Meet Our Team

Our Team

Caroline Freeman - Director

I am a founding joint Director of Fenton Barns Nursery and I qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 2001. I have wide experience of working with children in schools, hospitals and the community. I have a specific interest in child development.

I am a mother of 4 children, one boy and three girls.

I love the homely and outdoor environment of Fenton Barns Nursery and I'm really excited about the expanding outdoor learning opportunities within the nursery.

I love being by the beach, playing tennis and spending time with family and friends.

Nicola Simpson - Director

I am a founding joint Director of Fenton Barns Nursery. I have worked for many years in the voluntary sector, latterly founder and CEO of an educational charity. I am a Director of DC Watson & Son (Fenton Barns) Ltd. My Key Role being Management of Diversification. Some of my key roles within Fenton Barns Nursery are involvement in the management, recruitment and planning.

I'm really passionate to develop the expanding outdoor learning opportunities within the nursery and working closely with staff to further develop the nursery.
I enjoy working in East Lothian. I am a mother of one.

Vicky - Nursery Manager

I am the Nursery Manager at Fenton Barns Nursery and live in Dunbar. I have worked in childcare for many years now and held various roles including student, room supervisor and deputy manager from February 2008 on completion of qualifications. I then worked my way up to Nursery Manager from June 2009.

After completing my SVQ level 2 and 3, I then went on to complete my SVQ 4 in Childcare and Education. At the moment I am working towards my PDA 9 Childhood Practice.

I was delighted to join Fenton Barns in August 2014, I am very hands on manager who works on the floor and is involved in all aspects of nursery practice. I am a great believer in the importance of outdoors in early years education and I am very dedicated to helping the children in our care to develop the skills and social understanding they will need to be happy, healthy individuals. In my spare time I have also become a Trustee for a growing children's charity, "From Little Acorns"

Louise - Office Manager

I started work at Fenton Barns Nursery in 2015 and thoroughly enjoy being back in the office environment.

Working in an Outdoor Nursery has encouraged me to enjoy the outdoors more and taught me how to live a healthy lifestyle with my family.

Having now lived in East Lothian for over 15 years, I have gone on to have 3 children and set up a business with my husband. After working from home for many years I felt it was time to re-start my own career.

Hayley - Childcare Manager

I am the Childcare Manager at Fenton Barns Nursery and I have worked as part of the Fenton barns Team since 2014

During my time here I have completed my SVQ3 in Early Years Education and Childcare and my diploma of Higher Education in Childhood Practice. I have also completed an Infant Sleep Training course.

I enjoy working at Fenton Barns Nursery and caring for the children while also planning for their different needs and interests.

Amy - Wrens Room Supervisor

I have worked at Fenton Barns Nursery for many years now and thoroughly enjoy my current position as the Wrens Room Supervisor.

I particularly enjoy watching the children grow and learn through play. We all work with such important ages across the whole nursery and it is great seeing children progress all the way through as confident learners ready for school. I enjoy the outdoors and have spent a lot of time developing my own knowledge on the benefits of outdoor learning.

I have now completed my Forest Schools level 3 training and am happy to now be qualified as a Forest Schools Leader.

Laura - Wrens Named Practitioner

I am the Named Practitioner in the Wrens Room. I joined the Fenton Barns Nursery team in October 2018, as I believe their values and ethos are very similar to my own. I am very passionate about the outdoor education and strive to provide all the children in my care within high equality play based learning opportunities.

I have been working within the Early Years for many years holding a number of roles from Room Supervisor to Nursery Manager. I am also a Director of a local equestrian charity focusing on providing equine assisted therapy and learning to children and young adults.

I hope my experience and strong interest in child developmental psychology will be beneficial to all the children here at Fenton Barns Nursery.

Emma F - Wrens Room Practitioner

I enjoy working at Fenton Barns Nursery and being able to further the children’s development by nurturing and supporting them to become confident learners.

After gaining my SVQ 3, I went on to further my learning and development by doing my PDA level 8 in Childhood Practice and have worked in nursery settings for many years.

In my spare time I like spending time with my children, family and friends, being outdoors, going on adventure trips with my girls and going out for meals.

Keren Ward – Wrens Room Practitioner

I joined the team at Fenton Barns Nursery in April 2019 in the Wrens Room. I have worked in childcare for many years, gaining my SVQ 3.

