Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford)

St Giles Mews, Vicarage Road, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes MK11 1BN
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9.9 80 Reviews
  • Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford), Milton Keynes
Situated on the site of Elizabeth House, in Vicarage Road, Stony Stratford. This nursery provides high quality, affordable childcare and early years education for the local community, in a building which has been completely refurbished and extended, with two spacious play areas indoors, with direct access to three outdoor play areas.

Acorn places a strong emphasis on outdoor play and learning, and the children will have the opportunity to be outdoors at some point every day, whatever the weather. Included in their fees are regular Forest School sessions; these exciting educational experiences are suitable for pre-schoolers and are delivered by fully trained forest school leaders and offer an innovative approach to outdoor play.

All the nursery meals are freshly prepared and delivered each day by Acorn Catering, which operates from the hub kitchen at their Shenley Church End nursery. They use local ethically sourced produce to create delicious meals and all menus have been designed to be nutritionally balanced ensuring they offer a variety of foods.

A home visit from the manager and your child’s key person is offered to all new families as they believe children benefit from meeting their key person in a familiar environment, before attending the nursery for settling-in sessions. Children are encouraged to form close bonds using their key person system to ensure learning and development are encouraged on an individual basis.

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Care Provided by Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford)

  • 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
  • Georgia Willshire (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 18
  • Registered Charity Number
  • 1145108
  • Total Places for Children
  • 40
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 4 months
    • to 4 years 11 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:15
    Tuesday 07:30-18:15
    Wednesday 07:30-18:15
    Thursday 07:30-18:15
    Friday 07:30-18:15
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays, Staff Training Days & between Christmas & New Year

Funding & Fees Guide for Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford)

  • Full time place starting from £1,560
    Full day from £81.50
    Morning session from £45.50
    Afternoon session from £41

  • Fees are inclusive of all meals, snacks, drinks (including approved formula milk), nappies and activities.
    We do not charge registration fees, but only a £50 deposit 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 days which 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

  • There is a small car park for children to be dropped off/picked up.


Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford) Reviews (80)

Total of 80, showing 61-80
9.9

Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford) has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.892) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford) has 80 reviews.

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Review from C L (Aunt of Child) published on 15 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can't speak highly enough of the staff at Acorn. They are always so caring and the children are always the priority. They are always so keen to make sure as parents/carers we are happy and nothing is ever too much to ask, they really go the extra mile. My niece has been here for the last few months
and during the pandemic, they have remained professional and make sure the children have lots to do. She always comes back happy and can't wait to for the next day.

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Review from Holly W (Mother of Child) published on 29 November 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We have a really good experience of Acorn Day Nursery. They provide a caring and fun environment for our child and do lots of activities with them.
Always been supportive at drop-offs when our son is upset and really helpful and accommodating when our son has been diagnosed with a peanut allergy giving
helpful guidance and implementing the advice. Provide very good meals for the children.

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Review from Fatima D (Mother of Child) published on 18 October 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Being a first-time mum, sending my daughter to nursery was naturally, as expected, a daunting experience. During the process, I viewed plenty of nurseries but this one felt the most welcoming. Separation anxiety has been a key factor that we have had to overcome and I can honestly say that all the staff
have been absolutely amazing, especially her keyworker. The small but yet effective things they do to ensure that my daughter had an amazing day makes the biggest difference. Having stayed a few times with my daughter while helping her settle down, I have witnessed the hard work and dedication the team have.

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Review from Amy F (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started at nursery in September and she absolutely loves it! The team have been amazing at getting her (and us!) settled and within days everyone knew who she was, what she liked and didn’t like and are always so friendly and welcoming. I had absolutely no qualms about leaving her for the
first time in their care. The app is also brilliant for tracking your child’s day remotely and gives parents an additional feeling of comfort. I’d definitely recommend Acorn to anyone looking for care for their little one.

