Jess Mackay - Early Years Teacher & Childminder 
Founder of Free Range Explorers
I have been working with children for over 19 years.  I have gained many experiences and qualifications on the way, whilst raising my own four children.  I understand too well how tricky the right childcare can be, and I strive to provide a provision that supports working parents as well as nurture and support your child’s development during their time away from you.
I have worked in primary schools, either in an Early Years or Special Needs capacity.  I am a qualified Early Years Teacher, and passionate about allowing a child to learn and develop in their own individual style.  I am extremely interested in the ‘green’ approach to growing up, providing as many outdoor opportunities as possible. I am lucky enough to have a large garden for children to explore, which we also enjoy growing some fruit and veg (and cooking with produce!) and keep a few chickens.  I like to be considerate of the environment through my work and am always striving to be as sustainable as possible.
I have been interested in language development all my career which has led me to learn sign language.  I am BSL trained and can use this to support language development in babies, or work with children with Special needs or Deaf Children or Parents.
Jess

Jane Loukes-Early Years Teacher & Forest School Leader
​I’m a qualified Early Years Teacher and Forest School Leader and I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jess during my Early Years Teacher training placement at Lyme Regis Preschool.
Since then, I’ve gained extensive experience in outdoor learning as Outdoor learning co-ordinator, Early Years SENDCO, Curriculum Lead and Forest School Leader.
I love helping children connect, play and learn outdoors, using my knowledge of child development and the children’s interests to sensitively introduce new ideas and skills but most importantly, to have fun!

Jessame Coulson  - Childminder
Jessame joined our team April 2022, with a Steiner level 3 qualification in Holistic and Baby childcare and with an Arts degree brings loads of experience with her.

Jade Hawkins - Childminder Assistant
I am Jess’ second daughter and have grown up interested in childcare and watching my mum within her work. Like my mum, I follow a “green” ethos within the setting and endeavour to spend more time outside than inside. I really enjoy creating new and imaginative places for the children to play and explore! I worked as a registered childminder for 2 year alongside Jess, during which I decided to further my knowledge by studying Early Childhood Education and Care at the University of Brighton.
I have recently moved back home to complete my masters degree in Speech and Language Therapy, whilst working within the team and re-registering as a childminder.

Early Years/Childminder’s Assistant-Caitlin Turner (Kat)
Kat has been working with us since the end of June 2021, completing her Level 3 Early Years Practitioner qualification in 2023. Kat is fantastic with the children, with a focus to matching routines from home to help children feel settled.
​  Kat is interested in learning sign language and working in a Special Needs capacity one day.

Early Years/Childminder's Apprentice Assistant - Lily
Lily joined our team in 2023 and is completing her Level 3 Early Years Practitioner qualification. 

Claire Wilding - Outdoor Learning Environment Lead and Conservationist
Claire joined has joined the team to help us transform and continue improve our outdoor leaning environment.  She has wisdom in outside conservation and beautiful outdoor spaces in bucket loads, and we all love being around her! 

Steve Mackay-Organic Gardener and Maintenance
Steve is Jess's husband, and very skilled at growing organic veg as well as garden maintenance.  Steve is DBS checked and spends one day a week creating our vision for our outside space.

Free Range Explorers