Laura Norval
Edinburgh Bairn with 21 years of experience as a nursery practitioner and currently working towards my BA HONS in Childhood Studies. My passion for the outdoors and educating children led me to develop a career in running nature sessions for youngsters achieving my Forest School Leader certificate and becoming a certified children’s yoga instructor.
Trained in ‘Early Childhood Woodwork’ and First Aid certified I promote hands-on learning that encourages risk benefits for the bairns. I am certified as a designated safeguarding lead in outdoor provisions and also hold a certificate in intensive well-being support in the outdoors. I work with a team of forest freelancers who help me provide excellent outdoor play provision for our bairns.
When I’m not playing in the woodland, you would of found me exploring the vast peaks of the Himalayas on my snowboard in Gulmarg — these days often with my little one in tow, I embrace the adventure of motherhood.
Tracey Cashman
With nearly 25 years as a primary teacher, I bring a wealth of experience and expertise to my role as a partner and tutor at Bushcraft Bairns.
My outdoor education journey began in 1995 as I began college and focused my personal learning on the outdoors. I became so passionate about the outdoors and education, that I combined my love of both, gained a degree in Outdoor Education and continued to complete a PGCE ,specialising in early years (3-8).
As my career progressed in education, I continued to find ways to take my learners outside. Three years ago, I fled the confines of the classroom and jumped full time and headlong into the world of outdoor learning with primary aged children . This role allowed me to explore many different outdoor settings with children who often needed a little extra support to access mainstream curriculums.
I passionately believe that every child is unique, and each have their own needs from education, as well as their own interests. Through my sessions in the forest, I can provide them with the opportunities to guide their own learning by supporting and scaffolding these interests.
I am qualified outdoor first aider, I also hold a certificate in mental health first aid. I hold a bushcraft and foraging certificates and I’m a qualified children’s yoga instructor. A wonderful combination for inspiring youngsters outside.
Interested in a freelancing career with us?
The ideal candidates will have experience in outdoor education and a passion
for working with children. You will be creative, enthusiastic, and have
excellent communication skills. You will also hold a Forest School Level 3
qualification or equivalent and have ideally a childcare background.
If you are interested in joining our team and making a positive impact on the
lives of children, we’d love to hear from you.