Little Acorns Childcare

Beacon Church, Oakes Road, Bury St Edmunds IP32 6PX
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9.6 23 Reviews
  • Little Acorns Childcare, Bury St Edmunds
Most parents who use Little Acorns Childcare will say they are more like a family, which sets them apart from bigger nurseries in the area.

They are based within a vibrant multicultural Christian Pentecostal Church, however they are fully inclusive and enjoy celebrating all cultures, backgrounds and ethnicities, which means they welcome every child irrespective of religion, background, language and ability.

The long-standing team of highly qualified and motivated staff work tirelessly to promote the wellbeing and development of every child in their care, based on individual needs and interests.

Their holistic approach means they support the child and their family by whatever means needed, including their well-used baby bank.

The nursery received the amazing rating of 'Outstanding' from Ofsted in August 2021 and this was given with extremely high praise, with no future recommendations identified by the inspector. The manager and her dedicated team were thrilled that they were able to celebrate just how amazing the nursery is and the acknowledgement from Ofsted was reassuring.

The staff are highly motivated and have a genuine passion for supporting all children to achieve the best outcomes during their early years and this is reflected in the working relationships formed between staff and families.

So, if you are looking for a setting which has a real sense of family, is nurturing and child-led, with an outstanding reputation, Little Acorns is the place to be. Spaces are very limited so get booked in quick to avoid disappointment. The team would love to show you round, so get in touch today!

Care Provided by Little Acorns Childcare

  • 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 Childcare
  • Person in charge
  • Jo Bailey (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 9
  • Registered Charity Number
  • 1054428
  • Total Places for Children
  • 28
  • Age Range
    • from 2 years 0 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 08:00-16:00
    Tuesday 08:00-16:00
    Wednesday 08:00-16:00
    Thursday 08:00-16:00
    Friday 08:00-16:00
  • When Closed
  • School Holidays (excluding our holiday club which runs for 6 weeks throughout the year)

Funding & Fees Guide for Little Acorns Childcare

  • £23:00 per 3 hour session / £4 per lunch club / £8 per breakfast club / £6 per late pick up offer


  • Fees are paid monthly in advance. A £3:00 per 3 hour session consumables charge is in place for every child


  • Parking
  • Ample off road parking available


Little Acorns Childcare Reviews (23)

Total of 23, showing 1-20
9.6

Little Acorns Childcare has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.550) out of 10, based on 9 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Little Acorns Childcare has 23 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

I feel like the nursery went downhill when the manager left. My children weren't properly looked after and simple basic needs weren't met even after multiple times of asking. Staff were unprofessional and put their opinions rather than professional opinions first.

Reply from Jo Bailey, Manager at Little Acorns Childcare

Thank you for taking the time to complete a review, we take all feedback very seriously, and always try to improve the quality of our provision. Our aim is to provide the best possible care and it is something we take very seriously. We strive to provide an outstanding quality of care and improve our service where ever possible. Our manager was replaced, by myself, immediately, and along with the rest of our experienced, qualified, and passionate team, we all put the care and safety of all our children first. I can only apologise for your experience, and thrive to move forward, once again we are very sorry that you feel your expectations were not met. We wish you all the very best in the future.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both of my children have loved Little Acorns and have progressed so much whilst there. The staff are friendly, caring and great at supporting learning, confidence and independence. How happy the children are to see them at each session speaks volumes and that is a great comfort to any parent, especially
with children who haven't always coped well with separation or have additional needs. The feedback at the end of each session is hugely helpful and appreciated and if I ever have a query or concern I can always speak to a member of staff with ease. The monthly round-ups are lovely and informative too, and give us a real insight into how our children are at nursery. We have needed additional support with other healthcare professionals coming into the nursery or asking for reports from the nursery and they have always been very accommodating and supportive of this. They are great with SEN. We are forever grateful to Little Acorns for being so nurturing and inclusive. Sad to be leaving!

