Meet Hannah and Maxine

Changing Leaf is run by Hannah and Maxine. Between them, they have more than 45 years in education, from primary classrooms to early years settings, and a shared belief that some of the best learning happens outdoors.

Both are qualified teachers and Level 3 Forest School Leaders, and they have already run forest school sessions together. Here is a little more about who they are, how Changing Leaf began and what they hope it will bring to families.

Hannah trained as a primary teacher at St Mary's University and spent ten years teaching in primary schools. She taught Year 6 and became a Phase Leader and Head of Science and ICT, helping children and staff to grow in confidence.

She then worked as a Mental Health Support Worker with the NHS, supporting people through some of the hardest times in their lives. That experience shapes the calm, caring, wellbeing-first approach she brings to every session. Hannah qualified as a Level 3 Forest School Leader in 2025 and has been leading forest school for early years and primary children ever since.

• Qualified primary teacher
• Level 3 Forest School Leader
• Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Paediatric first aid
• Studying Outdoor and Adventure Therapy

Maxine trained as a primary teacher at Anglia Ruskin University and taught for over ten years, from Reception to Year 6. She was a Literacy Lead and an Essex Key Stage 1 Moderator, sharing good practice with schools across the county.

She then moved into early years, going on to found and run three settings, rated two Outstanding and one Good by Ofsted. Forest school was at the heart of their curriculum. Maxine qualified as a Level 3 Forest School Leader in 2022 and as a SENCo in 2024, so adapting sessions for every child comes naturally.

• Qualified primary teacher
• Level 3 Forest School Leader
• SENCo
• Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Paediatric first aid
• Studying Outdoor and Adventure Therapy

How Changing Leaf began

Hannah and Maxine first met when Hannah's children attended Maxine's nursery. A little while after her youngest had moved on, Hannah got in touch to ask whether she could complete her forest school leader training there. Once qualified, she joined the team and went on to lead a new forest school programme at one of the settings.

Working side by side, they both saw the positive changes in children when they learned outdoors. The children led the learning and guided each session, so they were more engaged and learned more.

They also know that children today are growing up in a very different world from the one they knew. Families are busier than ever, screens are everywhere, and the simple wonder of nature is at risk of being lost. Changing Leaf is their way of bringing it back.

With Hannah's help, Maxine found her very own woodland, which she now owns. Together, they are slowly growing that space, with the hope of one day welcoming children and families to enjoy it too.

What drives them

The name Changing Leaf reflects what matters most to them. Just as leaves change with the seasons, children are always growing and changing too. Hannah and Maxine follow children's interests and build on their skills week by week, so each child can grow in confidence at their own pace.

They also want children to notice the changes happening in the natural world around them, and to understand that the way we all care for it matters. Small hands really can make a big difference.

Learning is a journey, not a destination.