MEET OUR TRIBE!
𝙲𝚛𝚎𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚊𝚕𝚜 ~ LLB (Hons) Law. Postgraduate certificate of Education with QTS
My path into Early Years education is quite unconventional. After earning my Law degree in 2007, I felt compelled to make a positive impact through education. Inspired by several remarkable educators in my life, including my grandmother, I decided in my early 20s to retrain and become a teacher. I quickly recognized that young people today face significant social and emotional challenges that can hinder their learning. In this context, I understood the critical role of pastoral care and the need to address children's emotional needs to foster their academic success.
While serving as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator in a Grammar School, I developed a keen interest in promoting happiness and well-being. This eventually led to my role as Director of Learning at a Special Needs School, where I fostered a growth mindset culture within the community. I emphasized the importance of valuing the learning process over mere outcomes. During this time, I began to critically examine education policies and the detrimental effects of a results-oriented system on children's mental health. My commitment has always been to center the child in their learning and development, and I felt that current educational practices fell short in this regard. I realized that to truly effect change, I needed to create a unique approach to education that began in Early Years.
When I founded Tinkers and Tribe, my goal was to cultivate an ethos that promotes independence and resilience in children, equipping them to navigate today's world. The World Economic Forum predicts that future generations will need skills such as creativity, imagination, sustainable ethics, and empathy. If we want our children to contribute positively as adults, it’s essential to nurture these skills during their formative years. That’s why, at Tinkers and Tribe, we don't use traditional toys. Our spaces are filled with loose parts, natural materials, and real objects, encouraging children to think, create, share ideas, and explore a calming environment rich in awe and wonder. This method of learning is known as the Curiosity Approach—a delightful and engaging way for young minds to play and discover.
At Tinkers and Tribe, our Practitioners are our greatest strength. Their dedication, enthusiasm, professionalism, and care are exceptional. The children thrive under their creative guidance and affection. Our small settings and favorable ratios allow Practitioners to build close relationships with families and deeply understand each child. Here, children take the lead in their learning and play, with Practitioners crafting engaging provocations tailored to each individual, enhancing their play and learning at every turn. As a result, we see happy, imaginative, resilient, and independent children ready to face any challenge!
𝙲𝚛𝚎𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚊𝚕𝚜 ~ BA (Hons) in Education and Level 3 Diploma in childcare and education.
“After going to University to train as a Primary School Teacher I discovered my passion in teaching early years and harnessing the awe and wonder that comes from their tiny minds. I always had a passion in the theories behind the way children learn through exploration and was fascinated by social pedagogy and its humanistic values that prioritises the wellbeing, learning and growth of each individual child, and focuses deeply on the environment and relationships that the children create. Our child centered approach to learning completely supports that as we create a home from home environment where children can display their interests which are constantly extended by the creativity and passion from each educator, in a setting that they share as their own. My love for nature and living things is always established day to day as we spend as much time outdoors as possible, allowing children to freely explore their environment so they have no limitations to their learning. Each day is a different learning journey which is completely led by the children, and we never know where its going to take us!
As the manager at Shipborne Tinkers and Tribe, I love all the different hats that I get to wear; ranging from educator, to story teller, to cuddle giver, all the way to dinner lady! I recognise that each part I play has an enormous impact on the tiny lives that inspire me every day, and nurtures the bonds and attachments that are formed. I love to share my passion for my job with everyone I encounter daily and love being part of a team. I strive to create a setting where children can become creative, caring and curious learners and reach resilience in their play, in an environment that is safe, nurturing and stimulating for each individual little person”.
𝙲𝚛𝚎𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚊𝚕𝚜 ~ 10 years experience, Cache Level 3 diploma in Early Years Educator
“My love and career in childcare began 10 years ago when my youngest child went off to school. I began supporting in a nursery during school hours and I fell in love with the profession. I completed my Level 3 Diploma and began building a career in Early Years. I love watching every child grow and develop and it is so wonderful to play such an important role in each and every child's lives. I find real joy in building strong bonds with children and their families.
