--- title: "Acorns Early Years Centre — Rated Good by Ofsted" description: "Acorns Early Years Centre, a nursery in Dartford — Rated Good by Ofsted. See opening hours, fees, photos, parent reviews and contact details on Nursery Advice." lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. Ofsted ratings, fees, opening hours, parent reviews and inspection history — all in one place.", "inLanguage": "en-GB", "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. 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See opening hours, fees, photos, parent reviews and contact details on Nursery Advice.", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/#website" }, "about": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/acorns-early-years-centre-da2-7uz#nursery" }, "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/acorns-early-years-centre-da2-7uz#breadcrumb" }, "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", "[data-speakable]" ] } }, { "@type": "ChildCare", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/acorns-early-years-centre-da2-7uz#nursery", "name": "Acorns Early Years Centre", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/acorns-early-years-centre-da2-7uz", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressCountry": "GB", "streetAddress": "Joy House", "addressLocality": "Franklin Road", "postalCode": "DA2 7UZ" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/acorns-early-years-centre-da2-7uz#webpage" }, "telephone": "01322 550568", "email": "info@acornsearlyyears.co.uk", "sameAs": [ "https://acornsearlyyears.co.uk" ], "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 51.431275, "longitude": 0.173966 }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "Dartford" } ], "audience": { "@type": "PeopleAudience", "suggestedMinAge": 0, "suggestedMaxAge": 5 }, "award": "Ofsted: Good", "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": 5, "reviewCount": 7, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "J C" }, "reviewBody": "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.", "datePublished": "2024-03-28T07:18:08.131649Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Adam Clarke" }, "reviewBody": "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.", "datePublished": "2020-11-17T14:37:59.765652Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Samantha Colquhoun" }, "reviewBody": "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.", "datePublished": "2023-07-21T14:37:37.702563Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Lisa Cronk" }, "reviewBody": "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", "datePublished": "2017-06-28T13:56:24.757Z", "inLanguage": "en" }, { "@type": "Review", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": 5, "bestRating": 5, "worstRating": 1 }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Helen Reed" }, "datePublished": "2025-07-03T21:42:24.576314467Z", "inLanguage": "en" } ] }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/acorns-early-years-centre-da2-7uz#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Nurseries", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nurseries" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "South East", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?region=South%20East" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Acorns Early Years Centre", "item": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/acorns-early-years-centre-da2-7uz" } ] }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nursery/acorns-early-years-centre-da2-7uz#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What grade did Ofsted give Acorns Early Years Centre?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Acorns Early Years Centre received a Good grade at its October 2021 inspection." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "From what age does Acorns Early Years Centre accept children?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The setting accepts children from birth to 8 years old." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does Acorns Early Years Centre support children with SEND?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Staff supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities work closely with parents and liaise with other professionals. They understand their responsibilities and use this joined-up approach to secure appropriate support and help close learning gaps quickly." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How many places does Acorns Early Years Centre have?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Acorns Early Years Centre has 145 children on roll." } } ] } ] } ] --- [![Nursery Advice](/__l5e/assets-v1/1c5557d3-f3fd-42f8-935a-3f2d2c3ac7e7/nursery-advice.webp "Nursery Advice")](/ "Nursery Advice") [Find Nurseries](/search)[Parent Hub](/parent-hub)[Compare](/compare)[About Us](/about-us)[For Nurseries](/for-nurseries) [Claim Your Nursery](/claim) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Nurseries](/nurseries) 3. [South East](/search?region=South+East) 4. Acorns Early Years Centre # Acorns Early Years Centre Compare Contact Nursery 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 - About - Pricing - Ofsted - Inclusion - Reviews - FAQ - [About](#about) - [Pricing](#pricing) - [Ofsted](#ofsted) - [Inclusion](#inclusion) - [Reviews](#reviews) - [FAQ](#faq) Email Nursery ## 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 Organisation Ofsted Rated Good