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 41-60
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 Laura b (Mother of Child) published on 9 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Acorns in Shenley Church End continues to impress me, I am extremely happy with the care, communication, and activities within the nursery setting. I have been part of the Shenley 'family' for approximately 6 years now as my son attended and now my daughter. The staff are always so friendly, helpful
and kind. The nursery offers a range of activities for the children, including swimming, dance, and forest school activities. My daughter who currently attends absolutely loves it and always refers to the staff, making links to things we do as a family.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from N H (Mother of Child) published on 9 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This nursery is excellent from the facilities to the carers and other supporting staff. Both my sons now attend the nursery and during lockdown, the nursery were great in continuing to provide all the care and support my eldest son needed.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from R G (Mother of Child) published on 4 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has a lovely time at Acorn and comes home with stories of the great things he has done each day. We've always been really grateful that we secured a place for our three children at this nursery and have been really happy with the warm, friendly and caring nature of the staff.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Pradnya T (Mother of Child) published on 4 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started at 1.4 yrs age with Acorn Shenley. I am proud to say it is the best next place for him after home. The live updates are a superb thing that any parent would definitely love to have. He loves being there and the credit goes to the marvellous staff! They are friendly, supportive accommodative,
and made sure to make it a smooth settling for him. Each one has a special bond with every child there. My son is very comfortable and looks forward to attending. Acorn does a sterling job from learning and development for all ages. I appreciate the efforts they put in arranging and planning the day for the kids, the messy play/muddy puddle play/baking/nature walks/helping kids to improve communication, etc. I don't need to worry about my son when in nursery as I am confident he is in safe hands and well looked after. It was the best decision we ever made!

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Catherine P (Mother of Child) published on 4 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My eldest started here at 2, my youngest at 1. The staff genuinely love these kids like their own and the approach is about nurturing the child's interests, rather than forcing all kids down the same path. They work really hard to help the kids settle in and they soon do! The emphasis on the outdoors
has been great for my boys. There's lots of outdoor space and they often go on walks in the local area to explore and play in the nearby pirate park. My boys have been lucky to have a male member of the team supporting them some days too which brings a great dynamic, especially for boys - my eldest still talks about being a 'dinner winner'! And finally the food - it's cooked fresh on-site ad it smells amazing as you drop them off!

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Andrew L (Father of Child) published on 13 July 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a fabulous nursery where both of our children are having a wonderful start to their lives. They plan so many activities every single day to engage the children and help them grow. The staff are so caring and do everything they can to support the children. It’s a beautiful old schoolhouse with
a wonderful outdoor play area which the children adore. Highly recommended.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Vicky K (Mother of Child) published on 28 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Brilliant nursery! My daughter absolutely loves going in every morning and has an amazing time. She’s growing in confidence, becoming more social, exploring, and experiencing so many things that I wouldn’t be able to offer at home. I love the free flow the nursery offers and the independence that’s
encouraged for the children. Whilst given current times and circumstances, we can’t go in as we used to, the staff are all great at telling us about the children’s day and ensuring we communicate any concerns or needs the children may have coming in. It’s a shame they aren’t able to go to the external activities they used to prior to covid, but Acorns Shenley have done great to adapt and still offer the children activities on site (forest school, dance, woodwork, etc). So pleased my children have attended the nursery. Will be sad when my little one finishes this summer to start school, but I know she’s going well prepared!

