The History
Sense Outside is a new and evolving initiative. It has been born from a passion for working with children and a love for the New Forest and the seaside. We believe that in today's changing world, it's more important than ever to provide children with opportunities to connect with nature. The natural environment offers endless opportunities for rich, multi-sensory experiences that can support physical development and emotional well-being.
The How
Our sessions are run by Virginia. With a Norland Nursery Nursing qualification and over 40 years experience of working with children across private families, nurseries, schools, and special needs settings, she brings calm, understanding care to every child she works with. From founding a charity supporting disabled and disadvantaged children in Romania to hands-on portage work, her career has been built on adapting to each child's individual needs.
Our Story
Virginia Darley
Living in the New Forest, I am passionate about the positive impact of nature on our young people. I am an EcoSensory Practitioner, Beach School Leadership trained and have a Level 2 qualification in Understanding Autism.
I trained as a Norland Nursery Nurse, qualifying in 1982 and I have been involved with children all of my professional life. I have nannied, managed day nurseries and worked in Portage, a home visiting service for children with special needs. I have run 2 businesses related to child development and in 2007 founded a charity with my husband and others serving disadvantaged children in Romania which we ran for 14 years. The charity attracted the backing of the British Embassy in Romania. The British Ambassador was our patron for several years and visited our projects each year from 2015 to 2019.
Sense Outside is the culmination of all of these influences.
Experience and Qualifications
Norland Nursery Nurse
NNEB/RSH
EcoSensory Therapy Practitioner
Autism Level 2
Beach Leadership qualified
Level 3 Forest School leader - currently studying
Chloe Wright
Chloe is an Occupational Therapist specialising in Advanced Sensory Integration Therapy, trained in EcoSensory Therapy and soon to qualify as a Level 3 Forest School Leader. She has extensive experience working across SEND and mainstream schools and clinical settings, supporting children and young people with autism, ADHD, significant mental health challenges, and special educational needs and disabilities. Chloe has a deep understanding of the benefits of sensory-rich, nature-based experiences for health and wellbeing, and a real passion for making the outdoors accessible to every child, whatever their needs.
Experience and Qualifications
BScHons Occupational Therapy
PgCert in Sensory Integration
CLASI/CASI certification (Colloborative for Leadershio in Sensory integration/ Certificate in Sensory Integration)
Level 2 certificate in counselling skills
Eco Sensory training - Growing Roots
Level 3 Forest School leader - currently studying