When you meet Jenny Blacker, Great Walstead’s new Head of Pre-Prep, her enthusiasm for early learning is immediately clear. Jenny joined the school in September 2025 from Brighton Girls, where she spent eleven years as Deputy Head of the Prep School. Before that, she taught in an inner-city London school as Head of KS1.

After years in the bustle of the city, the move to the countryside has been a welcome change. “One of the things I love most about Great Walstead is the incredible sense of space, the views stretch for miles,” she says. “There’s such a buzz here, with children genuinely excited about their learning. It’s a joy to see.”

A modern approach to early education

With almost two decades in education, Jenny has seen first-hand how teaching and learning in early years has evolved. “We’re no longer simply providers of knowledge,” she explains. “Our role is to create rich, meaningful experiences that inspire and empower children. We’re facilitators of discovery.”

Her philosophy centres on curiosity, independence and learning through play, values that perfectly complement the school’s Pre-School and Pre-Prep ethos. “A strong early years foundation helps children become confident, independent learners who are eager to explore the world around them,” she says. “Real-life experiences, exploration and play are at the heart of effective early learning.”

Learning beyond the classroom

Outdoor learning is particularly close to Jenny’s heart. “Children learn best when they can move, investigate and connect with nature,” she says. “It supports not only physical development, but also creativity, problem-solving and wellbeing in ways classroom learning alone cannot achieve.”

Since joining Great Walstead School, Jenny has been delighted to see outdoor education so deeply woven into daily life. “The children have incredible opportunities here; exploring the grounds, trim trail, bluebell woods, the treehouse, and the Secret Garden during lessons and play. You can see their resilience growing as they take responsibility for risks, work together, and solve problems. They speak so fondly of their outdoor adventures, and I love hearing all about what they’ve discovered.”

Looking ahead

Jenny has exciting plans for the Pre-Prep. Her first focus is on developing a new Pre-Prep library - a welcoming space that encourages children to fall in love with reading. Beyond that, she hopes to build on Great Walstead’s exceptional outdoor learning environment. “I’d love to take even more of our learning outside. Fresh air really is the best way to learn!”

As both a leader and a parent, Jenny understands the importance of giving children the freedom to explore, take risks and find their passions. Her advice to new pupils? “Be brave and have a go at every opportunity,” she smiles. “You never know what you might fall in love with.”

Outside school, Jenny and her husband are kept busy by their three young children and dog, Bonnie, often found on a family walk or at the sidelines of a weekend activity.

With her wealth of experience, love of the outdoors and deep understanding of how children learn best, Jenny is already inspiring her team and the children in her care. It’s clear that her next chapter at Great Walstead is one filled with energy, creativity and fresh air.

Start Your Great Walstead Journey

If your child is approaching school age, there’s no better place to begin their learning journey than at Great Walstead. Our Reception classes offer a warm, nurturing introduction to school life where play, exploration and curiosity come first.

Children quickly feel part of our community, building confidence, friendships and a love of learning that stays with them as they move through the school.

Discover how your child can start their Great Walstead journey here or book a visit to experience our welcoming classrooms, spacious grounds and inspiring teaching in action.