Acorn Day Nursery (Kents Hill)

Wadhurst Lane, Kents Hill, Milton Keynes MK7 6JF
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10 174 Reviews
  • Acorn Day Nursery (Kents Hill), Milton Keynes
Acorn Early Years nursery at Kents Hill is ideally located for local families; close to the Kingston retail district and approximately four miles from Junction 13 of the M1 and four miles from Central Milton Keynes.

The nursery has been purpose-built in an innovative octagonal shape, offering lovely, spacious play rooms and a central atrium. Each room leads to extensive garden areas so that the children have access to a range of activities both indoors and outside. Acorn places a strong emphasis on outdoor learning and the children benefit from Acorn’s forest school sessions. They even help to grow vegetables and look after the nursery chickens in the extensive outdoor play area.

The key person system ensures children know there is always somebody there for them at Acorns. The team believe children benefit from meeting their key person in a familiar environment, before beginning their time at the nursery, and so home visits are offered to all new families to help establish those bonds.

All meals are freshly prepared on-site by the nursery chef and menus are carefully designed to offer nutritionally balanced and seasonal options, with something for every child's preferences and requirements.

The friendly staff team welcome visits from prospective parents, so please get in touch if you'd like to find out more.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Elena Martuccio (Senior Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 24

Registered Charity Number

  • 1145108

Total Places for Children

  • 60

Age Range

  • from 0 years 4 months
  • to 4 years 11 months

Funding & Fees

  • Full time place starting from £1,630
    Full day from £85.50
    Morning session from £47.50
    Afternoon session from £43.00

  • Fees are inclusive of all meals, snacks, drinks (including approved formula milk), nappies and activities.
    We do not charge registration fees, only a £100 deposit which is refunded against the first month’s fees. We don’t charge for settling in sessions, but we do expect payment for all nursery fees to be paid up front at the beginning of each month, which is standard practice for all childcare providers. We do not charge for bank holidays, our four training days each year, or for the three days closure between Christmas and New Year. We do, however, charge for days children don’t attend through illness or holidays, apart from exceptional circumstances.
    Please view the prospectus on our website for a full fees guide.

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays, Staff Training Days & between Christmas & New Year

Parking

  • There is secure parking in the nursery grounds

Acorn Day Nursery (Kents Hill) Reviews (174)

10

Acorn Day Nursery (Kents Hill) has a Review Score of 10 (9.963) out of 10, based on 36 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Acorn Day Nursery (Kents Hill) has 174 reviews.

