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

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 over 25 years ago, and is proud to call it home. She has 2 older children, both who attended Acorns a number of years ago.

Dave - Deputy Manager

Dave joined the team in June 2023, following a chance encounter with Val & Loui at a Training event! Dave has had prior management experience in the retail sector, before deciding to come back into Early Years. He has worked in 3 nurseries, some in the Hampshire area, from where he originates. Dave holds a Level 3 certificate in Childcare and has recently begun his Level 5.

Dave made the move to North Yorkshire August 2022. In his spare time, Dave enjoys gardening and all things crafty…..candle making, sewing, cooking……and is a self-proclaimed Dr Who geek!!

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.

Loui - Pre-School Assistant

Loui joined our Team towards the end of February 2023 as a trainee. She completed her Level 2 qualification in only 4 months and enrolled to start Level 3 from September, 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.

Sally – Pre-school Assistant

Sally re-joined our team in November 2023. Sally first began her work with children as a registered child minder, and spent over 12 years as a teaching assistant at Boroughbridge High School. Sally spent 5 years at Acorns before her circumstances changed. After a short break, Sally is now excited to return. She has a particular interest in children’s language development, and has completed training to assist with this.

In her spare time Sally likes to take her 2 greyhounds for walks, play the piano and find new recipes to bake, particularly puddings.


Carol – Pre-School Assistant

Carol is the newest member of staff to join the team. Carol has a wealth of Early Years experience from her tome as manager at Nicky’s Pre-school in West Tanfield. She was instrumental in the re-launch of ‘Little Acorns’, which she runs on a weekly basis. 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, amongst others.