The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College

Upper Redlands Road, Reading RG1 5JT
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9.5 14 Reviews
  • The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College, Reading
The Acorn Centre (Pre-School) aims to give children from three to four years old the best start to a lifetime of learning, within a welcoming setting where they can settle in quickly and enjoy a range of creative and imaginative play. The Centre is located on the site of St Joseph's College, opposite the University of Reading and a short walk from the Royal Berkshire hospital.

The Acorn Centre and its large all-weather garden have been designed with the needs of young children in mind.

The Centre is staffed by two qualified teachers with significant early years experience, and a team of early years practitioners. The ratio is one teacher to four children.

Three and four year olds thrive in the warm and friendly atmosphere, where learning is curriculum-based and centred around a wealth of age-appropriate resources.

The Centre is open 49 weeks of the year from 7.45am to 6pm and offers flexible attendance patterns ranging from two to five days a week, either full days or half days, or a mixture of both.

Your child joins in the academic year in which they turn four and spends the year prior to starting school at The Acorn Centre.

Regular Open Mornings and Stay & Play taster sessions are held for prospective parents and children to look around and experience what The Acorn Centre has to offer.

Up to 15 hours of government childcare funding is available. Childcare vouchers can be used towards fees, extended day (wraparound care) and Holiday Club (outside term-time). Government Childcare Grant for students in full-time education also accepted.

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Care Provided by The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • St Joseph's College
  • Person in charge
  • Sharon Boccaccini (College Deputy Head (Prep))
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 6
  • Registered Charity Number
  • 277077
  • Total Places for Children
  • 26
  • Age Range
    • from 3 years 0 months
    • to 4 years 11 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:45-18:00
    Tuesday 07:45-18:00
    Wednesday 07:45-18:00
    Thursday 07:45-18:00
    Friday 07:45-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays, 1 week in October & 2 weeks at Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College

  • Example total cost: from 7.45am to 6.00pm, 49 weeks of the year, including hot lunch and snacks averages at £62 per day. This cost includes 15 hours of government early years funding and your child attends holiday club outside term-time. Holiday Club is run by the same Acorn Centre staff as during term-time. Some co-curricular trips and holiday club special activities are at a small additional cost. Further information on our website.

  • Based on five full days a week, all year round. Minimum attendance two days per week, either full days or half days, or a combination of both. Prices may vary, email admissions for a full price breakdown.
  • Parking

  • Free parking available onsite


The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College Reviews (14)

9.5

The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.519) out of 10, based on 7 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College has 14 reviews.

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Review from H K (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Acorn Center Nursery have provided my daughter amazing support in regards to her development with speech and helping her with being more independent and staff are amazing. The area provided for children is very spacious and keep children busy with amazing activities.

Reply from Alison Denyer, Marketing Manager at The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College

Thank you for your review. We are delighted to hear that you are pleased with the support our staff provide in the Acorn Centre.


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Review from C G (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child is flourishing at The Acorn Centre. He has grown in confidence, has learnt to read basic words, can do basic Maths and count as well as write his name. He loves his teachers and playing with his friends. He is happy and enjoys school and has fun. What more could you ask for.

Reply from Alison Denyer, Marketing Manager at The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College

Thank you for your review. It is lovely to hear that your son is thriving here.


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Review from R S (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Giving children a solid foundation to a life of curiosity and learning whilst developing them into caring, aware, supportive and inclusive people, isn’t an easy feat but The Acorn Centre at St Joseph’s does this very well. We carefully looked at other providers of pre-reception and reception learning
in the Reading area, and The Acorn Centre is just in a league of its own. My son believes he is playing with friends all day but we observe his knowledge and abilities developing and growing week by week and are just astounded by what they can achieve with him. No overly oppressive obligations on parents or children, no children crying on sports day or being overly anxious during the school play performance, just a safe, friendly and happy environment of continuous child-led learning which confirms it’s truly a great choice.
Fantastic facilities with a wonderful outdoor space and caring, experienced, engaged, well-supported and motivated staff. Every child deserves such a start!

Reply from Alison Denyer, Marketing Manager at The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College

Thank you very much for your positive comments. It is wonderful to hear.


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Review from Maksim B (Father of Child) published on 1 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

One of the most impressive aspects has been witnessing our daughter growing independence. The phonics skills he's acquired and his ability to communicate and relay information have been astounding. It's evident that the centre's nurturing approach has played a significant role in her development.
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staff at The Acorn Centre are truly exceptional. They are not only skilled but also genuinely caring, creating a supportive and enriching atmosphere for all the children. While there have been minor challenges with communication, likely due to our son's part-time schedule, the overall support system and the parent network have been fantastic.
The staff's daily communication and updates are commendable, keeping us involved in our children's day-to-day learning and adventures. The array of extracurricular activities, including trips to animal parks, adds an exciting dimension to their education.

Reply from Alison Denyer, Marketing Manager at The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College

Thank you for taking the time to submit your review of The Acorn Centre. We're so pleased your daughter is thriving here.


