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Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA
Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear) Logo
Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear) logo
Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear), Milton Keynes
Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear), Milton Keynes
Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear), Milton Keynes

Acorn at Mulberry Bear is a 62 place day nursery, located in the Open University Campus in Milton Keynes. Which offers full and part-time care for children aged four months to four years, and is open 7:30am until 6.00pm, Monday to Friday, all year round.

Staff at the setting are committed to providing high quality childcare and education for all its children through play in an enriched environment.

Each group has its...  

Funding & Fees

Full time place starting from £1,530
Full day from £78.50
Morning session from £46.50

Afternoon session from £42.50

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.

Contact Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear) to get a personalised quote:

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery

Opening Schedule

Open all year

Full days available

Yes

Half day sessions offered

Yes

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Ravenne Richards-Holness (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 11

Registered Charity Number

  • 1145108

Total Places for Children

  • 52

Age Range

  • from 0 years 4 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Meals Provided

No

Consumables provided

No

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 are dedicated parking bays for dropping off and collecting children at the nursery.

Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear) Reviews (44)

9.9

Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear) has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.885) out of 10, based on 18 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear) has 44 reviews.

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Review from S A (Mother of Child) published on 23 April 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

We enrolled our child at Acorn Mulberry Bear after a period of significant change in her life. She had been at her previous nursery since she was 13 months old, and we moved from London to Milton Keynes 3 months before her third birthday. We also briefly tried another nursery after the move, but unfortunately she didn't settle at all, so we made the decision to withdraw her.

Naturally, I felt very apprehensive about starting somewhere new again. However, from the moment I visited Acorn Mulberry Bear, I loved everything about it and felt reassured by the warm and welcoming environment.

Although there have understandably been some tears at drop-off, my child is genuinely happy and settled and her confidence is already growing in a short space of time.

Overall, I'm so pleased with our choice. The team have made a potentially difficult transition much smoother for both my child and me. Thank you to all of the wonderful staff especially Abbie, Sharon & Vicky.

Reply from Ravenne Richards-Holness, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you for your lovely feedback, we are happy to have your child here with us at Acorn Mulberry Bear.

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Review from L H (Mother of Child) published on 25 March 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
I was very anxious about putting my child into nursery at first, but I am so glad I did. The staff have been incredibly understanding and supportive, helping ease my worries from the start. They took the time to listen and ensure both my child and I felt comfortable and secure.
My child has additional needs, and I truly appreciate how the team make thoughtful adjustments to support him. They are caring, flexible, and ensure he is included while getting the help he needs. It is clear his wellbeing and development are a priority.
The environment is nurturing, stimulating, and full of engaging activities, especially the messy play he enjoys. Communication is excellent, and I always feel informed and supported. Special Thank you to Megan she is a credit to the nursery, and I am incredibly thankful for the support she has given both my child and me as his mother.

Overall, I could not be happier with the nursery. It has exceeded my expectations. I would definitely recommend this nursery.

Reply from Ravenne Richards-Holness, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you for this lovely feedback, we are happy to have you both as part of our Mulberry Bear family.

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Review from L J (Mother of Child) published on 25 March 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

This nursery is fun and engaging for children. There are plenty of opportunities for messy play every day, and staff are actively playing with the children from the beginning to the end of each day. Their large garden is brilliant for the kids to run about and explore, and includes a large slide which my daughter enjoys. The nursery encourages creativity and practical skills, and we enjoy taking home her baking and artwork.

Reply from Ravenne Richards-Holness, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thanks for choosing us here at Acorn Mulberry Bear.

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Review from J A (Mother of Child) published on 24 March 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Mulberry bear offers a home from home experience for children. Staff are always friendly, attentive and welcoming.
Every effort is made to make every day a fun learning experience. I really like how they try to spend as much time outdoors as possible, and only have wooden toys which give children the opportunity to use their imagination.
My daughter has grown so much in confidence since attending, she's always happy to go and doesn't want to leave!

I feel confident knowing when I'm at work she is in safe hands.

Reply from Ravenne Richards-Holness, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you for choosing us here at Acorn Mulberry Bear.

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Review from Dana S (Mother of Child) published on 24 March 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

No words can even begin to describe just how incredible the staff are at mulberry, my child started in January and has transitioned so well. He has taken so well to all the staff, which are so knowledgeable, professional, patient and super caring. Like any parent I was nervous and anxious about leaving my little boy, when returning back to work. But Ravenne and the team have given me every confidence that my little boy is being looked after in every possible way. I cannot recommend this nursery enough, thank you for all that you do !!!

Reply from Ravenne Richards-Holness, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you so much for trusting us with your child, we are happy to have you both as part of our Mulberry Bear Family.

