Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic
Samantha McLeod

Samantha McLeod

Presteigne,Powys

Summary

Experienced and dedicated care professional with a strong background in managing and delivering person-centred services across care farming, early years education, and supported living. Proven ability to build and grow successful businesses, managing all aspects from operations and staffing to marketing and grant funding. Skilled at creating and maintaining excellent working relationships with partner organisations, community groups, and stakeholders to enhance service delivery and impact. Passionate about promoting wellbeing, independence, and connection through hands-on, nature-based, and creative activities. Highly organised, adaptable, and compassionate, with excellent communication skills and a commitment to delivering safe, engaging, and impactful experiences.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience
12109
12109
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Owner

Pentre Farm CIC
Old Radnor, Powys
01.2020 - Current
  • Founded and manage a not-for-profit care farm offering therapeutic and educational animal-based sessions for children, young people, and adults, including those with SEND and additional needs
  • Deliver hands-on animal care and lead interactive, nature-based sessions both on the farm and through a mobile outreach service
  • Oversee all aspects of business operations including staffing, training, scheduling, budgeting, and funding strategy
  • Write successful funding bids and manage grant reporting, ensuring projects meet their aims and comply with funder requirements
  • Handle all marketing, social media, and community engagement to promote services and build local partnerships
  • Manage health and safety, safeguarding, and risk assessments for both on-site and off-site activities
  • Ensure compliance with relevant legislation including animal welfare, licensing, insurance, and data protection; prepare for inspections and maintain all documentation
  • Develop and deliver inclusive, person-centred programmes with a focus on wellbeing, skills-building, and access to the outdoors

Carer

Camphill Communities
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
01.2018 - 07.2019
  • Provided care in a supported living home for adults with learning disabilities, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment
  • Provided person-centred care, supporting individuals with all aspects of daily life including personal care, medication administration, and emotional wellbeing
  • Supervised and assisted with household tasks such as preparing healthy meals, maintaining a clean and safe home, and developing independent living skills
  • Planned and facilitated meaningful work and social opportunities tailored to each resident’s abilities and interests
  • Maintained accurate and up-to-date records including daily logs, care plans, medication charts, and incident reports
  • Promoted dignity, choice, and inclusion for all residents, working closely with families and professionals to meet individual needs

Franchise owner

Creative Mojo
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
01.2018 - 07.2019
  • Owned and operated a franchise delivering creative, inclusive arts and crafts sessions for elderly residents and adults with learning disabilities in residential care settings
  • Planned and delivered engaging, accessible workshops designed to promote wellbeing, creativity, and social interaction
  • Built and maintained relationships with care home managers and activity coordinators to organise regular bookings
  • Managed all aspects of business operations, including marketing, scheduling, bookkeeping, and customer communication
  • Adapted sessions to meet a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional needs, always working in a person-centred, respectful manner
  • Maintained full responsibility for health and safety, safeguarding, and infection control during all sessions

Childminder

Self employed
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
01.2009 - 12.2017
  • Provided high-quality childcare in a home-based setting for children aged 0-10yrs, supporting their development, wellbeing, and early learning
  • Planned and delivered age-appropriate activities to support social, emotional, and physical development in line with the EYFS framework
  • Built strong relationships with children and families, offering a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment
  • Managed all aspects of the business including scheduling, invoicing, policies, safeguarding documentation, and record keeping
  • Maintained compliance with Ofsted requirements, including health and safety, risk assessments, and regular inspections
  • Provided healthy meals and snacks, supported toilet training, school transitions, and behavioural guidance

Manager

Abbey Hill Golf Club (Mr Mulligans)
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
09.2015 - 05.2016
  • Managed the day-to-day operations of the adventure golf attraction within a large golf and leisure complex
  • Led a team of front-of-house and operational staff, overseeing recruitment, rotas, training, and performance
  • Responsible for cash handling, daily banking, and accurate accounting, ensuring financial procedures were followed
  • Monitored budgets, controlled costs, and implemented strategies to drive revenue and improve customer experience
  • Developed and delivered local marketing campaigns and promotional events to increase footfall and engagement
  • Ensured high standards of health and safety, customer service, and site presentation at all times

Nursery Nurse

Bedford Borough Council
Flitwick, Central Bedfordshire
05.2007 - 12.2008
  • Led a specialist mother and baby unit supporting school-aged pregnant girls and young mothers in continuing their education while developing parenting skills
  • Delivered practical parenting classes covering topics such as infant care, budgeting, healthy cooking, and household management
  • Ran the on-site nursery, providing a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment for babies and toddlers
  • Supported young mothers with emotional wellbeing, routines, attachment, and confidence-building
  • Worked closely with education staff, health visitors, and social services to create coordinated support plans
  • Maintained accurate records, safeguarding protocols, and nursery policies in line with early years regulations

Nursery Nurse

Private nursery
Dunstable, Central Bedfordshire
08.2002 - 11.2003
  • Provided high-quality care and early years education in a busy private day nursery setting for children aged 0–5
  • Planned and delivered age-appropriate activities to support learning and development in line with the EYFS framework
  • Supported children’s personal, social, and emotional development, encouraging independence and positive relationships
  • Maintained a safe, clean, and stimulating environment, following all health and safety, safeguarding, and hygiene procedures
  • Built strong, trusting relationships with families and worked collaboratively with colleagues to support each child’s individual needs
  • Carried out daily observations, contributed to learning journals, and supported developmental assessments and reports

Education

BTEC - Early years

Barnfield College
Luton
09.2000 - 07.2002

GCSEs - 6 A-C grades

Manshead
Dunstable, Central Bedfordshire
09.1998 - 06.2000

CACHE L2 - Working with individuals with learning disabilities

Qualifications Wales

Animal assisted therapy -

CPD Certification

Single agency safeguarding -

Milton Keynes Safeguarding Board

Delivering learning L3 -

City & Guilds

Food hygiene, For catering -

One training services

Food allergen awareness -

One training

Forest school leader L3 -

Open college network

First Aid L3 -

Hoople

Skills

  • Care & Support: Experienced in person-centred care for children, young people, and adults with additional needs, including early years and SEND
  • Education & Activity Delivery: Skilled in planning and leading engaging, inclusive sessions – from animal therapy and nature-based activities to parenting and life skills
  • Leadership & Management: Proven ability to manage teams, oversee operations, ensure compliance, and deliver high-quality services across diverse settings
  • Business & Admin: Confident in handling bookkeeping, funding applications, marketing, scheduling, and full business operations
  • Communication & Relationships: Strong interpersonal skills with a compassionate, adaptable, and organised approach to working with families, professionals, and communities

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Owner

Pentre Farm CIC
01.2020 - Current

Carer

Camphill Communities
01.2018 - 07.2019

Franchise owner

Creative Mojo
01.2018 - 07.2019

Manager

Abbey Hill Golf Club (Mr Mulligans)
09.2015 - 05.2016

Childminder

Self employed
01.2009 - 12.2017

Nursery Nurse

Bedford Borough Council
05.2007 - 12.2008

Nursery Nurse

Private nursery
08.2002 - 11.2003

BTEC - Early years

Barnfield College
09.2000 - 07.2002

GCSEs - 6 A-C grades

Manshead
09.1998 - 06.2000

CACHE L2 - Working with individuals with learning disabilities

Qualifications Wales

Animal assisted therapy -

CPD Certification

Single agency safeguarding -

Milton Keynes Safeguarding Board

Delivering learning L3 -

City & Guilds

Food hygiene, For catering -

One training services

Food allergen awareness -

One training

Forest school leader L3 -

Open college network

First Aid L3 -

Hoople

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