Children 1st Acorns Nursery School

Draycott Road, Upper Tean, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 4JJ
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8.4 130 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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Funding & Fees

Contact Children 1st Acorns Nursery School to get a personalised quote.

Contact Children 1st Acorns Nursery School to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Jessica Heasman (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 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

  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Children 1st Acorns Nursery School Reviews (130)

8.4

Children 1st Acorns Nursery School has a Review Score of 8.4 (8.351) out of 10, based on 4 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Children 1st Acorns Nursery School has 130 reviews.

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Total of 130, showing 121-130
Review from Rebecca S (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son is my first child and I am extremely precious after a traumatic birth, so, I was very nervous about leaving him at a Nursery. But I needn't have worried! All the staff are so friendly and attentive, nothing is too much trouble. He always comes home with a smile on his face and never ever cries
when I have to leave him there. If he needs something they attend to him like it is their pleasure to do so. I am always kept in the loop with his progress.


The biggest praise has to go to his key worker. Where do I start? She is the most kind-hearted, caring person I've ever met. She treats my son exactly as I do and to see that makes me feel so at ease. My son absolutely adores his key worker and she has done wonders for him. I never ever worry when he is with her, I know that she is giving him all the love and cuddles he needs and all the stimulation that he could ever want. I also want to say thank you for all the lovely things you make with my son, I've kept all of them, they mean so much.

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Review from Emma A (Mother of Child) published on 25 November 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is my third child to attend this setting and I couldn't be happier with the choice of nursery. The staff are absolutely wonderful and not only that, provide home from home care that goes above and beyond even my exacting expectations. All I wanted was a place where my children could be loved and
develop, what I've found is so much more. The staff treat your child as if they were their own, a rare and special quality that's often unheard of in a daycare setting. Care and consideration goes into each and every child and nothing is too much trouble for the staff. Professional, yet so personal. Ofsted says this nursery is outstanding, I couldn't have put it better myself. Exemplary day care setting, by far the best in the area, I know, I've looked.
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Review from Carla A (Mother of Child) published on 26 September 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been at this nursery since he was 9 months old. Me and my husband felt very reassured in his settling in's and the staff were amazing, making us feel comfortable and at ease.
My son has been in the Baby Room, Bobtails Room, Peter Rabbits Room and now is in Early Years Room. It has been a
big journey but I couldn't ask for a better nursery.
I can't give enough praise to the staff in helping my little man growing, the environment is brilliant and the reports and observations done on the eylog are the best, especially after a full day at work. Getting an email with something that he did during the day and seeing his little smile, there aren't words to describe it.
Each one of the staff has a special place in our hearts.
The manager is brilliant, friendly, attentive and always willing to accommodate our requests.
You all, are the best second mum that I could wish for my little man.
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Review from Suzanne B (Mother of Child) published on 14 September 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the staff at Children 1st @ Acorns Upper Tean have been friendly and helpful since our daughter started there. The facilities are excellent and there are so many activities for the children to do. We would highly recommend this nursery to friends and family!
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Review from Mrs P (Mother of Child) published on 16 August 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Surrounded by fields and a great outdoor play area to allow children lots of playtime outside. This fantastic nursery has wonderful caring and friendly staff. My child loves going to nursery here. I feel happy that my child is developing well and gets nutritious meals and snacks. I am well informed
of the different activities taking place as the electronic logbook captures precious photos, videos and comments of my child's day. I cannot recommend this nursery enough :)
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Review from Frankie J (Mother of Child) published on 15 August 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am always pleased when I visit the nursery, my son is always happy and has learned something new every time he visits. I often pick up a slightly different times and every time he seems very happy i.e. playing outside story time, construction, tablet learning. The outside area is excellent as my son
loves outside and they have extensive areas and toys and great to be out in the fresh air whenever possible. The staff are extremely helpful with my sons learning and are currently helping with his transition into primary school. I will be sorry to see him leave but they are making him ready for his next journey. Always great healthy food so never have to worry. My younger son starts in September.
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Review from Louise (Mother of Child) published on 21 July 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has attended the nursery for over a year, beginning in the baby room before moving on to the toddler room. He is extremely settled and all transitions have been managed with thought and care. The staff know all of the children and their personalities well and this is taken account of when planning
and carrying out activities. There is excellent communication with daily updates both verbally and in the daily diaries. We also have access to the EYlog which enables staff and parents to share achievements, progress and targets through observations, photos and videos. The nursery is set within lovely grounds and our son loves learning outside. There is due consideration to healthy eating and varied meals are cooked onsite.
Our son loves coming to nursery and has come on in so many ways. I would highly recommend Acorns Nursery.
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Review from Zeena S (Mother of Child) published on 18 July 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have 2 children attending Acorns in the baby and toddler rooms since April 2016 prior to which they attended another nursery- I wish they had attended Acorns from the start, it has truly exceeded expectations! The staff at Acorns are fabulous ensuring children are happy. Staff take time to liaise
with parents ensuring children settle and changes in routine are communicated.
The daily log of activities is clear and staff talk us through the day. Care at Acorns is exceptional and staff genuinely love children, taking a keen interest in all areas of their development. The great relationships between the staff and children are a credit to Acorns. Activities are well organised and children are occupied throughout the day with a variety of indoor and outdoor play and learning opportunities, making the most of the facilities and outdoor space.
Food is freshly prepared and my children enjoy it. We would recommend Acorns as our children have benefitted from such a positive nursery experience
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Review from Jessica H (Mother of Child) published on 8 March 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My youngest son loves it at nursery and I am really happy with the care and guidance he receives and my oldest son would like to know when he can come back having been at school for one and a half terms!
Thank you to all the team for the support and caring environment that you provide both the children
and their parents.
Reply from Amy Brown, Deputy Nursery Manager at Children 1st Acorns Nursery SchoolThank you for your lovely review. Building close relationships with our parents and children is a key part of the Children 1st ethos which is why we continually strive to develop these relationships in nursery.

It is especially lovely to hear how much both of your little ones have enjoyed nursery!

I will pass your comments onto the staff team who I know will appreciate them as much as I do.

Kindest Regards
Amy Brown
Deputy Nursery Manager
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Review from Tracy B (Mother of Child) published on 8 March 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my children have attended this nursery and have been very happy there. My son often does not want to leave! It has a very personable atmosphere and every member of staff knows each child and interacts with them beautifully. The children are relaxed and enjoy play but also have structured activities
to help them develop. My son often comes home talking about new things, showing off new skills and singing new songs.
Reply from Amy Brown, Deputy Nursery Manager at Children 1st Acorns Nursery SchoolThank you for your kind review. It's great to know that your little ones enjoy their time at nursery. We're especially pleased with your comments regarding the staff team, building relationships with children is a key part of the Children 1st ethos.

I will pass your comments onto the staff team who I know will appreciate them as much as I do.

Kindest Regards
Amy Brown
Deputy Nursery Manager
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Current Review Score: 8.4 (8.351)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.4 (8.351) 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 4.8 out of 5 from 4 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.5 out of 5 from 4 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 4.833 for Children 1st Acorns Nursery School is calculated as follows: ( (40 Excellents x 5) + (8 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 48 Ratings = 4.833
  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 3.518 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Children 1st Acorns Nursery School is based on 4 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 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 = 3.375
    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. 4 Positive Reviews ÷ 28 = 0.143
  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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