When I came to Tinkers and Tribe for the first time, I walked in to a childcare setting that was calming, comforting, engaging and inviting which was unlike any setting I had experienced before. I felt at home. The curiosity approach as a delivery model was new to me but I soon realised that it has a huge positive impact on every child's learning and development and it really supports their creativity and therefore I have embraced it.
Here at Tinkers and Tribe, every day is exciting and child led and I am so happy to be part of it. It is wonderful to be led by the child's interests, never knowing where the day will take you and no two days are the same. I love to enter every child's world with them, joining them in their imaginative play, it is so much fun”.
𝙲𝚛𝚎𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚊𝚕𝚜 ~ 8 years experience & Cache Level 3 – Childcare and Education
“I’ve worked in childcare since I was 17 and each setting I have worked has been a different journey. I discovered that toys were put out at random and not for the children’s benefit. Planning was just a piece of paper for head office rather than to support that child’s development. As soon as I came to look around Tinkers and Tribe I knew it was different, the idea of child led learning and in the moment planning drew me in and I could see immediately how the children benefited from this. Their imagination was incredible and their ability to communicate their feelings was something I’d never seen before. I knew that I wanted to become part of this Tribe and I couldn’t wait to learn a new way of teaching.
Since being with the Tribe, it’s been such an incredible experience and I am been able to work alongside amazing staff who support and teach each other. Seeing how devoted and caring each member of the Team is makes our days so much more than just going to work.
As I take on my new manager role I’m looking forward to having a new perspective on daily tasks and being able to work alongside the leadership team and collaborate with all the wonderful leaders we have in our Tribe”.
𝙲𝚛𝚎𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚊𝚕𝚜 ~ 8 year’s experience. Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Diploma in children’s learning and development (Early Years Educator)
“I have worked at Tinkers and Tribe of Dunton Green for several years now and it still has the same homely feel as when I first walked in. Working with my team is amazing; we all work so well together valuing one another’s strengths.
I have 8 years experience working in childcare starting as an apprentice at a nursery then working at a preschool before going on maternity leave to have my own son before then joining the tribe. Becoming a mum has given me an even stronger outlook on childcare and I strive to provide our children and their parents with high quality childcare, that I would value as a mother myself, so much so, my son attended Tinkers and Tribe until starting school this year.
I enjoy observing the children’s interests and moving them into their next steps and new learning opportunities. I love being creative and find joy in creating invitations to play that encourage the children’s development and provocations to spark new opportunities.
Tinkers and Tribe is such a lovely place to work at with such a strong ethos and values. Having worked in other settings I can honestly say this is the calmest and most caring which is shown through the behaviours of the children and staff well being. Children are happier, they are able to lead their learning and most importantly they have a voice. Every day is different and I think that’s what makes it so special, it’s not the same tray of blocks on the table ;everything is led by and tailored to our children. I’ve learnt so much working here and adapted to such a beneficial way of teaching and caring for our families. I look forward to continuing my journey as a part of the tribe!”.
“I discovered my passion for Early Years 15 years ago when I volunteered working in a reception class. The first day I walked into the room something ignited in me and I realised from then that this was the career that I knew I had to get into.
