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 Rebecca N (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot recommend the nursery enough! The staff go out of their way to make the children feel happy and settled and I know that my little boy really enjoys going to the nursery to see his friends and take part in new activities. The communication to parents is fantastic. I love getting little bits
of information letting me know what he has done during the day. A brilliant setting-we love it!
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Review from Samantha S (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff great. Nursery is very very flexible with dates. My son enjoys his time there.
Variety of food for my son and he loves the iPad.
I love the nursery sending me updates on the app.
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Review from Claire H (Mother of Child) published on 19 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been going to Acorns for the past 16months. We have been more than happy with how she has been cared for. All the staff are friendly and approachable and she absolutely loves her key worker! We are always kept informed of what she’s been up to by the staff and with the app. I would definitely
recommend Acorns.
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Review from Rebecca (Mother of Child) published on 19 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little boy has a fantastic time at Acorns Nursery. We were anxious at first to leave him when I returned to work but have been so happy and relieved knowing that he is well looked after by all of the staff. The ladies who care for him are friendly and loving and I can tell that he sees them as a
little family. The activities are brilliant and he's always getting up to something new and exciting each day. There is a strong focus on learning and progressing to the next stage in his development and it's great to see this being encouraged by all of the staff. Not a bad word to say, keep doing what you are doing!
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Review from Alexandra H (Mother of Child) published on 19 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter really enjoys it at Acorns. The staff are always friendly and competent. My daughter has learnt so much since attending.
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Review from Laura A (Mother of Child) published on 17 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We feel very lucky to have such an incredible nursery. Providing a fun, happy, learning environment with the most amazing staff who can’t do enough for the children and parents alike!
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Review from Madonna H (Mother of Child) published on 17 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Lovely nursery, great staff, great facilities and amazing outside space. Not a small cramped nursery. The rooms are more than big enough and with the extension of the baby space now the rooms seem even bigger.
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Review from Natalie S (Mother of Child) published on 17 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery, excellently run by the manager and the staff are fantastic my children love it. It is truly brilliant.
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Review from Melissa A (Mother of Child) published on 17 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
We are very happy with staff and surroundings at the nursery. Learning and attention to detail is second to none. Our daughter is very happy at nursery and would highly recommend.
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Review from Amy D (Mother of Child) published on 17 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have sent both my children to Children 1st @ Acorns Upper Tean and currently, my daughter attends two days a week until she starts school in September. I could not recommend Children 1st @ Acorns Upper Tean enough. My daughter always comes home with a huge smile after having a fun packed day. The
staff are excellent and I can relax knowing my daughter is in a safe, clean environment.
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Review from Katie P (Mother of Child) published on 5 December 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has attended Children 1st @ Acorns since he was one. He is now two and a half. During that time I have found the staff to be extraordinarily helpful, knowledgeable and professional while still offering a very personal individual service.
They respond immediately to my child's needs and communicate
in a variety of ways so I always feel in touch with his care and learning. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Acorns, truly outstanding all around.
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Review from Elizabeth C (Mother of Child) published on 5 December 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
In short, excellent. Our son has come on so much in terms of confidence and learning. The staff are so helpful and friendly. We could not be happier.
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Review from Sally-Anne (Mother of Child) published on 1 December 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have used Children 1st @ Acorns Upper Tean for my three children. I wouldn’t go anywhere else. The staff are welcoming and approachable. My youngest who attends full time cried the other week when she couldn’t attend due to illness. She is eager to go each morning.


She is well catered for and

growing in confidence, her ability to carry out a variety of tasks is improving all the time. I am amazed at her achievement so far. She is encouraged by all her milestones. A fabulous job is done by all. We can not recommend the nursery enough to others.
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Review from Mark P (Father of Child) published on 14 November 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Children 1st @ Acorns Upper Tean presents a warm family atmosphere at all times. The staff are extremely attentive to the requirements of all children present and proceed with the development of the little ones future in the correct manner actively encouraging them to fulfil a positive role in our society.


The children's happiness and safety are assured at all times while they are present in this outstanding environment. A first-class team working to the highest standards at all times. When you demand the very best this is it. Well done team!

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Review from Kerry S (Mother of Child) published on 8 November 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery is set in a lovely homely environment, with a warm family feel to it. The staff are friendly and caring and I feel they are easily approachable. The nursery room is full of enrichment, with clear structure throughout the day rather than the "free for all" approach that some nurseries tend
to go for.
My little boy can sometimes be fussy about food, but it is always noted he has eaten all of his meals, and I'm not surprised, it always smells amazing whenever I drop him off!
His diary is a great way of keeping us informed of his daily activities and the app certainly made his first day so much more bearable, I actually cried with joy when I received the first ever photo update showing him playing quite happily!
I would, and have recommended Children 1st @ Acorns Upper Tean to family and friends.
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Review from Tracy M (Mother of Child) published on 8 November 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending this nursery since May. I was nervous about returning to work but from the initial visit, I felt immediately reassured that my son would settle quickly and be well looked after. The settling in sessions were wonderful with great care taken to find out as much as possible about
my sons routine and our preferences. There is a wealth of stimulation from the environment, to the structured activities that take place during the day, inside and out. My little boy has blossomed within the environment and the staff's attention to detail is wonderful. The Eylog is wonderful to keep parents up to date with learning and development goals and it brightens my day when I can see an update/ photos and that my son is having fun.


In the last month, my son has developed a temporary intolerance to lactose and the nursery have been fantastic at accommodating the change in his diet. I would highly recommend the nursery.

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Review from Lisa S (Mother of Child) published on 17 July 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy loves it at Acorns. The ladies are absolutely amazing with him and I can see how much they love my little boy! He was a bit behind with him being premature but he has developed into such a big boy and he has caught up with the other two-year-olds. Amazing nursery, I wouldn't want him to
go anywhere else.
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Review from Stevie (Mother of Child) published on 25 May 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the staff are fantastic. This is the second time I have used this nursery and the care is always outstanding. Amazing setting, beautiful location. From the food menus to the activities, everything is first class. Very happy children so very happy parents.
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Review from Lorraine N (Mother of Child) published on 28 March 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As a first time mum, I was nervous that my little boy would be starting nursery part time. My husband and I visited and knew I wanted to send my little boy here.
Such a nice homely environment, great facilities with lots of opportunities to learn and play.
Location is excellent with a nice countryside
feel, with the opportunity to play and sleep outside.
Everyone who I have contact with at the nursery are amazing. Very supportive, understanding, and caring.
Staff are so welcoming to him every morning. I feel so happy to leave him in the amazing care of his key worker and everyone else who works in his room.
On collection he is always playing, having cuddles with the nursery nurses, and exploring - He loves being at nursery which is so important to me.
Great feedback channels; daily diary, notifications of new pictures and videos from EYLog. Lovely handover in the evening chatting to his keyworker or the other nursery nurses - nice touch.
I highly recommend this nursery to anyone.
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Review from Natalie E (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We started at the nursery in January 2017 and have had a positive experience so far. The staff have always been very polite and helpful and have made us very welcome and at ease when leaving our daughter. We have loved seeing the photos and videos posted on the EY Log. Our daughter is obviously very
happy and content when she is there. I would highly recommend the nursery to friends and family.
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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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