Acorn2Oak Staff Profiles
We carefully select our staff. All our staff are DBS checked and are certified to work with children.
(Staff Photos taken by Paul Armes from PJA Photography)
Tanya Harris
I have been in childcare since I left college and still thoroughly enjoy every minute of my job. I have been in childcare since 1991 and at the preschool since 2011. I feel that the experience I have, has helped me to develop the Pre-School alongside my colleagues into a happy and secure place for the children to thrive in. I have a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) In Early Years which has enabled me to support the staff in their training and progression within the preschool. I am proud to be the Manager and Safeguarding Lead of a very strong childcare team, implementing care not only to the children but making time for their families as well, many of them returning with siblings to our preschool.
Tamara Hammond
I have been working at Acorn2Oak since 2015. I enjoy singing, dancing and encouraging the children’s expressive and creative abilities during their sessions. I am creative and like to plan activities, always incorporating fun while learning.
I am the Deputy Manager and Lead Send Coordinator. I have achieved an NFCE Cache Level 4 for Early Years Advanced Practitioner, qualification.
Anne Prentice
I have had the pleasure of working in this Pre-School since 2000 and have a level 3 Diploma in Childcare. I held the position of Deputy Manager for many years but now use the knowledge and skills for my role as Administrator.
I am usually the voice on the other end of the phone or replies to your emails. I have two grown up daughters and a granddaughter. I also live locally, giving me an understanding of the local community and its diversity.
Hannah Allaton
I have worked at Acorn2Oak since 2017 and have worked in childcare for over 15 years. I am a level 3 Early Years Educator, I am Elklan trained, this helps support the children’s speech and language development within the preschool. I enjoy building a relationship with my key children and their families, encouraging the children to learn and develop their individual abilities, whilst at the preschool. I’m married with a teenage daughter and have 2 dogs, a cat and a chameleon.
Hellen Rose
I’m a Mum of 4 children, 2 girls and 2 boys. I have a dog, 2 birds, a guinea pig, a lizard, and some tropical fish.
I joined Acorn2Oak in 2018 and I have a level 3 qualification in childcare and I am also a qualified Sendco. I have worked in childcare for 26 years and have a special interest in speech, language and Makaton. My hobbies include craft, crochet and reading.
Chelsea Powell
I am a mum of 2 children, I have lived in the community and have children attending the local schools, therefore I have knowledge of the area in which the preschool is situated.
I have over 13 years experience working with children and have achieved a NCFE Cache Level 3 Diploma in childcare.
I enjoy building a relationship with the children and their families and working as part of the preschool team.
Toni Potter-Basilganay
I began here in 2012; I hold a level 2 qualification in childcare. I started as a lunchtime supervisor and have progressed to an Early Years Educator. I enjoy working at the preschool, helping children to learn as they grow.
Cecilia Prentice
My name is Cecilia, I currently have a Level 5 Foundation Degree of Arts in Early Years Practice and am working towards Level 6.
I am enthusiastic and creative and enjoy being a part of the team at the preschool.
I enjoy bringing fun and excitement to every day, believing learning should be fun at all times.
Alea Harvey
I have been qualified in childcare and education for 2yrs and am very excited to have joined the preschool team. I am very enthusiastic, looking forward to learning and progressing within my role, using my knowledge with planning and activities for the children. I enjoy building a relationship with my ‘keychildren’ and their families, learning about their likes, dislikes, cultures etc and implementing learning and play ideas to incorporate these with the whole group.
