The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane)

59 Denmans Lane, Lindfield, Haywards Heath RH16 2JN
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9.7 91 Reviews
  • The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane), Haywards Heath
The Acorns Nursery and Forest School is dedicated to quality childcare and early years education, rated highly with regulators and combining a 'forward-thinking' vision with traditional values.

A well-equipped interior, with numerous play and learning activities made possible, is complemented by an emphasis on outdoor play and a curriculum that incorporates forest school adventures.

The aim of the service to help children achieve their early years potential before a smooth transition into infant school and beyond.

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Care Provided by The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane)

  • Type of Service
  • Nursery School – Privately Owned
  • Open term time
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Christina Franks (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 6
  • Total Places for Children
  • 21
  • Age Range
    • from 2 years 0 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00
  • When Closed
  • School Holidays (open for 4 weeks holiday playscheme in the summer)

The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) Reviews (91)

Total of 91, showing 1-20
9.7

The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.665) out of 10, based on 8 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) has 91 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Review from A. H (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Acorns has been amazing for my Son, for the last 6 months he has come on leaps and bounds.
When we chose Acorns we chose it because it felt like a home from home, and we loved the garden and the space for the children to play freely.
The staff have been amazing, it really feels like there is a sense
of care and we were given so much information on settling in. When I pick him up we always have a good chat and catch up on what they have done in the day.
The activities are varied and well planned out and organised. Meals are great and we get given so much information about the plans each term which is so reassuring to be so well informed.
Can't say much more than We really love it!

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Review from M R (Mother of Child) published on 23 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our experience with The Acorn has been absolutely wonderful. The care, kindness, and dedication of the staff have made such a positive impact on my son. It's heartwarming to see how much he looks forward to going to nursery each day, and I can tell he's thriving in the nurturing environment they've
created.
The activities are thoughtfully planned, engaging, and tailored to help the children grow and explore at their own pace. I also appreciate the open communication with the staff-they truly make us feel like part of a family.
Knowing my son is in a place where he is happy, safe, and learning so much brings me immense peace of mind. Thank you, The Acorn for everything you do-you are incredible!

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Review from A P (Father of Child) published on 28 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

An incredible nursery. Feels like it has the warmth and love of a childminders but with the professionalism and development of a nursery school. When my daughter leaves it is going to be a very sad day.

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Review from H L (Mother of Child) published on 28 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Acorns is an outstanding nursery. We moved my daughter here from a nursery that is part of a chain, and the difference is huge. If you are looking for an individual nursery that will nurture, educate and care for your child to the highest possible standards, look no further. They truly get to know
each child and they get the best out of them. My daughter is genuinely excited about going to The Acorns every day, which was not the case with her previous nursery. The staff are kind, compassionate and extremely knowledgeable. They take huge pride in their work and the children are, in turn, proud to belong to The Acorns. The food is home-cooked every day and the environment is delightful. The garden is simply magical. The love and attention that has gone into the space here means the children get so much joy from it. The curriculum planning is second to none. I am blown away by how much my daughter learns. She has great fun and has developed strong relationships. It is the best!

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Review from Sophie K (Mother of Child) published on 28 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

An excellent place for children to learn, socialise and just thrive with nurturing, caring, knowledgable staff. My son has been so happy there for the last three years and I’d highly recommend them to anyone wanting a great start for their own child.

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Review from C M (Mother of Child) published on 28 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was a little apprehensive about my son attending a new nursery after relocating. Staff members made it very easy for us to visit the sites on multiple occasions and put our minds at ease. When meeting the staff, they seemed very caring and all of the children were enjoying story time when we visited
the site. When it comes to meal times, it’s lovely that all of the children sit together and eat like they are at home. Having my son in a home environment was important to me as he goes to nursery multiple times per week and I wanted it to feel like home away from home. Staff are very caring and my son has a lovely time at The Acorns with the other children. He enjoys the food and activities offered and we always pick him up clean and happy!

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Review from V B (Mother of Child) published on 1 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely professional team with a careful approach to the child and his peculiarities in the educational process.
I feel lucky that my child and we have the opportunity to be part of The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School community.

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Review from A F (Mother of Child) published on 1 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son was one of the first 18-month-old to join The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School and we are absolutely thrilled with the care he receives. He has breakfast and dinner at this nursery (wrap-around care on long days), but spends the shorter nursery day at the sister nursery and enjoys the mix
of settings. He settled in immediately; eating (a variety of healthy, home-cooked meals), sleeping and taking part in activities from the get-go. They even have a wooden pirate ship climbing frame in the garden! He always comes home tired and happy. Staff are professional, approachable and warm. Communication is superb; with regular emails, opportunities for face-to-face meetings and a WhatsApp group for notices. A huge amount of thought and planning goes into the education that the children receive, in line with EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) and this is communicated with parents so that learning can be supported from home too. I could go on but, in short, we feel incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful nursery on our doorstep and we trust Acorns completely.