Reply from Jo Bailey, Manager at Little Acorns Childcare

Thank you so much for your kind words. Both children have been absolute pleasure to care for.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my children have been with little acorns and both have thrived in their care. My youngest is now leaving for school and will miss it greatly. He loves going and talks about his days and what he has done with pride. A lovely nursery with wonderful staff and great communication. Very happy mum that
would definitely recommend.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Couldn't have been any more happier in choosing the right nursery for my child. Over a couple of years attending Little Acorns, my child has grown and learnt lots of skills and most of all enjoyed every day spending time with other kids playing, and doing arts and crafts. The staff is very professional,
caring, and supportive of any needs. Highly recommended, my child is now prepared to start preschool.

Reply from Jo Bailey, Manager at Little Acorns Childcare

Thank you so much for your kind review. She is been an absolute pleasure to look after, and it has been a privilege to watch her grow.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both of my children have been to this nursery and have loved it so much. The bond my children have had with the ladies who work there is amazing, my children love them and the nursery so much and have really helped my children be more confident and learn.
Thank you so much for everything, we will miss
you.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has absolutely thrived being at Little Acorns Nursery! His speech and confidence have come a long way. Family members are constantly telling me that he has done so well thanks to his nursery.
It's comforting to know that when I drop him off, he goes in happily and is well taken care of by such
lovely staff. I love receiving updates about his progress and seeing how proud he is of the activities he's done.
I 100% recommend Little Acorns. It's been a pleasure!

Reply from Katrina Rose, Administrator at Little Acorns Childcare

Thank you so much for such lovely words, Ruby. It has been an honour to be such a big part of your little man's early years and we wish him all the very best in big school!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very glad that I chose this nursery. My daughter kept asking when she would be able to go to her beloved teachers again. Also, my daughter has made really great progress while attending this nursery. The teachers and the environment are wonderful. Sad to leave.

Reply from Katrina Rose, Administrator at Little Acorns Childcare

Thank you so much for such a lovely review of our nursery. It really has been a pleasure watching your little lady grow and develop whilst with us and we wish her all the very best for her next adventure.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is such an outstanding nursery! We are so happy to have our daughter go here every morning, and we know that she is having a wonderful time. The staff are incredible and are great at what they do!

Reply from Katrina Rose, Administrator at Little Acorns Childcare

Thank you so much for such a wonderful review, it has been such a pleasure watching your little lady grow in confidence and become ready to make her mark at school!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has had a brilliant time at this nursery, so much to do and so much fun tells me all about the day they’ve had and about all his friends he’s going to be very sad to leave in September but hopefully, some of his friends will be moving with him, he will also miss the teachers and I just want
to say thank you to the teachers who help my son potty train he’s very well mannered because of you too so thank you.

Reply from Katrina Rose, Administrator at Little Acorns Childcare

Thank you for such kind words. It has been an absolute pleasure to have your little man with us, he is a real credit to you! We wish him all the very best for his new adventure. we're sure he will be absolutely fine


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending Little Acorns since April 2021 and he absolutely loves spending time there. He has learnt so much through the activities and play that the staff encourage. His key worker made sure she got to know him very well, his likes/dislikes, personality and little quirks in order to
adapt his learning and play for him to get the best out of his time at nursery. Communication between the nursery and home is very good. Little Acorns definitely listen to any worries or concerns and put plans in place to alleviate these straight away. We couldn't be happier with the care that our son receives from the team.

Reply from Katrina Rose, Administrator at Little Acorns Childcare

Thank you for such a wonderful review! It has been a privilege to watch your little one grow in confidence, ready for his next adventure in September!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Such an amazing setting, all three of my children have been here and loved it. Such a warm, friendly place. I feel/felt that my children are well looked after and safe. And always come out with a smile on their face. Would 100% recommend!

Reply from Katrina Rose, Administrator at Little Acorns Childcare

Thank you for such a glowing review! It has been an absolute pleasure to be a part of your children's early years adventures.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I really recommend Little Acorns Childcare with all my heart. Everyone is kind. Take care of your little one. My boy grew up very well, he is confident and learned a lot. I will never regret choosing them as a nursery.