In my spare time, I enjoy playing sports such as hockey, badminton and golf as well as socialising.

I look forward to working with the children in the Outdoor setting and gaining more knowledge alongside watching the children develop and grow.

Lauren O - Wrens Room Support Worker
(Currently on Maternity leave)

I started at Fenton Barns Nursery in September 2018. I previously was an Account Manager for a cosmetic company in a Department Store.

I am looking forward to staring my journey at Fenton Barns Nursery with the team and to develop my learning and career in Childcare.

In my spare time I like to do a lot of outdoor things with my family such as camping, long walks with my puppy Darcy and trips up to the North of Scotland. I also enjoy music, shopping, socializing with friends and adore Darcy’s sister – a grey fluffy cat named Maya.

Naomi – Robins Room Supervisor

I started at Fenton Barns in July 2019 and have many years childcare experience, working from a volunteer to a Supervisor. I have recently just completed my PDA Level 8 in June 2019.

I have always enjoyed looking after my cousins, so I left school and started studying Childcare. I started Volunteering when I was 17 and never looked back.

In my spare time I like to spend time with my family and friends. I also go to the gym and local outdoor bootcamps.

Lauren C - Robins Room Practitioner

I am currently a Practitioner in the Robins Room.
I started working at Fenton Barns in June 2014. I hold a NPA in Play work and an SVQ Level 3.

Before starting at Fenton Barns Nursery I worked as a Nanny as I have always known I would like a career in childcare. When I am not working I enjoy baking and spending time with my friends and family. I have a niece and two nephews that I like to spend a lot of my spare time with exploring the outdoors.

Shirley – Robins Room Practitioner

I joined Fenton Barns Nursery in June 2018 and currently based in the Robins Room. Where I enjoy watching the babies develop and learn new skills day by day. I am working towards my SVQ level 3.

I am married and have 2 grown up children and 2 Grandchildren, who I look after often, I am a very hands on Nana.

I enjoy playing outdoors with the children and often go on adventures. We sing, dance and often making up songs. Giving the children in the nursery a good experience, feeling cared for, well looked after and safe is my goal.

Helen - Puffins Room Supervisor

I started my career as a childminder and then joined Fenton Barns quite a few years ago. I gained an SVQ level 3 in Childcare Learning and Development whilst there. Latterly i spent just over a year working at the Cowgate Nursery in Edinburgh, well known for its innovative practice. I have been back at Fenton Barns since April 2019.

I am fascinated by the way children learn and develop. I enjoy supporting them on their journey and am constantly learning myself during the process. I like the ethos at Fenton Barns and agree that outside play is essential in the Early Years.

I first thought about working with children when my own girls were small. I have twin passions - gardening/garden design and children. When I am not at Fenton Barns I am doing garden design work. I also enjoy natural history, walking, films and art.

Mandy - Puffins Named Practitioner

I began working at Fenton Barns Nursery in August 2017 in the Robins Room.
I am passionate about being outdoors playing hockey in all weathers. I also run and play tennis to keep fit play.

I enjoy being around children of all ages, watching them develop individually and their interactions with each other.

I live in Aberlady with my husband and my son. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring the lovely East Lothian countryside which we are so lucky to have right on our doorstep.

Nicola B - Puffins Room Practitioner

I started working at Fenton Barns Nursery in July 2018 as a Practitioner in the Puffins Room. I have always been keen to pursue a career in childcare from a very young age and I am fascinated by Child Development. I was drawn to the setting as I have a great understanding of the benefits of outdoor and risky play to a child’s wellbeing and learning.

I currently hold a NC child, Health and Social, NC Early Education and Childcare and have recently qualified a HNC Childhood Practice. Prior to joining Fenton Barns Nursery I worked as a nanny and Social Care.

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends making the most of the beautiful East Lothian Countryside.

Lara - Puffins Room Practitioner

I have a diverse working history and for the last 9 years I was employed by Police Scotland working within their local control room. I have always considered a career in childcare and while on maternity leave with my son, I started my HNC in Childhood practice. Prior to starting at Fenton Barns I was on placement at a local authority nursery in East Lothian.

I was drawn to the position at Fenton Barns as I believe in their ethos and focus on outdoor learning experiences. I have a genuine interest and passion for Early Learning and Childcare and I enjoy working with children.

