Personalised child care services in Chesterfield

Andrea Clarke holds a qualified BA (HONS) degree in Early childhood education and for the Early Years Professional Status in child education at Derby University 

Andrea is also qualified N.N.E.B with several years’ experience in the childcare industry. Upon qualifying in 1991 she was employed by Derbyshire County Council as a crèche supervisor, this involved setting up and running care sessions at various venues throughout the county, her duties included, transporting equipment, setting up facilities and caring for children from 6 weeks to 4 years.

Within 6 months, Andrea began to work alongside a child with special needs during his day at nursery, offering help and support.

In 1992 Andrea began to work as a Nursery Nurse on the children’s ward at chesterfield Royal Hospital, this role involves setting up play activities for children who are staying in hospital. Preparation is involved to help ease anxieties about hospital admission also distraction for invasive procedures. This role also involved setting up play programmes and conducting developmental assessments.

In 1997 she undertook a one-year’s course and qualified with a B Tech to become a play specialist. In June 2000 she was awarded a city and guilds in tutor training, successfully passing stages 1& 2.

In 2004 she qualified to NVQ level 3 in management.

Andrea feels it is especially important to keep herself updated and is regularly re-educating herself. She has a wealth of experience with a variety of children from birth to sixteen years with differing needs at all stages of development. As a Nursery Manager Andrea will be actively involved in encouraging all staff to increase their knowledge and skills and assisting all students to gain a recognised childcare qualification.

Andrea  holds a full and relevant paediatric first aid certificate.

Sandra Wragg joined little acorns in 2002, she has qualified to B Tech Level 3 in Management and in 2009 undertook CACHE Level 3 in early year’s foundation stage practice, and finally qualified at level 5 in 2021 after completing a higher education apprenticeship course

Sandra’s existing knowledge of little Acorn’s policies, procedures, and childcare practices, ensure that she is the ideal person to support the deputy Manager and other staff members in her role as nursery acting Manager.

In 2011 Sandra began studying at open learning to achieve a level 4 in early years in 2012.

In 2012 Sandra began studying ECAT (Every Child’s a Talker) and holds the title of ELLP meaning Early Language Lead Practitioner.

Sandra’s role is to provide a professional leadership and management of the nursery, helping  to ensure that all children receive the highest standard or care and education. In the absence of the nursery manager, the deputy will undertake the overall day to day management of the nursery.

Sandra  holds a full and relevant paediatric first aid certificate.

Suzanne Millward joined Little Acorns as a level 2 student on training from chesterfield college but qualified at level 5 in September 2021 after completing a higher education apprenticeship course.

Suzanne’s first role as a nursery nurse was working with children aged 3 months - 3 years after much experience and continuous hard work Suzanne moved into the preschool  room in 2009 working with children aged 2 ½ years – 5years as a nursery nurse. During her time at little acorns suzanne also gained qualifications at level 3 and 4.

Suzanne’s role has changed from preschool coordinator to office manager, her role is essential to ensure the smooth running of the office on a day-to-day basis by managing the administration activities, organising information to ensure records are up to date, Suzanne has lots of knowledge about government funding and nursery finances such as fees. 

Suzanne holds a full and relevant paediatric first aid certificate.

Amanda Chapman is a qualified NVQ Level 4, initially Amanda started in 2002 in an auxiliary role and whilst observing the staff and children at Little Acorns, she decided she would like a career in childcare and studied for 18 months to successfully achieve her goal.

Amanda initially started working with children aged 3months – 3 years as a nursery nurse.

Amanda’s first role as a nursery nurse was working with children ages 3 months to 3 years, and through dedication and hard work continuously attending training to increase her childcare knowledge she attained position of senior and began supporting staff and children in this role in our pre-school with 3 and 4 year olds. In 2010 Amanda became the toddler room senior organising the daily running of the room and working with children age 18mths to 2 ½ years, she now works within the preschool room. Amanda began studying at Derby University for a foundation degree in early childhood studies and is qualified to level 4 standards.

Amanda’s role is to coordinate the preschool room  providing regular education programmes and services such as developing planning and committed to sustaining a high-quality childcare and partnerships between families and staff. Amanda role is to ensure the nursery runs to a high standard in the event of the manager and deputy being off site.

Amanda  holds a full and relevant paediatric first aid certificate.

Claire Storer initially started in 2002 as a student on training from Age UK. On August 16th, 2006, Claire achieved her CACHE Level 3 Diploma in early years practice and has since gone on to qualify at level 4. 

Claire initially started working with children aged 2-3 years and when she qualified, she moved on to work with children from 3months – 2 years working with the baby den.

Claire offers a warm and caring approach with extensive knowledge on babies’ development. Claire has developed skills through training on babies from birth to 1 years and is able to plan and organise suitable programmes of activities for younger children. Claire’s role is to coordinate and provide regular education programmes and services such as developing play and learning activities within the EYFS, planning and committed to sustaining a high-quality childcare and partnerships between families and staff.

Claire  holds a full and relevant paediatric first aid certificate.