Staff

The Hackney Forest School project was developed and is now led and managed by Biddy Hutton and Lauren Mills has since been employed as the Hackney Forest School Lead.

Biddy Hutton

Biddy Hutton has worked in Hackney for over ten years, as a Nursery Teacher and Foundation Stage Coordinator at Daubeney, a Children’s Centre teacher and now as Centre Lead and Head of Forest School at Clapton Park Children’s Centre. Biddy spent her formative years outdoors in Tasmania, and as such, is passionate about the importance of outdoor learning, steering Clapton Park towards becoming a beacon for the Forest School approach. Biddy qualified as a Level 3 Forest School Lead in 2015 and has given many staff at the Centre the opportunity to also complete this same training.
 
Lauren Mills
 
Lauren has worked with children for over 10 years around Hackney & Islington. She has been awarded funding by The Princes Trust & Sports Relief, and ran a performing arts project for Hackney children. Lauren then moved on to become an Early Years practitioner which led to becoming a Trained Level 3 Forest School Leader by Bridgwater College in 2013. After leading sessions at an Islington Children Centre, Lauren then became the Hackney Forest School Lead. Lauren has a keen passion for the outdoors and during childhood always enjoyed being outdoors climbing and exploring local green spaces. Lauren has good hands-on experience of how important outdoor play is and how beneficial it is for all.