STAFF
All our staff are qualified or working towards a qualification in early years. Everyone has a DBS check. We welcome students who are studying for childcare qualifications from the local colleges and universities, but all must have a DBS check before starting their placement. We also welcome volunteers from the local community who must undergo the same DBS checks.
Jackie Bateman
Pre-School Manager
Special needs co-ordinator
Anti-Bias co-ordinator
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B.Ed (honours) – Homerton College Cambridge Cipse
Leicester University Early Years Professional
All Day Monday,Thursday and Friday
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I am married with 6 children - two boys and 4 girls. Five of them are in fulltime work and my youngest is at Sheffield University.
As most of my family don't live in Leicester, I spend time visiting them in this country and in other countries.
Outside preschool I enjoy gardening, going to the theatre, eating out and watching the latest film. I like to go swimming to keep fit and try to go every day.
Tania Tennant
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Pre-School Deputy/Leader
Health and Safety Officer
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Foundation Degree in hildren and Young People’s services – Derby University
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All Day Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday pm
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I'm married with two grown up children. My Daughter lives with her Husband in Taunton, and my Son currently lives at home.
I am not from Leicester. I was born in Portsmouth but I consider my home town to be Plymouth, as that is were my parents’s are from.
Outside of pre-school I look after my family, and spend time visiting the family across the U.K. I love going to the theatre and cinema, as well as socialising and going out for meals with friends and family. I like to read and watch TV dramas and soaps. I have also started to take up sewing again and baking.
I also enjoy gardening. I love being in my garden relaxing- I have a pond filled with gold fish.
Debbie Wood
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Pre-School Deputy
Displays Co-ordinator
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Tuesday, Wednesday am and All day Thursday
I am married with two grown up children and live in Birstall.
I qualified as an NNEB in 1985 and I have worked as a Nanny, a Nursery Nurse in a primary school and after having my children worked at Acorn Under Fives Pre- School since 2000.
I enjoy spending time with my family, walking, cycling, travelling, reading, baking and gardening.
Miriam Kirk
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Pre-School Assistant
Phonics Co-ordinator
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Foundation Degree in Early Years, Open University
All Day Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday am
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I am married with two children, both girls. They have finished their education and are currently working here in Leicester. I have two rabbits called Pickle and Mr. Rabbit.
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Outside of pre-school I look after my family and we enjoy long walks in the countryside along with shopping trips and visits to the cinema. I like to socialise with friends and family, meeting together for barbecues in the summer and cosy dinner parties in the winter. I enjoy reading, listening to music and cooking for my friends.
Janet Cooper
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Pre-School Assistant
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Diploma in Early Years level 3
All day Wednesday and Friday am
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I live in Birstall with my husband and children. I have two teenage daughters. The youngest is at secondary school and the eldest is working for the NHS.
On the days I'm not at pre-school I work in the hospital.
At the weekends I like to relax with my family and friends and go on theatre/shopping trips. I enjoy decorating, watching Interior design programmes, walking and reading
Laura Carter
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Pre-School Assistant
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Lunch Hour and cover.
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​Hi, my name is Laura Carter and I live in Birstall. I have a daughter who goes to Highcliffe and previously went to Acorns.
Since leaving college in 1994 I have worked at several nurseries around Leicestershire, until the birth of my daughter in 2011.
I took on the running of the Bizzy Bees Playgroup at the Birstall Church Hall for a couple of years, which I loved!
I have now been helping at Acorns for 5 years.
I like to keep fit and go jogging twice a week. I also enjoy cycling and walking around Watermead with my family.