"Staff use their exemplary quality of teaching to build on children's interests and extend their learning continuously. For example, as children enthusiastically explore three-dimensional shapes, they notice that they look different to 'normal' shapes, comparing a cuboid to dice they use in games. Staff extend this even further, introducing complex shape names, such as 'rectangular prism', which children then use independently in their play." - Ofsted 2019 - 59 Denmans Lane.
Meet our team
Our highly qualified and friendly team all bring their own valuble specialisms to The Acorns, be that forest-school skills, arts and craft, music or sports. What unifies all our carefully-selected staff is their commitment to our vision and values of dedication, enthusiasm and individualised care.
All our staff at The Acorns Nursery and Forest School meet the guidelines set by Ofsted, and are constantly upgrading their qualifications. Janet Irwin and Christina Franks are also trained SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators) and have extensive experience in supporting children with a variety of needs.
Janet Irwin
Janet Irwin - Headteacher and Founder
Janet qualified as a teacher at Homerton College, Cambridge, studied psychology at London University and has been teaching, and offering support and advice to parents ever since. Janet opened The Acorns in 1985 and still enjoys a hands-on role. She was awarded her Early Years Professional Status and MA in education from Brighton University.
Janet has a TEFL Certificate, a qualification for teaching English as a foreign language. She also holds certificates for Paediatric First Aid and Food and Hygiene. She has recently gained a Level 3 qualification in Forest School Leadership.
Janet has a passion for teaching and also for languages. Speaking fluent French, Janet is working on a language project for children. She is the author of the 'At home with French' and 'At Home with Spanish' activity books for children published by Oxford University Press and also the 'Minilingo' range of audio products.
59 Denmans Lane Staff
Christina Franks - Deputy Head and Lindfield Manager
Christina Franks is in charge of our Lindfield nursery. She has a Higher National Certificate in Childcare and Early Years Education alongside an NNEB qualification. She also has a diploma in leadership and management.
Christina has a natural empathy with young children, and has worked at the Acorns for almost 10 years and continues to establish positive relationships with all our parents.
Tracy Voller
Tracy joined our team in 2019.
She is a very experienced practitioner with a level 3 qualification in childcare.
Tracy enjoys small world play with the children and has enjoyed spending time in both of our settings.
Tracy enjoys outdoor play and crafting experiences with the children.
Jazmin Young
Jazmin -originally a psychology graduate, joined our team in 2021.
Jazmin is an experienced Level 3 qualified childcare practitioner with a wealth of experience.
Jazmin particularly enjoys problem solving activities with the children.
Petra Harsent
Petra has been a friend of The Acorns for many years. Her Daughter attended and she has nannied for quite a number of our children in the past. Petra speaks both German and English and enjoys cooking with the children. She is currently studying her Level 3 in Childcare.
25 Denmans Lane Staff
Hayley Spencer
Hayley Spencer joined our team in April 2019. She has recently completed her qualification in Early Years Care and Education and taken on the role of Manager at 25 Denmans Lane.
Hayley has a great love of the outdoors and enjoys walks with the children.
Hannah Young
Hannah is a Level 3 qualified early years practitioner. She is passionate about outdoors learning and has a natural ability to bond with young children. Hannah also spends part of her week at 59 Denmans Lane.
Photo to follow
Elise Tribe
Elise has recently joined us at The Acorns and will be working in both settings. She is excited to learn about Early Years and enjoys outdoor play.
A keen gardener Elise is looking forward to sharing her knowledge with the children.