I live in Haddington with my partner and young children. I enjoy living in East Lothian and spend a lot of my free time exploring the country with my children. I like to keep active and try to go to the gym as often as possible. I like entertaining and hosting dinners for my friends and family. I spend a lot of time studying and find it really interesting.

Georgia - Puffins Room Support Worker

I started working here at Fenton Barns Nursery in August 2017, as a Support Worker in the Robins Room. The best part about my job here at the nursery is being able to watch the children learn and develop their skills through outdoor play.

In my spare time I enjoy being creative and run my own business making personalised gifts. I also enjoy spending time with my partner, friends and family.

Patricia - Puffins Room Support Worker

I started working here as a member of the Bank Staff team in June 2017.

Having married into a Japanese family over the years I was able to spend large periods of time between the UK and Japan this led me into my volunteer work. I started with Homestart East Lothian here in the UK and when in Japan, I was lucky enough to volunteer alongside children within my local community.

On my return to East Lothian, I spent a period of time at New College, Edinburgh expanding my deep interest in Religious Studies and Theology. My free time is spent with my partner and our dogs enjoying books and the outdoors.

Gillian - Owls Room Supervisor

I have worked within the private sector of childcare for many years now. During this time I have worked in various roles from Support Worker to Management. I am qualified with SVQ 2 and 3.

In my spare time I enjoy being with my nephews exploring the outdoors. My family means a lot to me and I like to spend as much time with them as possible.

I enjoy working at Fenton Barns Nursery being involved in the children's development and watching them blossom through their outdoor learning experiences.

Fiona - Owls Room Practitioner

I started working at Fenton Barns Nursery in August 2017. I have my SVQ 3 in Early Education and Childcare.

I am passionate about working outdoors with the children and how the outdoors can benefit a child's well being and learning experiences.

In my spare time I enjoy training at the gym, running, biking, wild swimming and spending time developing my own connection to nature with like minded people.

Amanda – Owls Practitioner

I joined Fenton Barns Nursery in July 2019 and am currently based in the Owls. Before working at Fenton Barns Nursery I was a play assistant at a local playgroup I have an SVQ 3 in Social Services Children and Young People. I’m currently studying with the Open University and am working towards my BA in Early Childhood.

I am married with 3 teenage children and have a black Labrador. I enjoy attending exercise classes and walking the dog. My favourite thing is to go camping with the family and get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

I started volunteering at Fenton Barns Nursery in February 2019 to help with my studies and quickly realised that it was a very special environment for the children and a place I would enjoy being part of. I will never tire of seeing the look on a child’s face when they have achieved something new or watching them grow in confidence.

Emma M - Owls Room Practitioner

I joined the Fenton Barns Nursery Team in 2016 and have enjoyed my Bank team position ever since which lead me to take on a full time position. I am looking forward to new challenges and getting to know the children on a more.

I really enjoy spending time with all the children at Fenton Barns Nursery in each room especially watching them learn new skills and getting to know all the different personalities they have. I am looking to further my knowledge and understand through an Early Education and Childcare Collage Course in the near future.

I live in Gullane with my husband and 2 daughters. When I am not at work I love to socialise and go running with friends and spending time with my family.

Leila – Owls Room Practitioner

I joined Fenton Barns Nursery in September 2018 and I’m currently doing an HNC in Childhood Practice. Previously I have worked as a Playworker and Play Ranger.

I have a young daughter and we have lots of fun going to activities playing at home and outside.

In my spare time I enjoy dancing, yoga and making things.

Susannah - Owls Room Practitioner

I am currently studying for my SVQ 3 in Childcare. I have chosen to work with children as I enjoy being around them and feel very natural when engaging them in different learning experiences.

In my spare time I look after horses and enjoy being outdoors. I volunteer one evening a week with Haddington Badminton Club.

Jodie- Owls Support Worker

I returned to work after 2 years of maternity leave and career break to bring up my two young daughters.

Before that I worked as an Event Manager but wanted to pursue a career with a workable balance and starting as Support Worker at Fenton Barns Nursery.

In my spare time I enjoy being in the outdoors with my two daughters and walking my dog. I ran the Edinburgh Marathon in 4hr23 this year and a personal achievement was climbing Kilimanjaro in 2011. I enjoy horse riding and ice skating.

