Our Early Years Team

Our Team are what makes our Nursery such a magical place, having a rich variety of skills and talents across different generations. As we get to know our families, we hope this Meet the Team information will enable you to get to know us too! Here you will find a little bit of information on each member of our nursery team along with a photo to help you recognise us as you get to know the Explorers team.

Team Nest

Mrs Riley, Early Years Phase Leader

BA (Hons) Early Years Care and Education

PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status

Over 20 Years Experience and 10 Years of Service at Hordle

"Having grown up in the New Forest and now living locally with my husband and son (and two cats), I have worked in a variety of childcare settings and have been part of Team Hordle for more than ten years, working in Early Years education for more than twenty. I love working with young children and I believe it is a true privilege to lead the Early Years team at Hordle Explorers and care for and educate your young children.

In my spare time, I enjoy walking at weekends or spending time out on the water in the Solent with my family. I love the mountains and can often be found spending time in the holidays hiking, skiing or climbing in mountainous regions."

Mrs Ewing, Deputy Nursery Manager

BA (Hons) Open (Education, Childhood & Youth)

Early Years Teacher Status

Over 15 Years Experience and 9 Years Service at Hordle

"I live in Bashley with my husband, our two children, and a plethora of animals; large and small - including three owls, two mice and horse called Rosie. We moved to the New Forest in 2015 from the outskirts of London and I have been working at Hordle since 2016.

I enjoy baking, yoga, Formula One, and walking our spaniel puppy, Honey but most of all, I love to curl up with a book. I have brought my love of reading into the Nest by incorporating books within the children's play."

Mrs Foy

NNEB Nursery Nurse

Over 25 Years Experience

"I grew up in and around the New Forest and now live locally with my husband and three children, who all attended Hordle Primary School. I gained my childcare qualifications in my teens and have worked in several settings locally over the past twenty five years.

I love to spend time with my family at the beach, paddle boarding, walking in the forest and camping. I have a passion for interior design and am quite often changing a room in my house! I love my garden which I have worked hard to design and create a peaceful space to spend time with friends and family."

Miss Fletcher

Level 3 Diploma for Early Years Practitioner

Five Years Experience

"I have recently just completed my Level 3 Apprenticeship here at Hordle and have enjoyed being a part of Team Nest for the past two years. Prior to my Level 3, I had completed my Level 2, during which I visited a variety of settings and gained a wide range of experiences.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, going for walks either at the beach or in the forest, as well as baking and cooking."

Miss Caffyn

Early Years Apprentice

"I joined the Hordle team last year, working at Team Den and I loved it so much that I have now joined the team as an Early Years Apprentice. I am really excited to be working in Team Nest as I work to complete my qualifications. I love to bake and do arts and crafts and also like to share these activities with the children at Team Den, where I will also continue to be working."

Mrs Laura Walsh

Diploma in Early Years Childcare

Over 10 Years Experience

"I am a Level 3 qualified practioner with experience working in nurseries and as a nanny. I live with my husband and 2 boys in the New Forest after we moved from Buckinghamshire in 2021 and I love living here! I took a break in my career to be a stay at home mum after having my second son in 2020 and I am very excited to be returning to work now they are a little older.

I love the sea and I am a qualified scuba diver although I don't have much time for diving now I'm a busy mum! I spend time at the beach as often as possible and enjoy forest walks too. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends. I'm really looking forward to being part of Team Nest and getting to know you and your children."

Miss Alice Gibson

Level 3 Early Years Childcare

Over 9 Years Experience

"I have worked within Early Years for 9 years and have recently joined Team Nest after having some time off to have my youngest son. I have 3 children and my spare time is spent with them, going out for walks, doing arts, crafts and baking.

I look forward to getting to know the children and being part of the Nest team"

Team Wild

Mrs Riley, Early Years Phase Leader

BA (Hons) Early Years Care and Education

PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status

Over 20 Years Experience and 10 Years of Service at Hordle

Mrs Aucott, Deputy Nursery Manager

Level 3 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development

Over 19 Years Experience and 7 Years of Service at Hordle

"I have had the privilege of working in a range of different childcare settings, working with children aged five years and under. I started my career in a small town in Oxfordshire before moving to the New Forest in 2009.

I am a single mum to two children and we have two pet rabbits, Bingo and Lola who we love very much. I love everything about the countryside, from going for walks in the forest to driving my dad’s vintage tractors when we get the chance to visit my parents in Oxfordshire. I like spending time at the beach making various creations in the sand and collecting shells. I love to cook with my children and we often enjoy singing and dancing to the radio in the kitchen whilst cooking. I love to sing and I was once a head chorister in my local church! I also like to read when I get a few minutes. I can’t wait to get to know you and your child this year and help them along their journey at Hordle Explorers."

Miss Adams

Level 3 Early Years Practitioner

Four years experience

"I'm very lucky to have completed my qualifications here at Hordle, where I joined on an apprenticeship after I left school in 2018. I am thrilled to be with the Hordle Explorers team and I feel very lucky to be working alongside your children in Team Wild.

I love being outdoors and have horses that I tend to daily with my family. I'm very lucky to live locally and love going for walks with my two dogs and riding in the forest, so you might even see me out and about on my horse, Jack!

I'm very excited to get to know you and your child and to be with you on your journey during your time here at in Team Wild."

Mr Ewing

Level 3 Diploma for Early Years Practitioner

Over 2 years experience

"I have completed my Level 3 qualification through the apprenticeship scheme here at Hordle and am based in Team Wild.

I love being outside in all weathers, helping the children to learn about the different seasons, plants and wildlife. I work hard to get to know all of the children and their families and look forward to getting to know you.

I also work in Breakfast Club and After School Club (The Den) and so I may also see your child there, too!

Outside of work, I enjoy Formula One, listening to music, gardening and going for walks with my family."

Miss Hooper

Level 2 Early Years Practitioner

"After joining Team Hordle working in the After School Club, I was thrilled to be offered the opportunity to undertake a L3 Early Years Practioner Apprenticeship here at Hordle (which I am now just waiting for my results for!).

I am delighted to be part of the Hordle Explorers Team and to support your child on their Hordle journey. Although I am based in Team Wild during the day, I do also work in the school's After School Club, too!

Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends, especially enjoying picnics in the New Forest. I also enjoy swimming and have a passion for baking.

I look forward to getting to know you and your child throughout their time in Team Wild."

Miss Hooper

Early Years Apprentice

Mrs Laura Walsh

Diploma in Early Years Childcare

Over 10 Years Experience