Play Wild C.I.C. is run by Louise and Billy Brogan who, between them, have a wealth of experience working with children and young people in a variety of settings.
In Spring 2016 Louise and Billy set up Play Wild to offer outdoor play, activities, experiences and opportunities to children and their families in the Weston-super-Mare and North Somerset area. Current research widely recognises that being in the natural environment has a positive impact on mental health, educational outcomes, behaviour and general wellbeing for both adults and children. This is why at Play Wild! we feel strongly that the outdoors should be accessible to all children and families to achieve this but also to have fun and make some memories on the way.
Louise Brogan
Louise has spent most of her career working with Early Years and Primary aged children. Her background includes work in a number of private day nurseries, pre-school leader and nursery deputy before working with older children planning and facilitating activities in holiday clubs, both home and abroad. Louise also spent time working in residential children’s homes supporting 12-18 year olds. More recently Louise has been involved in family support, group work and designing and delivering services for the community working as a Family Support Worker and a Children’s Centre Leader for Local Authority Children’s Centres. Louise has supervisory and management qualifications and experience in leadership in both the private and public sectors.
Louise has an HNC in Early Years Education, a BA (Hons) in Child and Adolescent Studies and has achieved Early Years Professional Status. Louise also has a level 6 diploma in Leadership and Management as well as the accredited level 3 Forest School Leader qualification. Recently, Louise gained a qualification in Understanding Climate and the Environment and is committed to ongoing learning in this area.
Billy Brogan
Billy has 20 years’ plus experience working with children and young people including a large proportion of his career spent in outdoor education and adventure sports and activities. Billy has worked with children and young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties both as a facilitator and in a supportive role. He also has over 10 years’ experience working in primary education and is a qualified primary teacher. Billy also has experience planning and delivering team building activities for adults and young people.
Billy has a BSc in Countryside Management and is a qualified teacher. He specialises in natural science and ecology and has a holistic approach to children’s learning.
Sara Redding
Sara started as a volunteer for Play Wild when it was formed in 2016 and now works as a qualified forest school leader. She has a background in planning community family events and has a level 1 in childcare as well as her Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification. Sara recently also studied for a diploma in Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing) enabling her to act as a guide for earth walks and Forest Bathing as well as leading Forest School and Outdoor Play sessions.
Health and Safety
Staff at Play Wild are DBS checked, safeguarding and Prevent trained and have appropriate First Aid and food hygiene certificates. Play Wild holds full Public and Employers Liability insurance for the activities that we offer. Risk assessments for sessions and activities are available on request.