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Review from K L (Mother of Child) published on 2 December 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

We have been very pleased with the nursery and our son has flourished since starting. It was really daunting leaving him for the first time but the staff showed so much care and consideration for our son and he settled in quickly. The nursery do a lot of messy play and different activities and we are regularly kept up to date on his day. We also like that the class size isn't too big so the staff know our son very well and he absolutely loves his key worker. I would recommend the nursery to other parents.

Reply from Ravenne Richards-Holness, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you for trusting us with your son here at Acorn Mulberry.

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Review from Megha S (Mother of Child) published on 2 December 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My daughter joined Mulberry Bear at the age of 11 months in January. She was very unsettled initially and now she absolutely loves going to nursery and adores all the staff. We are so grateful to the team for the efforts they put in settling her and providing her a safe and comfortable environment.
The nursery offers many outdoor activities, tours in the greens, messy plays, music and lots of reading. My daughter has learnt and grown so much since joining the nursery.

The food they provide meets the nutritional needs and they never miss to offer the kids extra if the ask for it.

Thank you to the wonderful team for all their efforts!! Can't recommend this place enough..

Reply from Ravenne Richards-Holness, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you so much for trusting us here at Acorn Mulberry Bear.

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Review from Tracy M (Mother of Child) published on 11 November 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I'm so grateful for this nursery and all the lovely staff! From day one, they've been amazing with communication and always make sure I know how my kids are doing. My children absolutely love going - they've grown in confidence, learned so much, and come home happy every time It's such a warm, caring environment where I truly feel they're loved and supported. I couldn't ask for a better place for them to learn and grow. Thank you for everything you do!

Reply from Ravenne Richards-Holness, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you for your lovely feedback and for trusting Acorn at Mulberry Bear with your children.

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Review from K P (Father of Child) published on 11 November 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Our daughter joined the nursery in April and the nursery onboarding process was seamless. The staff and facilities are wonderful and we're extremely please with the overall development that we've observed in our daughter! Very pleased to have found Acorn Nursery.

Reply from Ravenne Richards-Holness, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you for your lovely feedback and for choosing Acorn Mulberry Bear.

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Review from C G (Mother of Child) published on 11 November 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My child has had a great time since starting at the nursery the staff are so attentive to him and have made every effort to support him in his learning and making everyday as fun as possible. Also the messy play that is made for them is like a work of art

Reply from Ravenne Richards-Holness, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you for your feedback and for trusting Acorn at Mulberry Bear.

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Review from L P (Mother of Child) published on 10 November 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My daughter absolutely loves all the staff who work here, they make her feel comfortable and safe and I know she is in very good hands. The nursery offers so many activities for them to do daily and also so many outside activities including walks. The food provided is always healthy and I couldn't fault this nursery. So glad I chose this nursery!

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Review from Hollie P (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Since putting my son in Mulberry Bear, he has flourished and I have noticed such a confidence in him. He started at 8 months old and whilst I was so worried about him being so young, they really have helped him with his learning and development amazingly. He has bonded with all the workers and I am very thankful to have some a wonderful team of people raising my son with me.

Reply from Ravenne Richards-Holness, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you for choosing Acorn at Mulberry Bear, it's a pleasure having your son within our nursery.

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Review from B D (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Very happy with my son's progression since being at Mulberry Bear - he has come on in all aspects including learning and social. His learning is tailored to his pace and personality. He loves all the staff and is excited to go to nursery everyday!

Reply from Ravenne Richards-Holness, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thanks for choosing us at Mulberry Bear, we will continue to provide a safe and nurturing environment for your child.

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Review from Hannah C (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My daughter has been at Mulberry Bear for about 10 months now, and in that time I have seen her build brilliant relationships with the team, especially her key person, who has been absolutely brilliant in both making me feel at ease knowing that she is loved and cared for at nursery as well as supporting her with the development she is absolutely thriving at Acorn and always has a smile when I drop her off - which as a parent is so reassuring knowing that she is happy and settled. Recently, we started the transition to the next group and the team explained how they will do the settling-in sessions to make sure the move was at the right time for the child. I again found this both helpful and reassuring as I was concerned whether she was ready, but so far, she has been loving it.

They do lots of different activities, lots of messy play and cooking, also lots of music which she loves.

Reply from Ravenne Richards-Holness, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you for leaving this lovely review, we are happy to have your daughter within our care.

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Review from Celine F (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Both my boys are attending this nursery and they love it there and look forward to going. They never run out of creative things to do with the kids and keep me posted on progress daily face to face but also on the app often. Staff are amazing and polite, greet the children every day and make them feel comfortable. Always happy to answer questions and communicate.