Sam - Head Chef

I have 10 years in professional kitchens, working in many different environments. Working my way up from Commis to head chef.

I recently relocated from Yorkshire. There I gained a passion for cooking fresh local produce. I am looking forward to seeing what I can do here.

Having recently moved to East Lothian, I’m looking forward to taking advantage of the quality local produce the area has to offer.

Carol - Bank Staff

I am currently part of the Bank Staff team here at Fenton Barns Nursery which I have done for many years now.

I am also a volunteer for Home Start East Lothian which offers support to families with Pre-School children.

I enjoy working at Fenton Barns, it's a real joy to see the children grow and develop their own little personalities.

I live in Pencaitland and have 4 children.

Laura B - Bank Staff

I started working here at Fenton Barns Nursery in February 2018 as a Support Worker in the Robins Room and now as a member of the Bank Staff team.

While studying Psychology I developed a keen interest in infant development and child psychology and through working seasonally at a Summer Playscheme for children with additional support needs I discovered a passion for working with children. I love to be around children and watch them learn and interact with one another.

In my spare time I enjoy the outdoors and keeping active, socializing with friends and spending time with my family.

Zoe - Bank Staff

I have worked here at Fenton Barns Nursery since August 2016, previously as a Practitioner in the Owls Room and now as a member of the Bank Staff team.

Before starting at the nursery I worked at STRIVE and TVC, where I worked as a coastal community apprentice taking school groups out to do activities (skateboarding, surf rescue, rock climbing etc).

During my time at Fenton Barns Nursery I have completed my SVQ 3 in Early Education and Childcare and look forward to continuing to put my new found knowledge into practice.

Cath - Bank Staff

I qualified as an N.N.E.B student in 1984, I have worked in Childcare and Education since 1989, having also gained my SVQ Level 4 in Child Care Learning and Development qualification in 2012. I have been a member of the team here since the nursery opened in 2012 and recently joined the Bank Staff team. My full-time job is with Midlothian Council as Senior Child Development within a primary school nursery.

I enjoy the ethos, the holistic approach to outdoor education at Fenton Barns Nursery. I enjoy seeing the vast benefits of outdoor learning has for the children and staff working here. I am married to Alan and we have 2 grown up daughters Sara and Amy. I am also a Granny to my first Granddaughter.

I have a great interest in arts and crafts creating pictures using natural elements I find around me. I have begun my Forest Leadership Level 3 training with Midlothian Council.

Chelsey - Bank Staff

I have worked here at Fenton Barns Nursery since September 2014 previously as a Practitioner in the Robins Room and now as a member of the Bank Staff team. I completed my SVQ 3 in Children's care, Learning and Development in March 2014 The best part of my job here at Fenton Barns Nursery is being able to watch the children learn and teaching each other through outdoor play.

I have worked in childcare for many years now in a range of different settings but I have always known I wanted to work with children.

I live in Dunbar with my husband and daughter. In my spare time I enjoy going out for woodland walks, baking /cooking and spending time with my family and friends.

Vicki - Bank Cook

I started working at Fenton Barns Nursery in August 2014. Alongside working at Fenton Barns Nursery I run my own catering company.

I grew up cooking with my mother who also used to do outside catering and after working my way up from waitress to restaurant manager I decided the hours weren't for me and I started catering. I've also worked in professional kitchens along the way to gain more experience.

I most enjoy clean plates as it says and means more than words can.

Helen – Nursery Gardener

I have three passions – working with young children, gardening & garden design and nurturing both Children and plants. Working at Fenton Barns Nursery in the garden brings both these things together in one place. I get satisfaction from developing and maintaining the outside space along with the Children and Staff.

I have qualifications in garden design and Childcare, a degree in Ecology and have an interest in Natural History.

Bringing more Wildlife into the garden using both native plants and high value cultivated plants is something I want to develop further. My aim is to make the outside space as rich as possible for the children.

Da - Nursery Domestic

I started working at Fenton Barns Nursery in January 2013, I enjoy working here and all the staff and children are very nice. My first job was in East Lothian Produce for 5 years then moved and worked at Kilspindy Hotel Aberlady.

I live in Aberlady with my husband. I was born in Thailand in a small village near the city of Buri Ram, North West of Bangkok. I lived there all my life, got married in April 2007 and moved to Scotland in June 2007.