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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Reviewer Connection to The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane)
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Total of 102, showing 81-100
Review from Susie (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
At the end of this academic year, our youngest child will leave The Acorns. It will be a bittersweet day: Sad because 4 years as part of the Acorns family will draw to a close but happy because our youngest child will go out into the world a strong, confident, happy child ready for her "big school"
adventure. So much of her confidence and courage is down to her wonderful experience at The Acorns. The staff are kind, attentive, fun but above all just really get my children and our children realise this key fact which makes them very happy and secure. Both settings have done wonders for our children. Lindfield is cosy, creative, familiar and homely; Westmeston is exciting, free and a natural, beautiful setting perfect for adventures - they come back with mud on their wellies, colour on their cheeks and stories to share. I know I'm sentimental but our children have been so happy at the Acorns and we shall miss it very much.
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Review from Esther H (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended the Acorns since September. He has settled well and made friends. The staff are caring, experienced, and stimulating. They really do seem to go over & above. He is making pleasing progress but most importantly, he is happy. We couldn't be more pleased.
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Review from Dan F (Father of Child) published on 15 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are excellent, compassionate, caring and very creative in their activities and engagement. Every week is different. Two lovely settings. Our daughter is happy and challenged here. A great environment.
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Review from Claire S (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We adore The Acorns and so does our daughter. She has settled so well there and all the staff are extremely caring and kind to the children. The activities are well thought out and encourage learning through fun. I couldn't think of a better environment for small people to enter when leaving their mummies
and daddies for the first time.
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Review from Rebecca (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Acorns in Lindfield is a friendly, nurturing environment where parents are encouraged to work in partnership with the staff to help develop their child. The planning of session content is excellent, and one term in, my daughter is looking forward to her nursery days and settling well.
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Review from Gemma F (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My eldest daughter attended Acorns when we moved down from London. The transition to the nursery was seamless and she loved it the minute she arrived. My youngest currently attends and skips in every morning. Acorns is a magical and comforting place. The carers are all amazing and I feel totally at
ease when my daughter is in their care. I would recommend Acorns to anyone.
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Review from Helene G (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Acorns is a wonderful nursery where the children are encouraged to learn through play, make new friends and learn new skills. My son loves all the amazing staff and children. He has grown in confidence, learnt so many new things and especially loves the reading scheme. The Acorns is a warm and welcoming
nursery; a place where all the children are encouraged to grow as individuals, embrace creativity and imagination and are prepared for the start of school life.
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Review from Viktoriya W (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The Acorns Nursery School is very good for kids and I think best one in West Sussex! Good staff, great learning and outdoor playing and activities plus good care etc! I would recommend to all parents who want start nursery this year or after!
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Review from Alison M (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has settled into The Acorns Nursery School, Lindfield incredibly well and this is with thanks to the staff. The Acorns ladies are amazing, they genuinely care for the children and work extremely hard to ensure they have a fun learning experience every day. At the end of the day at nursery, he
is always so excited to tell me about what he has done. The daily activities are varied and exciting, some things are just not available at other nurseries e.g pottery and 'Special visitors'. I love the nursery's 'home setting' as the children feel secure and nurtured. The yummy food is freshly prepared in the kitchen every day and it's great that the children can see this happening. The garden is well set out and the children are encouraged to play outside whatever the weather which is great!
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend The Acorns to friends!
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Review from Charlotte C (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The atmosphere at Acorns nursery in so homely and friendly for the lucky children who attend the nursery. The manager and her team are clearly passionate about what they do and this is apparent in the varied learning and play activities on offer. The children always appear happy and engaged in what
they are doing. The outdoor garden is a huge bonus and an area where the children thrive. I would have no hesitation recommending this nursery!
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Review from Brad P (Father of Child) published on 6 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son joined Acorns Lindfield in September. He was one of the youngest in the group and the staff have helped him settle in and build his confidence. He looks forward to attending and is learning so much during his time here. He has also made lots of friends.
The nursery has a very warm and welcoming
environment and has certainly met all of our expectations. It is in a great setting and is like a home from home. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending the Nursery to others.
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Review from GL (Father of Child) published on 6 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Acorns Nursery in Lindfield provides an excellent start in lifelong learning for young children. The staff are exceptionally helpful and provide a friendly and warm environment for the children. There is always a wide range of activities planned for the children and they are also taught important
social skills to further their development. I would not hesitate to recommend the nursery to any parent.
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Review from Daniel O (Father of Child) published on 3 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Acorns provide a fantastic, nurturing environment in which the children are encouraged to grow and develop their own way, with a real focus on independence. There's a great focus on spending time outdoors and understanding nature which I feel is invaluable to all young children, helping them to make
their way in the world.
I am delighted that our son attends Acorns and I would recommend it to any parent.
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Review from Emily P (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a Fantastic nursery. It's just like a home from home.
My son has been at The Acorns since September and he has learnt so much already.
I know that the staff provide love and care as if the children were their own. Highly recommended.
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Review from Sam M (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Acorns Lindfield is an excellent nursery and our son has been there for 3 years. During this time he has thrived and become a very confident, sociable boy.
The staff work hard to prepare the children for school, whilst ensuring they spend their pre-school years having fun and exploring the world around
them.
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Review from Charlotte D (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter (aged 2.5) absolutely loves going to The Acorns. As she is still little we loved the idea of the home-from-home environment. The option to select the outdoorsy setting of Westmeston when she is bigger was also a big draw.
She talks about her school and her teachers (as she calls them)
constantly and has started to make her own friends who she seems genuinely fond of.
She is disappointed not to be going to The Acorns everyday. We have also really noticed a change in her behaviour (for the better - far fewer tantrums) since she has attended.
The staff are amazing - all highly professional and caring, with a real passion for learning and development.
It was The Acorns who told me she was perfectly capable of using an open cup when I had previously persisted with a closed beaker, they were right.
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Review from L H (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Acorns Nursery is wonderful. The staff are all so caring and knowledgeable about the children.
They do lots of fun and engaging activities which help them to learn and make friends. We're really lucky to have such a great nursery.
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Review from Sarah M (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Acorns is a wonderful educational nursery. Both of my two children have had a very happy and memorable time. The staff are all very warm and caring. The children get up to a wide range of activities and spend lots of time exploring the outdoors and go on outings in and around the setting.
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Review from Claire S (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been at The Acorns almost a year now and loves it. She is always very happy to go and settled in very quickly. All the teachers are such a comfort to her and have made her so happy to go.
She has developed so much since starting Acorns and I can't fault them. The setting is a lovely
home from home with a large range of stimulating activities including lots of outdoor play.
My husband and I have been very happy and would recommend this setting to anyone.
She starts school this year and Acorns have prepared her well for this transition.
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Review from Paul S (Father of Child) published on 22 March 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a great nursery, we have two children there and they love it. The staff are friendly, the children all seem happy and make lots of friends. They are great on the three R's and the children are learning lots at Acorns, highly recommended!
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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.