I have worked in Early Years settings and schools ever since. In my opinion, the best thing about working with young children every day is the abundance of learning that can happen each minute of the day- every day is a different journey and that is something I love to celebrate! So much so that I completed my BA (Hons) in Early Years in 2016 and have since used this is deepen my own knowledge of how children learn. In recent years have been based in a primary school which has blended really well with my knowledge of the Early Years. It has made me feel confident in being able to support our youngest learners to grow into their most wonderful versions of themselves and knowing that they can achieve so much as they start their learning journeys. I feel that the Early Years are the formative years for developing children to be inquisitive, confident and happy. We have the most amazing and important job in scaffolding these skills for children so they can thrive as they grow and learn. I started at Tinkers and Tribe in Weald in September, after spending maternity leave with my son. Since becoming a mum, my horizons and passion for both supporting children and giving them the best care has really broadened. This is a mindset that I not only instill in looking after my own son, but in each child in my care. When I first walked into Tinkers and Tribe, I was completely blown away by the environments, the welcoming staff and the ethos. I love that the setting is homely and child led- the surroundings are truly breathtaking too. The provocations and invitations to play that the children are encouraged to explore are personal, exciting and beautiful and allows us to work together to dive into learning in a way that each child leads. I was of course so impressed by this that my own Son is also a member of Tinkers and Tribe! I am so very excited to extend my own professional development with Tinkers and Tribe as both Deputy Manager and Preschool Room Leader in such a remarkable place.”
28 Years experience
Cache Level 3 – Childcare and Education
"I have worked in childcare for 28 years, I love watching children grow and develop. I love to be outside in the natural environment and I enjoying sharing my love of the outdoors with the children. We grow plants and discover nature's wonders together I enjoy passing on my own experiences about the natural world to the children. In recent years, I was looking for a new challenge in my career. I wanted to join a setting where children could explore the natural environment around them, where they can use their imaginations to create and learn and I felt that Tinkers and Tribe was the right place for me and I am proud to be part of a very welcoming and supportive Team here".
Cache Level 4 in Children's care, learning and development.
Diploma in Preschool Practice Level 3
BIIAB Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training
I have over 20 years experience working in Early Years. I have worked in various roles and in a range of setting within the sector. I've worked in preschools, afterschool clubs and as a Nanny. Over the last few years I have been an assessor of the Early Years Child Care Diploma, putting candidates through their child care qualification. During lockdown, I decided that I wanted to work with children again and I joined the Team at Tinkers and Tribe.
When I first came into Tinkers and Tribe, it was very homely and the staff were very friendly. I thought from the start how wonderful it would be to work in such a beautiful environment and I have not been disappointed! I have missed working directly with children so being at Tinkers and Tribe has given me the chance to do just that. I'm looking forward to learning more and more during my time here, especially about the Curiosity Approach which I know creates lots of opportunities for children to develop and grow as individuals in their own time.
Cache Level 2 Childcare and Education
"I hold a level 2 diploma in childcare and education and I have 2 years experience working with children aged 0 - 13 years. I joined Tinkers and Tribe because I have a massive interest in their approach to child development, I'm very excited to be part of the Team. I love to watch children develop and grow and I really enjoy supporting children in their interests".
14 Years Experience
Cache Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People's workforce
I started my career in investment baking but after taking some time out when I had twins, I began working in a local preschool and realised I found a job I absolutely loved!
I ended up staying for 13 years, gaining my Diploma and taking a Management role. With my own children now at university, I felt ready for a change and although I knew I wanted to stay in Early Years, I made a conscious decision I wanted to spend my working days with children, rather than in an office doing paperwork.
Tinkers and Tribe is a very special and welcoming place. Not only is it a beautiful setting with opportunities on our doorstep to explore nature; it has a real home from home feel. The days' activities are always built around each child's individual interests. We explore these interests using the Curiosity Approach and I can already see the benefits this approach has for the children, their families and us as caregivers.
Level 3 Early Years practitioner.
'I started my career working with children over 20 year’s ago. During this time, I have worked with all ages of the foundation stage. I have had the pleasure of working in pre-schools, reception classes, one to one supporting children with additional needs and various day nursery’s.
I have a grown up Son, Daughter, three stepsons and soon to be 1 year old Grandson whom all give me so much pleasure. My family are a very special part of my life.
Since joining Tinkers and Tribe, it has given me that family feeling that means a lot to me. It has such a relaxed atmosphere which encourages the children to embrace their learning that they experience on a day to day basis .
The team in DG work closely together supporting each other to expand on their strengths and knowledge. It’s a pleasure to be part of such a supportive team'.
