Classroom Staff
Susie Henderson - Owner/Manager
I grew up in Killearn so I feel so at home in this village. I have such fond memories of growing up here and some of my closest friends are those that I went to school with. School days are such an important part of children's lives and it's important to make them as exciting, meaningful and memorable as possible. When myself and my husband had children we decided we wanted to bring them up in 'the country' and for me this was a no-brainer, it had to be Killearn. Thankfully Ross knew the village and was delighted to move here too. For many years I commuted to Glasgow where I worked as a Geography teacher. At this time our children were very young and attended nursery, however it wasn't until my daughter was older and starting school nursery that I realised that there is a lack of affordable wrap-around childcare in the village. With such a fantastic school nursery in the village and wanting to make use of our 'free hours' we had the problem that many other families face in the village of trying to fit our working day around nursery/school hours.
I’ve been a Geography teacher for a number of years now. My first teaching post was at Shawlands Academy where I stayed for a number of years and from there I went on to the High School of Glasgow. Throughout both of these posts I was able to expand on my love of the outdoors, taking part, organising and leading a number of field trips locally, nationally and internationally. I have also written a number of Geography textbooks that are used in secondary schools across Scotland with one focusing specifically on field studies.
From a young age I’ve always been interested in the outdoors and exploring the natural environment. I’m a keen hill walker and enjoy most outdoor pursuits when I get the opportunity.
As a Geography teacher, I recognised very early into my career the benefits of outdoor learning and children exploring outdoor environments. Field studies were an excellent way of giving children the opportunity to learn about natural and man-made environments but I also discovered that children got more than just academic benefits from being outside. Giving children the opportunity to be outdoors boosts children’s development and makes them healthier and happier.
Several years ago now I took a group of students to a farm in Wishaw, this was real eye-opener for me and this is where my idea of an outdoor classroom first began. All of the students, even those that could be disengaged in the classroom or children who are naturally more reserved, were noticeably more interested and animated during this field trip. Asking lots of meaningful questions and they were excited about what they were hearing. Their behaviour was improved and so too was my relationship with them. They wanted to engage and interact with me and ask me lots of questions. This strengthened my relationships with these students and even once we returned to the classroom, we had developed a more positive relationship. This was really significant for me and from then on I realized the importance of taking children outdoors, not just to develop their learning but to build their confidence, improve their mental wellbeing and develop their social skills.
This is when I decided to combine the two aspects together to create Our Little Outdoor Classroom & Daycare.
Qualifications:
I grew up in Killearn so I feel so at home in this village. I have such fond memories of growing up here and some of my closest friends are those that I went to school with. School days are such an important part of children's lives and it's important to make them as exciting, meaningful and memorable as possible. When myself and my husband had children we decided we wanted to bring them up in 'the country' and for me this was a no-brainer, it had to be Killearn. Thankfully Ross knew the village and was delighted to move here too. For many years I commuted to Glasgow where I worked as a Geography teacher. At this time our children were very young and attended nursery, however it wasn't until my daughter was older and starting school nursery that I realised that there is a lack of affordable wrap-around childcare in the village. With such a fantastic school nursery in the village and wanting to make use of our 'free hours' we had the problem that many other families face in the village of trying to fit our working day around nursery/school hours.
I’ve been a Geography teacher for a number of years now. My first teaching post was at Shawlands Academy where I stayed for a number of years and from there I went on to the High School of Glasgow. Throughout both of these posts I was able to expand on my love of the outdoors, taking part, organising and leading a number of field trips locally, nationally and internationally. I have also written a number of Geography textbooks that are used in secondary schools across Scotland with one focusing specifically on field studies.
From a young age I’ve always been interested in the outdoors and exploring the natural environment. I’m a keen hill walker and enjoy most outdoor pursuits when I get the opportunity.
As a Geography teacher, I recognised very early into my career the benefits of outdoor learning and children exploring outdoor environments. Field studies were an excellent way of giving children the opportunity to learn about natural and man-made environments but I also discovered that children got more than just academic benefits from being outside. Giving children the opportunity to be outdoors boosts children’s development and makes them healthier and happier.