Reply from Katrina Rose, Administrator at Little Acorns Childcare

Thank you for such kind words. We are blessed with a fabulous team of dedicated staff who truly love what they do. It has been a pleasure to share your son's early years experience.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter joined the nursery September 2022 and she has airways been so shy around other children and new adults. She would get a little unsettled when leaving me but all the staff made her feel so comfortable that now she walks straight in when the doors are opened. She loves going to nursery now
and looks forward to it each morning thanks to the friendly and welcoming staff who have made her feel happy to be there. I'm glad I chose to send her to this nursery because they take pride in their jobs and look after the children so well and make sure they have a safe area for them to play and learn in. The staff have great communication and let all the parents know about things happening and give them regular updates on how their child is doing

Reply from Katrina Rose, Administrator at Little Acorns Childcare

Thank you so, so much for such a wonderful review of our nursery. It is a pleasure watching your little lady grow in confidence and be a part of her early years' experience.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great nursery, I was so stressed about leaving my girl as she's very attached to me, but they managed to make her feel safe. Now my little girl loves going in she's so happy and learned a few nursery rhythms already.

Reply from Katrina Rose, Administrator at Little Acorns Childcare

Thank you so much for such kind words, it really means a lot to the whole team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started this nursery back in May 2022. She started the nursery with little confidence and delayed speech.
Fast forward 2 months she has improved with her speech, which has resulted in her developing new words and her confidence has blossomed.
I truly believe she has developed this whilst
attending Little Acorns.
I want to say a big thank you to all the staff that work there and a big mention to her key worker for the quality 1-1 time you have given my daughter. Thank you.

Reply from Katrina Rose, Administrator at Little Acorns Childcare

Thank you so much for such a kind review. I am incredibly proud of the dedication every member of staff has to ensuring the best outcomes for all children.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Right from the first day we felt at home at Little Acorns Childcare. My little one runs in without so much as a goodbye. I love seeing photos and videos on the app. The staff are all friendly and helpful. My son has additional needs and they have made so much effort with him from the second we started.
Highly recommend.

Reply from Katrina Rose, Administrator at Little Acorns Childcare

Thank you for such kind words. We are incredibly proud that we have been able to play such a big part in your little man's early years. He is an absolute star!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From 2021 to the present we’ve had nothing but a great experience with Little Acorns Childcare. All the staff are amazing, they genuinely care about every single child and this is reflected by how happy every child is. The nursery goes above and beyond to be child and family centred they even put on
family events for the family at the weekend! I couldn’t recommend the nursery enough to anybody that is looking for a caring and well led nursery that you can be confident in sending your child to. I’m genuinely sad that our time at Little Acorns Childcare is coming to an end.

Reply from Katrina Rose, Administrator at Little Acorns Childcare

Thank you so much for such kind words. We pride ourselves on our sense of family and have loved having you guys with us. Wishing little miss all the very best for her new adventure at big school.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Little Acorns Childcare is fantastic, my daughter has always enjoyed attending from day one and loves all of the staff. The variety of activities on offer are great and the communication via the app is just what a parent needs to ensure they are not missing out on their child’s development.
I would
definitely recommend Little Acorns!

Reply from Katrina Rose, Administrator at Little Acorns Childcare

Thank you for such a lovely review. It has been an absolute pleasure to be a part of your daughter's early years. We will all miss her when she goes to big school.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

So happy that I chose little Acorns Childcare for my son. The staff are all so lovely and my son has progressed so much since he’s been attending this nursery. He was diagnosed on the autistic spectrum last year and they go above and beyond to make sure that they are giving him the support that he needs
they have always been good at communicating with me and health professionals to ensure that we are all doing to the same thing to benefit my son. I would 100% recommend it.

Reply from Katrina Rose, Administrator at Little Acorns Childcare

Thank you so much for such wonderful comments about our nursery. We strive to offer the best care and education to children and to receive such praise fills us with joy!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been coming here for a year now and she absolutely loves it. The staff are absolutely amazing and I cannot fault any of them. Amazing group of people and an all round lovely nursery.


Unfortunately, my daughter is now leaving there to go to a more convenient nursery that's ajoined

to the school she will attend in a year and a half's time which I have other children at.
I am pregnant with baby number 4 and I will 100% be letting this beautiful 'family' look after this baby too.


