Jenny

Papenfus

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Co-Founder

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What makes Venture a unique EY setting?

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"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

Heathman

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Leader at Dartington, Totnes

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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

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Natalie

Fenwick

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Deputy Lead at Hope Cove, Kingsbridge

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Why did you choose to work here over another school or early years setting?

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"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

 

 

 

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Beth

Fuller

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Practitioner at Dartington, Totnes

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Why did you choose to work at Venture?

 

"My professional background in children’s mental health has highlighted the vital role of nurturing early social and emotional development. At Venture, the focus on children’s wellbeing is at the heart of everything that they do. It is inspiring to see how children are supported, loved, and cared for in a natural environment that helps them develop the confidence and independence to thrive and flourish."

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TRAINING:​

Postgraduate Certificate in Psychological Therapies Practice

Masters (MRes) Politics

BA (Hons) Politics and International Studies

Forest School and Paediatric First Aid Qualified

Zoe

Purkis

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Co-Founder

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What do you love most about Venture?

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"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."​​

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​​TRAINING: ​

BEd (Hons) Primary Teaching QTS
BTec Level 3 Forest School Leader
Paediatric First Aid Qualified
Safeguarding Level 2 Qualified

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Megan

Valentine

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Leader at Dartington, Totnes

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How do you feel Venture prepares children for the next stage?

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"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

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Claire

Eatwell

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Deputy Lead at Dartington, Totnes

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Come back soon to learn more about Claire!

 

TRAINING:​

BA (Hons) Art and Education QTS

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Jenny

Moore

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Practitioner at Kitley Farm, Yealmpton

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What is it like to work at Venture?

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"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:

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Level 3 Diploma Early Years (in progress)

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Emma

Parsons

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Manager at Kitley Farm, Yealmpton

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How does Venture differ to other EY settings you've worked at?

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"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

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Deputy Lead at Kitley Farm, Yealmpton

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Why did you choose to work at Venture?

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"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."

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TRAINING: ​

PGCE Primary Education with Early Years QTS
BSc (Hons) Sociology
Safeguarding Level 3

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Laura

Kirkland

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Practitioner at Hope Cove, Kingsbridge

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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."

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TRAINING:

Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling
Level 3 Counselling Studies

Paediatric First Aid qualified

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Suzi

Griffiths

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Holiday Camp Lead

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What makes the Venture team so special?

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"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

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Rachel

Mahood

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Leader at Hope Cove, Kingsbridge

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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." 

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TRAINING:​

PGCE  (Hons) QTS

BA (Hons) History and Ancient History.

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Lora

McMahon

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Deputy Lead at Kitley Farm, Yealmpton

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What do you love most about working at Venture?

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"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

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Will

Alpass

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Practitioner at Hope Cove, Kingsbridge

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What do you find special about working in an outdoor setting?

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"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.​