Budding Explorers preschool is owned and managed by Nikki Barry.

I am Nikki Barry and I established Budding Explorers preschool in 2009 when I relocated to Tralee. I took over a well-established preschool courtesy of my new mother in-law and set about maximising the outdoor space that is available to the setting. I strongly believe in the benefits of outdoor play and have tailored Budding Explorers curriculum to provide plenty of outdoor activities and have designed the outdoor space to meet the various interests of the children that attend the service.  
While I was developing and nurturing my preschool I had 2 lovely boys. Watching my boys grow and develop has really highlighted the important of learning through play to me. They are two active boys that love exploring and discovering the world around such as the wildlife in our pond, birds watching, tending to our vegetable patch, building dens and even practicing their culinary skills in the mud kitchen.
Many of the activities completed in preschool have been tested with my boys and I am always on the lookout for new ideas.  As with many people I started working life in a different direction having completed an M.Sc. in Food Science and Technology with UCC and Teagasc, followed by Project Manager positions with Eircom. After 10 years in Dublin, family life on the horizon I decided a change was needed and I completed my childcare Fetac level 5 in 2007.  As my interest grew in this area I decided a career in childcare was for me. I have continued to gain further qualifications and currently have a BA in Early Childhood Care and Education along with Montessori training. My Food and nutrition background has not gone to waste and has been integrated into our curriculum through of food activities and healthy eating program.