OUR VENTURE TEAM
"The most important element in the success of our kindergarten is the adults who work with our children"
What makes Venture staff different?
Our unique approach to Early Years Education requires an exceptional team to nurture the holistic development of the children under our care. The majority of our team have degrees across a diverse background of studies and have worked in a variety of fields, which collectively brings a rich, passionate and innovative approach to providing better Early Years care.
"The staff are beyond amazing and get to know the children on such a deep level."
– Venture parent, 2023
Meet the Team
Co-Founder
Zoe Purkis
What do you love most about Venture?
"That the original concept for Venture – Jenny, myself, a rope bus of children and everything we need for a day of explorations in our backpacks– has flourished into a beautiful community of practitioners, children and their families. Such a community where everyone plays their part and is honoured for who they uniquely are is quite a rare thing in today's society."
TRAINING:
BEd (Hons) Primary Teaching QTS
BTec Level 3 Forest School Leader
Paediatric First Aid Qualified
Safeguarding Level 2 Qualified
Co-Founder
Jenny Papenfus
What makes Venture a unique EY setting?
"What is remarkable about Venture, and what is routinely observed by visitors and passers by, is the serenity which encompasses all of our activities, both of the children and the staff, and the palpable contrast between Venture and peoples' expectations of early years settings. We coexist with the children, savouring the simple pleasures of life in each other's company, and therein lies the essence of the magic that unfolds within our settings."
TRAINING:
BA (Hons) Communication Studies and Theatre
Level 3 Childcare and Development
BTec Level 3 Forest School Leader
Paediatric First Aid Qualified
Safeguarding Level 3 & Special Educational Needs.
Hope Cove Lead Practitioner
Rachel Mahood
Come back soon to learn more about Rachel.
TRAINING:
PGCE (Hons) QTS
BA (Hons) History and Ancient History, English and Drama.
Holiday Camp Leader
Suzi Griffiths
What makes the Venture team so special?
"We are a hugely experienced, non-competitive and highly collaborative group. The eclectic and varied attributes that we collectively bring, very simply fuse beautifully to provide a fantastic, colourful and rich foundation on which to inspire and scaffold our children's learning experience."
TRAINING:
BAEd (Hons) Physical Education, English and Drama QTS
Paediatric First Aid Qualified
Level 2 Safeguarding
Hope Cove Deputy Lead Practitioner
Natalie Fenwick
Why did you choose to work here over another school or early years setting?
"I traveled in Scandinavia with my family and valued the appreciation and respect for the outdoors and how that appreciation was reflected in their education, particularly early years. I feel that Venture echoes that and that brings with it so much joy for the children and adults alike."
TRAINING:
PGDip Early Years with Initial Teacher Training QTS
BA (Hons) Dance
FD Photography
Safeguarding Level 3
Dartington Lead EY Practitioner
Megan Valentine
How do you feel Venture prepares children for the next stage?
"At Venture the children are able to encounter risk and face challenges in a healthy and safe way; exploring the natural world with confidence, and feeling empowered to make important choices that further their own physical, emotional and social expansion."
TRAINING:
Level 3 Diploma Early Years
Safeguarding Level 3
Paediatric First Aid Qualified
Dartington Lead EY Practitioner
Megan Heathman
Come back soon to learn more about Megan.
TRAINING:
PGCE Primary Teaching with Early Years Specialism QTS
BA (Hons) Children's Physical Education
Paediatric First Aid Qualified
Hope Cove EY Practitioner
Will Alpass
What do you find special about working in an outdoor setting?
"Nature has always provided me with a safe space to seek refuge and recharge; it has always been a playground to treasure in my life. It is a pleasure to see children given those opportunities at an early age, to put roots down and find wonderment in the natural environment. The Venture philosophy allows children to gently explore in their own time and create a relationship with the world around them."
TRAINING:
BSc (hons) Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture.
Yoga teacher training.
Diploma Holistic Therapies.
Dartington Deputy Lead Practitioner
Claire Eatwell
Come back soon to learn more about Claire.
TRAINING:
BA (Hons) Art and Education QTS
Kitley Farm Manager
Emma Parsons
How does Venture differ to other EY settings you've worked at?
"Across my many previous roles working in Early Years, I learned a great deal about what children need during this time; what a quality Early Years experience should look and feel like. At Venture I have felt like I am part of something special – children and families are offered outstanding care, children are treated with respect, love and warmth and the team are exceptionally knowledgable, dedicated and kind."
TRAINING:
PGCE Primary with Qualified Teacher Status
BA English Literature and Language in Education
Level 3 Forest School Leader
Paediatric First Aid Qualified
Hope Cove Deputy Lead Practitioner
Lora McMahon
What do you love most about working at Venture?
"Venture slows life down, the pace is different to most educational settings. It allows time for feelings to be felt, heard and respected. It provides the opportunity for the little yet momentous things to valued. There isn't a fixed agenda to rush through, it's all about celebrating and empowering the children to find their own way."
TRAINING:
PGCE Primary Education with Early Years QTS
BA (Hons) Geography
Kitley Farm Deputy Lead Practitioner
Laura Gogola
Why did you choose to work at Venture?
"I was so enamoured by my daughter's experience at Venture that I had to be next in line to join! Since then, my eyes have been opened to what the future of early years education and well-being should look like. Everyone who is part of the Venture community thrives. We nurture the whole child and believe anything is possible."
TRAINING:
PGCE Primary Education with Early Years QTS
BSc (Hons) Sociology
Safeguarding Level 3
Hope Cove Outdoor EY Practitioner
Laura Kirkland
What's your favourite part of a Venture day?
"When we all, adults and children, meet for snack or lunch. It's a very special time when we come together to talk and listen to each other. Wonderful conversations between the adults and the children are heard. It's a time for peaceful reflection on our day or on how we feel."
TRAINING:
Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling
Level 3 Counselling Studies
Paediatric First Aid qualified
Kitley Farm Outdoor EY Practitioner
Jenny Moore
What is it like to work at Venture?
"It's hard to put into words how special Venture is. Having autism and disabilities, I've often felt left out, but everyone at Venture welcomed me straight away and accepted me for exactly who I am, allowing me to be my full self. Any idea we have here, small or large, is celebrated. The calm Venture ethos helps us even as adults to slow down and appreciate the world. I feel so lucky to be part of such a wonderful and supportive team"
TRAINING:
Level 3 Diploma Early Years (in progress)
Dartington Outdoor EY Practitioner
Beth Fuller
Come back soon to learn more about Beth.
TRAINING:
Postgraduate Certificate in Psychological Therapies Practice
Masters (MRes) Politics
BA (Hons) Politics and International Studies
Forest School and Paediatric First Aid Qualified
Dartington Outdoor EY Practitioner
Luke Hatherly
Come back soon to learn more about Luke.
TRAINING:
Dip HE Writing and Literature
"The teaching is inspirational"
– Ofsted Report, 2022
"Staff promote independence exceptionally well "
– Ofsted Report, 2022