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

59 Denmans Lane, Lindfield, Haywards Heath RH16 2JN
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9.9 94 Reviews
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 (94)

Total of 94, showing 21-40
9.9

The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.902) out of 10, based on 11 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) has 94 reviews.

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot praise the staff at The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School, Lindfield enough for the time, effort and nurturing they put into our children. Over two years of attendance with my son and it has been such a pleasure to see him run into nursery without a second glance every single time he goes.
Manners and kindness are taught daily, unlike some nurseries where children are left to just play. Definitely recommend The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School, Lindfield to anyone considering sending their child.

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We could not be happier with this nursery. It is a wonderful, supportive environment that has allowed our son to flourish, becoming confident and independent while constantly learning new things. We have loved the theme of the weeks, especially the last term focusing on different countries around the
world. There is a great focus on the outdoor play while inside they have the comfort of a home. Could not recommend it enough.

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Review from Matt C (Father of Child) published on 23 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Simply wonderful! Our daughter has received such love and care and has thrived at The Acorns in Lindfield and at Westmeston. All of the staff are truly dedicated and we have a lot of faith and trust in them.

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Review from Elizabeth C (Mother of Child) published on 8 April 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent nursery. My son loves baking, playing outside, finding bugs and nature. The staff are amazing, so kind and caring.

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Review from Rachel O (Mother of Child) published on 24 March 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son and daughter have both used The Acorns. My daughter loves going and always comes out with the biggest smile of her face. The staff are very caring and friendly in everything they do. The nursery provided a wide range of activities and is well structured throughout the day. I would definitely
recommend this nursery as I feel my daughter is getting the best socialising, learning and play a nursery has to offer.

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Review from Jamie K (Father of Child) published on 24 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our eldest (now 5) was in Acorns, and our youngest (3) is there now - having had them both at daycare places previously, we are overjoyed at the benefits of sending our children here. Both of them have hugely progressed under the loving care of the teachers, who have been incredible at looking after
and developing them. A nice, central location, the boys love playing in the garden on the huge pirate ship, having access to all the toys and books inside, and being well fed! They both run in and can't wait to play with their friends. Highly recommended.

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Review from Valerie K (Mother of Child) published on 27 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The manager is devoted to the learning and welfare of our children, and the teachers are incredible!


My little boy loves going and enjoys being outdoors. They’ve started walks and have great adventures. The learning is lovely, and the homely setting is very reassuring for the children while also

getting them ready for school.

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Review from Adam H (Father of Child) published on 26 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter loves going to the nursery. I have seen her development come on in leaps
and bounds. Her confidence and independence grow each day. She can’t stop talking about her teachers and the new friends she has made each day.

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Review from Marta C (Mother of Child) published on 26 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Acorns Nursery School in Lindfield is the best nursery school you could dream of. The teachers are fantastic, and my daughter absolutely loves to go - they have helped her so much to develop and express herself - her speech has dramatically improved.
Lovely environment.

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Review from Kirsten G (Mother of Child) published on 25 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

You couldn’t wish for a better experience for your child’s early years than The Acorns! The incredible staff, from the owner to the manager and everyone who works there clearly love what they do. Having been a very shy, anxious child who had struggled at three nurseries beforehand to the point of refusing
to speak, we moved to The Acorns, and our son is now a happy, confident boy who plays with his friends and gets stuck into everything. Not only are the staff incredible caregivers, but they build confidence till it oozes out of the children, setting them up for school in the best way possible. The setting is homely, with a focus on outdoor learning, crafts, cooking, music... our son regularly joins in with kitchen creations - wild garlic pesto from scratch then gobbled down for lunch with pasta - or reciting new songs that the specialist music teacher has been encouraging. This experience feeds your child in every way possible. Our only regret is not moving our son there sooner!

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Review from SimeonW (Father of Child) published on 25 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Acorns is an absolutely fantastic nursery, and our daughter loves it there. The staff have been amazing with her – really focussing on her needs and helping her grow in areas that need development. She happily bounds through the door without looking back and clearly is learning a lot while having
a lot of fun too. I couldn't rate The Acorns highly enough.

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Review from Ellen D (Mother of Child) published on 24 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We chose Acorns because it is such a homely nursery, and seems to have the best garden space of all the nurseries in the area. They have a really lovely range of activities and really consider what each child loves to do. Our boy has made really strong friendships there. He wakes up every morning and
says, “is today a nursery day?” hoping that it is.

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Review from Kelly P (Mother of Child) published on 24 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Acorns is an exceptional nursery with a huge focus on developing and nurturing. My son has been attending here for 2-years, and he has loved every minute. The staff go above and beyond every day, ensuring that every activity is centric to a key milestone within a child's journey to school.
I'll
be very sad to see him leave The Acorns, but I know he'll be well prepared for primary school!

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Review from Bryony G (Mother of Child) published on 24 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School, Lindfield is simply wonderful. It offers an incredibly warm, friendly, home from home environment, where the children thrive – they’re learning so much but have a whole heap of fun at the same time. My son has made some really strong friendships and runs through
the door every morning without looking back or waving goodbye. I wanted somewhere where the day would be varied, with lots of outdoor time to explore – the nursery offers this and more with regular walks to the village, duck pond and playground. The staff are so welcoming, kind and caring, and so invested in the children's development and school readiness. I thoroughly recommend the nursery and can’t wait for my youngest to start next year.

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Review from H H (Mother of Child) published on 24 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has recently joined The Acorns at the start of term, and any concerns about an emotional transition have completely evaporated! She has absolutely loved the activities, staff and setting and can't stop talking about her new friends.
The staff are focused on the development of each individual
child and encourage independence. This has really helped to grow my daughter's confidence - she would quite happily do everything for herself if we let her! Thank you, Acorns.

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Review from Intan H (Mother of Child) published on 19 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been with The Acorn Nursery for nearly two years, and I shall be sad to see her leave. She has grown into a capable, kind, polite, sympathetic child that loves both adult and children's company. On the one day that she does not attend, she asks why not - "It's not the weekend!
The staff
are warm, friendly, attentive and supportive to both her and my needs. I am grateful for the contribution and influence they have had on her development in her formative years.

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Review from Anna H (Mother of Child) published on 17 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has flourished at The Acorns. Now 3.5 years old, she’s attended Westmeston and also latterly Lindfield since she was 2 years old.
The standard of care is exceptional. My daughter is growing into an independent, young girl with bags of confidence.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.902)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.902) 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 11 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 11 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 4.902 for The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) is calculated as follows: ( (122 Excellents x 5) + (7 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 132 Ratings = 4.902

  • 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 The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) is based on 11 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 21 number of registered child places is 4.2, which has been reached with 11 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 (4)

Top 20 Small Nursery Groups 2022

Recipient: The Acorns Nursery & Forest School

Date: Friday 29 Apr 2022 More details

Top 20 Small Nursery Groups 2021

Recipient: The Acorns Nursery & Forest School

Date: Friday 28 May 2021 More details

Top 10 Small Nursery Groups 2016

Recipient: The Acorns Nursery & Forest School

Date: Tuesday 01 Mar 2016 More details

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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.

... Read more
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.

... Read more
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.

... Read more
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.

... Read more
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.

... Read more
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.

... Read more
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.

... Read more

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.