Who are we?

Jo Luff – Lead Educator, Play Specialist, Founder

Kia Ora everyone, I was a trusted roaming child and want to ensure that others get opportunities to be adventurous, roaming and free playing. I am a fully qualified and registered teacher that has specialized in free play for over ten years now while working with Play and Learn’s Nature Kindergarten in Long Bay. In the past I have had the joy of working with Conscious Kids and the privilege to be a part of the remarkable team of people who created Nature Kids Co-op.
Now, it is with excitement that I bring you Muddy Kids!
Muddy Kids believes the stronger the safety parameters, the freer the play.

• TikTok
• Facebook

Lexi Longman- Play Specialist, Social Media Coordinator

Kia Ora !
I am an experienced play facilitator who absolutely thrived on adventure days growing up exploring the South coast of England with my family. My Dad taught me so many useful skills on our adventures and definitely passed on his passion for nature to me at a young age. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to share this passion with your tamariki at Muddy Kids !
For more than eight years I have been working in a wide range of roles with in the health and wellness sector, helping young people reconnect with nature and sharing the joy that being outside brings. I have worked with children across the spectrum of abilities and development.
I have had the pleasure of working alongside many incredible teachers and mentors within the freeplay movement here in Auckland with Conscious Kids, Nature Kids Co-op and Play and Learn’s Nature Kindy.
At Muddy Kids and my own tween/teen programme, Adventure Kids, I hope to continue to grow this beautiful community and ensure that all tamariki get to enjoy the outdoors at all ages.

• Facebook
• Instagram

Eleanore Ward- Play Worker

I was born in Leicester England, moved to New Zealand when I was six and have lived on the North Shore ever since. I grew up around beautiful Long Bay attending school at both Long Bay Primary and Long Bay College. I have a passion for art, baking and being outdoors. My experience helping and understanding those with differences has helped me as an assistant coach for a Special Olympics Basketball club and I have also previously coached hockey.

Claire – Educator, Mum

Alongside being a super mum to three kids she is a relief teacher for Play and Learn , Nature Kindy and Nature’s Den. We are extremely lucky to have her with us . Recently she completed her level 3 forest school qualification.

Emily – Youth Leader

At Muddy Kids we feel that outdoor freeplay is not only essential for children but is a joy that can be shared by teens and adults alike. Our youth leaders are an invaluable help to the adults but also great role models for our kids. The children enjoy having a big person to relate to who doesn’t fit the mold of a teacher or parent but can still offer guidance in play.

Emily Ashton is one of our incredible Youth Leaders. With a lifelong involvement in Scouting, Emily brings a strong foundation in outdoor skills, leadership, and adventure-based learning. Her passion for the outdoors shines through in everything she does, from supporting nature play to confidently helping on camps and holiday programmes.

Emily is adored by our tamariki and highly respected by our staff. Her kindness, energy, and genuine love for outdoor play make her a wonderful role model and an invaluable part of the Muddy Kids community.

Laura – Educator, Mum, Admin

I have spent the last nine years hands on learning about outdoor freeplay with various organisations, Conscious Kids, Nature Kindy, Nature Kids Co-op and now Muddy Kids. Jack of all trades I fill in when and where I am needed but spend most of my time behind the scenes as the website and booking system administrator.