Alex Hunter - Operations Manager Expand Alex Alex originally started working at Acorn in 2010 as a playwork assistant at Castlethorpe, before supporting the Forest School team during his studies between Oct 2011 and Aug 2015. During this time, Alex obtained a BA in ‘Childhood Studies’ from Bangor University, and an MA in ‘Educational Planning, Economics and International Development’ from UCL Institute of Education. Alex brings a wealth of knowledge relating to education and outdoor learning, experience in charitable governance, project management and audit/compliance. Alex could not resist the temptation to come back and manage the Forest School and training programmes, and has since moved in to a new role as Operations Manager. In his spare time, Alex enjoys outdoor pursuits, including hiking, camping, rock climbing, canoeing, skiing and scuba diving (basically anything in the outdoors!).
Becky Watanabe - Early Years Manager & Trainer/Consultant Expand Becky Becky is both an Early Years Manager and a very popular early years training and consultant. Having previously worked at one of Acorn's nurseries, we were delighted to welcome Becky back to Acorn in 2017 after several years working as a childminder and trainer/consultant. As well as supporting Acorn's nurseries and being one of Acorn's Mental Health First Aiders, Becky devises and delivers Early Years training courses across the country, and supports local settings to continually improve their early years provision. With over 5 years’ experience delivering training nationwide, Becky has a wealth of knowledge to share. If you would like an informal chat about how Becky can support your setting please get in touch.
Debra Murr - Office Coordinator Expand Debra Debra is our Office Co Ordinator and is based at the office in Castlethorpe. Debra joined Acorn in December 2019 as the Nursery Administrator at our Jubilee Wood nursery. Debra's previous role was at a retirement housing association, where she worked for 26 years as an Office Manager covering 4 offices in London, Bristol and Cambridgeshire. In her spare time, Debra enjoys travelling and visiting new places. She also enjoys spending time with her two lovely grandchildren.
Elaine Ludlow - Health & Safety Officer Expand Elaine is our Health and Safety Officer. She has worked in childcare for over 17 years and is qualified to Level 4 in Early Years. Elaine started working at Acorn in 2014 as a Practitioner at Burton Latimer, progressing to Senior Practitioner in the same year and then Deputy Manager from 2015 to 2021. From August 2020 to August 2021, Elaine has been a Health and Safety Officer on a part-time basis, working alongside Steve before moving across to CSO to take on the role full time from September 2021. Elaine has recently completed her IOSH Managing Safely qualification and will be undertaking additional Health and Safety qualifications to help extend her knowledge in Health and Safety.
Gabbie Brandon - Marketing Manager Expand Gabbie Gabbie joined our Acorn team in March 2018. She has over 15 years’ experience in strategic marketing and public relations, with a BA Hons in Marketing alongside her CIM qualification.Gabbie is responsible for all things Marketing across the nurseries, forest school and the training department. Gabbie works with Debra ensuring all social media platforms, website and marketing materials are managed and Acorn’s marketing strategy is executed to plan!
Ian Cleary - Facilities Assistant Expand Ian Ian is our Facilities Assistant - working alongside Steve - Acorn's Facilities and H&S Manager. With a background in engineering, painting and decorating, Ian has a passion for maintaining and keeping our settings running smoothly and safely.
Jo Graham - Finance Expand Jo Jo has worked at Acorn for 15 years within our accounts department. In her spare time Jo and her family can be found enjoying the great outdoors, including cycling and camping.
Kieran Glackin - HR Manager Expand Kieran Kieran is responsible for leading Acorn's HR initiatives and ensuring the function runs smoothly, whilst keeping us all in check. Kieran has his CIPD L&D qualification and CIPD in Human Resources Management, which enables his ability to implement best practice in the delivery of Acorn’s HR strategy. His HR expertise and perspective are major behind-the-scenes influences that keep Acorn moving in a strong direction. You will always find Kieran with a coffee!
Laura Andrews - Senior Early Years Manager Expand Laura Laura is our Senior Early Years Manager and oversees the management of our Early Years Team. Since joining in 2013 Laura has completed her Masters in Early Education through the Centre for Research in Early Childhood. Her experience in management and Early Years continues to serve us all well. In her spare time Laura enjoys to work off some steam in the boxing ring…so beware!
Nathan Barrington - HR Advisor Expand Nathan Nathan joined our team in February 2019. Nathan has extensive experience working within the HR sector and has spent a number of years working within compliance and recruitment. Nathan will be working with Kieran on the Acorn HR strategy and looking to grow and develop the function for all employees. Nathan is a keen sports fan who keeps fit with running and cycling, he also enjoys spending time with his young family.
Neave Taylor - Training & Development Manager Expand Neave Neave is our Training and Development Manager and oversees all development and learning needs for Acorn employees. Neave ensures that the team feel fully supported throughout their journeys within Acorn by tailoring individual professional development across the organisation. Neave has a degree in Early Childhood Studies and has worked in the childcare sector for 6 years. Most recently, Neave has worked as a Nursery Manager and has a great understanding of what it’s like to work within a nursery setting.
Steve Petty - Facilities and Health & Safety Manager Expand Steve Steve is responsible for Health and Safety plus Facilities for the Acorn group. He started as a BT engineer and progressed into service management for BTs finance systems. From there Steve jumped into education, first as a Network Manager and Governor and then School Business manager. After 14 years in education it was time for a change and he joined the Powell-Cotton Museum on the south east coast as the Head of Operations. Steve relocated to Northampton to be closer to family and joined the Acorn Early Years Foundation in March 2019.
Teresa Gardner - Finance Manager Expand Teresa The very first member of the Acorn CSO team, Teresa started at Acorn over 20 years ago, when she shared an office with the Shenley nursery staff team, so she has certainly seen a lot of changes! Teresa heads up the finance department, working alongside Jo.
Zoe Raven - CEO Expand Zoe Not quite the oldest member of the team, but the longest serving! Zoe started Acorn in 1989 when she opened the first nursery in Castlethorpe and lived upstairs with her family. She is passionate about retaining a personal touch in the organisation, and is determined to manage Acorn’s growth without it becoming bureaucratic, and also for Acorn to lead the sector in being a learning organisation. Alongside her role as CEO Zoe is undertaking a PhD on how social enterprises can provide affordable, high quality childcare that is accessible to all.