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 Trainer and Consultant Expand Becky Becky is our very talented Early Years Trainer and lead consultant. Having previously worked at one of Acorn's nurseries, Becky already knew we were a great company to work for, and we were delighted to welcome her back in 2017. As well as carrying out internal training for Acorn team members Becky also devises and delivers Early Years training courses across the country, and supports many local settings with their quality improvement. With over 2.5 years’ experience delivering training nationwide, Becky has a wealth of knowledge to share. If you would like an informal chat about how Becky can help you improve your setting please get in touch.
Caroline Burton - Employee Engagement Manager Expand Caroline Caroline joined Acorn as a YTS student in 1990 (so we’re showing her age now) before working her way up to be a Nursery Manager, and has since then taken on a variety of roles, gaining a plethora of experience and qualifications on her way. She is responsible for all our staff engagement – which means she is the go-to person for all our team members for support and guidance, and she ensures that our ethical standards are put into practice in the way we look after our staff. She also plays a key role in recruiting the right people for the right positions, and is probably the team member who is most loved and respected by the whole workforce.
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 Sharon 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.
Joanne Graham - Customer Accounts Expand Jo Jo has worked at Acorn for just over 12 years within the accounts team. She is the helpful voice at the end of the phone who predominately deals with problems arising from fee payments and the complexities of funded hours, childcare vouchers and tax credits – she needs a medal! Parents appreciate her warm and chatty demeanour, and the fact that she always goes the extra mile to sort out any problem. Jo and her family can be found enjoying the great outdoors most weekends – and her husband, Simon, is also the catering manager for Acorn!
Kerry Flinn - Finance Manager Expand Kerry Kerry is a multi-talented member of the team, having started at Acorn in 2001 as an administrator when we only had three nurseries to look after, so her role encompassed everything. Kerry is now a key member of the finance team, keeping the budget on track and making sure our suppliers are all paid on time, but she is also the team’s go-to-person for all random questions. If Kerry doesn’t know the answer, she’ll know someone who will!
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.
Sharon Brodrick - Marketing and Communications Co-ordinator Expand Sharon Sharon (Shaz) brings a varied and colourful range of experiences to Acorn. Her position involves providing graphic design, typesetting and production support for all things marketing. Sharon’s work varies on a daily basis from producing newsletters, posters and adverts, supporting the nurseries with their marketing needs, and editing the monthly staff newsletter!
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.
Sue Burgess - Training Manager Expand Sue has over 20 years’ experience in Early Years and Childcare in a variety of roles, including training, lecturing and as a local authority advisor. She is passionate about staff development to improve the experience and outcomes for children and actively engages in CPD herself. Sue has a BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (first class), has completed 2 modules of Masters in Education and is a qualified adult trainer and has her internal quality assurance qualification too.
Teresa Gardner - Head of Finance 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 Kerry and 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.