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.
Laura Gray - Deputy Manager
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 outdoor education and strive to provide all the children in my care with 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 slow pedagogical practices will be beneficial to all the children here at Fenton Barns Nursery.
Naomi Blackhall – Senior 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.
Karen Wallace - Forest School Leader
I live in East Lothian with my family and enjoy walking, especially on the beach with my Golden Retriever, travelling, playing tennis and cooking for family and friends.
I am a qualified Montessori and Forest School teacher and have taught pre-school and reception class. I feel strongly that children should have the opportunities to enjoy, understand and appreciate their environment and the countryside at the same time as playing, risk taking, problem solving and developing their imagination.
I am looking forward to being part of the team at Fenton Barns, preparing the children for their next stage in education, developing strong foundations for their future with practical learning.
Claire Murray - Robins Practitioner in Training (Maternity Leave)
I have worked at Fenton Barns Nursery since October 2020. I am currently working towards my SVQ Level 3.
I have always enjoyed working with children. I am a horse riding instructor and used to teach full time.
I have a son and we both love spending time outdoors. We have a horse and a pony at home to keep busy in any spare time we have.
Laura Buchanan – Owls Practitioner
I enjoy walking, swimming and spending time with friends and family as well
as cooking and giraffes.
I have an HNC in Early Childcare and Education with 20 years experience
in childcare including volunteering with the Scouting movement as a Beaver
leader.
I have joined the Fenton Barns team because I really enjoy the outdoors and
think it is such an interesting way for children to learn.
Murray McKay – Owls Supervisor
I am originally from Inverness but now living in East Lothian. I enjoy travelling, playing and coaching tennis and coffee.
I gained my SVQ Level 3 and also Laying the Trail for Outdoor Learning.
I enjoy working at Fenton Barns and spending time in an outdoors setting and also developing my own outdoor practice.
Sayoko Love – Puffins Lead Practitioner
I am a confident and caring individual. I have an ability to prioritise
effectively and I have excellent communication skills.
I have been experiencing bringing up my own children and looking after supporting friends with their child care needs.
I am passionate about providing the best care and play experience for
children. I was looking for a nursery position that offers great training
and long term career development opportunities and I believe I can
achieve both at Fenton Barns Nursery.
Sayoko Love – Puffins Lead Practitioner
I am a confident and caring individual. I have an ability to prioritise
effectively and I have excellent communication skills.
I have been experiencing bringing up my own children and looking after supporting friends with their child care needs.
I am passionate about providing the best care and play experience for
children. I was looking for a nursery position that offers great training
and long term career development opportunities and I believe I can
achieve both at Fenton Barns Nursery.
Keira McCluskey – Bank Staff
I enjoy being outside, seeing my friends, spending time with my family and walking my dog. I keep fit by going to the gym.
I have a lot of experience working with children from a young age including babysitting, being an activity leader/group instructor, gymnastics coach, after school club helper and working in a nursery. I am also first aid trained.
I started at Fenton Barns on a temporary basis but have enjoyed it so much that I am now working towards my qualification.
Laura Brodie - Auxiliary
I live in North Berwick and have two dogs. I like taking them for walks to the beach.
I have experience in social care and also admin but fancied a change.
I joined Fenton Barns to work with children, and since joining I love it.