Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford)

St Giles Mews, Vicarage Road, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes MK11 1BN
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9.9 92 Reviews
  • Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford), Milton Keynes
Situated on the site of Elizabeth House, in Vicarage Road, Stony Stratford. This nursery provides high quality, affordable childcare and early years education for the local community, in a building which has been completely refurbished and extended, with two spacious play areas indoors, with direct access to three outdoor play areas.

Acorn places a strong emphasis on outdoor play and learning, and the children will have the opportunity to be outdoors at some point every day, whatever the weather. Included in their fees are regular Forest School sessions; these exciting educational experiences are suitable for pre-schoolers and are delivered by fully trained forest school leaders and offer an innovative approach to outdoor play.

All the nursery meals are freshly prepared and delivered each day by Acorn Catering, which operates from the hub kitchen at their Shenley Church End nursery. They use local ethically sourced produce to create delicious meals and all menus have been designed to be nutritionally balanced ensuring they offer a variety of foods.

A home visit from the manager and your child’s key person is offered to all new families as they believe children benefit from meeting their key person in a familiar environment, before attending the nursery for settling-in sessions. Children are encouraged to form close bonds using their key person system to ensure learning and development are encouraged on an individual basis.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Laura Marshall (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 18

Registered Charity Number

  • 1145108

Total Places for Children

  • 40

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Full time place starting from £1,630560
    Full day from £8550
    Morning session from £47.50
    Afternoon session from £43

  • Fees are inclusive of all meals, snacks, drinks (including approved formula milk), nappies and activities.
    We do not charge registration fees, but only a £50 deposit 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 days which 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 07:30-18:15
    Tuesday 07:30-18:15
    Wednesday 07:30-18:15
    Thursday 07:30-18:15
    Friday 07:30-18:15

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays, Staff Training Days & between Christmas & New Year

Parking

  • There is a small car park for children to be dropped off/picked up.

Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford) Reviews (92)

9.9

Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford) has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.897) out of 10, based on 26 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford) has 92 reviews.

