Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green)

Church Lane, Brafield-on-the-Green, Northampton NN7 1BA
Review Us
9.8 67 Reviews
  • Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green), Northampton
Acorn Day Nursery in Brafield-on-the-Green has an idyllic setting in a beautiful location, taking full advantage of its village setting. Formerly the primary school, the building has been extensively refurbished to provide light and spacious rooms; it is situated in a quiet location at the end of a quiet road next to the church. The nursery is small and homely, with max 45 places.

One of the nursery’s most attractive features, and extremely popular with the children, is the outside space and gardens, fully enclosed and secure for the children to enjoy.

The nursery's Ofsted inspection in March 2019 rated the nursery as Good in all areas. The experienced and well-qualified staff team are very warm and welcoming and look forward to showing prospective parents around the nursery.

The building itself was formerly the village primary school and, whilst retaining the character of the original architecture, it has been sympathetically refurbished to provide a warm and homely environment. The rooms provide light and spacious play areas, with a child-centred focus.

The team work closely with parents and carers to develop children’s interests and skills, ensuring each of them reaches their full potential.

A variety of imaginative and creative play activities can be enjoyed alongside regular outings and trips.
Show Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) on the Map

Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Stephanie Hornsby (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 18

Registered Charity Number

  • 1145108

Total Places for Children

  • 44

Age Range

  • from 0 years 4 months
  • to 4 years 11 months

Funding & Fees

  • Full time place from £1,490.00
    Full day from £75.50
    Morning session from £44.50
    Afternoon session from £40.50

  • Fees are inclusive of all meals, snacks, drinks (including approved formula milk), nappies and activities.
    We charge a registration deposit of £100, which is refunded against the first month’s fees. We don’t charge for settling in sessions, but we do expect payment for all nursery fees to be paid up front at the beginning of each month, which is standard practice for all childcare providers. We do not charge for bank holidays, our four training days each year, or for the three days closure between Christmas and New Year. We do, however, charge for the days children don’t attend through illness or holidays, apart from exceptional circumstances.
    Please view the prospectus on our website for a full fees guide.

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, Staff Training Days & between Christmas & New Year

Parking

  • Parking is available in the nursery car park, and also limited spaces are available within the Church car park

Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) Reviews (67)

9.8

Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.843) out of 10, based on 16 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) has 67 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 61
  • 6
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 67
  • 2
  • 11
  • 16
  • 51
Reviewer Connection to Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green)
  • 54
  • 12
  • 1
Total of 67, showing 1-20
Review from Michelle T (Mother of Child) published on 21 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We absolutely love this nursery for our 14 month old girl. She loves going and always has such a fun day. All the staff are lovely and go above and beyond. I really feel that they know our daughter inside and out already and she's only been going for a short while. She loves to try the home cooked food
that she's given and will even have a sleep there which is no easy feat! Couldn't recommend the nursery enough.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Ricky P (Father of Child) published on 13 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We couldn't be happier with our experience at Acorn's! Though our son has been there a very short time before starting school, the staff have gone above and beyond to create a warm, safe, and nurturing environment. It's clear that every team member genuinely cares about the children and is passionate
about what they do.


Our son has continued to blossomed since moving here - The range of activities offered is outstanding-creative play, outdoor exploration, music and storytelling are all part of the daily routine. We're constantly amazed by the new things he comes home talking about!


What stands out most is the personal attention each child receives. The communication from the staff is excellent; we always feel informed and included in his progress and daily experiences. We especially appreciate the regular updates and photos-they brighten our day and give us peace of mind.


Thank you to the entire team at Acorn Brafield on the Green!

