Little Acorns Pre-School

c/o Kennington Primary School, Kennington Road, Preston PR2 8ER
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9.9 39 Reviews
  • Little Acorns Pre-School, Preston
Little Acorns Pre-School Nursery is based on the outskirts of Fulwood, Preston in Lancashire and is a charity institution that functions in the grounds of Kennington Primary school.

They have been in operation for over 20 years and have a current Outstanding Ofsted rating (September 2024). The nursery is run by a voluntary management committee and a great manager.

Opening times are from 8:00am to 3:15pm Monday to Friday and the Pre-School also operates an after school club for the children at Kennington Primary, the opening times are Tuesday to Thursday 3:20pm to 5:30pm - Pre-School children are also able to access this.

The Pre-School is an educational, warm and welcoming environment for children and their families, throughout their time at the setting the team help children to prepare for transitioning to reception.

The nursery operates an open door policy meaning you do not need to arrange a time or day to visit unless you would prefer to do so.

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Care Provided by Little Acorns Pre-School

  • Type of Service
  • Nursery School – Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Open term time
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Little Acorns Pre-School
  • Person in charge
  • Alison Shepherd (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 7
  • Registered Charity Number
  • 1136626
  • Total Places for Children
  • 36
  • Age Range
    • from 2 years 0 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 08:00-17:30
    Tuesday 08:00-17:30
    Wednesday 08:00-17:30
    Thursday 08:00-17:30
    Friday 08:00-17:30
  • When Closed
  • School Holidays

Funding & Fees Guide for Little Acorns Pre-School

  • We take both 15 and 30 funded hours
    2 year olds £16.00 per session
    3 year olds £13.00 per session
    Extended session £5.00

Little Acorns Pre-School Reviews (39)

Total of 39, showing 21-39
9.9

Little Acorns Pre-School has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.913) out of 10, based on 22 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Little Acorns Pre-School has 39 reviews.

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Review from Hannah S (Mother of Child) published on 23 March 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We couldn't ask for a better setting for our daughter, the wonderful staff who care so much. Great activities and great communication between preschool and home. The staff have helped support our daughter with speech delay and we cannot than them enough.

Reply from Alison Shepherd, Manager at Little Acorns Pre-School

Thank you very much. She is a pleasure to have in the setting and is doing so well.


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Review from Nadia Z (Mother of Child) published on 22 March 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The setting is absolutely brilliant. My daughter is fulltime and only started in January 2023. She settled within 2 days because the staff made her feel very welcome and put me at ease. From group activities to independent learning my daughter is extremely happy and progressing well. The staff are approachable
and listen to any concerns we have (if there are any). A fabulous educational and fun environment to develop in. Thank you for the lovely experience so far. The future here is exciting!

Reply from Alison Shepherd, Manager at Little Acorns Pre-School

Thank you, Nadia, for such kind words. We love every day being with the children and finding fun things to do.


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Review from N I (Mother of Child) published on 11 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We had a beautiful experience with Little Acorns Pre-School. My daughter was so happy every morning for going back. Staff and management are very much helpful and experienced. Thank you for your efforts. Would recommend it for anyone.

Reply from Alison Shepherd, Manager at Little Acorns Pre-School

Thank you for your lovely comments. We wish you lots of luck for the future.


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Review from Jane L (Mother of Child) published on 8 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Little Acorns since September 2020, she absolutely loves attending. The staff are so nice and caring, she always runs in and can't wait to start her day, learning her numbers and letters, doing imaginative play and playing outside. It has been really good for her social
skills too. We shall miss Little Acorns very much as she carries on her journey onto primary school, it has been a wonderful start for her.

Reply from Alison Shepherd, Manager at Little Acorns Pre-School

Thank you very much. We will sadly miss you as well. Wish you good luck for the future and please come and visit us.


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Review from Andrew T (Father of Child) published on 9 May 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We received a recommendation of this nursery through a friend. We have not been disappointed. The variety of different activities offered and skills that our child has learned through nursery have embellished her life very well. Our daughter always comes back with intriguing and creative topics of conversation
which is great considering our dual national little one didn't speak so much English when she started.


Staff are very professional and transparent with regards to all communication,written or in person, as well as very caring and nurturing of the children they support. Many thanks for all that you do!


Reply from Alison Shepherd, Manager at Little Acorns Pre-School

Thank you very much for such a lovely comment. We are really going to miss the children when they move to big school.


