Little Acorns Pre-School

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.

Jo

Early Years Practitioner

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.

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.

Holly

Early Years Practitioner

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.

Ivalina Elenkova

Pre-school Assistant & Volunteer

I was born in Bulgaria and lived there until 2007. Having received an opportunity from our University, my husband and I decided to take it and enrich our experience which led us to move to England.  In Bulgaria, I graduated with a Master's degree in accounting and have worked in the industry until now.  I have been living in Shaftesbury for the last eleven years.

 After God blessed me with my three wonderful sons, I realised that raising, helping and inspiring my children is the best thing that has happened to me. Two of my boys, both now in Primary School, previously attended Little Acorns, where my youngest currently is. All of them have absolutely loved it.  I like to spend every free minute with my family, from reading books and cooking delicious food with my boys to exploring our natural world.

 I joined the team in the beginning of May as a volunteer where I’ve since absolutely loved working, watching and supporting the children  grow, develop and reach their goals.  I am also aiming to enrich my knowledge by enrolling in Level 2 Teacher Assistant and Level 2 Childcare in the near future. It is a very rewarding job, and it has been great forming relationships with all the children and the staff.’

Emily Gale

Volunteer

Hi, my name is Emily, I live in Shaftesbury with my husband Lee and 4 children (12, 10, 5 & 4) all of whom have attended Little Acorns.

Little Acorn’s gave them such an incredible start and I didn’t want to say goodbye!

I worked in customer service before and whilst having my first 2 children and then went on to be a full time mum.

With my youngest child starting school in September 2022, I have some spare time on my hands and am very much enjoying helping at Little Acorns.

Louisa

Volunteer on placement

Hi, my name is Louisa, I have 3 children 24, 21 and 5 and live in Gillingham. I'm originally from Poole but moved up here over 20 years ago and love the more relaxed country way of life. I enjoy walking my dogs, going on family days out to theme parks and farms especially. My favourite place is Durdle Door and I love being by the sea. I have worked in preschools previously when my older children were young then as a police officer for almost 10 years. My youngest daughter came to Little Acorns and it has a lovely home from home feel with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. As my youngest has now started school I'm excited to get back into childcare and be part of the little Acorns team volunteering whilst doing my NVQ level 2 qualification in childcare.