  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from G M (Mother of Child) published on 3 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son really loves going to the nursery. He only does 3 afternoons, but always asks on days off if he could go. From day 1, I didn't have to worry how he is because we were getting regular updates with pictures. He settled in really well and enjoying his time. Staff are nice and attentive. Amazing
nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Eleanor W (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son recently started at nursery and I couldn't be happier with the care and professionalism from all the staff at Acorn. They have gone above and beyond to help him settle in and always keep me update on the app too - which I am sure is very timely for them. I have been really impressed with the
range of activities they do with them and he always has such lovely food for lunch too. I highly recommend Acorn. Thank you.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from A M (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have only been at this nursery with our little one from the beginning of the year however we have seen our child's development growing amazingly in such a small amount of time. The staff are always patient, friendly, kind, attentive to the children and have a lot of time to answer questions, give
feedback on the day and really engage with all parents. My child has really enjoyed going to nursery and spending time with the staff there.
The food is never the same and such an amazing variety on offer, they have really helped our weaning journey and given me good ideas of what to try at home. The opportunities to get outside and about the local area are available every day and the outside space that the nursery has is really good as well.
We have been very happy with the nursery thus far and would highly recommend them to others.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Ellie S (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My twins attend this nursery 3 days a week and absolutely love it. There's always a range of activities for them to get involved with and a fantastic outdoor space to run around and play. They are given a great variety of healthy, homemade food and always eat well! All the staff are incredible - friendly,
caring, attentive and approachable. We love the photos and updates on the app!
We couldn't ask for more from a nursery and we are so relieved our children are being cared for in such a wonderful environment. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Acorn at Brafield-on-the-Green.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from H G (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My son loves attending the nursery. The staff are all super friendly and helpful. My son has health issues including a life threatening allergy and all staff have been amazing with them.
It is a beautiful nursery and you can tell they really care about what they do and what is best for the children.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Emma H (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is an amazing nursery which my child has truly progressed so much in. All the staff have been amazing and understanding with my child. They are all so professional and caring. My child enjoys coming to this nursery and enjoys being with the staff. The amount of work the staff puts in to make sure
the children in the nursery are progressing is amazing and I want to thank each and one of them for that. My child has additional needs but the progress she has made is down to the staff. This nursery I would recommend to anyone as they are just perfect.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Paul B (Father of Child) published on 25 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Best nursery in the world. Both of my children have had a great time here. Would recommend it to all.
The staff are fantastic and are always happy to take time out to chat and always update the app with pics etc at the end of the day.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from M L (Mother of Child) published on 17 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter attends this nursery for three days a week and I cannot recommend Acorn at Brafield enough. The whole team, from management, admin to key workers and general nursery staff are incredible. My daughter loves attending this nursery and feels so comfortable with everyone there. The setting itself
is impeccable, always clean, with a beautiful outdoor space and wonderful facilities for the children. They do so many excellent activities with the children and keep parents fully informed of everything. The food served to the children is so nutritional, all homemade and they offer such a variety. The staff in my daughter's room, acorns, are so fantastic with the babies, they're engaging, caring and always so thorough in handovers. All of the staff at Brafield truly care for all of the children and there is always a loving and friendly atmosphere at drop-off and pick-up. There are constant updates on the app.
I recommend this nursery to everyone.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Leanne F (Mother of Child) published on 11 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff members know my child well and this is evident in all they do for him. They check in with how he is in the morning so they can support him during the day. They communicate verbally at the end of each day but also via the app if anything happens. The contact has been great. I'm up to date on
his progress and they discuss different aspects with me so I can support him from home too. Staff are friendly and approachable and do everything for my little boy. I never worry when he's at nursery as I know he's in safe hands.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Kate S (Grandmother of Child) published on 15 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our twin grandchildren have recently started at Acorn in Brafield and have settled really well. Last Friday, my husband and I had the pleasure of spending some time there with the children, as we'd been invited in for Grandparents Day.
We were welcomed by all the staff, particularly two members of
staff in the baby room, where we had a chance to see what our grandchildren get up to during their three days a week there.
We also spent time outside and met several other members of staff. They were all absolutely lovely and it was clear to see that all the children were happy and supported. There was a huge range of activities for them to get involved in, both inside and outside.
We came away feeling reassured that our grandchildren are being cared for and nurtured in a safe and welcoming environment.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from M J (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Acorn at Brafield-on-the-Green is a lovely and friendly nursery. I’ve had two children attend from the baby room into the big room, where they’ve built up strong relationships with friends and their key workers. They’re always excited to go and often don’t want to leave because they’re just having too
much fun!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Sarah K (Mother of Child) published on 21 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Acorn Day Nursery provides a safe and friendly space for my son and has really made a huge difference in his development. He loves his time there and often doesn’t want to leave at the end of the day! The staff are all very warm and welcoming and I feel confident that he is being left in the best care.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Nakitta G (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child loves going to nursery and enjoys all the activities on offer. The staff are really friendly, and helpful and always share about the child's day. The facilities especially the outside spaces are lovely. We chose the nursery based on these. The surrounding area is great too. He enjoys the walks,
especially the duck pond. One of his first words was 'duck!'. Thank you for helping us both on my return to work, you all made it that little bit easier, as I know he was being well cared for.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Kellie F (Mother of Child) published on 26 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I honestly couldn't be happier with our choice to send our boys to this nursery. It's amazing! The staff are caring, compassionate and nourishing to not only our children but our whole family. They celebrate our wins and are there for us during periods of worry, we all feel so supported and our children
couldn't be happier. Our 3-year-old has thrived, his language and social interaction have really come on and our 1-year-old is smiley and happy going every day. The food is lovely, the activities are great and their outdoor space is fantastic, the boys have lots of fun. It's just a wonderful place and it has been since the day we visited.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Jinal W (Mother of Child) published on 13 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Sending my child to Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) was the best decision we made for him.
I was nervous about our son starting nursery at a young age, especially being a first-time mum however, thanks to the genuine love and compassion shown by the staff, he settled in quickly. I cannot
thank them enough for everything they do. They are very attentive to both the unique needs of my son and of us as parents.
We have seen him grow and develop into a wonderful young boy. His social interaction, speech and self-confidence have come a long way since starting nursery. It is such a joy to be able to drop him off knowing he absolutely loves spending every minute he is there with the comfort of knowing he is in safe hands. Our second son will soon be starting at Acorn and I’m looking forward to seeing him develop and thrive just as his brother does.
The nursery has a wonderful big outdoor space which they make full use of in all weather which I think is brilliant.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Jessica F (Mother of Child) published on 6 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son joined the nursery in September. I was the typical nervous, first-time mom, and the team couldn't have been more supportive. They sent regular messages and photos reassuring me my son was settling well in those first few weeks, especially when he cried at drop-off. He has now settled in really
well and seems to thoroughly enjoy his mornings there. In addition, the admin and support staff are also awesome, great communication and just a fantastically run space. Highly recommend.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from S D (Mother of Child) published on 30 November 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my 3-year-old and 1-year-old are very happy at Brafield. They are very lucky to have such a great, large outdoor space in which to play outside. The staff are all very friendly and capable of making my children comfortable and at ease, while I'm working. While it's mainly free play, their efforts
at teaching the children new skills and new subjects, are commendable. I would highly recommend this nursery!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from B S (Father of Child) published on 16 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We found the staff always to be committed to the children and caring for them. Parent and teacher communication is excellent through the app. The nursery has always taken a personal interest in our daughter and put her first.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.843)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.843) out of 10 for Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) 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 16 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 16 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 4.843 for Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) is calculated as follows: ( (165 Excellents x 5) + (22 Goods x 4) + (4 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 191 Ratings = 4.843
  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 Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) is based on 16 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 44 number of registered child places is 8.8, which has been reached with 16 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.

