The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane)

59 Denmans Lane, Lindfield, Haywards Heath RH16 2JN
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9.9 102 Reviews
  • The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane), Haywards Heath
The Acorns Nursery and Forest School is dedicated to quality childcare and early years education, rated highly with regulators and combining a 'forward-thinking' vision with traditional values.

A well-equipped interior, with numerous play and learning activities made possible, is complemented by an emphasis on outdoor play and a curriculum that incorporates forest school adventures.

The aim of the service to help children achieve their early years potential before a smooth transition into infant school and beyond.
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Type of Service

  • Nursery School
  • Open term time
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Christina Franks (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 6

Total Places for Children

  • 21

Age Range

  • from 2 years 0 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00

When Closed

  • School Holidays (open for 4 weeks holiday playscheme in the summer)

The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) Reviews (102)

9.9

The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.941) out of 10, based on 17 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) has 102 reviews.

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Total of 102, showing 21-40
Review from Laura S (Mother of Child) published on 28 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter loves her Fridays at The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School, Lindfield and always comes back home with tales of different countries she's been learning about or something she's made. The teachers are all wonderful and we trust them completely. It's a lovely homely, familiar environment
for children her age to thrive in.
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Review from Tom T (Father of Child) published on 28 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both our daughters have attended the Acorns and have had an amazing time. It’s a great setting, in a home with a lovely garden with a pirate ship to play on and daily home-cooked meals. The staff are fantastic and since Christmas, there has been a different country as a theme each week. My youngest
has learned so much. They have a great reading scheme, giving them a head start for starting school, and there’s a real focus in the last term before school on building up their independence so they are ready to look after themselves when they go to school. I would not hesitate in recommending the Acorns to anyone looking for a great term-time preschool.
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Review from Andrea S (Father of Child) published on 28 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been attending Acorns in Lindfield for the past 2.5 years. We deferred his entry to school, and we are so happy we took this decision. He has built beautiful friendships with the children and very good relationships with the staff. We are sincerely grateful for the lovely atmosphere that
the Acorns staff was able to create, and for the care and kindness they show every day to our child. At Acorns the wellness of the children is the top priority, and that's not just in terms of getting them safely through the week, but in developing them as little persons with a voice and personality of their own, able to love the world and all that life has to offer, resilient to the challenges of life. From climbing to reading, from playing outdoor to discovering different countries and cultures, from sharing with other children to voice his thoughts and express ideas: we are so happy that every aspect of our child's development was nurtured, through experience and one-to-one attention.
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Review from Gerrard M (Father of Child) published on 28 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Simply lovely. Perfect blend of friendly but efficient staff, a great programme and location. My daughter had previously attended a larger nursery in the area but we feel so lucky to have found The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School, Lindfield.
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Review from G T (Mother of Child) published on 28 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has thrived in Acorns. We had moved countries and everything was very new for her (and us!) but the fantastic staff ensured she settled well. She has been there for 2 years now and we are so happy with everything - fresh food prepared inside the nursery kitchen every day, well-thought-out
activities, a fabulous garden space, and caring teachers. They keep sharing regular communication, pictures, blogs, and stories with the parent community.
There are children from various parts of the world in the nursery - in the latest term, every week was dedicated to one country where children learned about that country, ate their cuisine throughout the week, heard stories from our parents, did a wide variety of activities that included going on a safari in the Kenya week or celebrating Iranian new year, trying Australian snacks/goodies that were shipped by a child’s aunt. We appreciate the thought they put into planning and also executing their term activities which are enjoyed by everyone.
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Review from Laura T (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We moved into the area late last year and our biggest worry was finding a nursery that our son would love as much as the nursery he was leaving. When we viewed The Acorns we knew he’d love it and we haven’t been disappointed. The staff are lovely, the facilities are great and we know they are setting
him up well ahead of him starting school in September. We’ll be sad to leave.
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Review from Sara S (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It is really an amazing nursery! It gives you everything you can dream of, caring and friendly teachers, a cosy and super clean environment, lots of activities and an amazing garden to explore, with a muddy kitchen and pirate ship. My son is very excited to go every morning, he can’t stop talking about
it and he learns so much every single day. I can’t recommend it enough!
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Review from E P (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have nothing but the highest praise for this nursery. The teachers and setting are both brilliant. My daughter has learned so much and loves going. The last term they have been focussing on a different country every week and their lunches have reflected the different countries' cuisine, this has been
great for opening up new avenues of interest in different food.
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Review from H O (Father of Child) published on 24 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been at The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School, Lindfield for two terms now and we could not be happier. She settled very quickly and was supported by the lovely team to make new friends. They very much work with the families and their learning journey is shared with us weekly on
the blogs and often topped up with emails and information from the owner. Plans are shared with us so we can best support our children at home in preparation for the week's learning. As a teacher myself it was very important our daughter had a range of activities and experiences in a nurturing but guided supportive way - Acorns has been ideal. Our daughter also has an egg allergy and I felt quite anxious but this was not a problem. We spoke a lot about her allergy with her key worker reassuring us and listening to our concerns but as the food is cooked fresh daily by the team leader this was not a problem. We can’t recommend Acorns highly enough and we’ve only been there for two terms, very much looking forward to the summer term!
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Review from Amy B (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our child has been attending for a term now and we are so impressed with the staff and activities at The Acorns. He settled in so quickly and is very happy there. The team show such care and attention for each child. We feel confident the progress he is making will equip him well to start school in
a few year's time.
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Review from Nicky M (Mother of Child) published on 23 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a fantastic nursery! The staff are really caring and helped our daughter to settle in. She’s always really happy to go. She particularly loves the garden with all the climbing equipment. I like all the activities including the blackberry picking and them helping to make jam. It’s a great learning
environment and she’s made lots of friends. We would definitely recommend it to others.
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Review from J M (Mother of Child) published on 23 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot praise the staff at The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School, Lindfield enough for the time, effort and nurturing they put into our children. Over two years of attendance with my son and it has been such a pleasure to see him run into nursery without a second glance every single time he goes.
Manners and kindness are taught daily, unlike some nurseries where children are left to just play. Definitely recommend The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School, Lindfield to anyone considering sending their child.
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Review from Dominique R (Mother of Child) published on 23 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We could not be happier with this nursery. It is a wonderful, supportive environment that has allowed our son to flourish, becoming confident and independent while constantly learning new things. We have loved the theme of the weeks, especially the last term focusing on different countries around the
world. There is a great focus on the outdoor play while inside they have the comfort of a home. Could not recommend it enough.
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Review from Matt C (Father of Child) published on 23 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Simply wonderful! Our daughter has received such love and care and has thrived at The Acorns in Lindfield and at Westmeston. All of the staff are truly dedicated and we have a lot of faith and trust in them.
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Review from Elizabeth C (Mother of Child) published on 8 April 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent nursery. My son loves baking, playing outside, finding bugs and nature. The staff are amazing, so kind and caring.
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Review from Rachel O (Mother of Child) published on 24 March 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son and daughter have both used The Acorns. My daughter loves going and always comes out with the biggest smile of her face. The staff are very caring and friendly in everything they do. The nursery provided a wide range of activities and is well structured throughout the day. I would definitely
recommend this nursery as I feel my daughter is getting the best socialising, learning and play a nursery has to offer.
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Review from Jamie K (Father of Child) published on 24 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our eldest (now 5) was in Acorns, and our youngest (3) is there now - having had them both at daycare places previously, we are overjoyed at the benefits of sending our children here. Both of them have hugely progressed under the loving care of the teachers, who have been incredible at looking after
and developing them. A nice, central location, the boys love playing in the garden on the huge pirate ship, having access to all the toys and books inside, and being well fed! They both run in and can't wait to play with their friends. Highly recommended.
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Review from Valerie K (Mother of Child) published on 27 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The manager is devoted to the learning and welfare of our children, and the teachers are incredible!


