Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA
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9.9 33 Reviews
  • Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear), Milton Keynes
Acorn at Mulberry Bear, is located in the Open University Campus in Milton Keynes.

Staff at the setting are committed to providing high quality childcare and education for all its children through play in an enriched environment.

Children as young as three months to school age are cared for.

Each group has its own designated areas for play, sleeping, eating and quiet activities. In addition to indoor play space, the nursery has two beautiful spacious gardens as well as the local environment around the university's campus.

The nursery's friendly staff have relevant childcare qualifications and are experienced in delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage encouraging the children to become happy, confident individuals.

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Care Provided by Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

  • 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
  • Ravenne Richards-Holness (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 11
  • Registered Charity Number
  • 1145108
  • Total Places for Children
  • 52
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

  • Full time place starting from £1425
    Full day from £72.50
    Morning session from £42.50
    Afternoon session from £38.50

  • 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

  • There are dedicated parking bays for dropping off and collecting children at the nursery.


Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear) Reviews (33)

Total of 33, showing 1-20
9.9

Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear) has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.944) out of 10, based on 27 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear) has 33 reviews.

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Review from Hollie P (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since putting my son in Mulberry Bear, he has flourished and I have noticed such a confidence in him. He started at 8 months old and whilst I was so worried about him being so young, they really have helped him with his learning and development amazingly. He has bonded with all the workers and I am
very thankful to have some a wonderful team of people raising my son with me.

Reply from Ravenne Richards-Holness, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you for choosing Acorn at Mulberry Bear, it's a pleasure having your son within our nursery.


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Review from B D (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very happy with my son's progression since being at Mulberry Bear - he has come on in all aspects including learning and social. His learning is tailored to his pace and personality. He loves all the staff and is excited to go to nursery everyday!

Reply from Ravenne Richards-Holness, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thanks for choosing us at Mulberry Bear, we will continue to provide a safe and nurturing environment for your child.


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Review from Hannah C (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been at Mulberry Bear for about 10 months now, and in that time I have seen her build brilliant relationships with the team, especially her key person, who has been absolutely brilliant in both making me feel at ease knowing that she is loved and cared for at nursery as well as supporting
her with the development she is absolutely thriving at Acorn and always has a smile when I drop her off - which as a parent is so reassuring knowing that she is happy and settled. Recently, we started the transition to the next group and the team explained how they will do the settling-in sessions to make sure the move was at the right time for the child. I again found this both helpful and reassuring as I was concerned whether she was ready, but so far, she has been loving it.
They do lots of different activities, lots of messy play and cooking, also lots of music which she loves.

Reply from Ravenne Richards-Holness, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you for leaving this lovely review, we are happy to have your daughter within our care.


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Review from Celine F (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my boys are attending this nursery and they love it there and look forward to going. They never run out of creative things to do with the kids and keep me posted on progress daily face to face but also on the app often. Staff are amazing and polite, greet the children every day and make them feel
comfortable. Always happy to answer questions and communicate.

Reply from Ravenne Richards-Holness, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you for choosing Acorn Mulberry Bear, we are more than happy to have your boys.


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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are really happy with Mulberry Bear. After settling in our little one seems really happy there and loves all the staff.
The updates on the app are brilliant and the staff are always happy to chat and give an update at the end of the day. We love that there is lots of time spent outdoors (when possible)
or engaging in fun, messy activities! The menu always sounds really good, with varied and healthy options and our child's dietary requirements are catered for. The staff seem keen to support our child's development and have provided useful progress updates through the app.
Even though I've changed jobs and the nursery is further away than some other options, our little one seems to be getting on so well there we don't want to move him. I'd definitely highly recommend Acorn and Mulberry Bear to anyone looking for childcare options.

Reply from Ravenne Richards-Holness, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you so much for choosing Acorn Mulberry Bear. We will continue to do our best to provide a secure, happy and stimulating environment for each child within our care.