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Review from Lauren Y (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Brilliant nursery, they’ve given my son amazing support to help him learn and grow before heading to pre-school. They have excellent facilities and a variety of different play areas which my son loves, he especially loves their woodland area! The staff are great! Super helpful and supportive. The food
and menus have great variety.

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Review from Michelle K (Mother of Child) published on 1 May 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending this nursery for just over 3 months now and absolutely loves it. He is extremely content when there and I never have any problems in leaving him. The staff are lovely and always welcoming and they all make a point of saying goodbye to him which I think is lovely. The staff
to child ratio works well, I'm never worried he is being left alone too long and he is always included in activities. I feel happy and relaxed knowing my son is being well cared for and educated well in various activities throughout the day. Rapport between staff and children and their parents is great and I am always informed of daily activities or incidents. I really like the app which informs me of my sons day and communication is always to a high standard through this too.

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Review from Kate T (Mother of Child) published on 1 May 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was very apprehensive about my daughter starting nursery, she had not been away from me and I was unsure how she would settle. All I can say is that I needn’t have worried. The staff have been amazing, they are always so welcoming and friendly and put my mind at ease. The nursery is lovely, and I
especially love the low windows allowing children to look outside and take in their surroundings. There is a forest area which will be great when it’s finished. My daughter has settled in so much quicker than I anticipated which has definitely been down to the lovely staff knowing what she likes/needs. I can go to work feeling confident that my daughter will be well looked after, stimulated and happy. The Famly app is also great and I enjoy checking it to see what she’s been up to. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this nursery.

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Review from NM (Mother of Child) published on 1 May 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff have really helped my son settle in and seem to know him well in terms of his likes and dislikes. My son is making progress and seems settled in the nursery environment. The setting is lovely and the staff make good use of the local area.

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Review from S N (Father of Child) published on 1 May 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This nursery has been amazing. Our child has issues settling in, the staff went above and beyond to help and now our child is all settled and loves nursery. They always have fun activities planned and I always receive a detailed brief from the staff of what my child has done that day.
I was recommended
Acorn Day Nursery by a colleague and have been recommending them to others. Fantastic staff and a fantastic nursery.

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Review from Emily C (Mother of Child) published on 1 May 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We absolutely love taking our son to Acorn Day Nursery! He loves it too! He’s come on leaps and bounds since being there and he loves all the nursery assistants which his dad and I think is very important. To put your trust in a stranger with your own child is something very daunting but from day one,
everyone who works there has been so friendly, professional and made us feel at ease. Just walking into the nursery gives us a really good feeling. I love getting the updates and pictures of how our son is doing despite there being a lot of babies/children to all do the same for. It’s lovely to see our boy so happy and that’s all thanks to everyone at Acorn!

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Review from Natalie M (Mother of Child) published on 1 May 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Stony nursery full time since it opened in November 2018. She has developed a great relationship with her key person and staff in the nursery and often comes home talking about the staff, children and activities she's done in the day. She loves going on the minibus to
forest school and going on walks around the area. My daughter also enjoys taking part in baking activities and often comes home that day and offers to help make dinner! I love to see how enthusiastic she is about nursery and it's great that the staff are teaching them good life skills at such a young age. My daughter's confidence has grown so much since going to nursery and I know it's because of the great care, attention and resources she has available to her!
I have no worries leaving my child at this nursery and would highly recommend it!

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Review from Guy M (Father of Child) published on 20 March 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great nursery. Our son loves going, has fun and is well looked after. Staff are welcoming and communication is good.

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Review from Juan F (Father of Child) published on 19 March 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Well prepared, professional staff in a lovely brand new location. My 1 year old daughter enjoys attending there everyday.

