“Having been involved in early years schooling for a long time, I believe strongly that these formative years of a child’s life are absolutely fundamental to their development and success throughout life. This is the time to sow the seeds, to stimulate their desire to learn and to open their eyes to the world around them – which is why I opened The Willow On The Farm Nursery School here on my farm in Oxfordshire, offering your children the chance to learn both inside and outside the classroom!”
Alice
At The Willow on the Farm Nursery School projects and topics will be transported outside to the magical setting of the farm and Forest School where the children will be able to connect with nature, be exposed to farm animals and farm life and will explore the ever changing and seasonal countryside around them! We want the children’s learning to be a journey of imagination, adventure, curiosity, awe and wonder, with opportunities to actively learn, play and explore and to think creatively and critically – to ‘have a go’, to ‘keep trying’ and to enjoy a sense of achievement.
‘We wish our children to be imaginative and creative through curiosity, awe and wonder. We would like each child to develop confidence, independence, resilience, a caring nature, courage, grace and courtesy.
We will use your child’s two-year journey with us to build a strong foundation, preparing them for their transition to school and their lives thereafter.
Cultural capital is an integral aspect of the EYFS and is the essential knowledge that children need to be educated citizens. We believe at The Willow on the Farm that cultural capital is about giving children the best possible start to their early education and future success, enhancing the experience and opportunities we make available to children, particularly the most disadvantaged. We help children to experience their curiosity, awe and wonder of the world in which they live, through the seven areas of learning, preparing children with the knowledge and skills for what comes next. Examples of The Willow on the Farm immersing ourselves in Cultural Capital is gained through:
Forest School, life on the farm, Tractor and Trailer Adventures; RULER emotional intelligence programme; Learning about different communities and cultures from around the world – food, music, dress; Festivals; Outings; Visitors in.
We are a Christian nursery and we celebrate Christian beliefs and events such as Christmas, Easter and Saint Days. We also say a daily prayer at lunch time. In addition, we celebrate the beliefs and values of some of the world’s religions and cultures, through festivals and celebrations.
Our fundamental belief and aspiration is that what the children learn and experience at The Willow on the Farm will stay with them forever.
We are extremely proud of our team of staff, some of whom have been with us for many years. We have an extremely high staff:child ratio and excellent support staff who ensure that communication between parents and school is a priority and means that we get to know each and every one of our children and parents exceptionally well.
We have teachers who are responsible for each of their own classes – from our newly hatched Goslings (when they first start) and Swallows (when they leave). We have a fabulous team of assistants who ensure that all equipment is available when needed and they support the teachers in all their activities with the children.
Alice Clark
Nursery Manager & Owner
Sharron Sheppard
Manager & Swallow Class Teacher
Sharron teaches in the Swallows Room.
Sharron trained through The London Montessori Centre and worked as a Montessori Directress and Supervisor within a successful nursery for 9 years before deciding to further her Montessori career by completing a Diploma in the Theory and Practise of the Montessori Method of Education for children of 6-9 years. She then worked as a Lower Elementary teacher for 4 years and also taught swimming part time.
Sharron worked as a professional Nanny for 14 years, where she gained a valuable insight into the needs of children and their families, and she strongly believes in encouraging each child to reach their full potential by meeting the individual needs of children and nurturing a love for learning.
Sharron joined Willow on the Farm in September 2019.
Sharron has lived in Oxfordshire all of her life and lives locally with her husband and Remy, the Jack Russell. She enjoys country walks, running and swimming. Sharron says she loves all animals but that her favourite would have to be a horse!
Qualifications – Montessori Teacher Early Years, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Paediatric First Aid
Harriet Baring
Forest School Leader
Harriet has been a teacher for over 20 years. She gained her teaching experience at Hill House School where she worked in the Prep School for over 5 years. She also gained valuable teaching experience at an independent school in the mountains of Pakistan. Most recently she managed and ran The Willow Nursery in London before moving to the countryside where she has taught an art class at The Carrdus School as well as running her own holiday art workshops.
She is trained as a Forest School Leader and will be responsible for transporting learning topics to the outdoors and leading the children on adventures that will open their minds to nature and all that is has to offer. She will follow Forest School guidelines and objectives to ensure that the children gain extraordinary extra-curricular learning.
Harriet has grown up in Oxfordshire – she has two children of her own and manages her own small holding with a wonderful vegetable garden and various animals. Her favourite farm animals are her geese!
Qualifications – Montessori Teacher, Forest School Teacher, Paediatric First Aid
Emily Low – Early Years Teacher
Emily is passionate about the importance of early years education and is delighted to be returning to the sector following time as a full-time mum and a proud Willownian parent. A Montessori Level 4 qualified Early Years Educator, she previously gained experience at a bilingual Montessori nursery in Islington before relocating to Oxfordshire, where she now lives with her husband, their son, Snowy their lively Golden Retriever, and Clem the cat.
Before pursuing her passion for early childhood education, Emily enjoyed a successful 12 year career as a dancer with the Royal Ballet Company. She later moved to New York to further her academic interests, completing a degree in Visual Arts and Psychology, followed by a Master’s in the History of Art.
Outside of work, Emily enjoys playing the piano and spending time outdoors with her family, particularly on countryside walks.
Favourite farm animal: Goat.
Paediatric First Aid Trained
Becky Horvath – Early Years Teacher
Becky joined Willow on the Farm in September 2022 as an Apprentice. Since then, she has achieved her Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education and is now a Montessori Teacher, and works in the Swallows Class.