Sessional and Full Day Care Out 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. [Request pricing →](https://acornsearlyyears.co.uk/contact) ## 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 - 1 develop teaching of communication and language to extend and increase young children's vocabulary - 2 review the organisation of some daily routines so that children do not spend time waiting for others before going outside to play. Inspection #10210679 · Source: Ofsted [View full Ofsted report](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50172940) ### Official Ofsted Report Independent inspection of Acorns Early Years Centre Inspection date Oct 2021 Inspection no. 10210679 Lead inspector Janet Thouless Safeguarding arrangements are effective [Download full report (PDF)](https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50172940)[View on Ofsted.gov.uk](https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/16/EY243975) Visit or enquire ### Book a show-around Most settings reply within 48 hours. Schedule a VisitContact NurseryJoin Waitlist Get in touch ### Contact Reveal phone number Contact Nursery [ Visit website ](https://acornsearlyyears.co.uk) Joy House, Franklin Road, Dartford, DA2 7UZ [© Mapbox](https://www.mapbox.com/about/maps) [© OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright/) [Improve this map](https://apps.mapbox.com/feedback/?owner=bettersearch&id=cmr0xkm3n001m01shcu7igkjr&access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiYmV0dGVyc2VhcmNoIiwiYSI6ImNtcjB4NzVvNDA0ZTkycHF5Z3g3aWNtZWcifQ.h8Ni35tijJSAoESKsGArhg#/0.17397/51.43127/14) [](https://www.mapbox.com/) ## Explore day nurseries near Dartford - [Day nurseries in Dartford](/search?q=Dartford) - [Day nurseries in South East](/search?q=South+East) Is this your nursery? Claim this listing to add photos, pricing, and respond to enquiries. [Claim this listing](/claim?nursery=acorns-early-years-centre-da2-7uz) 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) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLmob7DHJ1gZdXR39WTJgIFqSP1HkOlqlq5t4_B5PGMt6W-Bg=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) 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. [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNEanNLRHRnRRAB!2m1!1s0x47d8ae081467bcfb:0xb085208f64739789) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocJlVNz9FSj5rUPRMyhpa1p7mCT1L3NrX0gg9CYc6dHkuNm20w=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) 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. [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNpcDl6T05BEAE!2m1!1s0x47d8ae081467bcfb:0xb085208f64739789) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjWaP-8O7Sw2s2WzFQbXMS0_9eeRjrEKZ-NcZ4ydQy0dkNNOwAuXUw=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo-ba3) 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. [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURKOWNDRkNBEAE!2m1!1s0x47d8ae081467bcfb:0xb085208f64739789) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocJwKpoF5aoDeqGoq1yt9h0-wz26hTxrulb1tVdp_GEMTKn34g=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo) 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 [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURBa3NxcnRRRRAB!2m1!1s0x47d8ae081467bcfb:0xb085208f64739789) ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocIxIJS5mE149WJh59FjaUb-zOOYOQTQgquksD9hi-0w0Midlw=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo-ba3) Helen Reed 10 months ago [Read on Google](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m6!14m5!1m4!2m3!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2tWc2JGRkRUbGRJVW1SM1JYWnNSRUZ1TjBwUVpFRRAB!2m1!1s0x47d8ae081467bcfb:0xb085208f64739789) Reviews from Google for Acorns Early Years Centre. [See all on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=12719608522815543177&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) Inspection history Date: October 2008 - October 2021 Good - September 2018 Good - January 2016 Good - January 2015 Good - October 2008 Good ## Frequently asked about Acorns Early Years Centre ### What grade did Ofsted give Acorns Early Years Centre? ### From what age does Acorns Early Years Centre accept children? ### How does Acorns Early Years Centre support children with SEND? ### How many places does Acorns Early Years Centre have? ## Nearby day nurseries in Dartford Other Ofsted-registered day nurseries close to Acorns Early Years Centre. - [ Awaiting first inspection 0.2 mi ### Enchanted Wood Preschool Bexley Park Dartford · DA2 7GA ](/nursery/enchanted-wood-preschool-ltd-bexley-park-da2-7ga-2782838) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.6 mi ### Twinkletoes Preschool Dartford · DA2 7AZ 5.0(14 reviews) ](/nursery/twinkletoes-preschool-da2-7az-ey561332) - [ Ofsted: Good 0.8 mi ### Bright Horizons Wilmington Day Nursery and Preschool Dartford · DA2 7EU ](/nursery/bright-horizons-wilmington-day-nursery-and-preschool-da2-7eu-ey307170) - [ Ofsted: Requires improvement 1.1 mi ### The Cottage Nursery Crayford · DA1 3PY 5.0(25 reviews) ](/nursery/the-cottage-nursery-da1-3py-ey498708) - [ Ofsted: Good 1.2 mi ### Toybox Pre-School Dartford · DA1 3NG ](/nursery/toybox-pre-school-da1-3ng-ey557994) - [ Ofsted: Outstanding 1.3 mi ### Bright Beginnings Dartford · DA1 2JT 5.0(6 reviews) ](/nursery/bright-beginnings-da1-2jt-ey270365) [See all nurseries in Dartford →](/search?q=Dartford) ### Are you the owner of this nursery? 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