OUR VENTURE TEAM
"The most important element in the success of our preschool 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
Jenny
Papenfus
Co-Founder
What makes Venture a unique EY setting?
"What is remarkable about Venture 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.
Megan
Valentine
Leader at Dartington, Totnes
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
Natalie
Fenwick
Deputy Lead at Hope Cove, Kingsbridge
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
Leonie
van Wijk
Practitioner at Dartington, Totnes
Come back soon to learn more about Leonie!
TRAINING:
BSc Speech and Language Therapy
Down Syndrome Speech, Language and Communication needs
Tier 2 Learning Disability and Autism
Complex Trauma and Language & Communication Development
Paediatric & Adult First Aid
Charlotte Mailiff
Practitioner at Kitley Farm, Yealmpton
What is the most special thing that you have learned whilst working at Venture?
"Since starting my work at Venture I have really learned the importance of slowing down and appreciating the small things, that in our adult world, would go unnoticed. Life is often such a rush, but at Venture we are fortunate not to have to be in a rush, we can slow down, we can give the children time to complete difficult tasks, we can nurture them and teach them with no time pressures. Taking time to really observe the Venture children in play and tackling tasks in such methodical ways is eye opening and has already impacted me and how I mother and nurture my own children."
TRAINING:
BSc Hons Exercise & Sports Sciences
PGCE PE Specialism
Zoe
Purkis
Co-Founder
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
Claire
Eatwell
Deputy Lead at Dartington, Totnes
Why do you feel Venture is such a special environment for children?
"Venture is a unique and special setting in every way. I love working within such a committed team, in a beautiful, natural environment like Dartington. It allows the children to thrive and develop whilst learning how to assess and manage risks themselves."
TRAINING:
BA (Hons) Art and Education with QTS
Paediatric First Aid Qualified
Laura
Kirkland
Practitioner at Hope Cove, Kingsbridge
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
Jenny
Moore
Practitioner at Kitley Farm, Yealmpton
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)
Suzi
Griffiths
Holiday Camp Lead
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
Emma
Parsons
Manager at Kitley Farm, Yealmpton
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
Laura
Gogola
Deputy Lead at Kitley Farm, Yealmpton
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
Will
Alpass
Practitioner at Hope Cove, Kingsbridge
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.
Lily
Deverson
Practitioner at Dartington, Totnes
Come back soon to learn more about Lily!
TRAINING:
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice, Art, Design and Communication
Rachel
Mahood
Leader at Hope Cove, Kingsbridge
Why do you feel Venture is such a special environment for children?
"I feel privileged to be part of such a special kindergarten. Being outside with the children, observing them learn through play and seeing them build resilience and develop problem solving skills in nature is a gift. Each day brings new developments that are a joy to witness - success with the fire lighters, mastering a challenging task such as putting on a backpack independently, collaborating to drag a fallen branch across the forest floor - the opportunities provided are as unlimited as the children's imaginations."
TRAINING:
PGCE (Hons) QTS
BA (Hons) History and Ancient History.
Lora
McMahon
Deputy Lead at Kitley Farm, Yealmpton
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
Cathy Hutchings
Practitioner at Dartington, Totnes
Come back soon to learn more about Cathy!
TRAINING:
BA Hons Physical Education with QTS
Level 3 Forest School Leader
Yoga Teacher Training
Millie
Hann
Practitioner at Hope Cove, Kingsbridge
What do you love most about working at Venture?
"What I love most about working at Venture is the strong sense of community and welcoming environment. From the moment I first arrived I felt warmly welcomed by both the staff and children which made it a very special place to be part of. I really value the spontaneity that each day brings. Working outdoors allows us to adapt our plans and follow the children's lead. One of my favourite parts of the day is the mornings at Venture, reading our favourite stories and listening to the thoughtful and curious questions the children share. Those moments really highlight how meaningful and rewarding it is to work in such a nurturing and inspiring environment."
TRAINING:
Level 3 Diploma Early Years (in progress)
Printed Textiles
"The teaching is inspirational"
– Ofsted Report, 2022
"Staff promote independence exceptionally well "
– Ofsted Report, 2022