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Review from Gemma M (Mother of Child) published on 9 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot recommend this nursery enough! I was so anxious about sending my 7-month-old to nursery but honestly, all that worry was so unwarranted. My son loves his days at nursery and gets so excited when I tell him that he's going to see his key person. This in itself makes it much easier to drop him
off in the mornings, knowing that he loves it, is in a good place and with great people caring for him. The updates on the app around meals and activities are amazing. I always get sent lovely pictures of my son with his friends, getting up to all sorts of fun stuff. The staff are so nice and my baby eats better than I do when he's at nursery! His progress and development in just a few months have come on so much, being at this nursery is really so good for him.

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Review from R B (Mother of Child) published on 8 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After visiting Acorn at Mulberry Bear we knew we wanted to send our daughter there. Such a lovely atmosphere at the nursery: the setting is amazing, with an incredible garden, and the children can explore so much. Our daughter has been attending the nursery for 2 years and the progress she has made
there is incredible. The staff are warm and friendly and make a great effort to get to know our family. She is excited to arrive and see her friends. She tells us all the activities and fun he has had throughout the day. They also provided extra activities classes like Forest School which was provided at no additional cost. We are also very thankful for their support with potty training. Our daughter will soon start school and the staff have been excellent at preparing her for this big change. As such we would highly recommend Acorn at Mulberry Bear for all the reasons above and more.

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Review from Roxana M (Mother of Child) published on 4 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wonderful nursery!
My son has been going to the nursery for almost a year and he has learned so much.
He loves going there to play with his friends and the staff.
The staff are really good and care about the kids.

Reply from Sharon Rigby, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you for leaving a review of the nursery. It is our pleasure to watch all of the children develop whilst attending our nursery.


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Review from Kelly K (Mother of Child) published on 1 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot recommend Acorn Nursery highly enough. Since starting in September, our little girl has progressed immensely and it is clear to see how much she enjoys her days at nursery. Thank you all so much.

Reply from Sharon Rigby, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you for your review. It is our privilege looking after your child.


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Review from Mai E (Mother of Child) published on 1 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter is really having a good time at the nursery and although it was her first ever starting time in the nursery, I expected to have a hard time getting her adapted, but due to the extra care she has been given she quickly loved the nursery. Now she keeps asking every day when she is going.

Reply from Sharon Rigby, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you for leaving the nursery a review. We are so pleased with how well your child has settled into nursery.


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Review from Mark R (Father of Child) published on 1 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mulberry Bear Nursery has been excellent for us. Our son absolutely loves going to nursery, and the staff have been brilliant for his entire time with them.
We feel very happy and safe to leave our son with Mulberry Bear during the days. His development has come on leaps and bounds since becoming
a member.
I would recommend this nursery to anyone.

Reply from Sharon Rigby, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you for leaving the nursery a review. It is lovely to hear your child loves to attend our nursery.


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Review from Ahmed R (Father of Child) published on 1 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mulberry Bear Day Nursery continues to impress with its standards and care. My son has been here for more than a year, and he absolutely loves it there! Forest schools are outstanding, and the activities are engaging. The food there is borderline gourmet as well, things our son would never eat at home!
Overall, I love this nursery, and now that we're expecting a new baby, she will definitely be going there!

Reply from Sharon Rigby, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you for this lovely review of the nursery. Thank you for mentioning Forest School, as our Forest School leader has recently completed her training to be able to take the children.


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Review from Talib A (Father of Child) published on 29 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dedicated staff. Great communication with the parents. Caring and keeping kids clean, happy and entertained. Managed well with good facilities and environment for the kids. My boy always comes home happy (and tired) after a day in the nursery!

Reply from Sharon Rigby, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you for reviewing the nursery. It is great to hear your child goes home happy and tired after attending nursery.


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Review from Marjan A (Father of Child) published on 29 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are very kind, our little one loves the activities and loves getting cuddles from the staff. She always plays a hiding game at the beginning of the day and the staff always play along. She likes to climb around outside and enjoys forest school.

Reply from Sharon Rigby, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you for leaving a review of our nursery. The staff enjoy participating in the hiding game with your child.


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Review from J S (Mother of Child) published on 16 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started at the end of January, he has some additional needs and Acorns Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear) and all of the staff have been amazing in the two weeks he has been here. I can see a big difference in him already and I cannot wait to watch him grow and learn under the care of all of the amazing
staff!

