​
Little Explorers
Ditton Priors
Shropshire
WV16 6SS
CALL US: 01746 712506
Email: littleexplorers.ditton@gmail.com
Our web address is changing to littleexplorers-ditton.co.uk. Please update any bookmarks.
Laura Furniss - Manager
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mental Health Lead. GDPR Officer
Qualifications:
CACHE Level 3 diploma - Early Years Educator
Safeguarding
Paediatric First Aid
Food Hygiene
​
"I joined Little Explorers in September 2020 as an early years assistant. I became deputy manager in 2022 and then manager in 2023. I am so proud of our setting, the staff and most of all our children. All children have the right to quality education, and I strongly believe this starts with early years. Before joining Little Explorers I was a childminder based in my home, and loved every minute of it. My child used to attend a childminding setting when he was younger, and he would come home so happy and always holding an artistic masterpiece he was so proud of. It was then that I decided to train and go into the early years sector myself and haven't looked back. Our brains grow faster in the first five years than at any other time in our lives, and I get to be a part of creating an environment and curriculum that supports the best outcomes for our children.
I am passionate about safeguarding children and attend regular safeguarding and Early Help briefings along with being a safeguarding link parent governor at my own child's school.
In my own time I enjoy playing netball, cricket, pilates and running with friends. I enjoy being outside and going on walks with my own children and husband. I am probably happiest of all camping in the woods or at the beach (although being curled up, infront of the fire, with a good book would also be up there on the happiest scale!)"
Jordan Morris - Deputy Manager
Designated Safeguarding Deputy
SENCO
Qualifications:
CACHE Level 3 diploma in Early Years education
Paediatric First Aid
Safeguarding
Food Hygiene
​
"I am very happy and proud to be Deputy Manager at Little Explorers. My passion has always been to help children develop in a loving, nurturing, and exciting way. I am also a very happy mummy to two children aged 5 and 9. I have worked at Little Explorers since 2020 and love every minute. I was previously a childminder which fitted in perfectly to allow me to look after my two children and gave me experiences of working with children of all ages. When I am not at work my hobbies are very much based around my children. We love to go swimming, bake, spend time in the garden and look after our two dogs, Fifi and Bella."
​
​
Ruth Norton - Early Years Assistant
Health and Safety & Fire Safety Officer
Qualifications:
NVQ Level 3
Paediatric First Aid
Safeguarding
Food Hygiene
​
""I started working in early years back in 2014, completing my level 2 apprenticeship. I then joined the Little Explorers team in 2016 where I then completed my level 3 qualification in early years. I find myself very lucky to be part of such an enthusiastic and caring team.
I am married to Paul and we have two beautiful children and share our home with our two rescue cats! When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my lovely family, reading, crochet, wine and music festivals.”
Claire Jones - Early Years Assistant
SENCO
Qualifications:
Level 3 diploma - Skillsfirst Early Years Educator
Paediatric First Aid
Safeguarding
Food Hygiene
“I joined Little Explorers in January 2024. My children attended here when they were younger, and whilst pursuing an early years career, I always hoped that I would work at Little Explorers one day. I previously worked at a setting in Bridgnorth working across the rooms from babies to pre-school. I’m very excited to have joined the team here.
In my spare time I enjoy family time with my children, gardening and going to music concerts.
Quirky facts…Our pets include a cat, a panther crab called Captain Hook and a rainbow crab called Harry. I also gained my black belt in Karate at the age of 11!”
​
​
Katie Moulson - Early Years Assistant
Qualifications:
Level 2 Early Years Practitioner
TQUK Level 2 in introducing Caring for Children
Safeguarding
Food Hygiene
​
"I started volunteering at Little Explorers in 2018 and have been employed since 2022. I recently completed my level 2 Apprenticeship and love doing creative activities with the children and watching them progress and learn. I am very lucky to be a part of the amazing Little Explorer’s team. On my day off I run the local baby group, voluntarily, which I have so much passion for and enjoy organising and planning different activities and craft for the children and parents to enjoy. In my spare time I love spending time with my family and going on walks and days out. I often spend time with my niece and nephews, they’re a big part of my life. My hobbies are reading, cooking, walking my dogs and gardening."
Jasmine Whalley - Early Years Assistant
Qualifications:
BA Honours degree in Fine Art Painting
Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
Safeguarding
Food Hygiene
​
"I am a mum of two with a passion for teaching, learning and creativity. I started volunteering in 2024 as I worked towards my level 3 in early years after being inspired by the amazing team at Little Explorers. I was introduced to the team when my older son attended back in 2021, I was impressed on how inspiring, supportive and lovely the staff are and the positive impact they had on my son. I was previously an art lecturer at a college in Lancashire after receiving my Bachelors degree in fine art and my PGCE in the adult learning sector. I enjoyed teaching at the college but being around younger children and learning how important their early development was felt like an age group I wanted to teach. I love making learning fun, implementing my art and creativity into learning while putting a smile on the children’s faces and working with the amazing team at Little Explorers."