Meet the Staff

The staff are all fully committed to ensuring the best of care for all the children in our care, they are all qualified and very experienced. The Leader is Denise Reynolds and the Deputy Leader  is Helen Smyth. They are assisted by classroom assistants Jeanette Lyness, Nicola McKinley,  Rachael Williamson and Helpers Ronelle Watson and Jayne Niblock.

Denise Reynolds was appointed as  a Leader this year and holds NVQ 5, 3 & 2.  She has gained certificates in First Aid  and Designated Officer Child Protection training.

Helen Smyth joined the team in 2013 and is was appointed as a Deputy Leader in 2022.   She holds NVQ  Level 5 and a BTEC National Diploma Level 3 in Early Years. She has completed training in Food & Hygiene, First Aid and Child Protection.

Jeanette Lyness has been working in Little Acorns since her appointment in 2001. She has completed N.V.Q 2&3 in childcare and has completed several childcare courses, First Aid, Food hygiene and Child protection.

Nicola Mckinley has been a classroom assistant since she was firstly appointed in St Andrews Playgroup in 1997, which was then renamed in 2000 as Little Acorns Pre-School when we moved into Clandeboye Primary School 20 years ago. She holds a certificate for N.V.Q. level 2 in childcare and has also completed training in First Aid, Food Hygiene, Child Protection and other related courses..

Rachael Williamson joined the team as a part-time assistant in November 2012. She holds a certificate for N.V.Q. level 2&3 in Early Years and has completed a course in First Aid, Food & Hygiene 2 and Child Protection.

Ronelle Watson also joined the team in 2001. She has N.V.Q level 2&3 in childcare and has completed  First Aid, Food hygiene, Child Protection other courses.