Reply from Ravenne Richards-Holness, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you for choosing Acorn Mulberry Bear, we are more than happy to have your boys.

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Review from L R (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
We are really happy with Mulberry Bear. After settling in our little one seems really happy there and loves all the staff.
The updates on the app are brilliant and the staff are always happy to chat and give an update at the end of the day. We love that there is lots of time spent outdoors (when possible) or engaging in fun, messy activities! The menu always sounds really good, with varied and healthy options and our child's dietary requirements are catered for. The staff seem keen to support our child's development and have provided useful progress updates through the app.

Even though I've changed jobs and the nursery is further away than some other options, our little one seems to be getting on so well there we don't want to move him. I'd definitely highly recommend Acorn and Mulberry Bear to anyone looking for childcare options.

Reply from Ravenne Richards-Holness, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you so much for choosing Acorn Mulberry Bear. We will continue to do our best to provide a secure, happy and stimulating environment for each child within our care.

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Review from Gemma M (Mother of Child) published on 9 September 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I cannot recommend this nursery enough! I was so anxious about sending my 7-month-old to nursery but honestly, all that worry was so unwarranted. My son loves his days at nursery and gets so excited when I tell him that he's going to see his key person. This in itself makes it much easier to drop him off in the mornings, knowing that he loves it, is in a good place and with great people caring for him. The updates on the app around meals and activities are amazing. I always get sent lovely pictures of my son with his friends, getting up to all sorts of fun stuff. The staff are so nice and my baby eats better than I do when he's at nursery! His progress and development in just a few months have come on so much, being at this nursery is really so good for him.

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Review from R B (Mother of Child) published on 8 August 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

After visiting Acorn at Mulberry Bear we knew we wanted to send our daughter there. Such a lovely atmosphere at the nursery: the setting is amazing, with an incredible garden, and the children can explore so much. Our daughter has been attending the nursery for 2 years and the progress she has made there is incredible. The staff are warm and friendly and make a great effort to get to know our family. She is excited to arrive and see her friends. She tells us all the activities and fun he has had throughout the day. They also provided extra activities classes like Forest School which was provided at no additional cost. We are also very thankful for their support with potty training. Our daughter will soon start school and the staff have been excellent at preparing her for this big change. As such we would highly recommend Acorn at Mulberry Bear for all the reasons above and more.

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Review from Roxana M (Mother of Child) published on 4 March 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Wonderful nursery!
My son has been going to the nursery for almost a year and he has learned so much.
He loves going there to play with his friends and the staff.

The staff are really good and care about the kids.

Reply from Sharon Rigby, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you for leaving a review of the nursery. It is our pleasure to watch all of the children develop whilst attending our nursery.

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Review from Kelly K (Mother of Child) published on 1 March 2024 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I cannot recommend Acorn Nursery highly enough. Since starting in September, our little girl has progressed immensely and it is clear to see how much she enjoys her days at nursery. Thank you all so much.

Reply from Sharon Rigby, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you for your review. It is our privilege looking after your child.

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Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

News (0) & Events (0)

News

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Upcoming Events

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Awards / Recognitions (13)

  • Recipient: Acorn Early YearsDate: Tuesday 31 Mar 2026
  • Recipient: Acorn Early YearsDate: Monday 31 Mar 2025
  • Recipient: Acorn Early YearsDate: Monday 15 Apr 2024

Meet the Team (3)

Ravenne Richards-Holness Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2024
Ravenne Richards-Holness

I have been working in Early Years for over 25 years. I am passionate about ensuring that children have the best possible outcomes in life. To achieve this, I focus on supporting and mentoring my team, helping them to become the best practitioners they can be, so they can positively impact the children within our care.

Megan Ward Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2026
Megan Ward

Megan has been at Mulberry Bear since qualifying in 2020, having spent time there during her work experience placement in college. From a young age, she has known that working with children is her true passion. Megan loves sharing her knowledge and experiences with the team and is excited to contribute to the growth and development of the children in her care.

Katharine Seaton Job Title: Office Manager Joined: 2014
Katharine Seaton

Hospitality Management degree

I joined Mulberry Bear in 2014. Both my children attended the nursery prior to my joining as Office Manager. My role in the nursery is varied among other tasks I help the manager with booking children into the nursery, showing prospective parents around and monthly invoicing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

What is the Age Range of Children that Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear) accepts?

Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear) accepts Children aged from 0 years 4 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear) Open?

Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear) is open: 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.

How many Children does Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear) have capacity for?

Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear) has capacity for a total of 52 Children.

How far is Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear) to the centre of Milton Keynes?

1.8 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

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