Our setting

Free Range Explorers is situated in the family home in Uplyme.  It is a semi-detached property with a large garden that we love making use of, rain or shine!

The garden has many exciting places for the children to explore and play in, such as the orchard, a willow tunnel that leads to a secret garden with a sand pit, a Wendy house and a pond where we investigate frogs and other bugs! Find out more in this gallery!
Inside, we have our main play room, regularly changing the resources and toys with the seasons, children's interests and new themes to explore. The kitchen is our food and messy play base, where we have lunch together and get creative with fun textures and colours!

MEET THE TEAM​

Jess

Early Years Teacher, Forest School Leader & Registered Childminder,
​Founder of Free Range Explorers

 I have been working with children for over 25 years, gaining many experiences and qualifications on the way, whilst also raising my own four children.  I understand all too well how tricky it can be to find the right childcare, and I’m driven to provide a setting that supports working parents as well as nurturing your child’s development during their time away from you.

I am a qualified Early Years Teacher and Forest School Leader with primary school/SEND background.  I'm passionate about allowing a child to learn and develop in their own individual style. Having maintained a career-long interest in language development, I also learned sign language and am BSL trained, allowing us to offer childcare to children/parents of the Deaf community.

As I have created Free Range Explorers with my fantastic team, my interests in Forest School and outside learning have grown and become a huge influence on what we do at FRE.  I like to offer as many outdoor opportunities as possible, and run our setting with a significant focus on sustainability. At FRE, we enjoy growing some fruit and veg, keeping a few chickens, and cooking with the produce!

Jane

​Early Years Teacher, Registered Childminder & Forest School Leader

I 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, Forest School Leader, and helping to run FRE.
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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!

Kat

L3 Early Years Educator, currently training as L3 Forest School Leader

I've been working with Free Range Explorers since the end of June 2021, completing my Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification in 2023. I love supporting the children to grow and explore independently, with a focus on matching routines from home to help them feel settled, and I'm currently studying for my Level 3 Forest school qualification. I'm passionate about the importance of supporting children with special educational needs.​

Tills

L3 Early Years Educator, currently training as L3 Forest School Leader

​I returned to Free Range Explorers in 2025 after completing my apprenticeship here in 2023. I love to be outside, supporting children to have magical experiences in nature. I'm currently studying for my Level 3 Forest School qualification, and I love the opportunities that this approach provides the children for creativity in their play.​

Amelia

L3 Early Years Apprentice
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​I joined the team in September 2025 and am currently working towards my L3 childcare qualification. I found my love of childcare when undertaking my Health Science Degree with the Open University. During that time, I was lucky enough to work part-time in my local childminder, where I saw first-hand how rewarding it is to watch children learn, grow, and thrive. Supporting children to feel safe, secure, and confident is something I thoroughly enjoy. Having four nephews of my own has strengthened my passion for working with children, and once I gain my qualification, I hope to progress into a career as a Health Play Specialist.

Lexi

Level 2 Early Years Apprentice

I'm brand-new to the team and to working in childcare, but I'm loving getting stuck in and helping little people grow!

Jade

Registered Childminder (Cover)
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​I'm currently studying for my Masters Degree in Speech and Language Therapy, and as a Registered Childminder, provide cover for the team where I can.

STEVE

Organic Gardener & Maintenance
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I'm Jess's husband, I'm passionate about growing organic veg as well as sustainable garden maintenance. I'm DBS checked, and spend one day a week helping the team create their vision for the outside space.

HARRY

IT Support
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I keep our tech running smoothly and help the team with anything IT-related, making sure everyone else can focus on what they do best.

ASLAN