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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Review from Natalie H (Mother of Child) published on 21 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic day nursery, the room staff are all amazing, nothing is too much effort for them and they completely make you feel at ease leaving your child in their capable hands. I would highly recommend the nursery to anyone.
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Review from Nicola F (Mother of Child) published on 21 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Children 1st @ Acorns Upper Tean Day Nursery is a fabulous childcare setting with lovely staff and great outdoor facilities. My daughter attended for four years and the staff were always very helpful and accommodating. They have prepared her well for school and we miss you all!
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Review from Alix R (Mother of Child) published on 21 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The best nursery around, my little boy has been attending since he was 10-months-old and I can’t thank the staff for everything they do.
The setting is amazing and the staff are just wonderful.
Thank you.
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Review from Alice M (Mother of Child) published on 25 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery is one of the best ones around this area, it is so well kept and lovely and clean at all times. The work which has been done to renovate this nursery is absolutely amazing. The staff are amazing and my daughter loves going to nursery here. Each and every staff member is so welcoming and
lovely. Every time my daughter comes home from nursery she always tells me how much fun she’s had playing with her friends and the staff. I always get regular updates about what my daughter has been doing during the day and how she meets her targets each term. I would not send my daughter to another nursery.
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Review from Mandy F (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter attended the holiday club in their amazing outdoor learning environment. She came home excitedly talking about the mud kitchen, stream, huge sandpit how she held and fed the rabbits and the real massive Ferguson tractor that's just like her grandad's. The food on offer is all homecooked
and she enjoyed everything on offer. All the staff were bubbly and welcoming and really professional over any safeguarding concerns I had during the Covid 19 pandemic. In my opinion, there is no other nursery like this in the area, my daughter compared it to a day out at Trentham Gardens with regards to their natural resources.
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Review from Rachel (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter is 1 and a half and absolutely loves going to nursery. She can't wait to get through the door in the mornings. We have been really impressed with the nursery. Everyone is very professional and friendly, my daughter is very happy and we feel very lucky to have found such a fabulous nursery.
I love the outdoor facilities and that the children can play outside every day. My daughter has eczema and I have been really impressed with how committed the staff have been to her skincare routine.
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Review from Anna K (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent nursery! I was really put at ease once lockdown was lifted and my daughter had to return to the nursery. Everyone is very professional but personable. My daughter absolutely loves going to nursery and loves the staff.
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Review from Kacey T (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Acorns have been the nursery of choice for both of my children and they have and still are enjoying every moment.
The staff have all been so supportive in helping them settle in and continued to support them in all aspects of there nursery life including speech development, reading, writing, creative
play and preparing my eldest for school.


The outdoor facilities are incredible and were a massive reason I liked Acorns so much, my children love to be outside so for them to be able to learn about the world through outdoor play was the icing on the cake.

I wouldn’t have chosen anywhere!

