Meet the team
Your child is in the best hands with qualified teachers and professionals who love working in Early Years Education. We are passionate about children’s development and wellbeing.
Simon Jay
Founder & Teacher
Department for Education - Early Years Area Lead
(for the Early Years Experts and Mentors Programme)
Founder of Teacher Led Childcare (TLC)
Early Years Qualified Teacher Status
Paediatric First Aider
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Early language Lead Practitioner
City of Bristol College Student Mentor
University of Bristol Student Mentor
Vice-chair of Sydenham Road Under Fives Pre-school
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I spent many years teaching in Primary Schools and Nurseries in Somerset, Bristol and Kenya. I was 'Head of Early Years' in several schools, ran a state nursery as well as being a School Governor. I quickly became disillusioned by the results driven, paper-pushing educational system which has a hugely detrimental effect on the children and adults that work within it. After eight rewarding years I made decision to attempt to create the ultimate educational and caring experience for children and set up Karibu in 2015.
I have never looked back and love what I do.
I'm incredibly proud of what we have achieved at Karibu and the outstanding level of 'edu-care' that we provide.
I spend my week split between Karibu, looking after my own toddler as well as coaching teachers across the country on how to set up their own Teacher Led Childcare provision. I have also recently started a new role working for the Department for Education as an Early Years Area Lead.
Kat Cooper
Lead Teacher
Early Years Qualified Teacher Status
Qualified Paediatric First Aider
Kat joined Karibu TLC in September 2018
I joined Karibu in 2018 after working as a childminder in my own home and previously as a primary school teacher in England and New Zealand. I love the team dynamic at Karibu, we all have a shared passion for excellent early years education.
I really enjoy getting out and about with the children, exploring the forest, clambering over logs and watching the seasons change. I have a love of music, which is great fun to share with the children and we all enjoy times of singing and dancing too!
I have 2 children and I appreciate the stresses of finding quality childcare and the journey of being a parent. I love what Karibu stands for, that it is excellent childcare for all involved; the children, families, parents and staff team.
I feel lucky to call this my job, being a part of a child's learning journey is a privilege!
Matt Bennett
Lead Teacher
Forest School Leader (Level 3)
Qualified Paediatric First Aider
Matt joined Karibu TLC in September 2018
I joined Karibu in 2018 having worked with Simon previously at a Bristol primary school and always discussed with him how things could be different in education.
Having trained as a Primary School Teacher in central Bristol, I moved and worked for several years in the West Midlands. After this I returned to Bristol to work in a Forest School on the outskirts of Thornbury. I have always enjoyed the outdoors and now evermore see it as the perfect tool shop for taking on the challenge of learning, especially for little ones. I am a firm believer in cultivating independence and providing opportunities for children to talk about their feelings, as this environment fosters great, ‘sticking’ learning experiences.
I am also a keen home cook and have encouraged bread making in all forms while bit by bit tweaking the Karibu menu to broaden our children’s food experiences. I love the combination of high adult ratios and like-minded practitioners at Karibu and passionately feel that the children in our care have brilliant opportunities to grow.
Kate Latham
Lead Teacher
Qualified Paediatric First Aider
Kate joined Karibu TLC in April 2022
I am a Mum of two who is passionate about caring for children and helping them to learn and grow. My priority is that children are safe and happy in my care.
I trained as a Primary School teacher 21 years ago and absolutely treasure the times I have spent with children of all ages in the classroom. Recent unforeseen family circumstances have helped me to see how precious life is and how important it is to be happy and enjoy what I do. I have learned that a change in employment can be life changing.
Having decided that a move out of schools was right for me, I am now really looking forward to extend my experience in Early Years. I love what the Karibu Team provides. The nurture and care that is provided is exceptional and I wish this had existed when my own two children were small! I enjoy reading, going to Church, walking my dog, listening to music and catching up with family and friends.
Katia Saucedo Borrego
Early Years Assistant
B.Ed Education and Development
Neuro Linguistic Programming Practitioner
Qualified Paediatric First Aider
Katia joined Karibu TLC in December 2021
Joining Karibu has been one of the most rewarding things I have done in my life. I feel extremely grateful to be part of such a crucial stage in the development of children and being able to support their foundations for the best possible life.
Back when I was a teenager I attended a camp in Denmark that helped me become wiser about myself, my potential and my strengths. The reason why I think it’s important to mention this part of my life is because I was amazed and grateful to the teachers and leaders that supported me during this time. It was then I realised how important it is to have access to great education and having people around you that support you, not just family and friends but also teachers.
I then decided I wanted to go to university and study education and development with the dream of making a difference and also having a positive impact on children.
While I was studying, I was also working at an international camp in Mexico with children from all over the world which helped me develop even further in this field.
I have also been certified as a Neuro Linguistic Programming Practitioner which has given me the advantage of understanding what motivates children and being able to adapt how I can show them the world in a way that suits them best.
I love the family-like feeling we have at Karibu, the setting also makes it feel like a true home for the children. Being part of Karibu and part of a like-minded team is wonderful and a real privilege!
Heather May
Forest School Leader / Early Years Assistant
Qualified Paediatric First Aider
Level 2 Food Hygiene Trained
Heather joined Karibu TLC in September 2021
Having worked within the education sector for 18 years, it’s refreshing to be part of the wonderful, highly skilled and friendly team at Karibu!
My own 2 sons and I enjoy being outdoors, immersed in nature and discovering wildlife - even in their 20s!
Encouraging and supporting people of all ages and abilities is so rewarding: growing and learning through memorable experience, taking those small but significant steps in development and sharing in those ‘wow’ moments really warms my heart.
Singing, dancing, yoga and watercolour painting are some of my interests, alongside quality time spent with family and friends.
Seeing the children of Karibu enjoy their time here is a true blessing and privilege to be involved in, especially when visiting some of the wonderful local spaces nearby.
Katelyn McDonald
Early Years Assistant
Early Years Qualified Teacher Status
Katelyn joined Karibu TLC in November 2022
I qualified and worked as a primary school teacher in Ireland and moved to Bristol early in 2022. I love working with children and consider myself to be a kind, caring and thoughtful person motivated by helping others and making a positive influence. I feel privileged to be part of each child’s journey.
I was lucky enough to join the Karibu Family in November 2022 and it has changed my life in Bristol! I am so grateful to be part of such an amazing team who cares so much about our children, their families and each other.
Showing kindness, spreading positivity and encouraging independence is a shared value at Karibu providing a safe and caring environment where children are inspired to share feelings, explore and grow.
I enjoy travelling and exploring, painting, reading and most importantly, spending time with family, friends and my dog.
I love everything that Karibu offers and I am so excited to develop my experience in the Early Years.