'I have been in childcare for nearly 30 years. I started as a babysitter at the age of 16 which developed into a regular after school job. I then decided to go to college where I gained my NAMCW diploma in childcare. Once qualified I was a nanny for two young boys which I loved and then as my love for this career grew, I joined a nursery. I developed further in my career becoming a room leader. As my own life moved on getting married and having my own children, I decided to take care of my own family. When my children become older and independent, I returned to nursery work for a further nine years. I then came to Tinkers and Tribe. I was intrigued by the different approach and ethos, something I had never experienced before. It is such a warm, family nurturing environment and I feel right at home'.
𝙲𝚛𝚎𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚊𝚕𝚜 ~ Level 3 Early Years Practitioner, 8 years experience.
"My journey started with my younger brother who has autism; I have supported and helped care for him since a young age, which lead me to my interest in SEN, volunteering at Cage Green Autistic Unit and assisting children and young people with additional needs.
I have such a love for what I do, it's a joy working with the children, watching them grow and flourish, giving them equal and fun learning experiences; it’s so rewarding to be a part of that process.
Tinkers and Tribe is not like any other childcare setting, I have seen. I feel that everyone has worked so hard to create a warm and nurturing home from home environment, where the children can explore and learn at their own pace. It is an absolute pleasure to work alongside the Tribe at Dunton Green, and it is wonderful to work with supportive and creative individuals".
"Hi I'm Daina! My journey started 15 years ago working as a club leader for after school clubs. After a very fulfilled 5 years, I decided I wanted to learn more about child development and began working as a nursery nurse, from this I progressed to room leader and into managerial roles. I have had the pleasure of caring for children from the ages of 3 months to 11 years, the first group of children i cared for are now in their early twenties which is quite scary! I have two children of my own, a daughter who is five and my son who is almost two, he attends Tinkers he adores coming and has blossomed hugely through his time here.
Tinkers is a very special place to work, I love the homely atmosphere which has been enabled to support your child's transition into being away from home. The children are free to learn and progress at their own pace, opposed to being a part of a tick box culture. It takes a village to raise a child and I am so proud to be a part of your child's journey!"
"I started my career in childcare about 5 years ago, after working in a secondary school for 14 years as a Secretary to 12 teachers. I was made redundant and I wanted to carry on working with children. I have worked at two previous nursery settings. But when I came to Tinkers and Tribe it is a very special place and the staff are amazing. I absolutely love the childcare setting, engaging and inviting the children to play which is unlike any other nursery I have worked in before. The setting outside my nursery is picturesque and the children can explore their surrounding areas by going on nature walks and the older children can go to forest school which is situated nearby. What I find really positive is we invite the children to play then they lead us as adults by adapting the area into their own imaginative world".
𝙲𝚛𝚎𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚊𝚕𝚜 ~ First class degree BA honors primary education, pediatric first aider, completed an apprenticeship in qualified teaching, learning and support.
“I have always been passionate about caring for children and making a positive difference in their lives. My journey into education and childcare started when I was 17, after my finishing my A-levels I decided to train to be a primary school teaching assistant. I absolutely loved being a key part in children’s education and having a positive impact on their well-being. Although, this job was amazing I wanted more. This is when I decided to expand my expertise and skills and attend university where I would train to become a primary school teacher. This is when my passion for children’s education only grew and grew. I was enthralled when children were making positive progress under my teaching and most of all I enjoyed contributing to children’s well-being and happiness. After university I went on to have my first very own class, I absolutely loved forming relationships with the children and parents alike, and ensuring every child in my class came to school happy, cared for and safe. Ensuring my classroom was a nurturing and inclusive learning environment was very important to me and therefore I was always researching innovative ways to ensure this. My particular class had a high level of SEN, which ensured I gained an abundance of expertise and skills within supporting children with special educational needs. Now life after teaching, I am a part time nanny and have joined the Tinkers and Tribe family!