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Review from Jo P (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter is full-time and absolutely loves all the time she spends at Acorn Day Nursery in Kent's Hill. It's such a lovely environment and the staff are so friendly, warm and welcoming. They are always doing different activities and posting lots of photos via the app showing their interaction and
involvement. They also take the children out frequently which is great.
It's more like a family for my daughter and so pleased that we chose this nursery.
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Review from Kylie A (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Acorn Day Nursery Kents Hill is a wonderful, calm and nurturing environment where both my children have thrived. The level of care is exceptional and they get to know the children very well, offering activities based on their specific interests or needs. Just last week my daughter asked for a family
book and the nursery notified me straight away to arrange for this to be created. I collected my daughter today full of smiles showing off her pictures! They've been very supportive every step of the way with me and my children which makes leaving them that bit easier knowing they are being looked after so well. I'd recommend Acorn to all families (and do so!) my daughter is so curious about the world and I believe it's because she is in an environment full of natural materials and plenty of outdoor time where she gets to explore. I can't praise them enough.
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Review from Anna B (Mother of Child) published on 2 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Such a great nursery! My son enrolled when he was 14 months old and he attends full-time 5 days a week. The settling sessions were carefully planned by the nursery manager, she was very accommodating with my requests and made a few changes when I asked to help with planning around my son's naps. As
a result every morning my son can't wait when we finally get to the nursery, waves me goodbye at the door with a smile and every time I pick him up I can see how happy he is while playing with others. I noticed how my son has developed already even though it has been just one month since we started. There are also organised walks outside the nursery to have some exploration time in the nearby parks. The nursery uses the app to track meals, nappies and sleep and to upload photos of different activities - this has helped me with the transition a lot! Overall I am so happy we were able to get space here, I can't thank the staff enough for their great job and for how they truly care!
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Review from E B (Father of Child) published on 19 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent nursery. Staff are friendly and caring, always do fun and informative activities, and they celebrate lots of different cultures. Our daughter always enjoys her day and is very fond of her teachers. We get regular updates on their app throughout the day. She has developed greatly since starting.
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Review from Natalie K (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my sons enrolled when they were 12 months old.
One is now four and the other two. Both children have learnt so much from here. The staff are so friendly, and they are always providing the kids with lots of activities to do, whether that is creative play in the garden or nature walks at forest
school, library or care home. My boys could not be happier. It is an amazing environment for the little ones. The nursery is always providing updates on what the kids are doing and eating to make parents feel reassured. I cannot thank the staff enough.
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Review from Turgay O (Father of Child) published on 19 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Acorn Kents Hill Nursery for the past year, and I am very happy with the vibe and education she is receiving. The teachers are incredibly talented and dedicated, always going above and beyond to ensure that each child is happy, engaged and learning.
I love that the nursery
places a strong emphasis on outdoor activities, allowing the children to explore and connect with nature. It’s wonderful to see my daughter come home with stories of her adventures in the garden and the park.
The nursery also utilizes a fantastic app that allows me to stay connected with my daughter’s day, from her meals and monthly reports to her activities and milestones. I appreciate being able to see photos and updates throughout the day, and it gives me peace of mind knowing that she is in good hands.
Overall, I highly recommend Acorn Kents Hill Nursery to any parent looking for a nurturing and stimulating environment for their child.
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Review from Valdecir T (Father of Child) published on 19 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Extremely happy with Acorn Kents Hill. Our family was lucky enough to get two available spaces for my two children who have enjoyed it very much so far. Friendly staff, lots of feedback provided, outdoor activities and fair prices.
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Review from Bethany R (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Acorn is a fantastic nursery; both of my children (5 and 2) have loved being here. They have so much freedom to explore both inside and outside, and every day they have so much to tell us about what they got up to. I feel so confident that my children are in the best hands here.
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Review from J E (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my children have gone to Oaks since 11 months old, and I couldn’t have been happier with their experiences. They always keep me updated at the end of the day. It was only when my eldest started school that I realised how invaluable this was. They update the app regularly so you know how much
your child is eating/sleeping, etc. I know they put a lot of thought into creating a balanced menu. They have supported me through potty training both children and when they are in their final year, they have supported them with writing and doing weekly visits to forest school as well as visiting a care home. Lots of outdoor time. I always get the impression that the staff care so much for the children, and as we near the end of our nursery after more than five years, I am very happy with the choice of nursery we made, and we have recommended it to friends.
The manager is excellent and keeps all in order, and my eldest still talks of how much she misses some of the staff there nearly two years on.
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Review from A G (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been to Acorn Kents Hill for over one and a half years. I’d like to say this nursery gave him so many experience, learning, and activity. All the carers are so kind and helpful. Always “welcome” atmosphere.
On the first day, I was nervous if my son was ok in there. But when I picked him
up, he was smiling and all the carers (even not in his class) called his name with a smile. I have an older son, and he was in a different nursery, therefore, I understand it’s not a usual thing. Each carer looks after all children with a kind heart.
Acorn Kents Hill, all class has access to the garden all the time. My son enjoys all seasons and all weather in the garden. Also, the preschool class goes to Forest School every Thursday. I can imagine it would be so much effort to take small children there even though there are several carers. My son talked to me about how the Forest School is fun.
All carers are always active and energetic. And the manager is a super, excellent person. I can’t express how much we appreciate it.
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Review from Abigail B (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Acorn at Kent’s Hill is a wonderful nursery- my eldest child attended from 10 months and finished only the week before he started school. My middle child is currently at the nursery and my youngest will be joining in July. The nursery is fantastic and the staff are kind, caring, encouraging, fun, and
engaging- they have endless fun activities to explore and learn from, delicious food and there’s always a cuddle when needed. I highly recommend this nursery to anyone- they take away the stress of having to leave your babies in someone else’s care! The Family app keeps you up to date with how your kids are getting on and the staff gives you a detailed run down of how they’ve gotten on at the end of the day. My children have loved their time there and continue to do so now.
