been with the Outdoors Group for over 2 years, running Home Education groups, teen groups, working with visiting schools and setting up and facilitating after school clubs. It was a natural move over to The Outdoors School where he wants to bring his love of nature and outdoor learning to our learners. Jake is a Level 4 qualified Bushcraft Instructor and enjoys archery, rugby, practicing primitive technology skills alongside all things connected with natural history.

Frank is a highly experienced programme worker and has been with the Outdoors Group for over 3 years. He works on a 1-2-1 basis supporting students with varying and sometimes complex additional needs.
With an extensive career of working with young people, a love of nature and the outdoors, Frank is a perfect fit for this role. He draws on his experience within formal education and youth work alongside therapeutic roles. Frank is not only a professional quiz master, he has 4 children, 2 grandchildren, 3 dogs and not forgetting the 4 chickens!

“Bubs” is from a military background and has moved into education upon his retirement. He has been responsible for several successful educational programmes and has a real passion for teaching and learning. He currently delivers TLP, Adult provision and Schools outreach.
His spare time is taken up with introducing his grandchildren to the great outdoors.

Sarah has a background in Nursing and Social work. She is passionate about the positive effects of being and connecting with nature has on people’s well-being . When moving to Devon 10 years ago she had the privilege of working with some children in a forest school/ beach school environment and absolutely loved it. She completed her beach school qualification and is currently doing her forest school training.
Sarah works part time for the outdoors group and also works as a rewilding guide and a massage therapist. Outside of work Sarah loves to wild swim all year round and loves being a mum and going on adventures with her boys.

Martin is now one of our Transitional Learning Programme workers and manages the setting at Dotton Common and has a real passion working with children in the great outdoors and coined the phrase “green time not screen time”
On leaving school Martin trained as a butcher and went on to have a successful career spanning 28 years working for the Co-operative Group. His last role was a Project Manager before he took a career break to be a full-time Dad to Henry. Martin started his journey into Forest School attending the Exmouth toddler group with Nick. He loved it so much that when Henry started school, Martin stayed and went on to host birthday parties at Exmouth. He has since completed his Forest Leader training and Bushcraft skills course.

As the Transitional Learning Programme Administrator, Linda aims to keep the provision running smoothly and to help you with whatever query you have. She has been working in and around education for more than 20 years, in several different countries including the UK, Poland, Spain and Colombia. In her free time, Linda is happiest when baking or working on a creative project.

Gary works in TLP helping children with behavioural and special needs to learn new skills and provide them with a safe environment in which they can grow. He previously worked in outdoors activities teaching kids rock-climbing, kayaking, archery and other outdoors pursuits. Gary loves anything outdoors and has a real interest in self sufficiency, so he enjoys making things from carving to jam making and taking his family out on walks to see what they can forage.

Hannah works for the Transitional Learning Programme (TLP) providing 1:1 sessions full of fun activities and lots of campfire cooking. She has a degree in Conservation Biology and used to volunteer at Paignton Zoo. Her number 1 hobby is crochet and Hannah loves making all kinds of things, especially cosy blankets.

Ben works in the Transitional Learning Programme providing 1:1 support for our learners. He has worked in outdoor education and pursuits for 5 years and strongly believes in the value of nature as a place for development and discovery. Ben enjoys music, kayaking and mountain biking.

Sheridan has just joined the TLP team as a 1:1 Keyworker, based in Exeter and Okehampton. She worked for twenty years as a PE teacher before starting with The Outdoors Group. As a PE teacher Sheridan has always loved playing all sports, and she now enjoys watching sports, particularly cricket, rugby and hockey which her two sons play. Getting to work outdoors each day with children in the fresh air in a forest environment is a job she thoroughly enjoys.

Rosie works as part of the TLP team, providing 1:1 support and fun activities for our learners in the outdoors, which she loves. Rosie has just finished my degree in Psychology with a Professional Placement, where she worked at a special needs school for a year. She love the beach and going surfing, and also playing music.

Fran delivers forest school fun at Exmouth and with the Transitional Learning Programme. With a degree in Global Development and Sustainability and as a qualified yoga teacher, she has a passion for nurturing connection with the natural environment! Fran has worked with young people for many years teaching singing workshops, running youth groups and teaching English around the world, and loves to be out and about inspiring a love of the great outdoors. In her free time she loves exploring the countryside and growing veg on the allotment!

Beth works as part of the transitional learning team, which involves working in the woods as a 1:1 Keyworker. She previously worked as an outdoors instructor in climbing and watersports. She loves paddleboarding in her free time.