Children 1st Acorns Nursery School

Draycott Road, Upper Tean, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 4JJ
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10 129 Reviews
  • Children 1st Acorns Nursery School, Stoke-on-Trent
Children 1st Acorns Nursery School is rated 'Outstanding in All Areas' by Ofsted (November 2019) and is situated within picturesque countryside and is easily accessible from the A50. The nursery has been refurbished to offer spacious, age-appropriate rooms for babies, toddlers and pre-school children. The outside space has been transformed to provide a range of outdoor learning environments for children to enjoy.

A friendly and enthusiastic team of staff are fully trained and experienced to provide a rich and stimulating learning environment for the children to learn, explore and play in. The ratio of staff to children is high to ensure each child receives the maximum level of support and care.

The nursery features a large garden designed to maximise the potential for outdoor play in all weather conditions, with carefully chosen, age-specific equipment. The staff encourage the children to choose their own activities both indoors and outdoors to support independent learning.

The nursery operates an open door policy and welcomes parents to share information about their child on a daily basis.

An 'out of school' care facility is also available for children aged between five and twelve years. Funded places are available for eligible 2, 3 and 4-year-olds.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Dawn McCusker (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 34

Total Places for Children

  • 140

Age Range

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

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 & Christmas

Children 1st Acorns Nursery School Reviews (129)

10

Children 1st Acorns Nursery School has a Review Score of 10 (9.960) out of 10, based on 31 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Children 1st Acorns Nursery School has 129 reviews.

