Our People
Who We Are
Daisy Fretwell
Founder & General Counsel
Daisy is an experienced solicitor, entrepreneur, play-facilitator, conflict mediator, certified life coach, nonviolent communication practitioner and former school governor.
Since becoming a mother to twins she has started an award-winning ethical clothing line to support mental well-being in mothers and older siblings, and founded and launched home education hub for children locally.
She is a passionate advocate for the well-being of children in education and the benefits of spending time in nature.
Deb Wilenski
Pedagogical Advisor
Deb has worked for twenty years in the field of education: as an artist/scientist in residence, workshop facilitator, full-time studio teacher and pedagogical lead.
She is inspired by educational approaches in Reggio Emilia and worldwide that value children and educators as makers of culture. Deb specialises in inclusive, personalised, experiential learning; emergent curriculum and design thinking; place-based ecological education and embodied learning.
Deb creates physical and social spaces that are playful and purposeful and believes we learn best through community, diversity and curiosity.
This picture of Deb was taken recently by a 5 year old learner, who used photography to build social connections
Jess Dowdeswell
Coach
Jess originally trained in classical and jazz music and has spent over 15 years performing on the London and international jazz scene. Jess has always nurtured a deep passion for education and has worked across numerous educational settings, including serving as Vocal Musical Director for the National Youth Jazz Orchestra.
She has facilitated large-scale songwriting projects and musical productions, empowering children to take on meaningful responsibilities and explore their diverse interests. More recently she taught at a progressive London school, where she thrived in developing textbook-free, project-based learning units aligned with the National Curriculum and enriched by extensive outdoor learning.
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​She sees her role as an educator as one of enabling, championing and removing barriers - supporting children in pursuing their own interests and nurturing that spark of joyful learning which forms the foundation of confidence, happiness and lifelong motivation.