My little boy loves going and enjoys being outdoors. They’ve started walks and have great adventures. The learning is lovely, and the homely setting is very reassuring for the children while also

getting them ready for school.
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Review from Adam H (Father of Child) published on 26 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves going to the nursery. I have seen her development come on in leaps
and bounds. Her confidence and independence grow each day. She can’t stop talking about her teachers and the new friends she has made each day.
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Review from Marta C (Mother of Child) published on 26 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Acorns Nursery School in Lindfield is the best nursery school you could dream of. The teachers are fantastic, and my daughter absolutely loves to go - they have helped her so much to develop and express herself - her speech has dramatically improved.
Lovely environment.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.941)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.941) out of 10 for The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 17 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 17 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 4.941 for The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) is calculated as follows: ( (195 Excellents x 5) + (6 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 204 Ratings = 4.941
  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 The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) is based on 17 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 21 number of registered child places is 4.2, which has been reached with 17 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 (4)

Meet the Team (7)

Janet

Janet Irwin

Job Title: Headteacher and Founder Joined: 1985

Janet qualified as a teacher at Homerton College, Cambridge, studied psychology at London University and has been teaching, and offering support and advice to parents ever since. Janet opened The Acorns in 1985 and still enjoys a hands-on role. She was awarded her Early Years Professional Status and MA in education from Brighton University.


Janet has a TEFL Certificate, a qualification for teaching English as a foreign language. She also holds certificates for Paediatric First Aid and Food and Hygiene. She has recently gained a Level 3 qualification in Forest School Leadership.


Janet has a passion for teaching and also for languages. 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.

Christina

Christina Franks

Job Title: Lindfield Manager Joined: 2014

Christina Franks is in charge of our Lindfield nursery. She has a Higher National Certificate in Childcare and Early Years Education alongside an NNEB qualification. She also has a diploma in leadership and management.


Christina has a natural empathy with young children has worked at the Acorns for many years and continues to establish positive relationships with all our parents.

Sophie

Sophie Mundy

Job Title: Administrator Joined: 2022

Sophie joined our team in October 2022 to take over the role of Nursery Administrator.


She has worked in admin for many years and brings her skill set to update and simplify our systems. She currently works three days a week.


Sophie also spends time working alongside the children at Acorns 59.

Cristiane

Cristiane Robertson

Job Title: Early Years Practitioner Joined: 2023

Cristiane joined our team in November 2023.


Cristiane works in Acorns 59.


She is Brazilian and has a level 2 in childcare. She has a young son and is bilingual in English and Portuguese. She loves outdoor play and crafts.

Natalie

Natalie Drake

Job Title: Early Years Practitioner Joined: 2024

Natalie joined our team in February 2024.


Natalie works at Acorns 59.


She has a level 2 in childcare. She is an experienced practitioner who loves doing arts and crafts with the children.


Natalie plays an active role in planning activities for the children each week alongside Mrs Franks.

Gaye

Gaye Neve

Job Title: Early Years Practitioner Joined: 2023

Gaye joined us in 2023. She is a very experienced practitioner who has worked with children for over 30 years.


Mrs Neve works in both of our settings after retiring from her role as a teaching assistant in a local school. She offers supply cover.

Katy

Katy Danton

Job Title: Early Years Practitioner Joined: 2024

Katy joined our team in 2024. ? Katy has worked in both our settings but is currently working at Acorns 25


She is a level 3 practitioner with a wealth of knowledge.


?Katy enjoys spending time outside with the children.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) has an Enhanced Service - more info.