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Total of 129, showing 21-40
Review from Amelia A (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy has very recently joined Children 1st Nursery and I have nothing but positive things to say!
Every day we have such a beautiful welcome, it feels like a home from home. The nursery is so clean and bright.
Greeted with smiles and such warmth.
Like any parent, the worry of the big milestone
of starting nursery was overwhelming, but seeing my little boy put his arms out to his nursery workers at each drop-off fills me with such comfort. To know that after just 2 half sessions he had felt so at ease and happy to be there is the best feeling. He has bought home pictures he has made and every day we have had such great communication about his day.
We are only one month into our nursery journey but already so happy that we chose here to be a part of our lives and it is the place to watch our child grow.
Thank you!
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Review from Nicola J (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Acorns Nursery is without doubt one of the best there is. The facilities, the staff and the setting are just some of the reasons why my children have been going there for years. No query or comment is ignored, and they always have the safety of your children at the forefront of their minds. I would
highly recommend this nursery to anyone who would listen.
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Review from N B (Father of Child) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From our first induction 2 years ago, we were met with professionalism and a clear child-centred approach, which was evident in the environment and in the interactions observed between staff and children. Since then, my child has received a high level of care and genuine support in all areas. She responds
positively to all staff and is always excited to go to nursery. The communication between staff and parents is excellent and we feel part of the family. Thank you to all the staff.
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Review from Louise H (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I’ve been using this nursery for 10 years so far - all four of my children have come to Children 1st and loved it! My youngest started at 7 months and I didn’t hesitate to send him at a young age as I knew that he would be happy and well cared for there. It has lovely staff, great resources and plenty
of amazing outdoor space. The children build great friendships (my two eldest are still best friends with children they met at nursery, despite my son going to a different school than his best friend). I would definitely recommend this nursery.
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Review from Mollie S (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been going to Children 1st since she was 11 months old! She absolutely adores the staff, she’s always so happy to go and to be handed over to staff with no issues. I would highly recommend this nursery to anyone and have done it to many friends and family. It’s wonderful to watch my
daughter grow and learn so much from her interactions with other children and staff at this nursery.
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Review from Lisa B (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have three girls (a 6-year-old and 3-year-old twins) and all of them have gone to Children 1st - it is simply the best setting we could have hoped for.
Our girls have always been happy here and our eldest also attends the after-school wraparound a few times a month, which is also excellent.
The
staff are very caring and take an interest in each child as an individual - this has become even more apparent with our twins who are so very different and are supported/looked after in ways to suit them as a person, rather than as a pair of twins.
The nursery is clean, but not clinical, and the food is always varied and nutritious.
The best part about Children 1st is the outdoor space for all ages, and the barn which is accessed by the early years children; it has a real forest school style and our girls have learnt so much about nature, growing vegetables and the environment here.
We simply love it and will be sad when our children no longer attend here - we couldn’t recommend it more!
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Review from Charlotte C (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot recommend this nursery enough! The staff are excellent and make you feel comfortable during the difficult period of adjusting your child to nursery. The facilities and activities they do with the children are great and I can definitely see the difference in my daughter since starting as she
is more confident and being encouraged to try new things all the time. The staff are so supportive to parents and have always been helpful whenever we have needed advice or support, they have always offered us time to talk and a cup of tea and offered tips and encouragement when we’ve felt a bit out of our depth. Our little girl loves the staff there and they’re so good with the children, it feels like they really care about the children. We couldn’t be happier.
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Review from Alisha G (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy is always excited to attend nursery and his key worker is fab alongside all other staff members! He is always happy returning from nursery too which is nice. Nothing has ever been too much trouble and we have already recommended the nursery to two other families whose children now attend!
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Review from Ellie M (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy has been attending Children 1st for a little over 2 years since he was 5 months old; I cannot think of anything negative to say about the care he has received, the facilities, the service or the wonderful people that work there. My little boy loves going.
The team genuinely care about
the children and are invested in their wellbeing and development. They do great activities every day and the outside space is brilliant.
I feel like the team really support our parenting decisions and have been such a help with the major challenges, like weaning, learning to walk and talk, etc.
I can’t wait for my little girl to start in September.
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Review from A M (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended Children 1st Acorns from being 9 months old and throughout this time, I cannot speak highly enough of our experience here. The staff are so attentive and knowledgeable about each and every child, and they go above and beyond every day. A huge thank you to all the staff at Children
1st!
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Review from V S (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Children 1st Acorns is a fantastic nursery! My two children attend, one in the nursery and one the before and after school club. They both absolutely love it there, they have so much fun. All of the staff are incredible and they are like a second family to us. Thank you all so much!
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Review from S T (Mother of Child) published on 28 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending nursery since he was 9 months old. It has been an absolute pleasure sending him here, the staff are so friendly and helpful. My son loves going and has developed so much in the last year. I could not have chosen a better nursery.
Reply from David Hancock, Chief Executive at Children 1st Acorns Nursery School
