Little Acorns Pre-School

Meet the staff

 
 

Clare

Setting Manager & Safeguarding Lead

Diploma in Nursery Nursing

I’ve had the privilege of working with children for over 30 years, and for the past 5+ at Little Acorns.  This has always been a special place, where children, families and staff ‘belong’ and are nurtured.  We are on a continuous exciting journey together, and the staff team here are passionate about young children’s learning and development.  Each day is different, varied and new!

My career began in 1991 with an NNEB qualification, which has led me to work in many different settings here and abroad.  This has included work in child protection, a Romania Orphanage and 8 years managing full daycare Nurseries around Southeast London and West Sussex.  My voluntary life has always involved working with children.  I ran a Toddler Group and a baby group, was a cub leader for 11 years and worked in children’s Church groups for around 15 years.  I’ve lived in Gillingham for the past 15 years and have a husband and two sons. 

Jayne

Deputy Setting Manager & Deputy Safeguarding Lead

NVQ Level 3

Hi, I’m Jayne (also called James or Jamie by some of the children!) . I have been married over 25 years and we have an awesome teenage son who attended Little Acorns as a toddler.  I always felt he was very well cared for and supported during his time at Little Acorns and both he and I loved the staff.

I have been involved with Sunday schools and youth camps since I was 18 and whilst my son was at pre-school I qualified as a childminder and did childminding for a year, then a job opportunity at Little Acorns came up and I am glad to say they took me on.

During my time at Little Acorns I have done my NVQ Level 3.  I love working at Little Acorns, the staff are caring and supportive both to the children and to each other.  It is a true honour and a privilege to be part of the team.

I love my job, who I work with and the children and families and feel it is a gift and an honour to be able to work with children, interact with them and watch them grow.  They truly are inspiring and I learn something new every day.

Jo

Senior Early Years Practitioner & SENDCo

Level 3 Diploma in Children’s care, Development and Learning

Hi my name is Jo, I have cherished working with children for the past 20 years, and have been blessed with 5 children of my own,  four of whom attended Little Acorns.  I am so grateful to all the amazing staff for providing my children with such a warm and nurturing environment, and a solid learning foundation, my children absolutely loved their time here!  

I am super excited to be part of such a fantastic team and am very much looking forward to meeting you and your children.  In my spare time I enjoy being outside camping in our camper van “Penny” with my family, exploring our beautiful country.

Holly

Senior Early Years Practitioner & SENDCo

BTEC ND in Early Years

Hi, my name is Holly, I live in Shaftesbury, I'm a qualified early years practitioner with 20 years experience. I have a husband and 3 children, two older teenagers who both attended Little Acorns, and a 3 year old who currently attends Little Acorns and loves it. I've worked in day nurseries, preschools and as a childminder at home when my teenage boys were younger.

I am passionate about early years development and the experiences that preschools can offer to young children and to being part of a team which I have admired for such a long time.

Lucy

Early Years Practitioner

Diploma in Early Years Level 3

Hi I’m Lucy. I’ve been with Little Acorns since February 2009 at the age of 17, starting as a volunteer.  I was so excited to finally get a job after 3 years and be apart of the Acorns family.  I have so much to thank Acorns for as a person, progressing from someone who had hardly any confidence to where I am now, being proud to say I have achieved my level 3 diploma in childcare.

I am the second eldest of 6 siblings, and I currently live in Shaftesbury with my other half of 6 years and our cat called Rodney, (who is my fur baby).

I would describe myself as a happy, kind, smiley, approachable person and I feel children are naturally drawn to my fun, loving, young at heart character.  I’ll very much look forward to meeting you and making your little ones smile, laugh, and grow and will be a positive role model as they start their Little Acorns journey with us.

Zoe

Early Years Practitioner

In preparation for Level 2 in Child Care

Hi, my name is Zoe and I live in Shaftesbury with my partner of 18 years, my 3 children and my niece. I worked at Lloyd’s TSB Insurance as a Customer Service Advisor from the age of 19 until I had my first child 9 years later.

I then became a full time mum to our daughter and then went on to have 2 sons. After my youngest son started school I decided it was time to go back to work as I needed something for me. I had thought about going into child care for some time and wanted to do something new. I then had the opportunity to cover at Little Acorns for a short period in January 2020-March 2020 until Covid struck!

Then in June 2021 Anne contacted me about going back to Little Acorns so I jumped at the opportunity. I now work 3 days a week. I’m also looking into doing an NVQ Level 2 in the near future to better myself for my role at the pre-school. I love working with the brilliant team at Little Acorns and giving your children an amazing experience during their time at pre-school.

Carly

Early Years Practitioner

My name is Carly, I have three beautiful children aged 13, 11 and 2. My eldest two both had a nurturing and solid foundation at Little Acorns, and now my youngest attends. In our spare time you will usually find us at football, out exploring new areas, swimming or in the garden!

I started Little Acorns as a volunteer in 2016, progressed as an Early Years Practitioner completing my level 2, and am now working towards my level 3.

When I had my youngest in 2021 I took some time off to raise him and am now delighted to be back at Little Acorns! We really are the Acorns family and I have gained so much knowledge through the support of staff.

I would describe myself as kind, approachable and understanding. I’ve always been good at helping children and parents when separating on drop off.

I cannot wait to meet you and your children, and support them along their early years journey.