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Review from Cristina C (Mother of Child) published on 1 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can't express enough how delighted we are with our experience at The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's. As parents, finding a nurturing and stimulating environment for our little ones was a top priority, and this exceptional nursery has surpassed all our expectations. One of the standout features of The
Acorn Centre is its well-thought-out curriculum. The activities are not only engaging but also designed to encourage cognitive, social, and emotional development. The variety of educational games, creative arts and crafts, and outdoor play provide a holistic approach to learning that goes beyond mere babysitting.

Reply from Alison Denyer, Marketing Manager at The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College

Thank you very much for your review. We are particularly pleased that you find our bespoke curriculum a standout feature.


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Review from Daniel T (Father of Child) published on 1 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our child is very happy going in and happy coming out which is a great sign. The variety of activities is great, we receive photos of what the children have been doing, and the energy and the atmosphere are very positive and nurturing. I think the children feel like they are a part of the whole school
which is also very nice for them. The ratio of teachers and staff to children is excellent meaning that the children get the help and support they need.

Reply from Alison Denyer, Marketing Manager at The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College

Thank you for your kind review. We are very pleased to learn that you feel The Acorn Centre offers a nurturing environment.


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Review from Syan J (Mother of Child) published on 7 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Our son has really flourished since attending The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's. We had a warm welcome from the beginning and he has made some great friends and the basic routine and structure have completely prepared him for reception. I've been most impressed with his growing independence, the phonics
that he's picked up, and the way he's able to relay information. He's been well nurtured whilst there and most importantly I can tell he has really enjoyed himself. The staff are all really lovely. My only small gripe from a parent's point of view is that communication can sometimes be lacking (possibly because son is part-time?) in a few departments but overall there's been a great support system and network of parents. Highly recommend.

Reply from Alison Denyer, Marketing Manager at The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College

Thank you for your review. We are pleased that your son has flourished here and that you would recommend us. We will pass on your valuable feedback to The Acorn Centre team.


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Review from Tanisha R (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We are very pleased with our experience at St Joseph's College. Both our children are doing well and the school has exposed them to so much more than just academics - sports, arts, cooking, STEM just to call out a few. The school has also played an important role in teaching them to consider others
and at the heart of it 'being kind' to everyone is taught throughout their daily experiences.

Reply from Alison Denyer, Marketing Manager at The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College

Thank you for your review. We are really pleased to hear your children are enjoying their time here, particularly in our Pre-Reception class.


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Review from K B (Mother of Child) published on 19 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The early years centre at this school is wonderful- a very nurturing and supportive environment. The outside space and school facilities are brilliant. I think it preps the children well for the move into primary school at age 4-5 and gets them used to timetables, sitting in groups and school work from
an early age whilst allowing them to play freely and enjoy being little!
The staff are great - daily communication and updates are always available, and so many extracurricular opportunities for the little ones, like trips to animal parks.
Highly recommend St Josephs's Prep school for anyone looking to start their 3-year-old at nursery/preschool - my child has thrived here.

Reply from Alison Denyer, Marketing Manager at The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College

Thank you for sharing your positive feedback with us. We really appreciate your recommendation.


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Review from E T (Father of Child) published on 19 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely amazing experience. The nursery staff are lovely, and the development of our child is a joy to watch. The grounds are a lovely, safe space, and the food is to die for! I would highly recommend St Joseph's for any young mind.

Reply from Alison Denyer, Marketing Manager at The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College

Thank you very much for your kind review.
We are glad you are having a good experience at St Joseph's.


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Review from Bijal J (Mother of Child) published on 24 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a great early year setting in which my two children absolutely thrived. They loved each day, and always spoke very highly of the team. When you see the facilities and meet the staff, you can understand why. Staff were always kind, approachable and attentive.

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Review from Helen B (Mother of Child) published on 23 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would highly recommend the Early Years Centre at St Joseph’s College. Both my children have the attended the centre and they both absolutely loved it there.
The centre is a modern facility with an excellent range of indoor and outdoor activities. Children have access to a very wide range of activities
which in my opinion would far exceed what you would normally expect a nursery to offer. The staff are highly attentive and know all the children extremely well; my children always excited to go and the staff made them feel very welcome and secure.

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Review from Leighanne S (Mother of Child) published on 20 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A fantastic Early Years Centre, that really did provide my son with the best possible start to his school education. He has now moved into the Prep School and I would recommend the nursery to anyone. The Early Years Teachers are wonderful, taking great care of the children, and making learning so fun.
The facilities are excellent, with modern equipment including interactive whiteboards, as well as traditional learning resources. Children have access to a huge garden and play area with plenty of toys and a range of outdoor equipment to use. They have a warm lunch every day with lots of yummy and healthy options at break time also. The center is spotlessly clean, and really well managed by staff. I always felt that my son was being so well cared for, in a warm, welcoming and friendly environment. He made incredible progress with his learning and confidence whilst in Early Years which helped him transition seamlessly into Reception.

