Acorn At Cold Harbour

About this day nursery

Acorn At Cold Harbour, part of the wider Acorn Early Years Foundation, provides comprehensive childcare with a strong emphasis on outdoor learning and a nurturing approach. As a not-for-profit charity, the nursery prioritises the well-being and development of each child, aiming to foster caring relationships and a responsive environment.

The foundation champions an ethical, innovative, and sustainable model for early years education, with a particular focus on immersing children in nature through their unique Forest School provisions. They strive to make their services accessible, offering various funding options to families.

The curriculum is rooted in a relational pedagogy, cultivating a love for learning through direct experiences and play. Acorn is dedicated to continuous improvement through ongoing staff training, development, and action research, ensuring high standards of care and education while actively working towards a more caring and connected society.

Our ethos

Acorn's ethos centres on 'putting children first' with a strong ethic of care, building responsive relationships with children and families to nurture social and emotional well-being. As a charitable organisation, they aim to lead the early childhood sector through an ethical, innovative, and sustainable model, especially in outdoor play and learning, and staff professional development. Their core values are personal communication, professional development, nurturing children's holistic development with a focus on healthy eating and first-hand experiences, promoting outdoor learning and natural environments, and operating ethically as a not-for-profit.

What it's like

Children are happy and safe at the nursery and settle well with an effective key-person system. Staff build nurturing relationships and children are confident and enjoy engaging with visitors. Children have access to extensive outdoor grounds which support exploration and learning.

Pricing & funding