Loading

Loading Loading

Loading

Loading

Awards / Recognitions (14)

Meet the Team (3)

Steph

Steph Hornsby

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2021

Nursery Manager - Stephanie has worked in childcare since 2006, starting as a volunteer, then a practitioner, moving up to a Deputy and finally a Manager.


Stephanie has worked at Brafield since 2021 and is the current Designated Safeguarding Lead alongside having a level 3 qualification in SEND and SENCo for the Nursery.
Prior to working in Childcare Stephanie ran her own business as a Complementary Therapist practising in Reiki, Indian Head Massage and Reflexology.

Caroline

Caroline Johnson

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2023

Deputy Manager - Caroline Johnson joined Acorn in 2023. Caroline has have worked with young children for over 30 years, having been a private nanny, working as a deputy in preschool nursery and the nursery class of a private school.

Vicky

Vicky Bowers

Job Title: Administrator Joined: 2021

Vicky - Administrator
Vicky previously worked as a Nursery Manager and has childcare qualifications, but after having her own children, moved into the administrative side of early years—a role that allows her to stay closely connected to the nursery environment she loves.


Vicky has a strong attention to detail, which helps her manage everything from funding and session planning to daily queries, often the first point of contact for families and always happy to help. Vicky enjoys the variety of her role and is proud to support a caring, well-organised setting where children can thrive in their natural environment

Frequently Asked Questions about Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green)

What is the Age Range of Children that Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) accepts?

Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) accepts Children aged from 0 years 4 months to 4 years 11 months.

What Days & Hours is Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) Open?

Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) is open: 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.

How many Children does Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) have capacity for?

Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) has capacity for a total of 44 Children.

How far is Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) to the centre of Northampton?

4.4 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) has an Enhanced Service - more info.