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Anna R (Mother of Child) published on 20 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Brilliant nursery. The place is a home from home and the staff are like a second family to our kids. My older girl who left a couple of years ago still loves chatting with her old keyworkers and we can't wait until they can hug again. Lovely outdoor area, good healthy food, lots of fun activities every
day, lots of photos every day on the app for us parents to see what kids have been up to. Most importantly really caring staff who you can trust to look after your kids. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Gary H (Father of Child) published on 2 March 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My daughter has a lot of fun there, and she seems to get up to so much. Her dietary requirements are well catered too, and I get the time and opportunity to speak to my key worker whenever I need to.
The app allows for that unrestricted ability to keep in touch; both with my child’s activities that
day and the staff.
The community they have is of close-knit, and it feels much more personal than other nurseries I’ve been too. It feels more like class friends.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Nicky (Mother of Child) published on 18 February 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Such a wonderful nursery, the staff and so caring and the learning through natural play is wonderful. Since my daughter has been going, she has learned so much and is so happy there.
The food always smells delicious in the morning. The parent app is great in keeping you up to date through the day.
The staff are great. Highly recommend.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Ana P (Mother of Child) published on 18 February 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We considered Acorn after a recommendation from a neighbour, and we have not been disappointed. The staff are awesome, and our toddler loves going. The daily activities are always creative, interactive and different, keeping our son entertained and interest. He has made significant progress in his development
and is being prepared for a good start at primary school.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Amit S (Father of Child) published on 17 February 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been sending our daughter here for more than 2 years now. The staff, care and facilities provided are excellent. Out daughter has adapted very nicely over time and really enjoys her time there. There are a number of activities that the staff have with the children which keeps them interested
and occupied. The nursery is very safe and secure and the app for parents is a great way to know what your child has been doing. The staff provide regular updates on the child's progress which is very helpful. All in all an exceptional nursery to send your little one to.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Jessica R (Mother of Child) published on 13 February 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son had the opportunity to join in with lots of festive activities.
Generally, the activities are great: first school, French, Zumba. As well as stem activities such as rocket making, counting play, building with imagination.
His development has been great and the staff are really aware of his
personality and individual needs, he's not just one of a group.
Overall, a fantastic, caring nursery which I highly recommend to friends and will be sending my new son to in due course.
We don't live in Milton Keynes and travel out of our way to the nursery because we think it's a great place for our son.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Barry K (Father of Child) published on 13 February 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very attentive staff. Good at teaching and being supportive of my daughter. Varied things for her to do including forest walks and swimming,
It provides a fun safe environment and they are excellent at providing regular daily feedback of my child both 121 and on their app. They also importantly
provide developmental feedback on key indicators for her age providing progress and suggesting how they may be able to advance the things which she is learning.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Natalie W (Mother of Child) published on 13 February 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been very impressed by Acorn Day Nursery (Shenley Church End) from the moment we started reviewing which nursery to send our daughter to. I particularly liked that the first settling in session is done at home so as to make the children feel more comfortable. All the members of staff know all
of the children and my daughter is extremely happy there. They make sure they know everyone that is coming into the nursery and politely challenge those they don't recognise. Every day involves play outside whatever the weather and the outside space available was another big factor for us when deciding the nursery. The parent app is consistently updated so I can track her day and I'm amazed at how they get her to sleep - when at home she's having none of it! I would and have recommended this nursery to friends and family and wouldn't consider sending her anywhere else.

Reply from Joanne Colton at Acorn Day Nursery (Shenley Church End)

Thank you very much for your review, I'm so glad to read you liked the home visit, it's such a great place to start building those relationships, thank you again.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Rachel L (Mother of Child) published on 13 February 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Acorn Shenley is a great nursery with brilliant staff who genuinely care for the children and provide stimulating and varied activities for them. My daughter really loves her time there. Highly recommended!!

Reply from Joanne Colton at Acorn Day Nursery (Shenley Church End)

Thank you for your review, we love caring and having fun with all the children.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Lindsay B (Mother of Child) published on 12 February 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My second boy is currently at this nursery and I cannot fault it (had my first there too). The staff are fun and so caring, I never doubt for a second that all of his needs are taken care of. He comes home in great spirits and whenever I ask if he’s had a nice day at nursery, he replies ‘lovely day!’
He always looks forward to going.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Victoria B (Mother of Child) published on 12 February 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Acorn at Shenley is an amazing nursery. The staff all care so much about the children ensuring that each day is filled with fun. They create so many opportunities to give the children new experiences and support them them with each developmental stage. My little boy loves nursery and I wouldn’t choose
anywhere else to send him.

Reply from Joanne Colton at Acorn Day Nursery (Shenley Church End)

Thank you so much for your lovely review and we absolutely love having him here and will miss you all when he goes to school.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from L D (Mother of Child) published on 12 December 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fabulous nursery, the outdoor space is brilliant and is fully utilised. The staff are all lovely and plan lots of different activities for the children each day. The food is cooked on-site and the menu is varied. Both of my children have loved their time at this nursery and I couldn't have wished for
a better place for them to attend.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Nazia M (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A very good nursery. Staff are friendly and caring. Fun interesting and educational activities are always on offer for children. They also put a lot of enthusiasm and effort to arrange local trips. My son loves going to nursery and lots of times he mentions his staff's names at home and asks me to take
him to nursery. This is the only nursery I know who I can trust to leave my child in their care. I'm so happy that my son goes to this nursery.

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


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.