What Do We Do?

 

Here at Hatch we are passionate about creating classes to help grow children’s confidence, independence, and decision making skills, whilst encouraging connection and exploration… always with a little bit of magic.

We provide a variety of classes from forest schools to drama classes and sensory storytelling.

Each class is created and delivered by our team of experts, combining their wealth of experience to ensure the needs of each individual group is catered for.

Our Ethos

Our mission is to foster a love of nature, magic and adventure in your little ones, through creative sessions, free play and time spent learning together.

Child led play is at the centre of our ethos. We aim to provide a safe, creative, stimulating environment to give children the chance to follow their own instincts, explore at their own pace and take risks. Studies show that this kind of play dramatically increases self confidence, self regulation and resilience and we have had the privilege of witnessing this first hand. It is truly magical to watch.

Lets not forget about you: being a parent is hard. We want to bring parents/carers/guardians together to create a supportive network. Playgroups and kids activities can be overwhelming and overstimulating for us as well as our little ones. We want you to feel relaxed and find some zen amongst the chaos. Everyone is welcome: We aim to make all of our classes as inclusive and accessible as possible.

Seasonality: We value the importance of connecting to nature and following the seasons. We do this through our stories, songs and a range of activities.

Bespoke: All classes and sessions are expertly written and designed by Amy and Laura. This means that we can cater our playgroup to individual needs and interests.

Fun: Above all we want you to have fun. Come learn, explore and put your feet back down on the ground with us.

 

Our Team

  • Laura Sehjal

    DRAMA TEACHER and FOUNDER

    Laura has a MA in Performance art, and holds levels 1 - 3 in Counselling Skills.

    As well as having an extensive background in drama, theatre and writing plays for children, Laura has also worked in education and taught her own drama classes for over 15 years.

    Having worked in pastoral support, in an inner-city sixth form college, Laura became passionate about building confidence in children and young people as well as teaching them how powerful their imaginations are. She saw first hand the difference self-belief and confidence can make to our young people.

  • Amy Onyett

    FOREST SCHOOL LEADER and FOUNDER

    Amy is a level three trained Forest School Leader and mum to two boys. She has a long and varied career in performance and is also trained in carpentry. Amy toured with Children's theatre companies for years and taught drama workshops, she is now excited to combine her performance and practical skills to create exciting, confidence building classes for children of all ages.

    'Forest school brings together creativity, practical skills and imagination and equips children with new skills and knowledge, helping them to thrive and grow. We all need a little bit more nature in our lives. I can't wait to see how the children play and explore the world around them. I want to help give them the tools they need to hatch into the little people they want to be.' Amy

  • Hayley Dugan

    SEND CO-ORDINATOR and FOREST SCHOOL LEADER

    Hayley is a trained teacher and Forest School Leader. She has worked with children for 15 years in a variety of settings and currently teaches children and young people with special educational needs alongside running Forest School sessions for those with SEND. Hayley is passionate about inclusion and providing the opportunity for everyone to build a connection with nature.

  • Sophie Mien

    FACILITATOR and QUALIFIED TEACHER

    Sophie is an outstanding primary school teacher and mum of two. With over 15 years experience as a reception teacher, early years coordinator and foundation stage lead practitioner, Sophie has cultivated her passion for allowing learning to be driven by children’s own interests. She has extensive experience in indoor and outdoor learning through play and has used this to support countless children and adults through her career.

    In her role as a lead practitioner, Sophie has supported schools and settings across East Sussex to develop their early years provision, and uses her commitment to listening to the voice of the child to allow learning to be child-driven. She is also a keen gardener with a passion for outdoor experiences, healthy eating and sustainable approaches.

 

 
 
 

“Joy in living, a love for all existence - such are among the life long results of a right cultivation of a feeling for beauty and for art.”


— Rudolf Steiner