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

59 Denmans Lane, Lindfield, Haywards Heath RH16 2JN
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9.9 93 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 (93)

Total of 93, showing 81-93
9.9

The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.892) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) has 93 reviews.

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Review from Charlotte C (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The atmosphere at Acorns nursery in so homely and friendly for the lucky children who attend the nursery. The manager and her team are clearly passionate about what they do and this is apparent in the varied learning and play activities on offer. The children always appear happy and engaged in what
they are doing. The outdoor garden is a huge bonus and an area where the children thrive. I would have no hesitation recommending this nursery!

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Review from Brad P (Father of Child) published on 6 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son joined Acorns Lindfield in September. He was one of the youngest in the group and the staff have helped him settle in and build his confidence. He looks forward to attending and is learning so much during his time here. He has also made lots of friends.
The nursery has a very warm and welcoming
environment and has certainly met all of our expectations. It is in a great setting and is like a home from home. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending the Nursery to others.

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Review from GL (Father of Child) published on 6 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Acorns Nursery in Lindfield provides an excellent start in lifelong learning for young children. The staff are exceptionally helpful and provide a friendly and warm environment for the children. There is always a wide range of activities planned for the children and they are also taught important
social skills to further their development. I would not hesitate to recommend the nursery to any parent.

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Review from Daniel O (Father of Child) published on 3 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Acorns provide a fantastic, nurturing environment in which the children are encouraged to grow and develop their own way, with a real focus on independence. There's a great focus on spending time outdoors and understanding nature which I feel is invaluable to all young children, helping them to make
their way in the world.
I am delighted that our son attends Acorns and I would recommend it to any parent.

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Review from Emily P (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a Fantastic nursery. It's just like a home from home.
My son has been at The Acorns since September and he has learnt so much already.
I know that the staff provide love and care as if the children were their own. Highly recommended.

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Review from Sam M (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Acorns Lindfield is an excellent nursery and our son has been there for 3 years. During this time he has thrived and become a very confident, sociable boy.
The staff work hard to prepare the children for school, whilst ensuring they spend their pre-school years having fun and exploring the world around
them.

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Review from Charlotte D (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter (aged 2.5) absolutely loves going to The Acorns. As she is still little we loved the idea of the home-from-home environment. The option to select the outdoorsy setting of Westmeston when she is bigger was also a big draw.
She talks about her school and her teachers (as she calls them)
constantly and has started to make her own friends who she seems genuinely fond of.
She is disappointed not to be going to The Acorns everyday. We have also really noticed a change in her behaviour (for the better - far fewer tantrums) since she has attended.
The staff are amazing - all highly professional and caring, with a real passion for learning and development.
It was The Acorns who told me she was perfectly capable of using an open cup when I had previously persisted with a closed beaker, they were right.

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Review from L H (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Acorns Nursery is wonderful. The staff are all so caring and knowledgeable about the children.
They do lots of fun and engaging activities which help them to learn and make friends. We're really lucky to have such a great nursery.

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Review from Sarah M (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Acorns is a wonderful educational nursery. Both of my two children have had a very happy and memorable time. The staff are all very warm and caring. The children get up to a wide range of activities and spend lots of time exploring the outdoors and go on outings in and around the setting.

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Review from Claire S (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been at The Acorns almost a year now and loves it. She is always very happy to go and settled in very quickly. All the teachers are such a comfort to her and have made her so happy to go.
She has developed so much since starting Acorns and I can't fault them. The setting is a lovely
home from home with a large range of stimulating activities including lots of outdoor play.
My husband and I have been very happy and would recommend this setting to anyone.
She starts school this year and Acorns have prepared her well for this transition.

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Review from Paul S (Father of Child) published on 22 March 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a great nursery, we have two children there and they love it. The staff are friendly, the children all seem happy and make lots of friends. They are great on the three R's and the children are learning lots at Acorns, highly recommended!

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Review from Claire M (Mother of Child) published on 29 February 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My children love The Acorns and are always keen to go in. It is a lovely home from home setting which makes the children feel secure and relaxed. The children have a great time and are always learning new things. The Acorns recognises individuality and the staff work hard to support each child.

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Review from Anna A (Mother of Child) published on 2 November 2015
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Acorns is a caring environment which nurtures children alongside bringing out the best in them. My daughter attends both the Lindfield and Westmeston settings and really enjoys her time at both. The staff know her well and support both her and us as parents. I like that they encourage children to play
outside, especially at Westmeston, and have a traditional ethos.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.892)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.892) 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 10 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 10 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 4.892 for The Acorns Nursery School & Forest School (59 Denmans Lane) is calculated as follows: ( (110 Excellents x 5) + (7 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 120 Ratings = 4.892

  • 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 10 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 10 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.


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.


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