Acorn Day Nursery (Shenley Church End)

Shenley Road, Shenley Church End, Milton Keynes MK5 6AB
Submit a Review
9.9 107 Reviews
  • Acorn Day Nursery (Shenley Church End), Milton Keynes
Acorn’s nursery in Shenley Church End is extremely popular, and the former village primary school offers a spacious interior with well equipped, light and airy rooms. There is an extensive outdoor play area, and the local environment provides several attractive walks and a Forest School site at the nearby Shenley Wood.

All meals and snacks are freshly prepared on site and the children have their own children’s kitchen within the nursery to encourage their involvement. The staff team is very experienced and highly qualified, and they look forward to showing prospective parents around the nursery.

The nursery has extensive gardens and outside play areas, including the timber-framed outdoor classroom. Outdoor play is a key aspect of Acorn’s ethos and the children benefit from spending time outdoors every day, whatever the weather. They also take full advantage of their local setting, which has retained its village feel and has several attractive walks which the children enjoy.

Acorns menus have been carefully planned to be both seasonal and nutritionally balanced and tasty ensuring clean plates every time! All food is cooked from their hub kitchen based onsite, providing nutritionally balanced meals which are both healthy and appetising. They only use fresh, local, ethically sourced produce to create their delicious meals and can accommodate most dietary requirements.

A home visit from the nursery manager and your child’s key person is offered to all new families as Acorn believe children benefit from meeting their key person in a familiar environment, before attending the nursery for settling-in sessions.

Show Acorn Day Nursery (Shenley Church End) on the Map

Care Provided by Acorn Day Nursery (Shenley Church End)

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Helen Price (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 16
  • Registered Charity Number
  • 1145108
  • Total Places for Children
  • 48
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 4 months
    • to 4 years 11 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:15-18:15
    Tuesday 07:15-18:15
    Wednesday 07:15-18:15
    Thursday 07:15-18:15
    Friday 07:15-18:15
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays, Staff Training Days & between Christmas & New Year

Funding & Fees Guide for Acorn Day Nursery (Shenley Church End)

  • Full time place starting from £1,560
    Full day from £81.50
    Morning session from £45.50
    Afternoon session from £41

  • Fees are inclusive of all meals, snacks, drinks (including approved formula milk), nappies and activities.
    We do not charge registration fees, only a £100 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 children don’t attend through illness or holidays, apart from exceptional circumstances.
    Please view the prospectus on our website for a full fees guide.
  • Parking

  • Limited parking available directly outside the nursery, however there is ample parking in the street and the church.


Acorn Day Nursery (Shenley Church End) Reviews (107)

Total of 107, showing 1-20
9.9

Acorn Day Nursery (Shenley Church End) has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.941) out of 10, based on 27 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Acorn Day Nursery (Shenley Church End) has 107 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 105
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

107
3
27
27
80

Review from Grace W (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We couldn't be happier with how things are going for our son at the Acorn Day Nursery (Shenley Church End). The staff are so warm and friendly and they really get to know each child individually. So much effort goes into what they do and the wide range of activities. I particularly like how often they
play outside and all the regular updates we get through the app. The food is also excellent and so varied and healthy.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the nursery to anyone.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from H S (Mother of Child) published on 12 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely love the Shenley team and staff! They put so much love and care into a child's development. They are fully invested in spending time and attention on the child rather than doing activities and putting it only on social media! Observations are an important part of feedback which helps parents
know their child's behaviour in an external setting - sharing those makes more difference vs what did the child eat and that's what sets Shenley apart! Love it!

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Pruthvi T (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are amazing, really friendly and take great care of our son.
The facilities are also fantastic, we are so pleased with how creative they are and the development of our son is amazing.
We are also vegetarian and they cater well for dietary requirements.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from N B (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started when he was 1 year old and we have had an amazing experience with Acorn since the day he started. The settling-in sessions were very helpful in allowing my son to adjust smoothly. He absolutely loves the nursery and looks forward to all the activities they engage the kids with. The staff
are wonderful, warm, welcoming and it's clear they genuinely care about the children. The attention that the key person gives to each child is brilliant. They also do a focus consultation with the parents to discuss development of the child and if any concerns that need to be addressed, which I find very helpful! Overall, I am glad that I chose this nursery for my son to learn and grow!
I highly recommend Acorn to any parent looking for a nurturing and fun environment for their child.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Laura V (Mother of Child) published on 2 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My older child attended Acorn Shenley several years ago and we didn't hesitate to sign up our youngest as it is such a fantastic nursery. All the staff take such care over the children, and know all the children even ones in different rooms to the one they work in. There are a wide variety of activities
for my son to explore everyday and he gets to spend lots of time outside. He is always happy when I pick him up, so I know he has had a great day.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Alex V (Father of Child) published on 26 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely nursery that cares for, entertains, and teaches the children with great attention to individual needs. The experience given to our current child and a previous one is so crucial as part of their development. And we have had some great memories to go with it!

