Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green)

Church Lane, Brafield-on-the-Green, Northampton NN7 1BA
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9.8 65 Reviews
  • Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green), Northampton
Acorn Day Nursery in Brafield-on-the-Green has an idyllic setting in a beautiful location, taking full advantage of its village setting. Formerly the primary school, the building has been extensively refurbished to provide light and spacious rooms; it is situated in a quiet location at the end of a quiet road next to the church. The nursery is small and homely, with max 45 places.

One of the nursery’s most attractive features, and extremely popular with the children, is the outside space and gardens, fully enclosed and secure for the children to enjoy.

The nursery's Ofsted inspection in March 2019 rated the nursery as Good in all areas. The experienced and well-qualified staff team are very warm and welcoming and look forward to showing prospective parents around the nursery.

The building itself was formerly the village primary school and, whilst retaining the character of the original architecture, it has been sympathetically refurbished to provide a warm and homely environment. The rooms provide light and spacious play areas, with a child-centred focus.

The team work closely with parents and carers to develop children’s interests and skills, ensuring each of them reaches their full potential.

A variety of imaginative and creative play activities can be enjoyed alongside regular outings and trips.

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Care Provided by Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green)

  • 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
  • Stephanie Hornsby (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 18
  • Registered Charity Number
  • 1145108
  • Total Places for Children
  • 44
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 4 months
    • to 4 years 11 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, Staff Training Days & between Christmas & New Year

Funding & Fees Guide for Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green)

  • Full time place from £1,425.00
    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 charge a registration deposit of £100, 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 the 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

  • Parking is available in the nursery car park, and also limited spaces are available within the Church car park


Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) Reviews (65)

Total of 65, showing 41-60
9.8

Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.838) out of 10, based on 15 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) has 65 reviews.

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Review from Steven E (Father of Child) published on 16 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both of our children have attended at Brafield-on-the-Green when we moved to the area 3-years ago. Our oldest is now at school but absolutely loved it there. Lots of outdoor space and it’s encouraged to be out.
Having spent 6-months away from nursery, our boy was really unsure about going back, but
the staff have helped him settle in really well. He gets cuddles and support when he needs it, but they also, really encourage him to be independent, which is great.

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Review from Stacey P (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended the nursery since she was 9mths old, all the staff are extremely friendly and helpful to my child's needs, she really enjoys all the activities and the generous outdoor space. The meals are all homemade and healthy, my daughter also enjoys the snacks and social eating. During
the COVID 19 lockdown and reopening of the nursery I felt well informed and was happy to send my daughter back knowing that the staff were well prepared and equipped to deal with any situation.

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Review from Zoe D (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic nursery, the Manager and staff are lovely, professional and extremely welcoming. They pride themselves on providing the best possible care for the children. The communication is excellent and this has been particularly evident during the last 6 months during a difficult time. Our boy loves
this nursery and we hope our second child will also attend in the next 10 months. Would definitely recommend!

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Review from Frances T (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can’t say enough good things about Acorn Brafield. From day one they have gone above and beyond to make our son feel happy and at home at the nursery. Following lockdown and an extended period at home my son has had some difficulty in adjusting to life back at nursery and the staff have been amazing,
making books so that we can talk about nursery at home, developing fun ways to distract him at drop off time and generally making sure he has a fabulous time. With so much uncertainty they have made everything so reassuring.

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Review from Sarah C (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy has attended this nursery for over a year now and he absolutely loves it. The staff are excellent and so caring. The way the nursery has handled the current COVID safety measures has been excellent and informative. As keyworkers, my little boy attended throughout the lockdown period and
staff have gone above and beyond to care for him even hosting Zoom meetings with the furloughed staff and children who were not attending to maintain social links. I cannot speak highly enough of the nursery and team, it’s nice to have the confidence to be able to work with the complete security that he is safe and well cared for. The outdoor space is lovely and the home-cooked meals are excellent.

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Review from K V (Mother of Child) published on 9 January 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at Acorn Day Nursery have been fantastic from the start, helping my little boy settle and supporting his development and potty training. The garden at the nursery is a brilliant space and it is so great that the children can go outdoors whenever they like. The weekly sports lesson is definitely
a highlight too.

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Review from Vanessa S (Mother of Child) published on 16 January 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The manager and the team are fantastic! The facilities are excellent with a huge outdoor space for children to enjoy numerous activities that the team plans daily.
Our little boy loves his time at Nursery and we are so grateful for the hard work the team put in on a daily basis.
We would hugely recommend
this excellent nursery!

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Review from Sarah R (Mother of Child) published on 16 January 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my children have attended the nursery. They are treated like part of the family. The outside opportunities are wonderful with forest school and visiting local farms and parks. The support through life changes and potty training is fantastic.

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Review from Michael R (Father of Child) published on 10 January 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Acorn Day Nursery Brafield have cared for both of my children and I can't recommend it highly enough.
The caring nurturing environment created by the manager and her team results in a place my children have thrived in and love to go to.


It's an incredibly welcoming and friendly place, ran in a very

professional manner with a focus on enabling the development of little ones in a safe and reassuring way.


The facilities are well set up in general, it benefits from being very close to the village green and farm for short outings and trips to see the animals, there are regular trips to Forest School for the older ones and the outdoor play space within the grounds of the nursery is a real bonus.


The nursery use the Family platform to keep parents informed of their children's overall development and also to keep us informed of their day to day activities.
It's great to get updates of their day and photo's of their activities ping into your inbox during the day.


All in all its a great place.


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Review from Amy S (Mother of Child) published on 10 January 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little girl who is 16 months attends this Nursery and I would highly recommend it if you're looking for childcare. Set in a lovely little village right next to the church and farmers field where the children get to watch the sheep running around. The staff are always attentive and welcoming and completely
put me at ease when leaving my daughter. My daughter loves going to Brafield Nursery!

