Meet the team

 
 

We’re proud to have such an experienced and professional staff at Acacia Preschool, here’s an introduction to the team!

 
 
 

Leigh Smith
Preschool Manager

I joined Acacia in February 2013 as an assistant and took on the role of manager in September 2013. I am a mother of 3 children and have worked in preschool education since 2007. I hold a BA hons in Early Years Education and Childcare, as well as Early Years Professional Status. I am the Designated Safeguarding Lead and am a qualified first aider.

 
 
 
 

Gemma Woolford
Preschool Deputy Manager

I joined Acacia in September 2013 as a member of the bank team, taking on a permanent position in January 2014, before becoming deputy manager in September 2019. I am onsite for all sessions. I’m a mother of 3 children, all of who, previously attended Acacia. I hold an Ofsted recognised Level 3 early years qualification and I'm currently working towards a BA Hons degree in early years. I am the deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, and I’m also a qualified first aider. 

 
 
 
 

Cath Harwood-Matthews
Preschool SENCo

I joined Acacia in January 2011 and I am onsite 4 days a week. I’m a mother of 2 sons and I hold an Ofsted recognised Level 3 early years qualification. I am also a qualified paediatric first aider.

 
 
 
 

Agata Kwiecinska
Preschool SENCo

I joined Acacia in February 2015 as member of the bank team, taking on a permanent position in April 2015. I then took on the role of SENCo in September 2020 and I am onsite 4 days a week. I am a mother of 3 children and my youngest attended Acacia. I hold a Level 3 SENCo qualification and am a qualified teacher. I also work at a local Polish school on Saturdays and am a qualified paediatric first aider.

 
 
 
 

Priscilla Watts
Preschool Administrator

I joined Acacia in July 2011 and I am a mother of 2 children. I am responsible for ensuring the preschool office runs smoothly, keeping on top of all paperwork generated regarding both the business and childcare aspects of Acacia. I am also a qualified paediatric first aider. 

 
 
 
 

Pamela Tanner
Preschool Assistant

I joined Acacia in February 2015 and I am onsite every day. I am a mother of 4 children, and I hold an Ofsted recognised Level 3 early years qualification. I am also a qualified paediatric first aider.

 
 
 
 

Helen Pearce
Preschool Assistant

I joined Acacia in January 2016 and I am onsite 4 days a week. I am a mother of one daughter, who previously attended Acacia. I hold a BA Hons degree in Early Years Education and Childcare. I am also a qualified paediatric first aider.

 
 
 
 

Kiri Rawlings
Preschool Assistant

I joined Acacia in September 2022 and I am onsite for 4 days per week. I am a mother of 2 daughters and I hold an Ofsted recognised Level 3 early years qualification. I am also a qualified paediatric first aider.

 
 
 
 

Sara Jones
Preschool Assistant

I joined Acacia in February 2024 as a member of the bank team, taking on a permanent position I June 2024. I am currently studying towards an early years Level 3 qualification and I am onsite 4 days a week. I am a mother of 2 children and my youngest attended Acacia.

 
 
 
 

Stefany Carlet
Kitchen Assistant

I joined Acacia in September 2023 and I am onsite everyday. I am responsible for running snack café and supervising the children at lunch time. I am a mother of 1 son.

 
 
 
 

Theresa Graham
Preschool Assistant

I joined Acacia in September 2022 and I am onsite everyday. I am a mother of 3 children and I hold an Ofsted recognised Level 3 early years qualification. I am also a qualified paediatric first aider.

 
 
 
 

Jane-Ann Hunt
Bank Staff

I joined Acacia in October 2013 and am here on a regular basis. I am a mother of 2 children and I’m a qualified teacher.

 
 
 
 

Trustees

Acacia Preschool is a charity and as such is managed by a volunteer management committee, whose members are elected by the parents of the children who attend our setting. The elections take place at our Annual General Meeting. The committee make up the registered person with Ofsted and are responsible for:

  • managing our finances

  • employing and managing our staff

  • making sure that we have, and work to, policies that help us to provide a high-quality service

  • making sure that we work in partnership with parents

The Annual General Meeting is open to the parents of all the children who attend our setting. We are always looking to recruit enthusiastic and willing parents to be trustees of our charity, to help us to lead and shape the future of Acacia. All business and fundraising skills welcomed. Please do get in touch if you are interested.

 
 

Current committe

Arabella Stewart Chair
I worked as a doctor for the NHS before retraining as a secondary school Biology teacher. Both my children attend Acacia, where they have flourished under the care of the talented and loyal staff. It is a magical place where families are welcomed.

Rose Hughes Secretary
I’m a broadcast journalist at Sky News, where I run the home news planning team. Both my daughter and son have loved their years at Acacia preschool, where they have thrived. I feel lucky to have it in New Malden.

James Robinson Treasurer
I am a chartered accountant working for a professional services firm which specialises in non-profit and social purposes sector. My daughter attends Acacia and loves it and the staff, we are very fortunate to be part of this little community in New Malden.

Celine Fenech
I am a mother of three and I work full time for a professional services firm in the city. As a family we have loved Acacia as it is run by great staff who nurture the children as their own.

James Hughes
I am the Chief Operating Officer for an international aid organisation and previously I served in the British Army. Acacia has nurtured my two children in their early years. It is a very special place.