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Review from Janine C (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Acorn Nursery at Kents Hill is such an amazing nursery! The staff are always so lovely, helpful, and always have time for you. Constant updates on the app of eating, trips out, playing, and developmental updates. I love that the outside space is so good, both my sons love being outside, so that's very
important for what I was looking for in a nursery. My first son went there and I honestly believe the season his doing so well in school is down to Acorn Nursery. I don't think it's a coincidence that the first 2 children to receive their achievement pin (badge) at his school, were the only 2 from this Nursery. My 2nd son now goes and I couldn't be happier with his development. He's always so happy to go and obviously enjoys his time there. His appointed person is amazing, he has really bonded with her and she spends so much time with him. Management are always so helpful with any questions or help I need. Just an all-around amazing nursery. 10/10!
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Review from M P (Mother of Child) published on 23 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son enrolled this nursery when he was 13 months old. Now he is two and a half years old and he is still thriving. It is an amazing environment for the little ones, with lots of creative play and outside time enjoying nature and surrounding areas. They do weekly activities such as going to the park/forest.
They have received visits from the firefighters and the police officers which the kids absolutely loved!
I am extremely happy with my little one attending this nursery. Absolutely recommend it!
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Review from Dhushanthini A (Mother of Child) published on 23 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child loves to go to the nursery. She loves all the different activities they do in the nursery. Every day they tend to vary and kids enjoy them a lot. They share photos, and videos every day and keep us updated. She loves the food they serve and all the outdoor park and library visits they take
them on.
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Review from Debbie E (Grandmother of Child) published on 23 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery has been amazing for the first grandchild and now the second. The updates and photos are always full of the children having fun with smiles on their faces.
They do many activities both in and out of the nursery.
The social skills learnt in all aspects of life are invaluable and for
working parents, it’s great that the values you install translate into their home life.
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Review from Johan O (Father of Child) published on 23 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I couldn’t be more pleased with a nursery that has everything that my child needs, the food is healthy, the staff is well trained and super welcoming and friendly. All and above all my daughter is learning new things. I am blessed by Acorn. Thank you to the manager and all employees to seed such a wonderful
time in our children’s lives.
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Review from Pamela P (Mother of Child) published on 31 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Acorn Day Nursery at Kents Hill for nearly a year now.
We are extremely happy with everything.
The staff are absolutely fabulous, they are caring but equally teach the children independence and important life skills.
They do lots of different activities, and forest
school each week is a lovely way to explore surroundings.
They do visits to a local library, care home or shops which is fantastic learning for kids.
Communication with staff is amazing, they always give us feedback on how her day has been and what they have been doing.
I'm so grateful we moved our daughter to this nursery and will be very sad when she leaves.
I cannot thank all staff and the manager enough for all their efforts in looking after and teaching our daughter.
Her vocabulary and overall development has flourished so beautifully over the last year!
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Review from Marina M (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very satisfied with the staff. My child goes to kindergarten with great pleasure. The staff is very attentive to my child. I like it that children spend many hours outdoors and the child develops well. My child has begun to talk more. Thanks to all the staff for their care and concern.
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Review from S H (Mother of Child) published on 29 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my children have attended Acorns (my daughter will be leaving to start school in September), and I have nothing but positive things to say. The children really do become attached to the staff because they make such an effort to bond and build relationships with those in their care. The staff are
very welcoming and friendly and make such a difference in the children's learning and development. I would have no hesitation in recommending this nursery to others looking for a nurturing environment for their child/ren to attend.
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Review from Alex H (Mother of Child) published on 29 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is the second nursery for our little one (23m), and both my older children attended nursery too (though not this one, as that was years ago!), so I know a few things about what I think makes a good nursery.
I love Acorns Kent’s Hill, and so does my little one. It is an inclusive nursery, which
has accommodated his vegan diet and his allergies. He gets the most delicious food homemade by the chef, which honestly makes me a little envious and hungry when seeing what he has eaten.
He loves the nursery and the activities - lots of emphasis on outdoor play and developing their skills. They also include parents at special stay and play events. The staff are wonderful - so caring and really make an effort to understand what makes my child likes/dislikes and personalises (as much as they can) their activities to help them develop.
Lastly, they have a great reporting feature, which keeps me updated on my child’s activities throughout the day.
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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.963)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.963) out of 10 for Acorn Day Nursery (Kents Hill) is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 36 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 36 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.963 for Acorn Day Nursery (Kents Hill) is calculated as follows: ( (416 Excellents x 5) + (12 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 430 Ratings = 4.963
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Acorn Day Nursery (Kents Hill) is based on 36 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 60 number of registered child places is 12, which has been reached with 36 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (14)

Meet the Team (3)

Elena

Elena Martuccio

Job Title: Senior Nursery Manager Joined: 2011

Elena worked in the Early Years sector for many years and has been part of the Acorn team since 2011.


During her time at Acorn, she completed her Foundation Degree in her Early Years and progressed from Deputy Manager to Senior Manager. She is passionate about creating a nursery environment which allows all families, children and staff members to feel happy and welcome on a daily basis.


As a Senior Manager, Elena strives to share her knowledge with other practitioners, supporting them to achieve and reach their personal goals and qualifications.


She is also Kents Hill's Designated Safeguarding Lead, so if you ever have any concerns or would like to chat about anything safeguarding-related, please visit or call the nursery and ask to speak to Elena directly - alternatively, the setting can provide a direct email address for her.

Sophie

Sophie Rodwell

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2007

Sophie - Deputy Manager has worked in Early Years for many years and joined Acorn in 2007. She is qualified to level 6 and has an Early Years Degree and Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS). Sophie enjoys being outdoors and has completed her Forest School training.

Julie

Julie

Job Title: Senior Administrator Joined: 2016

Julie - Senior Administrator

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Acorn Day Nursery (Kents Hill) to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Acorn Day Nursery (Kents Hill) has an Enhanced Service - more info.