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Thomas U (Father of Child) published on 26 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son is now more than two years old with Shenley Acorn Nursery and I cannot recommend it enough. The staff are amazing with the children, so caring and attentive to each child's individual needs. My kid has gained so much confidence in swimming thanks to the wonderful swimming lessons they offer.
The forest school is also a highlight - it's amazing to see how much my kid has learned about nature and the outdoors. I have to give a special shoutout to 4 members of staff in particular - they are absolute stars and have made such a positive impact on my kid's experience at the nursery. I would recommend it to any parent looking for a nurturing and enriching environment for their child.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Martin P (Father of Child) published on 25 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Acorn Shenley for 7 months now. She regularly experiences fun activities and trips including forest school, swimming, and trips to the local area. She has made some good friends at Shenley and gets on great with the staff. The team sends regular updates, showing me everything
she is learning and enjoying during her time at nursery.

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 25 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the beginning, I was impressed by the warm and friendly atmosphere. The teachers are incredibly dedicated, and they take the time to get to know each child's unique personality and needs.
One thing that stood out to me was how creative the teachers were in planning activities for the children.
They truly go above and beyond to make learning fun and engaging. My son always comes home excited to tell us about the stories he heard, the crafts he made, and the songs he learned. The nursery is also incredibly well-equipped, with different areas for learning, playing, and resting.
The range of activities on offer is fantastic, with field trips, yoga, forest school, and swimming lessons. My son has had so much fun exploring new activities and making new friends.
Overall, I highly recommend this nursery to any parent looking for a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for their child.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from V G (Mother of Child) published on 25 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Enrolling both my kids in this nursery has truly been a fantastic choice for our family. From the moment we enrolled our eldest to when our youngest joined in October, we've been consistently impressed by the care and dedication of the staff. They go above and beyond to create a nurturing environment
where children can thrive. What sets this nursery apart is not only their commitment to education but also the variety of activities they offer. From arts and crafts to outdoor play and music sessions, there's always something exciting for the kids to engage in. Plus, the food menu is exceptional, providing nutritious and delicious meals that my kids love. Overall, we couldn't be happier with our experience here and highly recommend it to any parent seeking a nurturing and stimulating environment for their children.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Wallis L (Mother of Child) published on 25 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All three of my children have attended Acorn, Shenley Brook End. My third child is currently in the Oaks Class. I was initially attracted to Acorn because of the amazing outdoor space, the clear passion of the staff, and the care I saw being taken of the children. Since that time I have found my initial
opinion to have been spot on! Although in the 6 years that have passed since that first visit some of the staff have changed, I have found that the nursery has continued to attract excellent staff and maintained a curriculum based around play. I also love the extra things they participate in forest school, and swimming (in the oaks class). The food looks balanced and tasty! In regards to management, I am always given fair warning about staff holidays, and my invoice is sent to me far in advance of the due date. I find the place to be clean and tidy. Overall I am extremely happy with my choice! My kids have been well cared for and allowed to blossom under the care of the staff at Acorn!

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Charley W (Mother of Child) published on 25 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

In Oct 2023 my journey with Acorns Shenley began as I sought a suitable place for my son to commence his nursery experience in Sept 2024. From the outset, I was thoroughly impressed by the level of communication extended by the establishment. Upon visiting for a nursery tour alongside my husband and
son we were met with a warmth and engagement from the staff that left a lasting impression. Amidst multiple nursery viewings elsewhere stepping into Acorns, I immediately sensed it was the perfect fit for my son. Now 2024 and Acorns has exceeded my expectations in accommodating my last-minute request for an earlier start date for my son. Throughout his three settling-in sessions the staff in the Squirrels have displayed an exceptional level of support not just for my son but for myself as well. With his official start date looming at the beginning of April I find myself continually impressed by the nursery's dedication and professionalism and I'm confident this positive impression will endure.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Karthik B (Father of Child) published on 25 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been pleased with the care and attention our daughter has received from day one. The staff are all really friendly and supportive.
The regular updates and observations shared by the staff regarding the child’s development are really helpful.
Will highly recommend this nursery for anyone.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Jamie C (Father of Child) published on 25 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has recently started attending Acorn Day Nursery Shenley on a full-time basis, and I could not be happier. Since the start, all the staff have been extremely friendly, energetic and informative.
I have been keeping up to date on all activities my little boy has participated in and kept me
informed on which he has thoroughly enjoyed. This has helped us at home as we keep finding new ways to keep him entertained and happy.
He has always come out of the nursery with a smile on his face and he is normally asked to stay a little while longer
Even if it's just to have one more song to dance to or simply to have one more book to read to him.
I would not recommend any other nursery in Milton Keynes, and when we have baby number 2, I hope the lovely ladies in the Acorn room are still there. They seem very attentive to all the little ones in the room and alongside this they are constantly encouraging them to develop, which is preparing them for that step up to the older rooms.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from S B (Mother of Child) published on 25 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Acorn Nursery since 2022. We have been pleased with the care and support Acorn has provided over the years with her walking and verbal communication.
I would recommend Acorn Nursery to others who may be looking for childcare staff who are so helpful and provide you with
great feedback.
Thank you so much to Acorn Nursery!

