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
Early Years Qualified Teacher Status
City of Bristol College Student Mentor
University of Bristol Student Mentor
Paediatric First Aider
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Early language Lead Practitioner
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, working for the Department for Education, coaching teachers how to set up their own Teacher Led Childcare (TLC) provision and looking after my own young boys.
Jude Isaac
EYFS Lead
BA Hons - Linguistics and Education
PGCE - Primary Years (English specialism)
National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership
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I’ve taught in mainstream education for many years and have enjoyed teaching all ages across primary education. The majority of my teaching career has been within the early years, most recently as early years leader of a nursery and reception class.
It has been so refreshing to join the team at Karibu. The staff at Karibu are really dedicated to ensure the children have a positive and meaningful start to their Early Years education. The children are able to enjoy wonderful learning experiences in a really lovely and caring environment.
I am passionate about outdoor learning as I believe it is so important to children’s overall development. At Karibu, we are fortunate that there are lots of great outdoor spaces nearby for the children to play and explore. Alongside that, the children are able free flow between indoors and the outside garden which allows for a variety of fun and diverse learning experiences.
Outside of work I enjoy cooking , yoga and exploring new places.
I am so excited to be part of the team!
Jude joined Karibu in February 2024
Kat Cooper
Lead Teacher
Early Years Qualified Teacher Status
Qualified Paediatric First Aider
Kat joined Karibu 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 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.
Hannah Marvel-Smith
Lead Teacher
Qualified Teacher Status
Forest School Leader (Level 3)
Hannah joined Karibu in November 2023
Heather May
Early Years Assistant
Qualified Paediatric First Aider
Forest School Leader (Level 3)
Level 2 Food Hygiene Trained
Heather joined Karibu 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.
Anna Foster
Early Years Assistant
Level 3 Early Educator
Level 3 SENCO
Paediatric First Aid Trained
I joined Karibu in September 2024 after working at a private nursery for the last 3 and half years.
I grew up in West Yorkshire and moved to Bristol 7 years ago. I fell in love with Bristol, especially the many green spaces it has to offer. I love that Karibu celebrates nature and the exploration of our big wide world! I understand the importance of quality care and education during your child’s formative years. My goal is to provide learning experiences that encourage the development of independence and life skills that children can take with them into school and beyond!
I am passionate about mental health and believe that giving young children the tools they need to maintain good mental health is a vital part of early years education.
In my spare time I enjoy writing, painting and going to see live music.
I am delighted to be a part of such a dedicated team here at Karibu.
Meg Boyles
Early Years Assistant
I joined Karibu in September 2024 after working at a farm mentoring children with disabilities and mental health. I grew up in Surrey and moved to Bristol 4 years ago to study sociology at UWE and decided to live here once I got my degree as I loved the city so much.
In such a short time I have seen how much Karibu care and contribute to the needs of the children that come here. Everyone is passionate about providing a safe and enjoyable space for the children to thrive and explore their growing interests. I love to get creative especially when it comes to drawing, painting or making something out of nothing. In my spare time I enjoy running, horse riding and hanging out with my friends and family.
I am so grateful for this opportunity to work with such a wonderful team.