We will miss you so much! Thank you for everything you have done for us both, we cannot be more grateful.
Happy Christmas and we will come see you in the new year to say an official goodbye.


Reply from Katrina Rose, Administrator at Little Acorns Childcare

Thank you so much for such a lovely review. We would like to wish your little girl lots of luck in her new setting and we look forward to welcoming another Little Acorn in the future.


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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.550)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.550) out of 10 for Little Acorns Childcare 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 9 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 4.750 for Little Acorns Childcare is calculated as follows: ( (91 Excellents x 5) + (4 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) + (4 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 104 Ratings = 4.75

  • 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 Little Acorns Childcare 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 28 number of registered child places is 5.6, 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

10 Child Vacancies

posted 5 hours ago

Funded and non funded spaces are available. Funded hours are between 9-12 and 12:30-3:30. All other sessions are chargeable- Late pick up available and full day care. Breakfast club available from September 2025


Awards / Recognitions (1)

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Meet the Team (8)

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Joanne (JoJo) Bailey

Job Title: Manager

Joined: 2008

Jo is our manager and safeguarding lead. She is highly motivated about providing a setting which is a home-from-home feel, where all staff and children are valued, respected and passionate about learning and teaching.


As a manager, Jo is always reflecting on what is working well and loves to spend time in the room with all the children, as well as get to know all the lovely families.


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Emma Foreman

Job Title: Deputy Manager and SENCO

Joined: 2012

Emma started way back when as a lunch assistant and has worked her way up to deputy manager through her hard work and total dedication to children's early years education.


She is our designated SENCO with a wealth of knowledge in supporting children with their individual needs.


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Rachel Kenealy

Job Title: Room Leader and Deputy SENCO

Joined: 2017

Rachel is our preschool room leader and deputy SENCO to Emma. Rachel loves to encourage the children to use their imaginations through a variety of fun activities including den-making and obstacle courses.


Rachel can often be found running around with the children outside and encouraging fun games such as 'What the time Mr Wolf?' and having fun with our colourful parachute.


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Susan Edwards

Job Title: Child Care Practitioner

Joined: 2008

Sue has extensive knowledge in supporting children with additional needs.


She has been with us for many years and loves exploring the garden and construction areas with the children. You will often find Sue with a toolbox nearby fixing or constructing something exciting with the children, or planting and observing the wonderful wildlife in our lovely free-flow garden.


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Jena Flatman

Job Title: Childcare Practioner- Deputy Safeguarding Officer

Joined: 2023

Jena shares her time between the toddler room and the preschool room. Jena loves to get stuck into messy play with the children and enjoys getting creative both indoors and outdoors.


Jena is our deputy safeguarding officer.


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Louise Scopes

Job Title: Child Care Practitioner

Joined: 2023

Louise is level 3 qualified helps cover the lunches with the children, and spends the majority of her time with the toddlers.


Louise loves to play in the garden with the children, building sand castles, as well as cuddling up and reading a lovely story.


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Becky Bates

Job Title: Child Care Practitioner

Joined: 2023

Becky covers lunches with the children and loves to have lots of fun and be silly. Becky loves to provide lots of activities, for the children to explore and have fun with.


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Dawn Clarke

Job Title: Level 2 Apprentice

Joined: 2022

Dawn is currently studying her level 2 apprenticeship in childcare and spends her time between the two age groups.


Dawn's favourite thing to do with the children is to join in with all kinds of messy play, and put on funny voices and read stories together with the children.


Frequently Asked Questions about Little Acorns Childcare

What is the Age Range of Children that Little Acorns Childcare accepts?

Little Acorns Childcare accepts Children aged from 2 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Little Acorns Childcare Open?

Little Acorns Childcare is open: Monday 08:00-16:00, Tuesday 08:00-16:00, Wednesday 08:00-16:00, Thursday 08:00-16:00, Friday 08:00-16:00.

How many Children does Little Acorns Childcare have capacity for?

Little Acorns Childcare has capacity for a total of 28 Children.

How far is Little Acorns Childcare to the centre of Bury St Edmunds?

1.1 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.