She lives locally with her family and also has experience working as both a nanny and a babysitter within the community.
Outside of work, Becky enjoys being creative – she loves painting and making story spoons, story logs, and other crafts that she often uses to bring stories and imaginative play to life.
Becky’s favourite farm animal is the horse.
Paediatric First Aid Trained
Lucinda Fuoco – Early Years Assistant
Lucinda joined us at Willow on the Farm in September 2024. She is working as a Classroom Assistant in the Swallows Class.
Lucinda lives locally and has three teenage children. She enjoys countryside walks with her family and watching films in front of the fire.
Lucinda often volunteered at her children’s primary school and assisted with extra curricular activities. Lucinda has experience nannying and thoroughly enjoyed her time working for a local family which is where she discovered her love for early years. Lucinda is currently studying for her Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification.
Lucinda’s favourite farmyard animal is a duckling.
Paediatric First Aid Trained
Bethan Lount – Early Years Teacher
Originally from Leicester, Bethan has always enjoyed working with children. After many years of playing and studying sport, Bethan found her passion in early childhood education. This led her to complete a BA in Early Childhood Studies, during which she gained valuable experiences working with children while also working part-time as a nanny and babysitter for local families.
Bethan is thrilled to be starting a new role as the Gosling Room Lead at Willow on the Farm from September 2025 and has recently moved to the area to begin this exciting new chapter. Outside of work, Bethan enjoys spending time outdoors, playing netball, going to the gym, and walking her dog.
Paediatric First Aid Trained
Damian de Lancy Green – Early Years Teacher
Damian has been working in Early Years education for over 15 years. His prior experience includes working as a Reception teacher, Foundation Phase Leader and prior to that as a teaching assistant in Reception and as a Playworker in a Preschool.
He is passionate about storytelling, language development, art, creativity and outdoor learning in early education. He is a qualified Level 3 Forest School Practitioner and leads after school and holiday club Forest School sessions at the Willow.
Damian DJ’d around London in the 90’s and 00’s and was one half of an electronica band and now spins records at parties big and small locally. He has three daughters and one granddaughter and his favourite animals on the farm are the cows.
Qualifications – Qualified Teacher Status
Level 3 Forest School Practitioner
Level 2 – Childcare, Learning and Development
SENDCo
Paediatric First Aid Trained
Mel Wightman – Early Years Assistant
Mel has recently moved back to the UK after living in Singapore for 17 years. She worked for many years in Human Resources and, after her children were born, spent time volunteering at various schools around Singapore.
Realising she had a passion working with children, she spent the last 6 years working in an International Kindergarten both in Admissions and as a Teaching Assistant and is now delighted to have the opportunity to work as a Teaching Assistant with the Goslings at Willow on the Farm.
Mel lives locally and has 2 teenage sons. She is loving being back in the UK and having seasons again. She enjoys exploring the world, long country walks, yoga, visiting the theatre and being at home with her family.
It is impossible to choose a favourite farm animal as they are all delightful in their own ways!
Working towards NVQ Level 3
Paediatric First Aid Trained
Pete Ford AKA Tractor Pete
Pete is an essential member of The Willow On The Farm team. He is a firm favourite of the children as he drives the tractor trailer and always with a smile on his face. When asking the children what they would like to be when they get older many say they want to be like Pete and drive the farm machinery. He is partial to a cup of tea and a slice of cake.
Pete has worked with Alice for many years and maintains the farm land, machinery and animals on her behalf.
His favourite farm animals are Myrtle & Thistle the Pygmy Goats.
Katie Walford
Early Years Dance Teacher
The Magical Adventure Company was founded by Katie Walford (LISTD.Dip.RTS) to provide quality educational classes, experiences and events for Children. Katie is a highly experienced and qualified dance teacher, and we are delighted to have her join us every Wednesday to deliver dance classes to Goslings and Swallows.
Katie also hosts holiday clubs at Willow on the Farm.
Paediatric First Aid Trained
Serena White
Early Years Teaching Assistant
Serena joined Willow on the Farm in September 2026 and works in the Swallows Class.
“I am very excited to be starting a new adventure in Early Years. Since volunteering for two years at my children’s primary school, I have worked for almost twenty years as a teaching assistant from Reception to Year 6 in a number of different schools.
I have lots of interests which keep me busy when not at work ….. walking (especially by the sea), gardening, cooking, tennis to name a few. With three grown up children, my favourite times are with my family! “
Serena’s favourite farm animal is a goat
Alex Sears – School Secretary
Alex joined the nursery in January 2026 as secretary.
Alex has lived in the area for over 20 years and brought up her three children who have now nearly all flown the nest.
She has various hobbies and interests including painting, crocheting, playing bridge and piloting her small plane from Enstone!
Her favourite farm animal would have to be a duck.
Naomi Roberts – Nursery Administrator
Naomi has worked at Willow on the Farm since May 2022 providing administrative support to enable to the amazing teaching staff to do what they do best!
Naomi has over 20 years of administrative experience, including work in a local secondary school and a residential school for children with PMLD. Naomi has been a Governor at a local primary school since 2015. Currently serving a 4th term as Chair of Governors, she is also the link Governor for Safeguarding and was link Governor for SEND until September 2025.
Her favourite farm animal is a cow – specifically a Highland cow!!