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Acorn Childcare at Castlethorpe, Milton Keynes

Ofsted: Good
(Dec 2024)
·
4.0(1 parent reviews) ·17 South Street, Milton Keynes, MK19 7EL · Milton Keynes
Number of places
36 places
Age range
1–4 yrs
Last inspected
Dec 2024
Local authority
Milton Keynes

About this day nursery

Acorn Childcare at Castlethorpe is part of the wider Acorn Early Years Foundation, a well-established provider of nurseries and childcare across Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire, and Bedfordshire. The foundation prides itself on an eco-conscious approach and a commitment to social impact within the early childhood sector.

They offer a comprehensive range of services including full-day nurseries, sessional preschools, and out-of-school clubs during term time and holidays. A distinctive feature of their offering is their emphasis on Forest School sessions, which are integrated into their nursery programmes and also offered as standalone experiences for children, families, and other educational providers.

Acorn Early Years Foundation is also actively involved in training and consultancy, providing courses for parents, carers, and early years professionals, alongside offering their expertise to other settings. Their dedication extends to fundraising initiatives, supporting children with additional needs, and environmental efforts like tree planting, all while maintaining transparency through annual reports and policies.

The nursery operates with a strong community focus, evident in its engagement with fundraising and its focus on staff and trustee zones, alongside parent areas.

What it's like

Children develop a sense of familiarity with daily routines and are warmly welcomed by staff who engage them in play and discuss their interests. Staff plan activities based on what children know and can do, using conversations and questions to develop their thinking skills. Children also develop their physical skills well through climbing, balancing, and exploring large apparatus, supported by staff praise and encouragement.

Forest School sessionsEco-conscious approachSocial enterpriseTraining and consultancyCommunity-focused

Pricing & funding

Pricing on request

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

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Key facts

Opening hours

7.30am to 6.15pm, throughout the year

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Acorn Childcare at Castlethorpe, Milton Keynes

Last inspected 18 December 2024

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Children develop a sense of familiarity with daily routines and are warmly welcomed by staff who engage them in play and discuss their interests. Staff plan activities based on what children know and can do, using conversations and questions to develop their thinking skills. Children also develop their physical skills well through climbing, balancing, and exploring large apparatus, supported by staff praise and encouragement.

Inspector highlights

  • Managers and staff work together to develop a shared vision for children's learning, focusing on building on their existing knowledge and interests.
  • Staff work with parents to understand children's starting points and share information to support learning at home.
  • Children recognise when they are happy in the setting and can talk about what they enjoy.
  • Staff provide meaningful interactions that promote learning, including regular conversations and enthusiastic storytelling to develop speaking and listening skills.
  • Staff provide activities that challenge children and encourage them to take appropriate risks, such as balancing courses and learning to negotiate space.
  • Children learn about keeping themselves safe and the world around them through outings, visits to the local school library, and community activities like litter picking.

Areas to develop

  • 1enhance strategies to help children understand and manage their feelings to further support their emotional development
  • 2strengthen the quality of interactions, so that children have consistent opportunities to recall previous learning.
Inspection #10367524 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

Outdoor space

Children develop their gross motor skills through climbing, balancing, and exploring large apparatus. Staff offer praise and encouragement that supports children's confidence in their physical skills. Children show pride and excitement, as they keep trying when exploring large equipment.

Parent Reviews of Acorn Childcare at Castlethorpe, Milton Keynes

4.0
(1)

Reviews from Google for Acorn Childcare at Castlethorpe, Milton Keynes. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: February 2019

  • December 2024Good
  • February 2019Good

Frequently asked about Acorn Childcare at Castlethorpe, Milton Keynes

About the setting

Acorn Day Nursery Castlethorpe registered in 2017 and is situated in Castlethorpe, Milton Keynes. It operates from 7.30am to 6.15pm, throughout the year. The provider receives funding to provide free early years education to children aged two, three and four years. The provider employs 18 members of staff, 12 of whom hold relevant childcare qualifications.

URN
EY543686
Registered person
Acorn Early Years Foundation
Day care type
Full day care
Register
Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register
Establishment type
Childcare on non-domestic premises
Previous rating
Good

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