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Acorns Early Years Centre

Ofsted: Good
(Oct 2021)
·
5.0(7 parent reviews) ·Joy House, Franklin Road, Dartford, DA2 7UZ · Kent
Number of places
80 places
Age range
0–5 yrs
Last inspected
Oct 2021
Local authority
Kent

About this day nursery

Acorns Early Years Centre (AEYC) is a charitable organisation established in 1990, dedicated to delivering high-quality, accessible childcare to the local community in Dartford. Located in modern, purpose-built premises next to Maypole Primary School, the centre provides both sessional and full-day care for children up to five years old, alongside an out-of-school programme for children up to the age of eleven.

AEYC emphasises a personalised settling-in process for each child, with a focus on individual families and their specific needs. The centre was rated "Good" by Ofsted in October 2021, reflecting its commitment to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment.

Acorns Early Years Centre aims to create a happy and secure space where children feel safe and engaged, as evidenced by positive parental feedback.

Our ethos

Acorns Early Years Centre (AEYC) is a charitable organisation established in 1990 with the express purpose of providing high quality, affordable childcare to the local community.

What it's like

Children settle well, confidently leave their parents and eagerly engage in enjoyable activities; staff are positive role models with high expectations, supporting independence and good behaviour. Staff provide warm greetings at the main entrance and meet individual care needs, which supports children's confidence and emotional well‑being.

Charitable OrganisationOfsted Rated GoodSessional and Full Day CareOut of School Provision

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

Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6pm (open 51 weeks of the year)

Age range

Children up to 5 years old for sessional and full day care, and up to 11 years old for out-of-school provision.

Term time / All Year

All Year

Established

2006

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Acorns Early Years Centre

Last inspected 27 October 2021 · Janet Thouless

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 settle well, confidently leave their parents and eagerly engage in enjoyable activities; staff are positive role models with high expectations, supporting independence and good behaviour. Staff provide warm greetings at the main entrance and meet individual care needs, which supports children's confidence and emotional well‑being.

Inspector highlights

  • Children settle well and develop independence
  • Staff are positive role models and have high expectations for behaviour
  • Staff provide effective support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, working closely with parents and other professionals
  • Strong emphasis on numeracy and communication across the nursery
  • Children enjoy outdoor play and develop physical skills (tricycles, balancing, negotiating uneven surfaces)

Areas to develop

  • 1develop teaching of communication and language to extend and increase young children's vocabulary
  • 2review the organisation of some daily routines so that children do not spend time waiting for others before going outside to play.
Inspection #10210679 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff who support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities have a clear understanding of their role; they work closely with parents and seek support from other professionals to ensure each child has appropriate support and gaps in learning close quickly.

Outdoor space

Children delight in outdoor play; they skilfully manoeuvre tricycles, negotiate uneven surfaces and balance on stepping stones. However, some children do not always want to play outdoors and children sometimes have to wait for everyone to be ready before going outside, which can impact outdoor learning opportunities.

Parent Reviews of Acorns Early Years Centre

5.0
(7)
J C
2 years ago

My son has attended Acorns Nursery since he was one, he loves his key worker and has so much fun. Often running in without saying bye to me now! We are really happy with the nursery and the ladies who look after our son.

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Adam Clarke
5 years ago

Both my children have been attending Acorns for a number of years now (in babies, toddler, pre-school & after school club). We couldn't be happier with them. Show a genuine interest in the children in a purpose built facility. Couldn't imagine being happier with any other provider.

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Samantha Colquhoun
2 years ago

Sent both my children to the term time preschool, all the ladies who run the room are amazing, they are so caring to the children, I wasn't sending them to school I was sending them somewhere to have fun while they are still little and be cared for by people who love doing what they do. I thank all the ladies in this room for taking good care of my girls over the last 5 years. Highly recommend.

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Lisa Cronk
8 years ago

After moving my son from another nursery due to pretty bad care, i couldnt be happier with acorn. The staff are fantastic and i cannot praise them enough

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Reviews from Google for Acorns Early Years Centre. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: October 2008

  • October 2021Good
  • September 2018Good
  • January 2016Good
  • January 2015Good
  • October 2008Good

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