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  • central-support-team
  1. About us
  2. Meet the team

Central Support Team

Our Central Support Team is located in Cosgrove. This idyllic setting is the perfect backdrop for our supportive and hard working team!

Alex Hunter - Operations Manager

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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!).    

Published: 22nd August, 2018

Updated: 29th December, 2018

Author: Sharon Brodrick

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Becky Watanabe - Early Years Trainer and Consultant

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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.

Published: 22nd August, 2018

Updated: 13th September, 2018

Author: Sharon Brodrick

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Gabbie Brandon - Marketing Manager

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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!


Published: 22nd August, 2018

Updated: 10th April, 2019

Author: Sharon Brodrick

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Ian Cleary - Facilities Assistant

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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.

Published: 19th September, 2019

Updated: 18th October, 2019

Author: Sharon Brodrick

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Jo Graham - Finance

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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.

Published: 22nd August, 2018

Updated: 4th January, 2021

Author: Sharon Brodrick

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Kieran Glackin - HR Manager

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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!

Published: 22nd August, 2018

Updated: 21st September, 2018

Author: Sharon Brodrick

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Laura Andrews - Senior Early Years Manager

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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!

Published: 22nd August, 2018

Updated: 13th September, 2018

Author: Sharon Brodrick

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Nathan Barrington - HR Advisor

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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. 

Published: 13th February, 2019

Updated: 10th April, 2019

Author: Sharon Brodrick

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Sharon Brodrick - Office Administrator

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Sharon

Sharon (Shaz) brings a varied and colourful range of experiences to Acorn. Sharon’s work varies on a daily basis from supporting the Head Office senior staff and supporting our 13 nurseries.

Published: 22nd August, 2018

Updated: 25th February, 2021

Author: Sharon Brodrick

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Steve Petty - Facilities and Health & Safety Manager

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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.

Published: 24th September, 2018

Updated: 10th April, 2019

Author: Sharon Brodrick

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Teresa Gardner - Finance Manager

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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.

Published: 22nd August, 2018

Updated: 17th March, 2020

Author: Sharon Brodrick

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Victoria Xiang - Finance and Payroll Administrator

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Victoria

Victoria has recently joined the Central Support Team as Finance and Payroll Administrator, she loves a spreadsheet and we look forward to utilising her payroll knowledge!

Published: 2nd February, 2021

Updated: 3rd February, 2021

Author: Sharon Brodrick

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Zoe Raven - CEO

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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.

Published: 22nd August, 2018

Updated: 31st October, 2020

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Acorn Early Years Foundation

Wesley House, South Street, Castlethorpe, MK19 7EL
Telephone: 01908 510309

One of the most established providers of nurseries and childcare in Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire.

Charity Registration Number: 1145108. Registered in England: 07703801

© Copyright 2017 Charity. All rights reserved.