Our Team

Tracey Poulton

Owner

Tracey is the owner of Pear Tree Farm and is Level 3 qualified in childcare. Her motivation for setting up the nursery was seeing the staggering statistics about the decline in children being outside and the direct correlation with the increase in mental health in young children. She is the driving force for delivering a unique experience and is committed to developing a centre of excellence to pioneer a new way of thinking and learning for children and young people; that's why she calls all our venturers 'our little pioneers!'

Ciara Little

Operations Manager & Designated Safeguarding Lead

Ciara is the beating heart of Pear Tree Farm, keeping everything running smoothly with her calm efficiency, warm presence, and tireless dedication. As Operations Manager, she oversees all aspects of the nursery’s daily life—ensuring systems run seamlessly, staff feel supported, and families and stakeholders are always welcomed with clarity and care. No challenge is too big for Ciara; she approaches every situation with practical solutions and a positive mindset. A former florist with a deep love for the outdoors, Ciara brings a natural sense of growth and nurturing to everything she does. Since joining the Natural Nurture team in January 2023, she’s been the go-to person for any query—organised, clear-headed, and always ready to help.

Natasha Keyes

Nursery Manager & Designated Safeguarding Lead

Tasha has been working in childcare since 2014. She has level 3 in Early Years Education and level 2 Forest School as well as a degree in Environmental Biology. She loves to share the amazing wonders of the natural world with its real-life experiences, from hunting mini beasts to climbing trees to foraging and outdoor cooking. Seeing children's confidence and independence grow as they explore this fantastic environment is what it's all about!! Tasha joined the Natural Nurture team in September 2018.

Marina Polito

Nursery Manager

Marina is level 3 qualified in childcare and has worked in the childcare sector for over a decade with children aged between 8 weeks and 13 years, in nurseries, as a private nanny, and as an au pair in Australia. Marina considers herself to be a free spirit and is happiest outdoors. She believes children thrive when they’re amongst nature and can learn firsthand about the world around them. Marina has travelled a fair amount and enjoys using her love of adventure to learn about how others live. When not exploring or climbing trees, Marina can be found somewhere quiet with lots of books around her or imagining stories of her own. Marina feels very lucky to be a part of the NNN family; she joined in 2020.

Jenny Porter

Deputy Manager

Jenny is Level 3 qualified and has worked with children for 16 years, mainly by teaching them to swim. She has a Level 1 and 2 qualification in Makaton and incorporates that into our day-to-day. She believes that children thrive in the outdoors, as it allows them to explore their surroundings, gain independence and confidence, and use their own imaginations in their play. Jenny joined the Natural Nurture team in January 2022 and became our deputy manager in September 2024.

Laura Salisbury

SENCO/Nursery Assistant & Designated Safeguarding Lead

Laura is level 3 qualified, and in 2024 she became our setting's level 3 SENDCO after completing her training. She is also our designated safeguarding lead. Laura has been working in childcare since 2005 with a short hiatus to start a family. She loves being a small part of the beginning of a child's educational journey and believes that there is no finer place to see a child flourish than in the great outdoors with its infinite opportunities. Laura joined the Natural Nurture team in November 2021.

Rose Tucker

Early Years Teacher

Rose has worked with children for 15 years in a variety of contexts, including nurseries, sports coaching, and nannying. She is level 3 qualified, has a degree in sports coaching and is currently training to become an early years teacher. In December 2024 Rosie completed her Early Years Teacher Status training. Rosie loves being outdoors and active and believes children are most content when they have the freedom to guide their learning and explore the world around them. Rosie joined the Natural Nurture team in April 2023.

Sophie Parsons

Nursery Assistant

Sophie has worked with children in a nursery setting since the age of 16 and is Level 3 qualified in Childcare which she completed in June 2025. Sophie loves the outdoors and, in her spare time, will be out hacking with her horses on a walk with her dogs. Her main love for childcare is watching the children grow and develop. Sophie joined the Natural Nurture team in April 2023.

Grace Mealing

Apprentice Nursery Assistant

Grace has volunteered and worked with children in different contexts for nearly 10 years. She grew up with parents who let her adventure and explore the outdoors, with clear passion themselves, and she was inspired to learn about the world around her. Knowing how much this impacted her childhood, she loves being able to be part of the wonder and learning of others. Using nature to encourage imagination and curiosity and to build self-confidence is such a beautiful thing. Grace will be starting her Level 3 Childcare qualification in September 2025. She joined Natural Nurture in January 2025.

Vicky Heales

Nursery Assistant

Vicky has been working with children and young people for more than 10 years. She has been running her own inclusive dance company since 2017, working with children and young people with additional needs through workshops and after-school clubs across the Horsham district. She was Head of Dance for the award-winning charity Flamingo Chicks before joining Natural Nurture and is trained in Makaton and other inclusive techniques. She is passionate about helping children reach their potential and explore their creativity and expression through their own micro-systems and natural resources. She is also a part-time youth worker and is training for a Level 3 in youth work. Vicky joined the Natural Nurture team in March 2025.