Meet The Team

We believe our team at Acorns is what helps make our pre-school such a happy, welcoming and fun filled environment.

Our friendly, professional staff have a genuine passion for caring for children. They are committed to providing care of an excellent standard and to making all children feel special, supported and valued.

The staff team have a wide variety of skills and experiences and are qualified to a high standard. To ensure quality provision is always maintained the setting operates a policy of continuous professional development.

We operate a key person system to support children’s transition and build relationships between parents and setting. Providing a consistent key person promotes happy and confident children who will settle comfortably in their new environment.

Val – Manager / DSL and Senco

Val has been part of the Acorns team since 2006, developing her career from Pre-School Assistant, through Deputy Manager, to her present position of Setting Manager. Committed to her own professional development, she completed her level 5 Early Years Foundation Degree in 2011. Since taking over the role of Manager Val has been passionate about providing the very best for young children and strives for excellence at Acorns. Over the years she has developed ‘Acorns Jungle’, re-launched ‘Little Acorns’ toddler group, over seen the re-development work both inside and out to name but a few achievements.

Having grown up in a small village near Whitby, Val made the move to Masham 30 years ago, and is proud to call it home. She has 2 older children, both who attended Acorns a number of years ago.

Loui - Deputy Manager

Loui joined our Team towards the end of February 2023 and has newly qualified as Level 2 & Level 3 Early Years Educator. She also has gained Level 2 qualifications in SEND, Understanding Autism & Distressed Behaviour in Children. Loui took up the position of Deputy from August 2025, eager to put what she learns into practice.

Loui lives in Aiskew with her 2 daughters. In her spare time Loui is very sporty, both watching and taking part. Loui has worked in the past as a personal trainer and has installed a personal gym in her garage. She particularly likes long distance running.

Claire - Pre-School Assistant

We welcomed Claire to our team in February 2022. Claire worked in Early Years for a number of years, gaining experience at various settings, including achieving her Diploma in Pre-school Practice. Having taken time out of childcare to raise her own children, Claire is now back fully doing what she loves, working in ‘Early Years’.

Claire lives in Catterick with her 2 boys. She enjoys family time, going for walks, especially with her dog, ‘Lottie’ and baking.

Saffron – Pre-school Assistant (Training)

Saffron moved to the Masham area in late 2024. She is currently studying for her Level 3 in childcare. When not at Acorns, Saffron works part time as a massage therapist and is a qualified yoga Teacher and aims to bring the love of this along with music to the great outdoors of Acorns.

Carol – Pre-School Assistant

Carol has a wealth of Early Years experience from her time as manager at Nicky’s Pre-school in West Tanfield. Carol has lived in Masham for over 21 years. In her spare time Carol enjoys spending time with her 7 and ‘1/2’ grandchildren and exploring new countries with her husband, Kevin. She is heavily involved in the community, helping to coordinate the ‘Wednesday Welcome’ group and 'Keep Masham Moving', amongst others.