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Review from Gemma G (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Children’s 1st @ Acorns has been absolutely amazing with my 2 boys! I cannot recommend this nursery enough! We moved to the area at the end of 2019 and I was amazed by the setup and the outdoor space that the nursery offered, as well as the friendly family atmosphere. My 2 year old quickly settled into
Acorns with a warm welcome from the team, the staff really do care for the children and are so excited when they achieve new things it is so wonderful to see. He is now so excited when it’s a nursery day and comes home buzzing from his lovely day with his friends. My youngest has started in the last month and the Acorns team couldn’t have made it easier for me (the worried mum!), he has settled quickly, despite being clingy and the team have been so loving and kind with him. The activities they do are really fun and age-appropriate and the team are always friendly and welcoming.
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Review from Liz C (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I’ve sent both of my children here and they absolutely love it. I moved my daughter from another nursery when we moved to Tean, and she settled straight in. The outdoor facilities are amazing and it’s been great to watch the nursery grow over the last 2 years.
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Review from Heather M (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We could not be happier with our experience of Children’s First @ Acorns.
The staff are so friendly and approachable and the genuine love and affection the staff have for the children here is tangible.
We feel that our children’s development has been hugely influenced by their time at Acorns and
is the best preparation for school we could wish for. Seeing the sheer happiness on our children’s’ faces on the photos we are sent from nursery reinforces what a special place it is.
The outdoor facilities here are second to none, and the activities that the children are involved with are hugely varied, and educational as well as fun.
We wouldn’t ever consider sending our children anywhere else and couldn’t speak highly enough of the staff and facilities here.
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Review from M O (Father of Child) published on 17 March 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has received outstanding care from all of the fantastic staff at Children’s 1st at Acorns. She enjoys going to nursery and it is clear she gets a lot out of it. We receive a detailed update at the end of the day and regular progress reviews. The nursery environment is wonderful and there
is so much for the children to do, with an amazing outdoor space that a huge amount of thought has gone into. Our daughter has various allergies and the staff have been very supportive in managing these, with the nursery cook being particularly helpful. The staff are all friendly and welcoming. They are genuinely caring and are always happy to answer any questions. We are very glad we chose Children’s 1st at Acorns for our daughter.
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Review from Rebecca P (Mother of Child) published on 4 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic, clean and well-presented nursery, the newly refurbished rooms are fantastic. The staff are wonderful and friendly and go above and beyond every day. They even went out of their way to do Diwali crafts when they found out we celebrated that holiday! 1000% recommended.
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Review from Tammy W (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The team at Acorns are truly amazing! My almost-three-year-old loves going there, she is so comfortable and happy that sometimes she doesn't even want to leave! My one-year-old is also due to start and I have no worries whatsoever that he will be well looked after. The outside space is fantastic and
the team have worked so hard on the renovations. A big thank you to the manager and her fabulous team. I wouldn't send my children anywhere else.
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Review from K T (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of our two children attend the before and after school sessions. They previously both attended the nursery from only several months old. I couldn't find anywhere better the staff are all fantastic and my children adore being at Acorns. The food is delicious, the outdoor access amazing and I am
so happy they attend. The before and after school staff are so kind and caring, nothing is too much trouble. I would recommend this nursery completely! Acorns are great!
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Review from Emma B (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy has just started going to the nursery. An emotional time but everyone at the nursery has been superb in settling him in. The care and love they show him is amazing. They even snuggle him until he falls asleep. The key fob entry makes the whole experience much more friendly. The ladies
have also shown great support towards me and comforted me when I’ve been upset leaving him.
I really cannot fault Acorns Children 1st. It is honestly A1. I wouldn’t let my precious boy go anywhere else. A massive THANK YOU to everyone at Acorns.
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Review from Gemma E (Mother of Child) published on 21 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son is now 4 years old and had attended Acorns since the age of 8 months. I now also have a daughter who is 9 months old and is getting ready for her settling in sessions. I have no worries what so ever about her being there. The care is fantastic and the staff are great. My son still engages in
conversation with the staff who used to look after him when he was a baby. The activities are great and he enjoys every day that he’s there. I especially like the EyLog system due to me working shifts. This system gives me the chance to see what he’s been learning or what activities he’s been doing. I’m looking forward to seeing the new classrooms and larger outdoor playing area. Keep up the good work. Thanks.
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Review from Danielle R (Mother of Child) published on 21 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was very nervous about going back to work and leaving my son but Acorns have been fab. They made the transition smooth and comfortable for all. They are accommodating and supportive if I need extra childcare and work around me. My son has flourished in their care, he has started to talk and is very
sociable. I am happy to leave him to go to work and know he is well looked after and happy.
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Review from Abigail F (Mother of Child) published on 21 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
With great care and encouragement, staff have made our daughter feel at home. We drop her off and she does nothing but a smile, she has a very clear bond with all her nursery nurses, especially her key worker who is fabulous. We never have to worry. We receive updates including photos and videos of
our daughter having fun during the day. The variety of activities is brilliant, staff are very good at ensuring outdoor activities are included if weather permits. Staff have always accommodated any request in regards to diet, nap times and development. My daughter has been unwell whilst at nursery and the staff could not have dealt with the situation more appropriately. Our daughter's development has come on leaps and bounds since her first day at Acorns especially socially. We love going to collect her, watching her laugh and play with her friends. We cannot speak highly enough of Acorns. Everyone is friendly, welcoming and cannot do enough to help. Nothing has ever been too much trouble.
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Review from Stuart F (Father of Child) published on 5 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended the nursery since she was 1-year-old and is now in Early Years. The care and education has always been second to none. All of the staff are so welcoming and attentive and Children 1st @ Acorns Upper Tean has become a second home for my daughter. I have never had any concerns
and I am sure that if I ever did, the nursery manager would deal with this immediately. The environment is amazing and the outdoor space is fabulous with the equipment and large field to run and play on.
My daughter used to be a fussy eater but with the help of the staff and the lovely appetising meals on offer has now overcome this and she will now eat anything.
I could not recommend Children 1st @ Acorns Upper Tean nursery enough.
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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

Please contact us for latest 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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