Janet Irwin qualified as a teacher at Homerton College, Cambridge in 1967, studied psychology at London University and has been teaching children and adults and giving advice to parents ever since. She was awarded her Early Years Professional Status in July 2007 and an MA in education from Brighton University in February 2008.

Janet has a TEFL Certificate, enabling her to teach English as a foreign language. She also holds certificates for Paediatric First Aid and Food and Hygiene.

Janet has a passion for teaching and languages and parents with bilingual children often choose The Acorns. Speaking fluent French, Janet is working on a language project for children. She is the author of the 'At home with French' and 'At Home with Spanish' activity books for children published by Oxford University Press and also the 'minilingo' range of audio products.

Ann Butcher is Deputy Head. She joined The Acorns Nursery School in 1992. She is directly responsible for forward planning and for our Westmeston setting. She has an NVQ Level 4 in Early Years Care & Education together with her City and Guilds Teaching qualification. Ann has a love of horses and the outdoors.

Amanda Philpott joined the Nursery School in 2005, having helped at Ditchling School on a voluntary basis and also at Brownies. She holds a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare. She loves horses and the outdoors and is very knowledgable about the countryside.

Caroline Castellanos joined us in October 2010 after a varied career both in the UK and in the United States. She is a qualified Yoga teacher and has started doing Yoga sessions with the children. She has a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare.

Sarah Knowlson joined us in May 2011. She has a NNEB qualification and combines her nannying role with   her position at The Acorns. She has a great love of the outdoors and will lead Stoneywish Tuesdays this year.

Lisa Sampson joined us in June 2011. She is full of energy and enthusiasm. She loves engaging with the children, enjoys the outdoors and is very sporty. She worked as a volunteer helper in early years prior to joining us and is keen to gain a childcare qualification.

Mary Upfold joined us in September 2011. She has a wealth of experience in early years and has a Level 3 qualification in Childcare. She will start her foundation degree in April 2012.

Antonia Grant joined us in September 2011. She is a very experienced practitioner in early years and has an NVQ Level 3 in childcare. She has a love of outdoor pursuits and a keen interest in helping children with additional support needs.

Sandra Booth joined us in September 2011. She has worked in the early years sector for many years and is very creative. She has a Level 2 qualification in Childcare and will be working towards a Level 3 Diploma. She loves arts and crafts and cooking as well as the outdoors.

Janet's husband David Irwin is a volunteer helper who speaks fluent French.

Jane Skelton, a local potter who is very experienced with working with children, runs pottery workshops for the children in Lindfield and Westmeston.

All staff meet the guidelines set by Ofsted and are constantly upgrading their qualifications.

Janet Irwin, Ann Butcher, Mary Upfold and Toni Grant are all trained SENCOs: Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators.

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