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Review from Leonie (Mother of Child) published on 2 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Our daughter loves nursery. The staff are very welcoming to our daughter. The food they serve is fantastic and a good balanced diet. The wooden toys and outdoor space is lovely. Varied range of activities for the children.
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Review from Paula A (Mother of Child) published on 16 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are very happy with our little boy’s development at Acorn nursery, they focus on the child’s interests and all the toys are based on natural elements ( flour, sticks, nuts....). There is a lovely atmosphere and they had implemented new rules to keep everybody safe during the covid19 restrictions.
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Review from Kirsty H (Mother of Child) published on 12 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff have been absolutely fantastic welcoming our son into nursery. We always feel comfortable and safe leaving him to get on with his day. There are always plenty of learning apparatus and activities to do for him throughout the day. He is having new experiences every day he goes to nursery and
the staff are fantastic in helping with his development.
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Review from Dorinda B (Grandmother of Child) published on 8 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My grandson has attended this nursery for over 18 months. It has obviously been very difficult over the last 12 months but the nursery has done an excellent job of providing a safe and much-needed service. My grandson always enjoys his days at nursery and we cannot wait for things to get back to a more
normal routine. He particularly enjoys the outside space. An excellent nursery in my opinion.
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Review from Helen (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I highly recommend Acorn Stony Stratford as they are very friendly, professional and caring.
The outdoor garden space is brilliant for the children. They have plenty of resources for the children. Both my children are very happy there.
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Review from L R (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are lovely and despite the current covid lockdown have continued with high standards and caring attitude as well as still providing all the fun and activities we could hope for our children. We feel the children are safe and the nursery policies well implemented to keep things running. The
children love it and even though we’ve moved out of the area we have kept the children at the nursery as couldn’t imagine anywhere better for them.
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Review from Joanna J (Mother of Child) published on 14 January 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We love Acorn at Stony for our daughter and she has the best time there. They were incredibly helpful when our family situation changed and we love their emphasis on outdoor learning, natural materials and even napping outside. I often say I wish I could go there! Staff are knowledgeable, kind, interested
and genuinely care for every single child in their care.
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Review from Evie R (Mother of Child) published on 22 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little one has been going since she was 7-months now 2! She loves it! Staff are excellent and really took the time to get to know her!
Facilities are perfect, and the outdoor space is amazing. My little one always comes home full of stories of what they have done!
I recommend Acorn to everyone
with little ones, and my eldest went to another nursery of the groups when she was younger.
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Review from Julie D (Grandmother of Child) published on 22 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My grandson has loved this nursery from day one. He especially enjoys being able to spend lots of time outside in the wooded area, and we are really pleased with the quality of the toys available. The staff are so friendly and caring.
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Review from Helen (Mother of Child) published on 27 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has loved Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford). The staff are so kind and welcoming my daughter has blossomed here. The range of activities is great, from messy to developmental play. She loves exploring the nature garden and forest school activities. She has made some really sweet friendships
here and adores the staff, she trots in the morning with a big smile on her face!
I love that Acorns uses a lot of natural materials from the toys they have and the things they create with.
Overall I would highly recommend Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford), they have given my daughter a great start in her schooling journey.
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Review from Daniel F (Father of Child) published on 27 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are great at Acorns across the board, we've really enjoyed seeing our little girl grow since starting nursery. She loves going, which is a testament to the fun and care she gets when she's there.
The nursery aims to spend much of the time outside, learning and playing in the fantastic garden
which they've got on site.
The food plans are a fantastic mix of things for the kids to try as well. Seeing what is happening at nursery on the Famly app is really helpful too, as it allows us to see what kind of day they've had.
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Review from Louise (Mother of Child) published on 30 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery is outstanding! My daughter was due to start in May but due to Covid didn’t and they were so wonderful with communication and happy for her to start in Sept.
My daughter has been there for nearly 2 months and has settled in really well. All the staff are amazing, informative and really
friendly. They have coped so well with the Covid situation, with measures in place. The food is excellent with wonderful nutrition and my daughter eats it all. All nappies and wipes are provided. Everything is updated on the Famly app, start time, what foods she eats, nap times and you can update who and when is collecting her. They have an excellent space outside under the trees, so are often playing in the fresh air. I can’t rate them enough and they have made me feel at ease during this difficult time for everyone! Thank you
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Review from C L (Aunt of Child) published on 15 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can't speak highly enough of the staff at Acorn. They are always so caring and the children are always the priority. They are always so keen to make sure as parents/carers we are happy and nothing is ever too much to ask, they really go the extra mile. My niece has been here for the last few months
and during the pandemic, they have remained professional and make sure the children have lots to do. She always comes back happy and can't wait to for the next day.
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Review from Holly W (Mother of Child) published on 29 November 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
We have a really good experience of Acorn Day Nursery. They provide a caring and fun environment for our child and do lots of activities with them.
Always been supportive at drop-offs when our son is upset and really helpful and accommodating when our son has been diagnosed with a peanut allergy giving
helpful guidance and implementing the advice. Provide very good meals for the children.
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Review from Fatima D (Mother of Child) published on 18 October 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Being a first-time mum, sending my daughter to nursery was naturally, as expected, a daunting experience. During the process, I viewed plenty of nurseries but this one felt the most welcoming. Separation anxiety has been a key factor that we have had to overcome and I can honestly say that all the staff
have been absolutely amazing, especially her keyworker. The small but yet effective things they do to ensure that my daughter had an amazing day makes the biggest difference. Having stayed a few times with my daughter while helping her settle down, I have witnessed the hard work and dedication the team have.
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Review from Amy F (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started at nursery in September and she absolutely loves it! The team have been amazing at getting her (and us!) settled and within days everyone knew who she was, what she liked and didn’t like and are always so friendly and welcoming. I had absolutely no qualms about leaving her for the
first time in their care. The app is also brilliant for tracking your child’s day remotely and gives parents an additional feeling of comfort. I’d definitely recommend Acorn to anyone looking for care for their little one.
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Review from Lauren Y (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Brilliant nursery, they’ve given my son amazing support to help him learn and grow before heading to pre-school. They have excellent facilities and a variety of different play areas which my son loves, he especially loves their woodland area! The staff are great! Super helpful and supportive. The food
and menus have great variety.
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Review from Michelle K (Mother of Child) published on 1 May 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending this nursery for just over 3 months now and absolutely loves it. He is extremely content when there and I never have any problems in leaving him. The staff are lovely and always welcoming and they all make a point of saying goodbye to him which I think is lovely. The staff
to child ratio works well, I'm never worried he is being left alone too long and he is always included in activities. I feel happy and relaxed knowing my son is being well cared for and educated well in various activities throughout the day. Rapport between staff and children and their parents is great and I am always informed of daily activities or incidents. I really like the app which informs me of my sons day and communication is always to a high standard through this too.
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Review from Kate T (Mother of Child) published on 1 May 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was very apprehensive about my daughter starting nursery, she had not been away from me and I was unsure how she would settle. All I can say is that I needn’t have worried. The staff have been amazing, they are always so welcoming and friendly and put my mind at ease. The nursery is lovely, and I
especially love the low windows allowing children to look outside and take in their surroundings. There is a forest area which will be great when it’s finished. My daughter has settled in so much quicker than I anticipated which has definitely been down to the lovely staff knowing what she likes/needs. I can go to work feeling confident that my daughter will be well looked after, stimulated and happy. The Famly app is also great and I enjoy checking it to see what she’s been up to. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this nursery.
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Review from NM (Mother of Child) published on 1 May 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff have really helped my son settle in and seem to know him well in terms of his likes and dislikes. My son is making progress and seems settled in the nursery environment. The setting is lovely and the staff make good use of the local area.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.897)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.897) out of 10 for Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford) is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 26 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 26 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 4.897 for Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford) is calculated as follows: ( (282 Excellents x 5) + (28 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 312 Ratings = 4.897
  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 (Stony Stratford) is based on 26 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 40 number of registered child places is 8, which has been reached with 26 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 (12)

Meet the Team (2)

Georgia

Georgia Willshire

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2018

Georgia - Manager
Georgia joined Acorn in 2011 and has worked across 2 Acorn sites progressing from a senior practitioner to a nursery manager. Georgia is very passionate when creating rich and inviting environments which capture children’s interests and support their individual learning and development. Georgia helps support all staff to provide the children with the best possible start, building stable foundations to watch the children learn, achieve and grow as individuals. Outside of work Georgia has 3 young children who have also attended Acorn nurseries.


Georgia is also Stony's Designated Safeguarding Lead, so if you ever have any concerns or would like to chat about anything safeguarding related, please visit or call the nursery and ask to speak to Georgia directly - alternatively, the setting can provide a direct email address for her.


If you have any questions, or would like to book a visit please contact us.

Julie

Julie

Job Title: Senior Administrator Joined: 2016

Julie - Senior Administrator

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