About Little Squirrels

'Learning and Play the Nature way'

Curious how Little Squirrels started? Want to see more about the great team we have at Little Squirrels? Then read on!

Our Story

Little Squirrels Torquay was started in November 2017 by Anne with her 1 year old son in tow. She had been looking for a nature based group or Forest school to attend. However, locally there wasn't anything that catered for such little ones.

After a chat with her friend with a similar aged son, she decided to set up a parent and child group in nature. A small group started at Cockington. Each week a session was held which included a walk, craft, games, story and lots of fun for kids and their parents.

Demand increased with parents from Newton Abbot and Brixham requesting local Outdoor Explorers sessions. So Anne settled at Berry Head, Lupton House and Decoy Country Park with weekly sessions. As demand changed another session was added in Paignton. Not all were able to continue but Torquay and Newton Abbot based sessions continue to go from strength to strength.

Initially sessions catered for children up to 5 years old, home education Forest school sessions were added later on and proved to be very popular especially at our Seale Hayne site and later at Rowcroft Orchard.

January 2020 Anne was joined by Kris and Sarah and Little Squirrels registered as a Community Interest Company, further securing its position as a company which pledges to listen and respond to local needs for support and group sessions. A core belief which Little Squirrels holds is that no one should miss out on exploring nature, due to lack of finances. Families which are unable to pay the full financial contribution asked for are encouraged to get in touch via email or message to request a reduced fee. No proof will be asked for as we aim to provide an inclusive service.

The wish to open an Ofsted registered Kindergarten and Forest school continues to be a steep learning curve for all concerned. Little Squirrels aims to provide 3 Steiner inspired Kindergarten mornings each week, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, complimented by 3 afternoon Forest school sessions led on the same days.

An enthusiastic team of staff with between them many years of childcare experience aim to bring this into fruition for local families of children aged 3-7 years.
An after school forest school club for children up 11 years will start up as well.

The bigger vision for Little Squirrels includes a vegetable garden, parent support sessions and community wide festival celebrations.

Our Story

The Team

Meet The Team

Anne

Founder of Little Squirrels CIC

I'm Anne and I run Little Squirrels Torquay CIC. I'm a proud Mama of 2 gorgeous boys, lover of nature and keen crafter.

My background in Special needs Steiner Education took me on a journey towards my BA Curative Education. More recently I have completed my Muddy Puddle Teacher certificate, my Early Years Educator level 3 diploma as well as my Forest school leader training. This sets me up perfectly to step in and lead the team of forest school leaders and teaching staff at our Little Squirrels Kindergarten and Forest school.

I enjoy supporting parents and feel passionate about the importance of allowing children the freedom to play and learn without external pressures. The freedom to be a child!

My favourite food is pizza, my favourite place is the woods, closely followed by the sea, my favourite colour is yellow, favourite smell freshly mown grass and lavender.

Becky

As a lifelong nature lover I find great joy in exploring the natural world with children, and seeing curiosity and wonder bloom in young minds.

My career background is in horticulture. I trained in sustainable horticulture, and worked on various organic farms. I have special memories of living off grid on a farm in Canada, completely in rhythm with nature's cycles. I then worked for a charity in a very rewarding role facilitating horticulture sessions for adults with disabilities. I also gained my Award in Education and Training during this employment.

After becoming a mum, I decided to fulfil a life goal and retrain as a Forest School Leader. Through this I have developed a passion for nature based, child led learning.

I love being a part of the Little Squirrels team, and witnessing how being in nature really brings children alive with their wonder and imagination. How at Little Squirrels we provide a safe space in nature for children to be their true selves, direct their own learning through play, and build confidence and resilience.