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Review from Els D (Mother of Child) published on 9 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Early Years Centre at St Joseph's College is a fantastic facility and both of my children have been very happy there. My youngest joined in autumn 2019 and is currently still at the Centre. He adores the teacher and the other members of staff and he is learning lots. I'm so impressed with the creative
activities they do and it's a very warm environment.


The facilities - both inside and outside - are very modern and varied. The children have the choice of a wide range of activities and are able to spend a lot of time outside. It is a more structured setting (e.g. with daily assembly, a fixed 8:20 start, a weekly theme and teacher-led sessions) which will suit some children more than others but if you are planning for your child to attend Reception and beyond at St Joseph's, then the Early Years Centre is the best place to start as it will give them a gentle transition to full-time school.


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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.519)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.519) out of 10 for The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College 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 7 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.7 out of 5 from 7 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 4.819 for The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College is calculated as follows: ( (71 Excellents x 5) + (10 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 83 Ratings = 4.819

  • 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 4.7 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College is based on 7 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 = 3.7

    • 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 26 number of registered child places is 5.2, which has been reached with 7 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

6 Child Vacancies

posted 05 Mar 2025

We have a number of places to start immediately for children who are 3 and 4 years old.


Awards / Recognitions (0)

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Meet the Team (4)

Gemma

Gemma Davies

Job Title: Head of EYFS

Joined: 2010

I graduated in 2007 with a Fine Art degree from the University of Reading, working primarily in sculpture and installation. Whilst studying, I worked part-time in various clubs and projects for children, including children with SEN and their siblings. I developed a real interest in working with the very youngest children and spent a year as a Teaching Assistant (at St Joseph’s and another local school) before completing my Primary PGCE with an Early Years specialism. I taught Year 2 at a school in Reading town centre until 2010, when the opportunity arose for me to join St Joseph’s College as the Early Years teacher. During my time at St Joseph’s, there has been much change, including the building of our Acorn Centre and of course the transition to our fully established Co-Educational community. What has remained constant is the deeply caring and committed learning environment in which I am fortunate to work.


I am currently the Year 2 teacher which I love! As Head of EYFS, I am also very much engaged with our youngest children and enjoy teaching them for French and RE. I am passionate about the EYFS as a precious time for children to develop within a truly supportive and nurturing environment. As such, I am also committed to developing the team in order that children experience the highest quality learning and care. I completed my Masters in Education (Early Years) at the University of Reading, taking a special interest in the development of 3-5 year olds and gender stereotypes in play.


Outside of work, I continue to make Art, now focussing on textile pieces and spend many happy hours watching my daughter horse ride. I also have a beautiful Ragdoll cat who thinks I do an excellent job of grooming!


Charlotte

Charlotte Gibson

Job Title: Pre-Reception Teacher

Joined: 2023

Teaching young children has always been a huge aspiration and passion of mine. Upon finishing secondary school, I knew that I wanted to work with children as a career, and wanted to learn more about how children develop and learn. I studied at the University of Greenwich in London, where I was awarded a BA Hons in Childhood Studies. This ignited my passion for wanting to teach young children specifically, and I then completed my PGCE at the University of Reading with an Early Years specialism. Until joining St Joseph’s in September 2023, I had taught in a state school in Reading, with most of my experience being in Nursery and Reception.


Outside of school, I love to crochet and enjoy making things for home and resources for my classroom. Other creative hobbies I take part in include drawing, pottery, and cross-stitch. I also enjoy cooking and like to create new recipes and explore different techniques and skills. My husband and I like to take part in local activities such as mini-golf, nature walks and theatre trips.


Nuria

Nuria Moya Sanchez

Job Title: Early Years Practitioner

Joined: 2022

Before becoming a mum, I have lived all over the world: Spain, Switzerland, Japan, and the US. I also worked in a variety of industries like banking, FMCG and medical interpretation. Later in life, I had my 3 girls and from watching them grow and develop, a desire for children’s education grew in me. I started in the education industry by volunteering at Caversham Primary School and then moving on to part-time employment at different schools throughout Reading. I am Level 3 qualified Early Years Practitioner and I have been working full time in the Acorn Centre at St Joseph’s since October 2022 and I have loved every moment. It is indeed my passion to help children in the young stages of their lives.
Outside of work, my favourite activity is travelling with my family and ultimately try to visit a new country every year. Closely following this I love fitness and hiking.


Ella

Ella Aust

Job Title: Early Years Practitioner

Early Years Practitioner


Frequently Asked Questions about The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College

What is the Age Range of Children that The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College accepts?

The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College accepts Children aged from 3 years 0 months to 4 years 11 months.

What Days & Hours is The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College Open?

The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College is open: Monday 07:45-18:00, Tuesday 07:45-18:00, Wednesday 07:45-18:00, Thursday 07:45-18:00, Friday 07:45-18:00.

How many Children does The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College have capacity for?

The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College has capacity for a total of 26 Children.

How far is The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College to the centre of Reading?

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

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Acorn Centre at St Joseph's College has an Enhanced Service – more info.