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Review from Catherine G (Mother of Child) published on 30 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I moved my son from a Haywards Heath nursery to Acorns in Lindfield. The hours are from 9 to 3pm. When I need my son to start early or finish late, he enjoys spending additional time at Acorns for childminding. The main reason I moved my son from another nursery to Acorns is the quality of teaching.
This nursery has been running since 1985, and you can clearly see this in the outstanding environment the staff have created. Due to the attention, effort and thoroughness that the Acorns staff put into every individual child, I decided to defer my son for 1 year. I wanted the foundation of learning to be exciting and fun. I am very grateful to Acorns for giving my son a wonderful experience and supporting him throughout his learning journey. As a parent, I have greatly appreciated the guidance I received through the reading scheme, and the big Nursery Book, which captures his wow moments. My husband keeps telling me that I had a wonderful intuition to take our son to Acorns.

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Review from Laura S (Mother of Child) published on 28 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter loves her Fridays at The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School, Lindfield and always comes back home with tales of different countries she's been learning about or something she's made. The teachers are all wonderful and we trust them completely. It's a lovely homely, familiar environment
for children her age to thrive in.

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Review from Tom T (Father of Child) published on 28 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both our daughters have attended the Acorns and have had an amazing time. It’s a great setting, in a home with a lovely garden with a pirate ship to play on and daily home-cooked meals. The staff are fantastic and since Christmas, there has been a different country as a theme each week. My youngest
has learned so much. They have a great reading scheme, giving them a head start for starting school, and there’s a real focus in the last term before school on building up their independence so they are ready to look after themselves when they go to school. I would not hesitate in recommending the Acorns to anyone looking for a great term-time preschool.

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Review from Andrea S (Father of Child) published on 28 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has been attending Acorns in Lindfield for the past 2.5 years. We deferred his entry to school, and we are so happy we took this decision. He has built beautiful friendships with the children and very good relationships with the staff. We are sincerely grateful for the lovely atmosphere that
the Acorns staff was able to create, and for the care and kindness they show every day to our child. At Acorns the wellness of the children is the top priority, and that's not just in terms of getting them safely through the week, but in developing them as little persons with a voice and personality of their own, able to love the world and all that life has to offer, resilient to the challenges of life. From climbing to reading, from playing outdoor to discovering different countries and cultures, from sharing with other children to voice his thoughts and express ideas: we are so happy that every aspect of our child's development was nurtured, through experience and one-to-one attention.

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Review from Gerrard M (Father of Child) published on 28 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Simply lovely. Perfect blend of friendly but efficient staff, a great programme and location. My daughter had previously attended a larger nursery in the area but we feel so lucky to have found The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School, Lindfield.

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Review from G T (Mother of Child) published on 28 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has thrived in Acorns. We had moved countries and everything was very new for her (and us!) but the fantastic staff ensured she settled well. She has been there for 2 years now and we are so happy with everything - fresh food prepared inside the nursery kitchen every day, well-thought-out
activities, a fabulous garden space, and caring teachers. They keep sharing regular communication, pictures, blogs, and stories with the parent community.
There are children from various parts of the world in the nursery - in the latest term, every week was dedicated to one country where children learned about that country, ate their cuisine throughout the week, heard stories from our parents, did a wide variety of activities that included going on a safari in the Kenya week or celebrating Iranian new year, trying Australian snacks/goodies that were shipped by a child’s aunt. We appreciate the thought they put into planning and also executing their term activities which are enjoyed by everyone.

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Review from Laura T (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We moved into the area late last year and our biggest worry was finding a nursery that our son would love as much as the nursery he was leaving. When we viewed The Acorns we knew he’d love it and we haven’t been disappointed. The staff are lovely, the facilities are great and we know they are setting
him up well ahead of him starting school in September. We’ll be sad to leave.

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Review from Sara S (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It is really an amazing nursery! It gives you everything you can dream of, caring and friendly teachers, a cosy and super clean environment, lots of activities and an amazing garden to explore, with a muddy kitchen and pirate ship. My son is very excited to go every morning, he can’t stop talking about
it and he learns so much every single day. I can’t recommend it enough!

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Review from E P (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have nothing but the highest praise for this nursery. The teachers and setting are both brilliant. My daughter has learned so much and loves going. The last term they have been focussing on a different country every week and their lunches have reflected the different countries' cuisine, this has been
great for opening up new avenues of interest in different food.