As soon as a I walked into Tinkers and Tribe, I felt comfortable, welcome and at home! The whole environment was very natural and this is something that I particularly favor. Bringing the outdoors indoors can have vast benefits on children’s well-being and development. I am so excited to join the tinkers family and I can’t wait to continue my journey here”.
Education ~ Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication
“During school I attended work experience in nursery settings where I assisted with the daily routine at the preschool and liaised with staff and children aged 2-4. I thoroughly enjoyed being part of a team and making connections with the children in their learning environments. I really enjoy working at Tinkers & Tribe because not only are the staff patient and amazing, the environment is lovely to be in and I love that the children take the lead in their own learning process, within such a nurturing environment. I love being involved with the activities at T&T, especially cooking which is such a valuable and enjoyable life skill! It’s wonderful to see children enjoying to complete tasks, being busy and having fun!”
CACHE level 2 Childcare
'My passion for working with children started since being the oldest of four, and looking after my siblings. I have also gone onto have five children of my own!
I love watching children grow and develop to their full potential; it is very rewarding to see. Tinkers and Tribe have welcomed me with open arms, and its warm atmosphere makes me feel right at home'.
'After leaving college, studying beauty I got a job in a nursery whilst deciding what I wanted to do in the future. I moved house and on relocation I found a new job at Tinkers and Tribe. I soon realised that I had a love for childcare and so I decided to do my level 3 apprenticeship with Tinkers and Tribe. I love the setting and how homely it is and the child led free play is wonderful and I like the endless outdoor opportunities available to us. I am enjoying doing my level 3 and I hope to progress within Tinkers and Tribe in the future'.
'Hi my name is Melissa, I have recently left college where I studied dance alongside working in the hospitality business but after accepting a bank position at Tinkers and Tribe in December 2023 since then I realised how much I enjoyed watching the children develop and grow and was then offered a full time position where I have now signed up to do my level 3 in child care.
I love Tinkers and Tribe because of the unique settings they have and the ethos they deliver. Watching the children learn and play through lose parts and everyday objects is so rewarding and watching them gain their confidence in their physical abilities in the outside gardens and them being able to join in extra activities such as forest school.
I also love the fact the settings have incredible views which the children will happily talk about, like watching the deers run in the fields below and having walks out towards the train tracks taking in all of the surroundings we are lucky to have'.
'Having come from a big family, I always knew that I wanted to pursue a career in childcare. After stepping foot into Tinker and Tribe I knew that this was the right place to start my career. The home away from home feel that this environment gives, and the great outside area the settings have is a great place for the children to develop. The relationship that the staff and children have is so lovely to see and I can’t wait to start my apprenticeship in Tinkers and Tribe'.
BA (Hons) Professional Education Studies
QTS
Diploma in Counselling
Level 3 Forest School Leader
After more than 30 years working in outdoor education mainly in schools and leading overseas expeditions, in 2016, I completed my Forest School training and was blown away by how it impacted all of us taking the course and the children we worked with. Over the years I have had the privilege of observing the life changing effects of outdoor education on young people, be it them abseiling down a 60 ft wall, completing a gruelling 4-day D of E Gold expedition, or having the confidence to put forward their idea in a group team building challenge – the outdoor environment offers so many opportunities. I love that Forest School gives us the means to introduce the outdoors to children at a very young age and I am excited to be joining Tinkers and Tribe and running Forest School sessions. I share my love of the outdoors with my nine-year-old black Labrador Inca who also loves to get involved with Forest School.
I am excited to join the tribe in September to support the HR and Finance operations of the settings. I can't wait to work in such a wonderful, nurturing and positive team. As a mum of three young children I know how important the early years experience is for our young learners' development and happiness.
My HR career begun in 2000 and I have been lucky enough to have had many HR experiences in varied industries including publishing, leisure, education, heritage, travel, professional services, construction and charitable organisations.
As a HR professional my approach to people management is friendly, genuine, transparent and empowering. I am passionate about supporting people to get the best from their employment.