Meet The Team

Heather Lomas

Managing Director

As the founder of Little Explorers, I bring my passion for inclusive education and nature-based learning to everything I do. I hold my Early Years Teacher qualification and I am a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and a certified Forest School Leader. I am dedicated to creating supportive, engaging environments where children of all abilities can thrive. Whether I’m guiding children through the wonders of the forest or developing personalised strategies to meet unique educational needs, my goal is to foster growth, confidence, and a love for learning in every individual I work with.

Rachel McHugh

Area Manager

Hi, my name’s Rachel and I am very proud to be the area manager of Little Explorers, I have been working here for almost 7 years, and I have loved every minute.

My pedagogical (teaching style) approach is centred around child led learning, I believe children learn best when they are together, developing skills from their observations and surroundings. With children having a role model, they can learn individually and open themselves to wider educational opportunities.

Hollie Farrell

Manager

Hi, I’m Hollie!
I’m the Nursery Manager here at Little Explorers and have been working in Early Years for 15 years. I hold my Level 3 SENCO qualification to better support all of our little learners. At home, I have a wonderful fiancé, Jack, and I’m a proud mummy to two amazing children, Ava and Ace. As a family, we love jetting off on holidays abroad and making special memories together. I’m passionate about creating a warm, fun, and nurturing environment where every child can thrive!

Tracy McGurk

Explorers

HI, I am Tracy. I am level 3 qualified and have worked in early years for 20+ years. I love working in our Explorers room.
I have a son and daughter and have recently become a Nanny for the first time! (How exciting) My weekends are mainly taken up by football matches and family times with my granddaughter!

Katie Pinder

Explorers

Hello, I am Katie!
I have has worked in early years for 9 years and have completed my level 3 in Early Years during that time. I enjoy getting creative and messy activities in Nursery. I have two daughters and love to explore the outdoors with them and my husband.

Claire Foster

Explorers

Hello, I am Claire. I am a Level 3 qualified practitioner here at Little Explorers. I am very creative and I even have my own craft room at home. In my spare time I love to get stuck in to a good book.

Chloe Renshall

Adventurers

Hi Everyone I am Chloe. I hold a level 3 qualification in Early Years. I love to travel, explore and try tasty treats whilst being away. I am really creative, I love music and attends dance classes weekly!

Olivia Robertson

Deputy Manager/ Adventurers

Hi everyone, my name is Olivia and I am the Deputy Manager here at Little Explorers. I am Level 3 qualified and have worked in Early Years for 8 years. I am currently working towards my Level 5 in Coaching and Mentoring.
I like to think I have a warm and caring nature, which really shines when working with the children. I love supporting them as they grow, develop, and reach new milestones.
In my spare time, I am football mad and love spending time with my two sons.

Keeley Catterall

Kites

Hi, My name is Keeley! I am based within the Kites & Adventures room. I am currently working towards my level 3 in Early Years Educator qualification. I love sharing a story with the children and can often be found over in the reading corner. In my spare time I love to spend days with my family making memories, especially at our caravan!

Suzanne Fletcher

Kites

Hi my name is Sue. I am currently working towards my Level 3 Early Years Educator course. I have spent the last few years wokring in primary schools within key stage 1 and have had lots of experience with SEND children too during this time.
I am a mum of three girls, two being twins! I love to spend time with my family and meeting friends for a coffee! 

Vicky Butler

Chef

Hi I’m Vicky, and I am the chef here at Garwood. I have loads of experience and have worked within catering for 15 years. I have two children, a son & daughter, along with our cocker spaniel dog who adds a joyful bounce to the family! We all love to go on adventures/walks together in our spare time!

Megan Leigh

Deputy manager/ Kites

Hi, I’m Megan and I am the Deputy Manager here at Little Explorers. I am a Level 3 qualified Early Years practitioner and have worked in Early Years for 8 years.
My passion is in SEND, and I especially enjoy the SENCO role. I am currently working towards my Level 3 SENCO qualification, supporting children and their families to thrive.
At home, I have my wonderful fiancé, Jack, our beautiful baby girl, Olive, and our dog, Frank, who I adore. I love spending our free time out on walks with him. Family is very important to me, and I enjoy making special memories together, especially on holidays at our caravan. When I get a quiet moment, I love to read and relax.

Lydia Greenall

Adventurers

Hi, I’m Lydia! I’m a Level 3 qualified early years practitioner, and I love being able to see a child’s full journey. I’ve had the opportunity to work in nurseries, schools, colleges, prison education, and residential settings, which has given me so much experience and perspective. I have a wonderful partner, Hugh, and we love spending time with our dog, Chai. I also enjoy traveling, especially visiting Cornwall with Chai by our side.

Becca Brown

Adventurers

Hi, I’m Becca!
I’m a Level 3 qualified early years Teacher and am currently studying speech and language therapy. I’ve been lucky to work in a range of EYFS, primary, and SEND settings, and I’m passionate about supporting every child to reach their full potential. Outside of work, I love getting lost in a good book, spending quality time with my family, and enjoying the outdoors whenever I can.

Chelsea Davies

Kites

Hi, I’m Chelsea. I am a Level 3 qualified practitioner and have worked in Early Years for several years. I love working in the Kites room, chatting with the children and building those special bonds with them.
At home, I have two little ones, Darby and Brody, who keep me very busy! As a family, we love spending time together, going out and exploring new places