At Little Acorns we place a strong emphasis on staff training and development. Many of our staff have gained a higher level qualification such as NVQ level 4 in Care, Learning and Development. Our Management Team also hold degrees in Early Childhood Studies ensuring we provide the highest trained workforce for you and your child.

Little Acorns is owned by Christine and Malcolm King. Christine's background is in Administration, and in her past life worked for a large insurance company as well as the NHS. Malcolm worked in Financial Services. We pride ourselves on the quality of our staff and below is just a sample. All are qualified to at least Level 3, are Police checked and have Paediatric First Aid and Food Hygiene Certificates. We also employ a qualified cook and housekeeper, this ensures that the staff devote all of their time and energy into educating and caring for your child.

The owners, management and staff are committed to providing your child with the best care and education possible.


Gemma Grace

Gemma Grace Nursery Owner/Manager

"I started Little Acorns in September 2002. From there I worked my way up to Manager after the original Manager left in July 2008. I have always had a great passion for childcare and had a dream of working in an outstanding setting which we achieved in 2010. I believe our children's families only deserve the very best and our continued hard work keeps shining through and it was rewarded again in October 2015 where we were granted our 2nd Outstanding Ofsted rating. I don't believe in standing still and I continue to push myself, the staff and nursery to be the very best we can be."

Qualifications:

  • Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies
  • NVQ Level 3 in Management
  • B-Tec Diploma in Early Childhood Studies

Other Duties:

  • Safeguarding Lead
  • Fire Marshall
  • Training Manager
  • Named 2nd SENCO
  • Funding Officer

Melissa Toft

Melissa Toft Deputy Manager (Maternity Leave)

"I started at Little Acorns in 2009 as a student and impressed Gemma enough to employ me to work in the toddler room. After a year I became Toddler Room Supervisor. I made many changes to the toddler room over the years, always enhancing it and moving forward to create the most fun, warm and rich environment possible for the children. In 2015 I became the Deputy Manager for the nursery and I strive to always make the nursery the best it can be. I love to support all our families and ensure they feel happy leaving their children in our care. In 2018 I handed over the role of supervisor as I was needed to support Gemma full time in helping to continue to make our setting outstanding. It has become a 2 woman job!"

Qualifications:

  • BA (Hons) in Childhood Studies
  • NVQ Level 3 in Management
  • CACHE Diploma in Childcare & Education

Other Duties:

  • Health & Safety Officer
  • REAL Project Lead
  • Named 2nd Safeguarding Lead

Sophie Morfitt

Sophie Morfitt Baby Room Supervisor & Acting Deputy Manager

"I joined Little Acorns in September 2012 on my college placement as a student. Since then I have worked my way up to baby room supervisor in April 2015. Along my journey I have watched children grow, celebrated first steps, heard first words and celebrated all achievements along the way. Everyday I am amazed by the children I care for and couldn't think of a more rewarding job. My passion continues to grow as the world we live in continues to change and move forward."

Qualifications:

  • CACHE Diploma in Childcare & Education
  • NVQ Level 3 in Management

Other Duties:

  • ECAT Lead

Emma North

Emma North SENCO & Acting Deputy Manager

"I started working at Little Acorns in 2009 as a Nursery Nurse, I then progressed to Pre-school Supervisor. In 2015 I took on the role of SENCO after working with a range of children with different SEND. I decided this was my passion and gave up my role of supervisor to concentrate on SEND. I have been on a range of training courses around SEND and I'm always looking at new ways we can support children to reach their full potential."

Qualifications:

  • NVQ Level 3 in Management
  • B-Tec Diploma in Early Childhood Studies

Other Duties:

  • Phonological Awareness Lead
  • Early talk boost coordinator
  • Social Communication group coordinator

Emma Kitching

Emma Kitching Pre-school 1 Supervisor (Maternity Leave)

"I started Little Acorns as a student in 2012 in the baby room. I was a student for 8 months and impressed the staff enough for them to speak to management to employ me. I was quickly offered a full time place in the pre-school room where I worked as a key person for 4 years before being promoted to supervisor in October 2016. I always provide excellent learning opportunities for the children and make it exciting for them. I am a very happy person and the children thrive from this."

Qualifications:

  • CACHE Diploma in Childcare & Education
  • NVQ Level 3 in Management

Other Duties:

  • Early Years Pupil Premium Lead

Emma Sorrenson

Emma Sorrenson Pre-school 2 Supervisor

"I started working at Little Acorns in May 2015 as a part time member of staff covering within all the rooms. In September 2015 I became a full time member of the preschool. By April 2017 I was promoted to room supervisor when the preschool separated into two preschools. I find working with children very rewarding and watching the children who are in my care grow and thrive drives me to make my practice better every day."

Qualifications:

  • CACHE Diploma in Childcare & Education
  • Working towards NVQ Level 3 in Management

Other Duties:

  • Phonics Lead
  • REAL Lead

Ali Tuck

Ali Tuck Toddler Room Supervisor

"I joined Little Acorns in March 2008 whilst still on my college placement. I then qualified in the June and became a full time member of staff. I have worked with all the different age ranges within the nursery but my passion is working within the Toddler Room. I was promoted to Supervisor in October 2017 which has made it very exciting to learn and develop this role. I love working with children and it makes my day to see them thriving in a nursery environment."

Qualifications:

  • CACHE Diploma in Childcare & Education
  • NVQ Level 3 in Management
  • Foundation degree in Childhood Studies

Other Duties:

  • 2 Year Funded Lead

Kerry Wray

Kerry Wray Curriculum Lead

"Working with young children is my passion, over the past 9 years I have celebrated all the first milestones such as walking, talking, etc. I have shared wonderful journeys with families over the years. I truly love my job and seeing the children thrive in an outstanding nursery that I am proud to be a part of."

Qualifications:

  • CACHE Diploma in Childcare & Education

Other Duties:


Back to top

© 2024 - Little Acorns Day Nursery (Hull) Limited