Our outdoor activities and Alternative Education is accessible to all children aged between 4-18. Read more
Meet Our Team

Head of Alternative Education
Nick Lapthorn
I spent over 30 years working for a leading environmental education charity, where I developed extensive experience in outdoor learning and leadership. During that time, I managed a range of centres across the UK, from a remote island off the coast of Scotland to locations in South Devon, as well as sites in Snowdonia and Surrey. I am passionate about creating engaging and impactful learning opportunities that inspire young people and support their personal development. Alongside my professional career, I have served as Chair of Governors at a local secondary school and as President of a national subject association for geography teachers. Outside of work, I am a keen football enthusiast, with a particular passion for Plymouth Argyle. I am also a qualified football referee and spend many of my weekends and evenings officiating matches across all age groups, from youth games through to adult leagues.

Quantock Outdoor Education Administrator
Tia Webber
A big passion in my life is animals- I have two pet rabbits called Cheese and Pickle! I am a big advocate for rabbits and their wellbeing/care/habitats and regularly work with rabbit rescues to provide needed items and boost their fundraising/support. My hobby is carnival – I take part in the stage show and carnivals; this hobby is all year round and I enjoy every second. I am a trained dancer and gymnast! I worked in a specialist autism unit for 5 years where my passion for supporting young individuals has grown and grown

Activity Leader & Support Worker
Charlotte Grinter
I have participated in Camp America seven times, worked at a Girl Scout Camp in Washington, D.C, visited over 20 states including a road trip from Las Vegas to San Francisco and I have spent a lot of time in Europe. I am a leader of a Rainbow and Brownie Guide unit. In my spare time, I enjoy crafting, reading, baking and riding my motorbike. I have 3 furry friends, they’re called Molly, Maggie, and Dumbledore.

Activity Leader & Support Worker
Daisy Reach
I am an Outdoor Education Activity Leader with a Master's degree in Cognitive Psychology and a passion for supporting children with SEN. My background has given me a strong understanding of cognition, behaviour, and child development, helping me recognise the positive impact that the right support and experiences can have on children's outcomes. I am a strong believer in the benefits of outdoor education and enjoy helping children build confidence, resilience, and wellbeing through engaging outdoor activities. Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors hiking, wild swimming, and paddleboarding. I also play for my local women's rugby team and enjoy travelling and experiencing different cultures whenever I can.

Activity Leader & Support Worker
Amber Symons
In my free time I enjoy socialising with my friends and family and exploring new places, and I have been in a village pantomime every year since I was 4! I have also studied and achieved my qualifications in understanding Autism and ADHD, and Teaching and Learning.

Activity Leader & Support Worker
Chloe Johnson
With over 7 years of service in the armed forces in the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, I had the honour of riding on parade for the Royal Family and developing specialist skills in horse care and discipline. I was also given the opportunity to hunt, XC, and train for the troop race. I now enjoy a more grounded pace surrounded by my family and pets. I love going on adventures exploring nature, camping under the stars, and paddleboarding, and I'm passionate about music, animals, reading, art, and cooking.

Activity Leader & Support Worker
Marie Bendall
In my free time I love to be with family and friends; I have 2 children and a Springer Spaniel called Teddy, and we like to go on adventures. I really enjoy exploring different places and spending time outside. I have many years experience working with people of all different ages who have additional needs, and I particularly enjoy working with children as everyday you can learn something new!

Activity Leader & Support Worker
Lydia Bell
I have always felt my happiest when I’m connected to nature, and is something I strive to continually nourish. I am a qualified Trampolining and Gymnastics coach and feel privileged to watch the growth and development of my gymnasts. Whilst coaching at a local club in Cornwall, I lived in my self-converted campervan and enjoyed exploring the coastline. On my days off you’ll find me on an adventure snapping photos, looking for sea glass at the beach, reading, scrapbooking, or practicing yoga.

Activity Leader & Support Worker
Alex Smith
With a degree in Classical Civilisations and Classical Archaeology, I’m passionate about exploring the outdoors and helping others connect with nature. I’m currently working towards my Mountain Leader qualification and love spending time in wild places, whether that’s in the mountains or by the coast. I’m a bit of a water baby, so if I’m not hiking, you’ll probably find me spearfishing, underwater foraging, surfing, or wakeboarding. I love the adventure of discovering new places and the challenge of learning new skills. Having played a high level of rugby and competed in athletics, I enjoy pushing myself, working as part of a team, and embracing new challenges. Whether I’m in the hills or on the water, I bring plenty of enthusiasm, a positive attitude, and a genuine love of the outdoors, and I enjoy helping others make the most of their own adventures.

Activity Leader & Support Worker
Tom Palmer
My big interest in working with young people started when I started looking after my little cousins at times on the weekends. I enjoy playing sports and fun activities with them and seeing them happy which sparked my interest in working with young people and helping them have a positive experience at QOE. In my spare time I am really passionate about the gym and keeping healthy. I love walking my dogs and spending time with my family and friends.

Activity Leader & Support Worker
Rachel Phillips
I have 20 years experience home educating my own children from nursery age to GCSE's and beyond. I have a degree in music and literature and really love to learn new things. I especially enjoy creative subjects and craft based activities. Walking in the forest and exploring nature is something I find very relaxing. My passion is singing and I regularly perform in operas as well as singing in a band.
Apply To Join Our Team Today
Our Activity Leaders do many different things. From making vegetable patches, bug hotels, and pond dipping to leading educational bush craft workshops, no two days are ever the same for them.
Our team help inspire young people, becoming mentors and creating a safe and nurturing environment for young people to learn and grow within.
Volunteering
From making vegetable patches and bug hotels to pond dipping and leading educational bush craft workshops. No two days are ever the same for our Quantock Outdoor Education (QOE) volunteers.
Our Volunteers help us to inspire young people, becoming mentors and creating a safe and nurturing environment for young people to learn and grow within.

Our Team
Unit 2 Prockters Farm Offices, West Monkton, Taunton, TA2 8QN
01823 756 100 | info@quantockedu.co.uk
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8.30am - 4.30pm