Thank you for taking the time to share this lovely review. I’m so pleased to hear how well your little one has progressed since attending our Acorns setting. Again, thank you.
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Review from Lisa C (Mother of Child) published on 27 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have had both of my children at Children 1st Acorns nursery at different times during the last 7 years. I can honestly say that both children thoroughly enjoyed their time at Acorns, almost being disappointed when it was ‘Mummys day’ because it meant they wouldn’t be doing woodwork, splashing around
outside, feeding the animals or playing with their friends that day.
This childcare setting is a true home from home environment and I am confident every day that my child is there, that they are being looked after, nurtured and loved. I would not send my children anywhere else and I am genuinely sad that come September we won’t be turning down the Acorns drive, and greeting all of the staff who not only know my child’s name, but his parents, his entire family and even his dogs name, where he’s recently been on holiday and his likes and dislikes. The staff at Acorns are an absolute credit to the childcare business and we will forever have fond memories of ‘nursery’.
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Review from Sarah H (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All three of my children have attended this nursery and I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone. The facilities are fantastic and staff are lovely. It's expensive but you get what you pay for. Most importantly, their "open door" policy, for parents, gives me the confidence that my children and being
cared for to a high standard.
Reply from David Hancock, Chief Executive at Children 1st Acorns Nursery School
Thank you, Sarah, for taking the time to share this lovely review regarding Children 1st @ Acorns. It’s amazing to know that the policies we have in place leave you confident in the care we provide. I…read more
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Review from R P (Father of Child) published on 6 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have always found all staff to be friendly and helpful whenever they can.
Our child loves going to nursery and settled in well in both age groups he’s been in so far.
Observation photos and updates on the website have become less frequent over recent months, these were always good to see but less
posted since he’s moved up to the older group.
Overall, a great nursery. Keep up the good work and thank you!
Reply from David Hancock, Chief Executive at Children 1st Acorns Nursery School
Thank you for your very positive feedback, my colleagues at the Acorns nursery will be super happy to know your son enjoyed his time with us.
Sorry we didn’t meet your expectations on photos and…read more
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Review from Jessica D (Mother of Child) published on 4 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very friendly staff who do a great job with getting to know each individual child. The staff and the activities they carry out each day really help my child develop and have a fun day. The facilities are amazing, especially the outdoor space.
Reply from David Hancock, Chief Executive at Children 1st Acorns Nursery School
Dear Jessica, I'm so glad to hear about your son's Children 1st journey! Thank you for taking the time to share these lovely comments.
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Review from S J (Mother of Child) published on 13 June 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All staff are very friendly and helpful, we feel very comfortable sending our child to nursery.
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Review from K A (Mother of Child) published on 8 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I think it is a great nursery! So much space and many activities for the children. My daughter really enjoys all the staff and enjoys the outdoor space! They are very kind and polite and show understanding and give advice when needed as my daughter has an intolerance to milk.
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Review from Kelly M (Mother of Child) published on 29 May 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A fantastic nursery, from start to finish. Both our children have absolutely loved coming to Children 1st @ Acorns Upper Tean. Our little girl, who is currently in the early years room, skips into nursery with a smile on her face and can't wait to tell us about all the fun things she has done that day.
Professional and friendly staff, great surroundings. Can't think of anywhere else to send my child.
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Review from Michelle L (Mother of Child) published on 26 May 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my daughters have attended this setting and when they are not there they want to know when they can next go. That is a credit to the staff with their smiles on their faces every day and welcoming the children positively. One of my daughters role plays nursery every day at home and it's lovely
to see her reading to her friends and singing all the time. The outside area/barn is amazing and what they offer isn't matching anywhere else, outstanding setting.
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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.960)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.960) out of 10 for Children 1st Acorns Nursery School 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 31 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 31 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 4.960 for Children 1st Acorns Nursery School is calculated as follows: ( (356 Excellents x 5) + (15 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 371 Ratings = 4.96
  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 Children 1st Acorns Nursery School is based on 31 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 140 number of registered child places is 28, which has been reached with 31 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

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Awards / Recognitions (6)

Meet the Team (1)

Dawn

Dawn McCusker

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2006

Let me introduce myself, I am Dawn McCusker, Nursery Manager at Children 1st @ Upper Tean, Acorns. I started my career way back in 1993 after gaining my NNEB qualification at Stoke on Trent College. Over the years, I have gained a great deal of experience working within the Early Years sector. I also hold a NVQ Level 4 in Nursery Management and have successfully held my position as Nursery Manager since 2006.


Together, Children 1st and myself have a clear vision for the future in raising the standards for all children. I have high expectations in driving the Children 1st ethos forward, ‘Leading the way, shaping the future’ and our dedicated team are embracing the fantastic new journey that lies ahead. Here at Children 1st @ Upper Tean Acorn’s we have built good relationships with parents and the local community, where our friendly yet professional approach has always achieved success.


I consider that every child is important and that they should all receive the very best care and education available – providing fun and engaging activities for learning through play. I believe that I have the drive and vision to contribute to making a difference in this wonderful Early Years setting, providing the highest quality care, so children can reach their full potential. I feel that the dedicated, hardworking, team ethos at Children 1st would provide the perfect setting for your little one(s).

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