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

Church Lane, Brafield-on-the-Green, Northampton NN7 1BA
Review Us
9.8 72 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.
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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.

Contact Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) to get a personalised quote.

Contact Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) to get a personalised quote.

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

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 (72)

9.8

Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.816) out of 10, based on 19 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) has 72 reviews.

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Review from Amanda C (Mother of Child) published on 25 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As a very nervous first-time mum, Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) has been fantastic in looking after my daughter and keeping me updated on what she is up to in her day. There are numerous activities outdoors and indoors. My daughter's key worker is absolutely amazing and you can really see
how much she cares. I honestly cannot fault the place.
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Review from Claire T (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very friendly and trustworthy staff. Give a personal feel and family-type atmosphere. Clear communication. My son is always happy here! Excellent customer service.
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Review from Kristina C (Mother of Child) published on 23 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Acorn Day Nursery at Brafield-on-the-Green is the most wonderful setting to send your child to nursery. It’s just idyllic - between the backdrop, chickens, building and beautiful garden they have, it certainly has a lot to offer. The best part though, without a doubt, is the incredible staff that are
there. My daughter loves it so much and I have them to thank for that. I sometimes don’t know how I could ever thank them for taking such good care of her - whether that be with a morning cuddle if she’s feeling a bit hesitant or encouraging/supporting/playing all day long. They truly are a fantastic team and I am very grateful that this is where she has spent her nursery years.
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Review from Charmaine T (Mother of Child) published on 18 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy has only been attending for a couple of weeks, but he’s settled so quickly thanks to the wonderful staff taking the time to get to know him and helping me to feel relaxed and reassured as a parent. Despite covid restrictions, he’s had a great start. The communication with the staff is
fantastic.
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Review from Ellie G (Mother of Child) published on 18 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We switched nurseries in January 2019 and our son has come on leaps and bounds in that time, which has been due to the amazing support and structure that the nursery manager and the team have been able to provide. There really is no comparison with the old nursery, Acorn Day Nursery at Brafield-on-the-Green
is in a different league. Our son loves the outdoors and enjoys helping with the chickens and the vegetable patch and playing with his friends in the huge garden. He missed nursery immensely during lockdown and so we had to build our own veggie patch and get chickens too! He returned in June full time and has excelled. All COVID-19 safety precautions are in place and all do the hand sanitizing as second nature. The staff and parents are all vigilant in these very strange times, but most important of all, the children are still having a fantastic time growing and learning in such a loving, supportive environment.
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Review from A A (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great nursery, awesome staff, the manager is absolutely incredible, incredibly supportive, highly experienced and the best bedside manner you’ll ever experience.
If nutrition is important to you and you understand it’s impact on your child’s development then you have found the right place.
Communication
is second to none, you really do get what you pay for. Concerns and questions are resolved promptly and professionally, every time.
Two members of staff both adore my little boy which makes me feel so assured. Just be sure to send plenty of spare clothes, children are encouraged to get “messy” it’s all so wholesome.
The cook, is an avid grower of produce and encourages the children to participate at nursery which is so important to us - menus are healthy and balanced.
The only downside is they get so involved in their day they don’t share enough of what they’re doing daily.


I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this exceptional team and setting all day, everyday...