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Review from H O (Father of Child) published on 24 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has been at The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School, Lindfield for two terms now and we could not be happier. She settled very quickly and was supported by the lovely team to make new friends. They very much work with the families and their learning journey is shared with us weekly on
the blogs and often topped up with emails and information from the owner. Plans are shared with us so we can best support our children at home in preparation for the week's learning. As a teacher myself it was very important our daughter had a range of activities and experiences in a nurturing but guided supportive way - Acorns has been ideal. Our daughter also has an egg allergy and I felt quite anxious but this was not a problem. We spoke a lot about her allergy with her key worker reassuring us and listening to our concerns but as the food is cooked fresh daily by the team leader this was not a problem. We can’t recommend Acorns highly enough and we’ve only been there for two terms, very much looking forward to the summer term!

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Review from Amy B (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our child has been attending for a term now and we are so impressed with the staff and activities at The Acorns. He settled in so quickly and is very happy there. The team show such care and attention for each child. We feel confident the progress he is making will equip him well to start school in
a few year's time.

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Review from Nicky M (Mother of Child) published on 23 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a fantastic nursery! The staff are really caring and helped our daughter to settle in. She’s always really happy to go. She particularly loves the garden with all the climbing equipment. I like all the activities including the blackberry picking and them helping to make jam. It’s a great learning
environment and she’s made lots of friends. We would definitely recommend it to others.

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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.665)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.665) out of 10 for The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) 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 8 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 out of 5 from 8 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 4.865 for The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) is calculated as follows: ( (86 Excellents x 5) + (7 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 96 Ratings = 4.865

  • 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 4.8 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) is based on 8 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 = 3.8

    • 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 21 number of registered child places is 4.2, which has been reached with 8 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 (4)

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Meet the Team (7)

Janet

Janet Irwin

Job Title: Headteacher and Founder

Joined: 1985

Janet qualified as a teacher at Homerton College, Cambridge, studied psychology at London University and has been teaching, and offering support and advice to parents ever since. Janet opened The Acorns in 1985 and still enjoys a hands-on role. She was awarded her Early Years Professional Status and MA in education from Brighton University.


Janet has a TEFL Certificate, a qualification for teaching English as a foreign language. She also holds certificates for Paediatric First Aid and Food and Hygiene. She has recently gained a Level 3 qualification in Forest School Leadership.


Janet has a passion for teaching and also for languages. Speaking fluent French, Janet is working on a language project for children. She is the author of the 'At Home with French' and 'At Home with Spanish' activity books for children published by Oxford University Press and also the 'Minilingo' range of audio products.


Christina

Christina Franks

Job Title: Lindfield Manager

Joined: 2014

Christina Franks is in charge of our Lindfield nursery. She has a Higher National Certificate in Childcare and Early Years Education alongside an NNEB qualification. She also has a diploma in leadership and management.


Christina has a natural empathy with young children has worked at the Acorns for many years and continues to establish positive relationships with all our parents.


Sophie

Sophie Mundy

Job Title: Administrator

Joined: 2022

Sophie joined our team in October 2022 to take over the role of Nursery Administrator.


She has worked in admin for many years and brings her skill set to update and simplify our systems. She currently works three days a week.


Sophie also spends time working alongside the children at Acorns 59.


Cristiane

Cristiane Robertson

Job Title: Early Years Practitioner

Joined: 2023

Cristiane joined our team in November 2023.


Cristiane works in Acorns 59.


She is Brazilian and has a level 2 in childcare. She has a young son and is bilingual in English and Portuguese. She loves outdoor play and crafts.


Natalie

Natalie Drake

Job Title: Early Years Practitioner

Joined: 2024

Natalie joined our team in February 2024.


Natalie works at Acorns 59.


She has a level 2 in childcare. She is an experienced practitioner who loves doing arts and crafts with the children.


Natalie plays an active role in planning activities for the children each week alongside Mrs Franks.


Gaye

Gaye Neve

Job Title: Early Years Practitioner

Joined: 2023

Gaye joined us in 2023. She is a very experienced practitioner who has worked with children for over 30 years.


Mrs Neve works in both of our settings after retiring from her role as a teaching assistant in a local school. She offers supply cover.


Katy

Katy Danton

Job Title: Early Years Practitioner

Joined: 2024

Katy joined our team in 2024. ? Katy has worked in both our settings but is currently working at Acorns 25


She is a level 3 practitioner with a wealth of knowledge.


?Katy enjoys spending time outside with the children.


Frequently Asked Questions about The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane)

What is the Age Range of Children that The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) accepts?

The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) accepts Children aged from 2 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) Open?

The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) is open: Monday 08:00-18:00, Tuesday 08:00-18:00, Wednesday 08:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-18:00.

How many Children does The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) have capacity for?

The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) has capacity for a total of 21 Children.

How far is The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) to the centre of Haywards Heath?

1.1 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 The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) has an Enhanced Service – more info.