Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford)

St Giles Mews, Vicarage Road, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes MK11 1BN
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9.9 103 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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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.

Contact Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford) to get a personalised quote.

Contact Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford) to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Nikki Torrie (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

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 (103)

9.9

Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford) has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.937) out of 10, based on 33 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford) has 103 reviews.

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Total of 103, showing 81-100
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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Review from S N (Father of Child) published on 1 May 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery has been amazing. Our child has issues settling in, the staff went above and beyond to help and now our child is all settled and loves nursery. They always have fun activities planned and I always receive a detailed brief from the staff of what my child has done that day.
I was recommended
Acorn Day Nursery by a colleague and have been recommending them to others. Fantastic staff and a fantastic nursery.
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Review from Emily C (Mother of Child) published on 1 May 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We absolutely love taking our son to Acorn Day Nursery! He loves it too! He’s come on leaps and bounds since being there and he loves all the nursery assistants which his dad and I think is very important. To put your trust in a stranger with your own child is something very daunting but from day one,
everyone who works there has been so friendly, professional and made us feel at ease. Just walking into the nursery gives us a really good feeling. I love getting the updates and pictures of how our son is doing despite there being a lot of babies/children to all do the same for. It’s lovely to see our boy so happy and that’s all thanks to everyone at Acorn!
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Review from Natalie M (Mother of Child) published on 1 May 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Stony nursery full time since it opened in November 2018. She has developed a great relationship with her key person and staff in the nursery and often comes home talking about the staff, children and activities she's done in the day. She loves going on the minibus to
forest school and going on walks around the area. My daughter also enjoys taking part in baking activities and often comes home that day and offers to help make dinner! I love to see how enthusiastic she is about nursery and it's great that the staff are teaching them good life skills at such a young age. My daughter's confidence has grown so much since going to nursery and I know it's because of the great care, attention and resources she has available to her!
I have no worries leaving my child at this nursery and would highly recommend it!
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Review from Guy M (Father of Child) published on 20 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great nursery. Our son loves going, has fun and is well looked after. Staff are welcoming and communication is good.
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Review from Juan F (Father of Child) published on 19 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Well prepared, professional staff in a lovely brand new location. My 1 year old daughter enjoys attending there everyday.
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Review from Rina (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at this nursery are professional, attentive and caring. They take the time to get to know my daughter and she has a good rapport with them. The home visit and settling in period was helpful for my daughter to transition from being at home to being in the nursery. They have many activities
planned for the children and it keeps them busy. They serve a variety of nutritious food which is prepared at their other branch. I am delighted to know that my daughter is being served freshly made healthy food every day. The mobile app is also very useful as I am able to keep up with what is going on with my daughter while at work i.e. when she has her nap, what she had for lunch etc. The staff provides excellent feedback on how my daughter has been progressing. I am very grateful for everyone at Acorn Day Nursery Stony Stratford and hope my daughter continues to grow as an individual, surrounded by amazing people!
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Review from J M (Father of Child) published on 14 March 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are attentive and caring. Settling in was child focussed and inclusive.
Our child has settled well and enjoys going in every day.
The staff are knowledgeable of his needs.
We are looking forward to the completion of the forest school garden which looks amazing.
The setting and facilities
are great.
The close link to the retirement home allows further opportunities for enrichment.
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Review from Gillian S (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Stony Stratford Acorn is set in beautiful surroundings.
The nursery has a clean and natural atmosphere.
Almost all resources are natural.
The staff are kind, caring and friendly, no task is too big.
My child enjoys walks to the local library, trips to the nearby retirement home and a minibus ride
to forest school.
We are all so happy that our daughter has settled in well.
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Review from Sonia P (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little one absolutely loves going to nursery.
She has developed and grown so much since starting at Acorn, her language has improved so much, she has grown in confidence, has made so many friends and learns daily.
We love the outdoors/natural ethos of the nursery which our little one loves - being
out in the fresh air as often as possible. The staff are exceptional.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.937)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.937) 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 33 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 33 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 4.937 for Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford) is calculated as follows: ( (370 Excellents x 5) + (25 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 395 Ratings = 4.937
  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 33 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 + 0.025 = 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 33 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 (3)

Nikki

Nikki Torrie

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2018

Nikki has worked in the early years sector for over 30 years, undertaking a variety of roles including nanny, where she was awarded The Lady Magazine's ‘nanny of the year’ 2000, preschool leader, Tumble Tots organiser, deputy manager, and manager.


She holds a degree in Early Years and is deeply passionate about supporting and developing children’s learning and growth. Nikki has also completed her Designated Safeguarding Lead and Safer Recruitment training, demonstrating her strong commitment to children’s safety and well-being. With a great love for the outdoors, she has furthered her expertise by achieving a Level 3 qualification in Forest Schools

Kate

Kate Burgess

Job Title: Administrator Joined: 2025

Katie is a happy, friendly and approachable Nursery Admin who loves that every day brings something different. After eight years working in HR admin, she’s great at staying organised and supporting the people around her. Katie’s the person who always brings a smile and helps where she’s needed.


Outside of work, she’s usually doing nails, at the gym, or out walking her two dogs.

Hayley

Hayley Mahoney

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2026

Deputy Manager

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.