These are the people who make every day an adventure for your child
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 loved every minute of my time here.
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.
Emily Glynn
Manager
Hi, I’m Emily, the Nursery Manager here. I’ve been working in childcare for more than a decade and I’m Level 3 qualified, with an NPQ in Early Years Leadership. I absolutely love what I do, and my main focus is creating a safe and happy space where children can learn, grow, and have fun. I enjoy working with my team to make sure we provide the best care and support for every child.Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and our dog – whether it’s going on walks or enjoying the outdoors. I also enjoy reading, going to the gym, and having a good board game session with my family.
I’m always here to help, and I feel lucky to be part of such a wonderful team!
Amy Droughton
Deputy manager/ Adventurers
Hi, I’m Amy,
With over 10 years of childcare experience, I can honestly say childcare is a passion of mine, and I’ve been lucky enough over time to further my skills within leadership and management. I am also the SENCO for our setting, supporting children with additional needs to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.
I am a strong believer that every child has their own unique learning style and pride myself on supporting and promoting exciting, enabling play opportunities—watching as they flourish and achieve to the best of their ability, all whilst having the greatest fun.
In my free time, I love spending time with my little boy Oscar, baking, and catching up with friends.
Heather Wilde
Deputy Manager/ Explorers
Hi, I’m Heather, I am a level 3 early years educator, with over 18 years experience! I am passionate about childhood development and love to see the progression of each child during their time with us! I love the child led approach to learning and creating a nurturing home from home environment.I enjoy spending time with my family and cooking! I love shopping and self care, who doesn’t love a pamper?! I am based within the Explorers room, so come and say hello to me and the team
Gemma Smith
Chef/ Administrator
Hi, My name is Gemma. I work in the kitchen at Little Explorers and also cover admin work for all three of our settings! I have many years experience working within the catering industry, my most recent being in a school kitchen. I really enjoy cooking , baking and looking after the Little Explorers over lunch time. I love thinking of new and exciting meals for the children (and Staff!) to enjoy, ensuring it is also healthy and balanced so that they are all ready to enjoy the rest of their day. I love going on holidays in our caravan and going on walks with my dog, Rocky. I love to chat, so come on in and say Hello!
Emma Burrows
Explorers
Hello, I’m Emma! I am a level 3 qualified Early years practitioner, I have been qualified for 10 years and have got lots of experience working alongside children. I have loved working in children’s centres over the years but have had so much fun coming back into working in a nursery setting! I have a little boy called Oliver, who comes to nursery with me, we love spending time with our friends here and going to our favourite places, like the zoo! We have a cheeky dog at home, called Reggie. I am based within the Explorers room with Sarah and Jess and can’t wait to share my Little Explorers journey with you all.
Jess Cowpland
Explorers
Hi, I’m Jess and I am based in the Explorers room. I hold my level 3 qualification. I am a big believer that outdoor learning provides the children with a huge variety of rich learning experiences, all while they are exploring the natural resources around them. Giving children the opportunity to investigate outdoors allows them to take more of their own managed risks and have fun at the same time! In my free time, I enjoy taking my dog, Darla, for walks and enjoy going for meals with family and socialising with my friends!
Sarah Fallows
Adventurers
Hi everyone, I’m Sarah!
I began my early years adventure recently and hold my Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification. I’m loving it and can’t wait for the rest of my journey here at Little Explorers.
I have two children, who I love spending time with — playing board games is our favourite thing to do! I also have two dogs who I love taking for long walks, and I often find lots of natural resources for nursery when I’m out and about.
I’m based within the Adventurers room and have had so much fun getting to know all of your little ones. I can’t wait to watch them flourish on their learning journey!
Symone Wilde
Adventurers
Hi I’m Symone,I am currently completing my apprenticeship with Little Explorers. I love working with children and have learnt so much during my learning journey! I love spending time at home with my family and catching up on all my favourite TV shows. I enjoy going for long walks and I am really enjoying learning how to cook! I have two dogs called Poppy and Ruby, who I love 😊 I am based within the Adventurer’s room, so please come and say Hi!
Danielle McGowan
Adventurers
Hi I’m Danielle
I hold a level 3 diploma in childcare and education and have been working in early years for over 10 years! I am based across both the Explorers and Adventurers rooms here at Goose Green. I am a big believer that children learn best by leading their own play and developing their natural curiosity to figure out how the world works. I love messy play and being outside with the children exploring the natural world!
Megan Hughes
Adventurers
Hello, my name is Meg. I am a Level 3 qualified Early Years Educator with a strong passion for childcare. I am committed to creating a nurturing atmosphere for children and take great joy in participating in messy play. I am delighted to support children’s learning through a variety of activities, both indoors and outdoors.I have a son named Theo. During our free time, we cherish our little adventures together! I love all things rugby and spending my free time with my friends and family.
Come and say hello!
Lorraine Harrison
SEND Support
Lorraine works across all of our nurseries, supporting our SENCOs and staff with everything to do with Special Educational Needs. She loves helping children reach their full potential and making sure everyone feels supported. When she’s not at work, Lorraine enjoys family holidays, catching up with friends, and going for lovely walks with her dog.