Claire the Managing Director

All Children Great & Small.

I have a BA (Hons) in Childhood studies and I have worked in Childcare for over 20 years. I have been lucky enough to work all over the world in my career including Australia, Greece, Cyprus the Caribbean and Dubai to name a few. I have my level 3 Forest Schools Practitioner qualification and have 5 years Forest School Experience. I have always dreamed of having my own nursery so when the opportunity arose to go into partnership with my business partner Lee, I jumped at the chance. I am so proud that we have been able to open Rotherham’s first Forest School Nursery but also to be able to bring these opportunities to children in my home town of Swinton.

When I first started working in Forest School I thought it was a great idea having children out in the woodland on a daily basis but I had no idea of the benefits that I would see in the children. Not only are children happy and energised, the difference that I noticed in their social and emotional skills, problem solving abilities and physical development was phenomenal whilst still achieving in every area of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum.

I absolutely love my job and I feel privileged to be working alongside some of the most caring, experienced and qualified practitioners.

Lee Kettlewell

Hello, I am Lee, one of the Directors of All Children Great & Small, who works behind the scenes and also the owner of our beautiful building, where our Nursery is located.

I would like to start by telling you a little about myself.

Growing up in Swinton, I was fortunate enough to have the most fantastic childhood, surrounded by the most amazing family anyone could ask for. I spent a lot of my childhood outdoors camping, hiking and enjoying family sports days. This was all encouraged by my parents and my amazing Uncle Derek, who arranged all our activities and held our family tightly together. This has played a huge part in helping create what we have accomplished thus far.

Being the son of a builder has enabled me to have the skills and ability to create this setting to help our children flourish. But I cannot take all the credit, as I have had my dad by my side every step of the way, helping to create and build this imaginative setting.

I am so proud that me and Claire, not only have the first, but the only Forest School Nursery in Rotherham. I think the benefits of this Nursery, with the access to the great outdoors is such an asset to our local area and I am very grateful to have the most fantastic team, that support the development of all our children at All Children Great & Small.

Joanne Burgin

Hi I’m Jo! I am the Pioneer group leader (children aged 3-5 years)

I have a level 3 qualification in children’s care, learning and development and have been SENDCO trained for over 7 years.

I have been lucky enough to have been given this opportunity to work at All Children Great & Small, alongside an amazing team who all share the same passion for caring for children and for forest schools.

At All Children Great and Small we have the best of both worlds, a beautiful indoor setting full of fantastic resources to help promote a child’s development, and an amazing outdoor area where children are free to learn and explore in a safe environment. Having had over 5 years experience working in a forest school I have seen the massive benefits being outside has on children of all ages, a natural calming environment can be especially beneficial to children with Special educational needs.

I myself love being outdoors. In my spare time I enjoy taking my lovely little dog willow for walks, Langsett being one of my favourite places to visit. There is nothing better than a long walk and some fresh air to clear the mind, getting back to nature is important for all of us.

Hi I’m Megan!

I am currently a Level 3 Practitioner in early years, however I am currently at university two evenings a week working towards my Level 4&5 in supporting early years practice.  I’ve been with the team at All Children Great and Small since January 2022 and have worked in the baby room until recently I progressed and become the room leader of the Explorers.

I have previously worked in nurseries and have experience of working in primary schools. 

However, since been here at ACGAS it has opened my eyes to the bigger picture of learning and how beneficial the outdoors is to a child’s holistic development. Watching and giving the children the experiences they all have here with us is so rewarding as we watch growth and learning through each and every child.