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from K B (Father of Child) published on 25 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My youngest child is currently in their final year at this nursery and loves attending. The staff are fabulous and engage with the children so well they are like an extended family. The setting is fantastic with outdoor space and local areas to enjoy forest school, woodland walking, and exploring nature.
The menu is extensive and the meals are excellent. This nursery will leave a lasting legacy on my child, as it did with my daughter who previously attended. It is a wonderful nursery and thoroughly deserving of such high praise.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Dash P (Mother of Child) published on 25 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have had a lovely experience to date with the nursery. My older child previously went to the nursery (6 years ago) and it has maintained its standard from what I can see. It was lovely to see the staff at home for a home visit which helped settle nerves. My son took a while to settle and now is so
happy to go to nursery and doesn't want to leave on the days he attends.
The staff are very friendly and will always put the child first. They have been accommodating to help my child feel safe and happy. In turn, he feels supported and can communicate his choices and feelings with them. The staff can support him in his learning and help him make progress in all aspects of learning. I love the Family app that the staff are working hard to update. It is so lovely hearing all the updates when I am working. It helps me understand the day before my son is picked up. It always us to talk about his day with visuals which helps. My son enjoys all the activities.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Jessica J (Mother of Child) published on 25 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As a first-time Mum leaving her little girl I was very nervous, the staff made me feel at ease and confident that she was going to be well cared for. She’s attended for just over a year now and her language and independence have improved massively. The family app means you can check in on them throughout
the day and is a savior for nervous parents like me! Thank you to all the staff who have helped look after her!

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Hannah C (Mother of Child) published on 25 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We've been using Acorn for 6 years and all 3 of my children have attended. We have been pleased with our experience and would recommend Acorn Shenley. The staff are always very friendly and helpful. They know the children well and tailor their care and support to each child's needs. The family app keeps
you up to date on what is happening at the nursery and the photos of the activities are always lovely to see. The regular focused observations followed by a meeting/call with parents allow a longer conversation about your child's progress and how settled they are. The additional activities for the preschool children are great. My son loves the weekly first school and has grown in confidence with the weekly swimming lessons. All children regularly go on trips in the local area including to the local park, charity shop, and Sainsbury's. My youngest has recently started at Acorn and the home visit helped him settle in and the staff get to know him.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from E B (Mother of Child) published on 25 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both of my children have attended this nursery from babies through to starting school and have adored it. The people working here are so obviously dedicated to the children's well-being and development that it very much feels like a second family, and every child is celebrated and encouraged to be themselves.
The facilities, learning, and activities have always been brilliant, with regular trips and adventures that my children loved. I have always felt the team here truly loves all the children and that has been reflected in the children's happiness and confidence to attend. We will miss you Acorn Shenley!

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.941)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.941) out of 10 for Acorn Day Nursery (Shenley Church End) is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 27 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 27 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.941 for Acorn Day Nursery (Shenley Church End) is calculated as follows: ( (303 Excellents x 5) + (19 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 322 Ratings = 4.941

  • b) 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 (Shenley Church End) is based on 27 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 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

    • ii) 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 48 number of registered child places is 9.6, which has been reached with 27 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • 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

Awards / Recognitions (14)

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Meet the Team (3)

Helen

Helen Price

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2005

Helen joined Acorn in 2005 and started as an unqualified lunchtime assistant. Helen gained qualifications from level 2 right through to her BA in her early years, taking on additional training such as SEN, Forest school leader and minibus driver. After 13 years of looking after children, Helen decided the time was right to start her own family and in 2020 had her daughter who attended Acorn.


Helen has a passion for outdoor learning and enjoys not only watching children learn and develop but also helping staff develop!


My favourite quote “The best classroom and the richest cupboard is roofed only by the sky”


Helen is also Shenley'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 on 01908 507782 and ask to speak to Helen directly - alternatively, the setting can provide a direct email address for her.


Laura

Laura

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2008

Laura - Deputy Manager


Becky

Becky

Job Title: Senior Administrator

Joined: 2019

Becky - Senior Administrator


Frequently Asked Questions about Acorn Day Nursery (Shenley Church End)

What is the Age Range of Children that Acorn Day Nursery (Shenley Church End) accepts?

Acorn Day Nursery (Shenley Church End) accepts Children aged from 0 years 4 months to 4 years 11 months.

What Days & Hours is Acorn Day Nursery (Shenley Church End) Open?

Acorn Day Nursery (Shenley Church End) is open: Monday 07:15-18:15, Tuesday 07:15-18:15, Wednesday 07:15-18:15, Thursday 07:15-18:15, Friday 07:15-18:15.

How many Children does Acorn Day Nursery (Shenley Church End) have capacity for?

Acorn Day Nursery (Shenley Church End) has capacity for a total of 48 Children.

How far is Acorn Day Nursery (Shenley Church End) to the centre of Milton Keynes?

1.7 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 (Shenley Church End) to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Acorn Day Nursery (Shenley Church End) has a Platinum Service – more info.