Elodie Rummage – Lead Teacher (Tues,Wed,Thurs)

Having gone to a kindergarten in Bristol as a child I grew up on an organic herb farm in Somerset where we also had horses, cows, pigs and ducks. Being outdoors with whatever the season holds has given me joy all my life. After working in higher and mainstream education for 9 years I realised that early years teaching was where I was meant to be and the Steiner approach was far more valuable to me.

I trained on the London Kindergarten Teacher qualification from 2013 and have worked at the Willow Tree Kindergarten in Bristol since then, first as an assistant then as the teacher for 7 and a half years.I have a dog, Fig who goes everywhere with me and has also been a kindergarten dog for two and a half years where she enjoys playing mum’s, dad’s and dog with the children when she isn’t playing catch or having a rest and watching.

Dominika Baran – Lead Teacher (Mon &Fri)

I have worked with children and families for over 15 years and I am passionate about holistic education outdoor play and learning, nature crafts, sustainable living, weaving & felting and seasonal celebration.

 I am a qualified Steiner/Waldorf Early Year’s Teacher, Forest school practitioner and hold a Bachelor in Arts & Cultural Management. I have worked with Laurel Farm for the past 10 years as both assistant, teacher and now Green Sprouts facilitator. My business, Creative Roots is thriving and I am excited to be returning to Laurel Farm to work with this new team on a new Chapter for Laurel Farm.Mon

Emma McGuinness Teaching Assistant (Mon-Thurs)

I have worked with young children for many years, as an Early Years Educator, a Forest School Leader and Special Educational Needs Coordinator. My passion is to facilitate purposeful and joyful play in nature for all children, and to help create strong bonds of friendship and belonging.

I strive to ensure children feel safe and loved within their early years setting so their learning and well-being blooms. I have a degree in English Literature as well as a Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma and a Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification, and run the woodland club at Laurel Farm once a week. I am currently embarking on a Level 4 and 5 Diploma in Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood Studies. I am a mother to three fully grown and nearly fully grown boys, one of whom came to Laurel Farm a long time ago!

Fig, Kindergarten Dog 

I am Fig. I have been a kindergarten dog since I was 9 weeks old. I enjoy making friends with children and being the companion who always wants to play if it involves retrieving a small ball or stick. I have learnt about role play and can patiently join in a game of families with a dog and I will quietly sit where ever I am tied and give children a sense of ownership and fun.I like to have a rest and sometimes I am told stories by the children as I rest.

Sue Ratcliffe, Assistant (Tues,Thurs,Fri)

I have worked with children of various ages in a range of settings for over 25 years as an artist, playworker and Early years Professional , specialising in helping/supporting the young in their formative years to discover their inner, natural sense of wonder , imagination and connectiveness to life .

I grew up in the countryside , learning and discovering ,through a  love of being in a natural environment  and all it has to offer  and now delight in helping children to grow emotionally ,discover their inner confidence to explore and express their unique ,individual  talents and interests through  being close to the natural world .

It is an exciting honour to be back working at this lovely setting and I hope I can bring much to the children and their families who pass through here.

Sally Cook, Operations Manager

I’m Sally and my young family and I have been part of the Laurel Farm community for about four years. I truly believe the place is laced with magic. I have always worked with children; nannying, teaching yoga and then teaching in primary schools for seven years before starting my own family. I love to run (slowly) and read (quickly!) and I’m always interested in a good chat!

Board of Trustees

Laurel Farm Steiner Kindergarten operates as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation with a board of trustees. Trustees on the board are volunteers who oversee the operation of the kindergarten and seek to employ the best staff to provide Ofsted excellent teaching. If you wish to contact the Trustees please do so by sending an email to: [email protected]

The Current Trustees

  • Maysa Marques – Treasurer

  • Claire Peeters – Chair

  • Elodie Rummage – Curriculum

  • Hannah Bushell