Reply from Sharon Rigby, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you for your review. It is great to see how well your child has settled into the nursery.


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Review from Kavin S (Father of Child) published on 24 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

One of the best nurseries to leave your child. The staff are very kind and competitive enough to look after your child during the whole day. Staff in the nursery look after the child from the time you drop them and until the time we pick them back.

Reply from Sharon Rigby, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you for submitting this lovely review of the nursery. It is our pleasure to look after your child at nursery.


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Review from A S (Mother of Child) published on 18 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have experience sending my daughter to two nurseries, and this nursery is so much better in many ways. My daughter settled in really quickly, and we get regular feedback on her development. You won’t regret sending your child.

Reply from Sharon Rigby, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you for your review of the nursery. It is lovely to see a child settle into nursery life so quickly.


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Review from H H (Mother of Child) published on 18 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We absolutely love Mulberry Bear. The staff are fantastic. My daughter currently attends the nursery and she loves going in. She enjoys all of the activities, loves the outdoor area and enjoys playing with her friends. She is really settled and I have no qualms about leaving her there. She has food
allergies and all of the staff are so careful. Makes me feel very confident with her in their care.
My elder son also used to attend Mulberry before it was taken over by Acorn. He absolutely loved his time there too.

Reply from Sharon Rigby, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you for your review of the nursery. It has been our pleasure to look after both of your children and see them flourish.


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Review from N G (Mother of Child) published on 5 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My eldest son attended here and now my youngest is here. They both love this nursery. The staff are amazing. We had to send our children to another nursery for a while and this experience made me massively appreciate just how lovely Mulberry Bear is. The activities they do are varied, the numbers are
not too big so they can make connections with other children and the staff. The app is great. The outside space is lovely. Sometimes they go on walks around the campus. My son enjoys going to nursery which allows me to go to work and not worry about him.

Reply from Sharon Rigby, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

Thank you for your lovely nursery review. Fabulous to hear your son loves the activities available to him when coming to nursery.


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Review from L S (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic nursery all the staff are great and engaging. They create a happy environment for my son, he loves going in every day which gives me huge peace of mind. He’s been at the nursery since he was 6 months old and I’ve never had an issue. I love how varied his days can be from outdoor walks to messy
play, baking cakes and creating cards as well as the normal child play times. They make parents feel involved by keeping them updated on the app and inviting the to play and stay sessions.
I honestly couldn’t rate this nursery high enough.

Reply from Sharon Rigby, Manager at Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

It has been our pleasure to see your child flourish at the nursery since joining at a young age.


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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.944)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.944) out of 10 for Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear) 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 4.944 for Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear) is calculated as follows: ( (304 Excellents x 5) + (18 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 322 Ratings = 4.944

  • 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 (Mulberry Bear) 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 52 number of registered child places is 10.4, 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

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Awards / Recognitions (11)

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Meet the Team (2)

Ravenne

Ravenne Richards-Holness

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2024

I have been working in Early Years for over 25 years. I am passionate about ensuring that children have the best possible outcomes in life. To achieve this, I focus on supporting and mentoring my team, helping them to become the best practitioners they can be, so they can positively impact the children within our care.


Katharine

Katharine Seaton

Job Title: Office Manager

Joined: 2014

Hospitality Management degree


I joined Mulberry Bear in 2014. Both my children attended the nursery prior to my joining as Office Manager. My role in the nursery is varied among other tasks I help the manager with booking children into the nursery, showing prospective parents around and monthly invoicing.


Frequently Asked Questions about Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear)

What is the Age Range of Children that Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear) accepts?

Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear) accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear) Open?

Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear) is open: Monday 07:30-18:00, Tuesday 07:30-18:00, Wednesday 07:30-18:00, Thursday 07:30-18:00, Friday 07:30-18:00.

How many Children does Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear) have capacity for?

Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear) has capacity for a total of 52 Children.

How far is Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear) to the centre of Milton Keynes?

1.8 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 (Mulberry Bear) to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Acorn Day Nursery (Mulberry Bear) has a Platinum Service – more info.