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Review from Aimee S (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Acorn has been so amazing for my little girl. After trying two other nurseries, she didn't seem to be settling well. Since being at Acorn, my daughter has gone from strength to strength. In 9-months, they have helped support her toilet training journey, massively increased her confidence and encouraged
her to enjoy outdoor space. It is such a lovely environment with such an amazing outdoor space.
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Review from Steven E (Father of Child) published on 16 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of our children have attended at Brafield-on-the-Green when we moved to the area 3-years ago. Our oldest is now at school but absolutely loved it there. Lots of outdoor space and it’s encouraged to be out.
Having spent 6-months away from nursery, our boy was really unsure about going back, but
the staff have helped him settle in really well. He gets cuddles and support when he needs it, but they also, really encourage him to be independent, which is great.
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Review from Stacey P (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended the nursery since she was 9mths old, all the staff are extremely friendly and helpful to my child's needs, she really enjoys all the activities and the generous outdoor space. The meals are all homemade and healthy, my daughter also enjoys the snacks and social eating. During
the COVID 19 lockdown and reopening of the nursery I felt well informed and was happy to send my daughter back knowing that the staff were well prepared and equipped to deal with any situation.
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Review from Zoe D (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery, the Manager and staff are lovely, professional and extremely welcoming. They pride themselves on providing the best possible care for the children. The communication is excellent and this has been particularly evident during the last 6 months during a difficult time. Our boy loves
this nursery and we hope our second child will also attend in the next 10 months. Would definitely recommend!
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Review from Frances T (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can’t say enough good things about Acorn Brafield. From day one they have gone above and beyond to make our son feel happy and at home at the nursery. Following lockdown and an extended period at home my son has had some difficulty in adjusting to life back at nursery and the staff have been amazing,
making books so that we can talk about nursery at home, developing fun ways to distract him at drop off time and generally making sure he has a fabulous time. With so much uncertainty they have made everything so reassuring.
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Review from Sarah C (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy has attended this nursery for over a year now and he absolutely loves it. The staff are excellent and so caring. The way the nursery has handled the current COVID safety measures has been excellent and informative. As keyworkers, my little boy attended throughout the lockdown period and
staff have gone above and beyond to care for him even hosting Zoom meetings with the furloughed staff and children who were not attending to maintain social links. I cannot speak highly enough of the nursery and team, it’s nice to have the confidence to be able to work with the complete security that he is safe and well cared for. The outdoor space is lovely and the home-cooked meals are excellent.
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Review from K V (Mother of Child) published on 9 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at Acorn Day Nursery have been fantastic from the start, helping my little boy settle and supporting his development and potty training. The garden at the nursery is a brilliant space and it is so great that the children can go outdoors whenever they like. The weekly sports lesson is definitely
a highlight too.
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Review from Vanessa S (Mother of Child) published on 16 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The manager and the team are fantastic! The facilities are excellent with a huge outdoor space for children to enjoy numerous activities that the team plans daily.
Our little boy loves his time at Nursery and we are so grateful for the hard work the team put in on a daily basis.
We would hugely recommend
this excellent nursery!
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Review from Sarah R (Mother of Child) published on 16 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my children have attended the nursery. They are treated like part of the family. The outside opportunities are wonderful with forest school and visiting local farms and parks. The support through life changes and potty training is fantastic.
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Review from Michael R (Father of Child) published on 10 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Acorn Day Nursery Brafield have cared for both of my children and I can't recommend it highly enough.
The caring nurturing environment created by the manager and her team results in a place my children have thrived in and love to go to.


It's an incredibly welcoming and friendly place, ran in a very

professional manner with a focus on enabling the development of little ones in a safe and reassuring way.


The facilities are well set up in general, it benefits from being very close to the village green and farm for short outings and trips to see the animals, there are regular trips to Forest School for the older ones and the outdoor play space within the grounds of the nursery is a real bonus.


The nursery use the Family platform to keep parents informed of their children's overall development and also to keep us informed of their day to day activities.
It's great to get updates of their day and photo's of their activities ping into your inbox during the day.


All in all its a great place.

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Review from Amy S (Mother of Child) published on 10 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl who is 16 months attends this Nursery and I would highly recommend it if you're looking for childcare. Set in a lovely little village right next to the church and farmers field where the children get to watch the sheep running around. The staff are always attentive and welcoming and completely
put me at ease when leaving my daughter. My daughter loves going to Brafield Nursery!
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Review from Laura H (Mother of Child) published on 10 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended this nursery for a year and has developed so much in this time. He loves it and all the staff. We had a great feeling when we first visited the nursery and I have never been disappointed, I would strongly recommend this nursery to anyone.
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Review from Megan R (Mother of Child) published on 10 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 5-year-old son and now my 18-month daughter attend. The staff are so caring and both my children have absolutely loved going. The freshly prepared meals and great outdoor space, veg patch, chickens and views out to open fields set this nursery apart from others. The forest school for the older children
is a great opportunity.


You would be hard pushed to find a better nursery with such caring and professional staff.

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Review from Craig P (Father of Child) published on 9 May 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of our daughters have attended this nursery and both of them have loved it!
The staff are very nurturing and will always try and accommodate any requests. The manager has really ensured that the nursery has gone from strength to strength and she is supported by committed and hardworking staff.
The
outside space is wonderful and the staff make good use of this.
Our child is always happy to go to nursery and we would highly recommend this setting to any other parent.
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.816)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.816) 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 19 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 19 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 4.841 for Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) is calculated as follows: ( (194 Excellents x 5) + (28 Goods x 4) + (4 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 226 Ratings = 4.841
  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 4.975 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) is based on 19 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 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 3.975
    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 19 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 (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

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.