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Review from Rina (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at this nursery are professional, attentive and caring. They take the time to get to know my daughter and she has a good rapport with them. The home visit and settling in period was helpful for my daughter to transition from being at home to being in the nursery. They have many activities
planned for the children and it keeps them busy. They serve a variety of nutritious food which is prepared at their other branch. I am delighted to know that my daughter is being served freshly made healthy food every day. The mobile app is also very useful as I am able to keep up with what is going on with my daughter while at work i.e. when she has her nap, what she had for lunch etc. The staff provides excellent feedback on how my daughter has been progressing. I am very grateful for everyone at Acorn Day Nursery Stony Stratford and hope my daughter continues to grow as an individual, surrounded by amazing people!

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Review from J M (Father of Child) published on 14 March 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are attentive and caring. Settling in was child focussed and inclusive.
Our child has settled well and enjoys going in every day.
The staff are knowledgeable of his needs.
We are looking forward to the completion of the forest school garden which looks amazing.
The setting and facilities
are great.
The close link to the retirement home allows further opportunities for enrichment.

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Review from Gillian S (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Stony Stratford Acorn is set in beautiful surroundings.
The nursery has a clean and natural atmosphere.
Almost all resources are natural.
The staff are kind, caring and friendly, no task is too big.
My child enjoys walks to the local library, trips to the nearby retirement home and a minibus ride
to forest school.
We are all so happy that our daughter has settled in well.

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Review from Sonia P (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little one absolutely loves going to nursery.
She has developed and grown so much since starting at Acorn, her language has improved so much, she has grown in confidence, has made so many friends and learns daily.
We love the outdoors/natural ethos of the nursery which our little one loves - being
out in the fresh air as often as possible. The staff are exceptional.

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Review from Nina N (Mother of Child) published on 25 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is the first time I have had to use a nursery and I had heard horror stories, but my experience to date with Acorns Stony Stratford has been amazing. Being a single Mum, I was worried that I would be called away a lot but that has not happened. My daughter loves going to Acorns, so much so, she
pointed to go back when collecting her once. The staff are amazing and I couldn't ask for a better team to care for my daughter. If I could afford to have her in full time, I would.

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Review from Rachel B (Mother of Child) published on 25 February 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I moved my daughter here this month after she failed to settle at another nursery. The staff have been so welcoming and have worked really hard to make her feel settled. The home visit made a great first impression on my daughter and her interests were clearly noted and have been built upon at the nursery.
She enters happily and comes home with a smile on her face. The environment is calm, clean and productive. We’re having a great experience with Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford).

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Review from Gareth (Father of Child) published on 25 February 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Great staff, good facilities, varied activities and our son loves it. We love to receive daily updates through the Famly app which is a really great tool. Our previous nursery didn't do this.


I would recommend anyone in the area looking for a nursery to have Acorn at the top of your list to visit.


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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.892)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.892) out of 10 for Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford) 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 14 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 14 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.892 for Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford) is calculated as follows: ( (151 Excellents x 5) + (14 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 167 Ratings = 4.892

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford) is based on 14 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 40 number of registered child places is 8, which has been reached with 14 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 (11)

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Meet the Team (2)

Georgia

Georgia Willshire

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2018

Georgia - Manager
Georgia joined Acorn in 2011 and has worked across 2 Acorn sites progressing from a senior practitioner to a nursery manager. Georgia is very passionate when creating rich and inviting environments which capture children’s interests and support their individual learning and development. Georgia helps support all staff to provide the children with the best possible start, building stable foundations to watch the children learn, achieve and grow as individuals. Outside of work Georgia has 3 young children who have also attended Acorn nurseries.


Georgia is also Stony's Designated Safeguarding Lead, so if you ever have any concerns or would like to chat about anything safeguarding related, please visit or call the nursery and ask to speak to Georgia directly - alternatively, the setting can provide a direct email address for her.


If you have any questions, or would like to book a visit please contact us.


Julie

Julie

Job Title: Senior Administrator

Joined: 2016

Julie - Senior Administrator


Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford) to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Acorn Day Nursery (Stony Stratford) has a Platinum Service – more info.