About us
Who We Are
ACR Recruitment & Training Ltd is a team of specialist consultants with over 40 years of combined experience in education and recruitment. We provide both temporary and permanent staffing solutions tailored specifically to primary schools and the wider education sector.
Our approach goes beyond filling vacancies; we focus on building long-term partnerships that help schools deliver outstanding learning experiences. What sets us apart is our team's unique combination of first-hand experience in education and strong recruitment expertise. This means we truly understand the demands of school environments and can deliver candidates who seamlessly fit your team.
With our extensive network of qualified Nursery Practitioners, Teaching Assistants, HLTAs, and SEND support staff, you can be confident that every candidate we place is professional, dedicated, and ready to make a positive impact.
Our Mission
Our mission is to make a positive impact in early years childcare by:
- Providing nurseries with safe, reliable, and high-quality staff.
- Empowering childcare practitioners with opportunities that fit their lifestyle, values, and ambitions.
- Building partnerships that support children’s learning, wellbeing, and development in safe and nurturing environments.
At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to ensuring children receive the best possible care from professionals who are passionate about what they do.
Our Values
Trust
Safeguarding is our top priority. Every practitioner we place is fully vetted, reference-checked, and DBS-verified, so nurseries can feel confident that children are in safe hands. We also complete DDF forms and ensure annual Child Protection and Safeguarding training each September, maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance across all placements.
Flexibility
We understand that every nursery and every candidate is unique. That’s why we offer flexible solutions – from daily supply cover to long-term placements – and give practitioners the freedom to choose when and how they work.
Growth
We’re passionate about helping people grow. Through training, CPD opportunities, and career progression pathways, we give childcare professionals the tools they need to develop their skills and thrive in their roles.
Partnership
We believe in long-term, supportive relationships. For nurseries, that means a dedicated service tailored to your needs. For practitioners, it means ongoing support, guidance, and opportunities to succeed.
Our Team
Lena Holmes – Director
As the Founder and Director of ACR Recruitment & Training Ltd, I bring over 15 years of experience in recruitment and business management. Having built ACR from the ground up, I take great pride in the company’s growth, reputation, and the strong relationships we’ve developed with clients and candidates alike.
Highly organised and driven, I’ve dedicated my career to ensuring ACR maintains its commitment to quality, integrity, and personal service across every sector we support. My leadership has been key in shaping a trusted, people-focused agency that puts both candidates and clients at the heart of everything we do.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family, travelling, and finding new ways to inspire and support my team as ACR continues to grow.
Sarah Collins – Lead Childcare Consultant
As ACR’s Lead Childcare Consultant and Office Manager, I bring over 11 years of experience in the childcare sector, including 7 years in management and as a designated SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). A qualified Level 3 Early Years Practitioner, I have a strong understanding of early years development, safeguarding, and leadership.
With more than 4 years in Early Years Recruitment, I combine hands-on childcare expertise with recruitment insight to match skilled practitioners with the right nurseries and early years settings. My focus on quality and consistency ensures long-term success for both clients and candidates.
I’m passionate about building lasting relationships and helping ACR Recruitment & Training Ltd continue to set the standard in childcare and education recruitment.
Ann Duggins – Lead Compliance Officer
With over 11 years of experience in administration, our Lead Compliance Officer brings exceptional organisation, attention to detail, and a friendly, approachable nature to the ACR team. An outgoing and conversational professional, she’s known for building great relationships with both candidates and clients while ensuring every compliance process runs smoothly.
Outside of work, she dedicates her time to her two wonderful children, balancing her professional expertise with her love for family life.
Aneesha Devi – Childcare Consultant
With over 10 years of experience in the education and early years sector, I bring a deep understanding of the standards, care, and commitment required to deliver exceptional childcare provision. My background includes extensive experience in leadership positions, such as Nursery Management and Lead SENCo roles, providing me with valuable insight into the operational and developmental needs of both practitioners and settings.
As a Childcare Recruitment Consultant, I take pride in connecting outstanding professionals with nurseries that share our passion for excellence in early education. My goal is to ensure every placement contributes to high-quality learning environments where children can thrive.
Beyond my professional role, I value spending quality time with my family and friends, travelling to new places, and baking, finding creativity and balance both inside and outside of work.
Karen Gilbert – Compliance and Admin Assistant
As ACR’s Compliance Administration Assistant, I play a key role in supporting the recruitment process by ensuring every candidate experience is smooth, professional, and fully compliant. With several years of experience in recruitment and compliance, particularly within the healthcare sector and NHS frameworks, I bring a meticulous eye for detail and a strong commitment to maintaining the highest industry standards.
I take pride in ensuring that every practitioner we place meets the rigorous safeguarding and compliance requirements that define ACR’s reputation for quality and trust.
Outside of work, I’m passionate about staying active through running and walking, and I love attending live rock music gigs, where energy, rhythm, and connection mirror the enthusiasm I bring to my professional role.
Pavanjit Moore – Social Media Manager
As ACR’s Social Media Manager, I specialise in bringing brands to life through creative digital storytelling. With a proven track record of growing YouTube channels to over 100k subscribers, Instagram accounts to 50k+ followers, and TikTok pages to verified status with 500k+ followers, I know how to build engaged online communities that make an impact.
Alongside my expertise in social media growth, I have a background in graphic design, enabling me to craft visual solutions that communicate brand values clearly and effectively. At ACR, my focus is on creating content that not only promotes opportunities but also strengthens the connection between childcare professionals and nurseries. In my free time, I love capturing moments through photography and staying energised at the gym.
Our Coverage
Shown below are the 15+ towns we cover for flexible work (our permanent jobs are nationwide).
Testimonials
Candidate Review
"I've worked with ACR for nearly 2 years. They are really accommodating for the hours you need and are supportive when needed (especially Sarah)."
Leanne Farrell
Candidate Review
"I have worked with ACR for nearly a year, and Sarah, Ann, and Lena are incredible. Sarah, whom I deal with most, truly blows me away. She is extremely supportive and goes above and beyond, both in my work life and, if needed, in my personal life. I would highly recommend working for this team."
Gill Temple
Client Review
"Sarah and the team at ACR are always helpful and accommodating to our needs. We especially appreciate how they always try and send familiar staff who are brilliant and always willing to help, and the children love them; they always know the routine, which is a great help for us."
Manjit Sahota
Client Review
"I have been using ACR for almost 4 years now for our staffing support. The quality of staff coming through is fantastic. The service we receive (especially from Sarah) is outstanding, and as a childcare provider, we would recommend this agency for their professional service."
Mandy Sangha
View more testimonials
Accreditations & Compliance
At ACR Recruitment & Training Ltd, safeguarding and compliance are at the heart of everything we do. We know how important it is for nurseries to have complete peace of mind when welcoming staff into their setting.
DBS-Checked Professionals – Every candidate we place is fully vetted, with enhanced DBS checks and references completed before starting.
Safeguarding Standards – All practitioners are trained in safeguarding and child protection to ensure children’s safety and well-being.
Industry Compliance – We follow strict recruitment processes in line with government guidance and industry best practice.
Ongoing Training – Through our training partners, we ensure practitioners stay up to date with mandatory and CPD courses.
Our accreditations and memberships reflect our commitment to quality, safety, and trust – giving nurseries confidence and giving practitioners the professional backing they deserve.