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Review from Laura H (Mother of Child) published on 10 January 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has attended this nursery for a year and has developed so much in this time. He loves it and all the staff. We had a great feeling when we first visited the nursery and I have never been disappointed, I would strongly recommend this nursery to anyone.

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Review from Megan R (Mother of Child) published on 10 January 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 5-year-old son and now my 18-month daughter attend. The staff are so caring and both my children have absolutely loved going. The freshly prepared meals and great outdoor space, veg patch, chickens and views out to open fields set this nursery apart from others. The forest school for the older children
is a great opportunity.


You would be hard pushed to find a better nursery with such caring and professional staff.


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Review from Craig P (Father of Child) published on 9 May 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both of our daughters have attended this nursery and both of them have loved it!
The staff are very nurturing and will always try and accommodate any requests. The manager has really ensured that the nursery has gone from strength to strength and she is supported by committed and hardworking staff.
The
outside space is wonderful and the staff make good use of this.
Our child is always happy to go to nursery and we would highly recommend this setting to any other parent.

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Review from J H (Mother of Child) published on 2 May 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son settled very quickly into nursery here and looks forward to going. He loves the freedom to choose his activities including playing outside in the fantastic gardens and playground. The food is healthy and well balanced and goes down well with my son. The staff are friendly, caring and supportive
in his playing and learning and he has thrived here under their care. He loves going to Forest school once a week and the trips out from nursery for walks or to visit lambs were also well enjoyed.


The communication with parents is excellent, and they run regular stay and play sessions as well. I'm so glad we found such a happy and supportive nursery!


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Review from S M (Mother of Child) published on 20 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Finding a childcare provider that you totally trust is hard.
I cannot speak highly enough of Acorn Day Nursery. From the first minute of being there, we knew that this was the place for our son. It’s a warm, welcoming setting, the staff are happy and totally engaged with the children and each other.


You always hear laughter from the children and they are very well looked after. They have freedom to explore their surroundings with support and guidance.


Hugs are on tap for those that need comfort and every member of staff clearly spends time trying to learn and understand each child’s needs.
They are respectful of parents' wishes and the communication they provide is excellent.


I could not wish for a better nursery to entrust with the care of one of the most precious things in my life.


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Review from Nichola C (Mother of Child) published on 20 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This nursery is in a beautifully idyllic setting. In addition to the nursery chickens, there are often other animals that can be seen in the surrounding fields. My son recently went to see the lambs at a local farm, which he loved.


Needless to say, I feel the outside provision is second to none

and my son is able to play outside in all weathers if he wishes to. This was a really important factor to me whilst looking for a nursery.


I also love the building which has lots of natural light. Children are offered a wide range of activities including lots of messy sensory integration - great! I love that the artwork I get home, it is my child’s work and not a perfect model produced by an adult.


The staff are friendly and caring and take a real interest in my son. They put on lots of lovely afternoons to give parents an opportunity to visit and play, which is great. I would highly recommend this nursery to anyone.


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Review from Rebecca G (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been at Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) for 4 months and I couldn’t fault it at all. The staff were amazing at getting her settled in when she first started and she is really enjoying her days there.
Lots of different activities are set up for them each day and the outside
space is fantastic with a mud kitchen in the trees, chickens, a really large grassed area and trikes.
The staff are so caring and encouraging in her development and learning.

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Review from Ellie B (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery has an amazing outside space, my children play come rain or shine if they want to play outside for hours they can. There's lots to do and learn in the garden as each morning there are different activities laid out for them to do. Staff are brilliant and always on hand for advice, they generally
care!

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Review from Emma C (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Acorns Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) is an absolutely brilliant nursey, my daughter has come on leaps and bounds since she started attending last year. She really enjoys her time there and the staff are wonderful, friendly and my daughter loves them.

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Review from Clare H (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This nursery school is wonderful. My son has been attending for 6 months now and he loves it. He went to a different nursery for a short time and didn’t ever want to stay; there were tears and tantrums every time. But at Acorn Day Nursery he is excited to get there and truly enjoys his time spent there.


The

staff are all so lovely and always have time to speak to parents. They get to know the children really well and are so patient. I can’t speak highly enough of them.


The nursery itself is full of things for the children to do, and the children decide what they’d like to play with rather than being told what to do. The garden and playground is never out of bounds either, so it’s perfect for children who love to be outdoors. A really great choice of the nursery!


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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.838)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.838) out of 10 for Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 15 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 15 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 4.838 for Acorn Day Nursery (Brafield-on-the-Green) is calculated as follows: ( (154 Excellents x 5) + (21 Goods x 4) + (4 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 179 Ratings = 4.838

  • 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 (Brafield-on-the-Green) is based on 15 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 44 number of registered child places is 8.8, which has been reached with 15 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 (13)

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Meet the Team (3)

Steph

Steph Hornsby

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2021

Nursery Manager - Stephanie has worked in childcare since 2006, starting as a volunteer, then a practitioner, moving up to a Deputy and finally a Manager.


Stephanie has worked at Brafield since 2021 and is the current Designated Safeguarding Lead alongside having a level 3 qualification in SEND and SENCo for the Nursery.
Prior to working in Childcare Stephanie ran her own business as a Complementary Therapist practising in Reiki, Indian Head Massage and Reflexology.


Caroline

Caroline Johnson

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2023

Deputy Manager - Caroline Johnson joined Acorn in 2023. Caroline has have worked with young children for over 30 years, having been a private nanny, working as a deputy in preschool nursery and the nursery class of a private school.


Vicky

Vicky

Job Title: Administrator

Joined: 2021

Vicky - Administrator


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