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Review from Laura H (Mother of Child) published on 7 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has been attending Little Acorns since September 2021 and absolutely loves it! We are very fortunate that we don't 'need' childcare, but we felt it was important for our son to expand his social skills and independence in a setting with children of a similar age. We looked around some other
nurseries in the area and they just didn't feel quite right and then, fortunately, somebody recommended Little Acorns to us. As soon as we walked in, we were struck with how homely and nurturing the nursery felt. The staff are very supportive; really flexible, kind and genuinely interested in the children. Communication with parents is also great: lots of photos and feedback. We are delighted with how happy our son is at nursery - in all aspects of development, he has come on leaps and bounds - and we are so, so glad we chose Little Acorns. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.

Reply from Alison Shepherd, Manager at Little Acorns Pre-School

Thank you very much for your kind words about the setting


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Review from K T (Mother of Child) published on 7 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Little Acorns has been such a positive experience for my child and for us as parents. He is excited to attend and comes home with lots of stories about what he has done in his day. Activities are varied and fun, and his development has been incredible. He settled immediately, and we have enjoyed getting
weekly updates on his activities and development. The staff are amazing and go above and beyond. Highly recommended from both mum and child.

Reply from Alison Shepherd, Manager at Little Acorns Pre-School

Thank you very much for your comment, and it has been our pleasure.


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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing nursery. My little girl settled so quickly and loves it. There is so much for the children to do, including jo jingles, welly Wednesday and access to a lovely garden area. I love receiving photos of what she has been doing, and she brings lots of creative things home. My little girl is so happy,
has lots of friends and most of the time, she doesn't want to come home! Would definitely recommend Little Acorns!

Reply from Alison Shepherd, Manager at Little Acorns Pre-School

Thank you so much for such kind words. We love working with all the children there such a pleasure. Everyone who comes to the setting says there all well behaved and have lovely manners.


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Review from Miranda R (Mother of Child) published on 20 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After attachment parenting, introducing my twins to their first setting without me was daunting, but Little Acorns made the transition totally painless. It took four weeks of me staying and the staff were brilliant, patient and accepting and very flexible and supportive. Our family is in an unusual
situation as a mixed race, mixed faith, military family. My children have very few constants and the staff at the home visit, were inquisitive and respectful, offering to support us in any way possible. I can't praise them highly enough for how they keep open communication with us and how they've handled the children's needs as twins, as well. It's a brilliant setting and apart from making it bigger, I can't imagine it better.

Reply from Alison Shepherd at Little Acorns Pre-School

Thank you for your lovely comments.


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Review from Philippa H (Mother of Child) published on 16 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can personally recommend Little Acorns pre-school to any prospective parent or carer as the staff strive for excellence in all they undertake to provide a safe, supportive and stimulating, educational environment for children. My little boy has gained so much confidence since starting at Little Acorns.
He has developed creatively and in his ability to create strong relationships, both with other children and staff. The care and support shown by staff is excellent, creating an environment whereby every child is seen as unique with their own needs and potential.

Reply from Alison Shepherd at Little Acorns Pre-School

Thank you very much for all your kind words.


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Review from Vanessa M (Mother of Child) published on 24 July 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This nursery is brilliant since our daughter started last September she has learnt so much.
The staff are very caring and helpful to any needs you ask of them, our daughter is always happy and smiling when I pick her up with lots of stories to tell me on what she has been doing or learning.
I would
highly recommend this nursery to other parents. I know when she is in their care that she's happy and safe. Thank you to all the staff.

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Review from N A (Mother of Child) published on 12 July 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Simply put, this nursery has a lot of heart.


The distinguishing feature for this establishment is the loving and caring staff and management.


They are never complacent with the care they provide. They constantly vary the methods used to help the children grow in confidence and my daughter has

blossomed in their care with a can-do attitude to everything!

Reply from Alison Shepherd at Little Acorns Pre-School

Thank you for such kind words.


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Review from Stephanie J (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has settled very well at Little Acorns and I am very pleased, I'm sure this is down to the caring nature of all the staff. I feel he is happy and in safe hands, he is making good progress. He will often come home talking about his day and he is learning lots of new things, I have a good relationship
with his key worker and I am above to relax at work knowing he is being cared for.

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Review from Meg P (Sister of Child) published on 6 September 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little sister went to this nursery and she was such a shy child when she started. But then, after the short time she was at this fantastic nursery. she came out a different person. The staff are so kind and have more than even time for each child. It really is about the individual needs of each child.


The environment is amazing. So much for the children to do and lots of creative activities to get involved with. I'm very grateful for all the hard effort and help that went into changing my little sister. Thank you, we all miss you a lot! X


Reply from A. Shepherd, Manager at Little Acorns Pre-School

We would like to say a big thank you for your kind words and it was a pleasure having her in the setting. We wish you all the best for the future.