Several years ago now I took a group of students to a farm in Wishaw, this was real eye-opener for me and this is where my idea of an outdoor classroom first began. All of the students, even those that could be disengaged in the classroom or children who are naturally more reserved, were noticeably more interested and animated during this field trip. Asking lots of meaningful questions and they were excited about what they were hearing. Their behaviour was improved and so too was my relationship with them. They wanted to engage and interact with me and ask me lots of questions. This strengthened my relationships with these students and even once we returned to the classroom, we had developed a more positive relationship. This was really significant for me and from then on I realized the importance of taking children outdoors, not just to develop their learning but to build their confidence, improve their mental wellbeing and develop their social skills.
This is when I decided to combine the two aspects together to create Our Little Outdoor Classroom & Daycare.
Qualifications:
- PGDE
- Joint Honours Geography and Sociology
- PVG
- Paediatric First Aid
- First Aid
- Food Hygiene Certified
- General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) Registered
Ross Henderson - Maintenance/Classroom Helper
Qualifications:
Qualifications:
- BDS
- MSc (Endo)
- PVG
- First Aid
- Food Hygiene Certified
Zoe O'Donnell - Play Worker
“Having grown up in Blanefield my whole life, I have always had a love for the great outdoors. My childhood was spent building dens, climbing trees and playing out in the crescent with my friends and two older brothers.
I believe being outdoors helps you learn and grow in so many different ways and even still to this day there’s nothing I love more than getting out and exploring the countryside.
Working with children is a new venture for me but I’ve had plenty of experience growing up with several younger cousins. My best friend has a little boy too who I absolutely adore and I love watching him learn new things every week.
I’m so excited to be a part of this amazing team and can’t wait to get to know every child individually!”
Zoe is such a great asset to the Our Little Outdoor Classroom staff. She is super enthusiastic, shares a love of the outdoors and is so excited to be working in a childcare setting.
Qualifications:
“Having grown up in Blanefield my whole life, I have always had a love for the great outdoors. My childhood was spent building dens, climbing trees and playing out in the crescent with my friends and two older brothers.
I believe being outdoors helps you learn and grow in so many different ways and even still to this day there’s nothing I love more than getting out and exploring the countryside.
Working with children is a new venture for me but I’ve had plenty of experience growing up with several younger cousins. My best friend has a little boy too who I absolutely adore and I love watching him learn new things every week.
I’m so excited to be a part of this amazing team and can’t wait to get to know every child individually!”
Zoe is such a great asset to the Our Little Outdoor Classroom staff. She is super enthusiastic, shares a love of the outdoors and is so excited to be working in a childcare setting.
Qualifications:
- HND Television
- PVG
- Food Hygiene Certified
- First Aid Certified
Fiona Warren - Play Worker (Holidays)
"I am currently a student studying primary education at the University of Strathclyde. Because of this I have seen first-hand the benefits of children learning and playing outside and for this reason I am so excited to see the benefits the outdoor classroom will have on the children, as well as how much fun they will have! In addition to my experience of working with children out on placement I have also completed work experience in a nursery and other schools and I child-minded for a family of three children throughout the summer of 2018. I am a positive person, full of energy and enjoy working with others."
Fiona is currently training to be a Primary School teacher. She has experience of working with children personally and professionally. She is super enthusiastic and will bring so much to the Classroom.
Qualifications:
"I am currently a student studying primary education at the University of Strathclyde. Because of this I have seen first-hand the benefits of children learning and playing outside and for this reason I am so excited to see the benefits the outdoor classroom will have on the children, as well as how much fun they will have! In addition to my experience of working with children out on placement I have also completed work experience in a nursery and other schools and I child-minded for a family of three children throughout the summer of 2018. I am a positive person, full of energy and enjoy working with others."
Fiona is currently training to be a Primary School teacher. She has experience of working with children personally and professionally. She is super enthusiastic and will bring so much to the Classroom.
Qualifications:
- Currently working towards BA Primary Education
- PVG