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Review from Teresa W (Mother of Child) published on 6 September 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very friendly welcoming staff. Helpful. Made my child easy for her starting there, she is now coming out of her shell and moving forward slowly. Would recommend them highly to anyone. Lots of positive things they do with the children. Singing, story, drawing, water, it's great fun to see all children
loving it. Such great place for all. One thing I would have loved to have had here, especially would benefit my child, was summer hols open to help children like mine who struggle to carry on exploring and having fun and friends. Maybe something to think about staff. Thanks.

Reply from Alison Shepherd, Manager at Little Acorns Pre-School

Thank you for your kind comments. We wish you all the best for the future and keep in touch.


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Review from Michelle O (Mother of Child) published on 6 September 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All the staff at Little Acorns are always friendly and welcoming, to both parents and children.
My son has settled well at Pre-School and always looks forward to going.
There are always a variety of activities set out at each session, both indoors and outdoors. Extra activities are provided by Pre-School
such as swimming, music man and regular walks.
The staff are patient and take the time to understand children and their needs.
The staff have been supportive with both of my children who have additional needs and I would recommend Little Acorns to other SEN parents. As its not always easy to find the right setting when you have children with additional needs.

Reply from A Shepherd, Manager at Little Acorns Pre-School

Thank you for such kind words you are a lovely family.


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Review from Natalie C (Mother of Child) published on 22 August 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I had my first daughter start at the nursery in 2015. They worked really well with her as it took her a couple of days to settle. I had another daughter (14 months between them) and she settled really well and they did amazing work with the girls' progress in learning. I found they were very understanding
with me as a parent, as all parents do worry about leaving their loved ones. They've come on leaps and bounds. The children count, write their names, phonics, creating shapes, strong friendships with each other. Care for one another 'Home for Home' I call it. Looks amazing.

Reply from Alison Shepherd, Manager at Little Acorns Pre-School

Thank you very much. We wish them lots of luck for the future and we will miss them.


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Review from Julie T (Foster Parent of Child) published on 7 August 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As a carer who has seen a lot of nurseries, pre-schools and KS1 provider - Little Acorns has to be up there, if not the best. Excellent care, attention to detail as total professional. I can't recommend it highly enough.

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Review from Karen D (Mother of Child) published on 10 November 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Little Acorns Pre-School has a fantastic learning environment both indoors and outdoors. The staff are extremely approachable and brilliant at what they do. The communication between home and school is very good with regular letters, social media, website and face to face chats. My child has come on
leaps and bounds regarding her communication fast in one half term here.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.913)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.913) out of 10 for Little Acorns Pre-School 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 22 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 22 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 4.913 for Little Acorns Pre-School is calculated as follows: ( (241 Excellents x 5) + (23 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 264 Ratings = 4.913

  • 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 Little Acorns Pre-School is based on 22 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 36 number of registered child places is 7.2, which has been reached with 22 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.

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Awards / Recognitions (7)

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Meet the Team (6)

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Alison Shepherd

Job Title: Manager

Joined: 2005

Hi, have worked at the setting for over 20 years and have been a manager at the setting for 17 years. I hold a foundation degree, in paediatric first aid and food hygiene. I keep up to date with all the changes by attending meetings and reading.


I enjoy working with children and spend a lot of my time looking at ways to improve the setting and new ideas. During the holidays I look after my grandchild and we like to go for days out.


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Stephanie Jenkinson

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2002

I have been a nursery practitioner for over 20 years and have been at Little Acorns for 10 years where I am SENCO. I am NNEB qualified, hold paediatric first, and food hygiene.
I am a kind and caring person and have a passion for child development.


My hobbies are reading and spending time with my family.


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Jennifer Carr

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner

I am a qualified level 3 practitioner and have worked in childcare for over 20 years. I hold first aid and food hygiene and keep up to date with relevant changes.


I enjoy creative and sensory activities with the children. I also enjoy activities outdoors in all weather.


During my spare time, I like days out with my 3 children, going for walks and having film nights.


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Amanda O'Rouke

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner

Joined: 1997

I qualified in 1997 as a level 3 practitioner. Over the years I have worked in a variety of settings including school nurseries and children's centres. As my own children are almost adults now I enjoy working with all age ranges of children and get a real sense of achievement seeing them develop and progress into their own little people.


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Stacy Lakeland

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner

Joined: 1998

I have been a nursery practitioner for 24 years and worked at Little Acorns for 6 of them. I am qualified NVQ level 2 and 3 and hold first aid, food hygiene and safeguarding.


I have 2 children and together we enjoy going for walks. My hobbies are spending time with my family and socialising with friends.


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Jasvinder Kaur-Singh

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner

Joined: 2007

I am qualified to level 3 practitioner and up to date with the relevant qualifications that enable me to be a good practitioner. I have worked in childcare for 15 years and have 2 children of my own. I enjoy spending time with my family I also enjoy reading and cooking.


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