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Acorns Nursery

Ofsted: Good
(Jun 2024)
·St John's Centre, St John's Road, Basingstoke, RG23 7DX · Hampshire
Number of places
24 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jun 2024
Local authority
Hampshire

About this day nursery

Acorns Nursery, established in 2007, provides childcare for children aged two to five years within the St John's Centre in Oakley, near Basingstoke. The nursery features a recently renovated main hall for play, a distinct area designated for two to three-year-olds, and a secure outdoor play space that includes a canopy for protection during wet weather.

They offer a flexible approach to sessions to accommodate various family needs. Acorns Nursery is dedicated to supporting children with special educational needs and those who speak English as an additional language.

The nursery operates with staff ratios of 1:4 for two-year-olds and 1:8 for children aged three and above, though often maintains even lower ratios. They follow a free-flow approach, encouraging children to explore both indoor and outdoor activities.

Their primary goal is to create a joyful environment where children can build confidence, self-esteem, and learn to value their surroundings and peers through child-centred learning. They focus on developing skills across various domains, including motor skills, language, social interaction, mathematical understanding, and creativity, with progress regularly monitored and shared with parents.

Our ethos

Acorns Nursery aims to create a joyful, child-centred learning environment. They foster confidence, self-esteem, and respect for peers and surroundings through a free-flow approach that encourages exploration of both indoor and outdoor activities. They are dedicated to supporting children with special educational needs and those learning English as an additional language.

What it's like

The dedicated, friendly staff create a nurturing space where children's individuality is fostered and children enjoy coming to nursery, benefiting from individual attention. Staff promote literacy and emotional well-being, and children make good progress overall and are well prepared for the next stage in their education.

Child-centred learningSecure outdoor play areaExperienced staff teamSupports SEND and EAL children

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

Opens Monday to Friday during school term-time only. Sessions are from 9am to 3.45pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 9am to midday on Fridays.

Staff

1 member of staff to 4 children for 2-year-olds and 1 member of staff to 8 children for 3+ year olds

Age range

2 to 5 years

Term time / All Year

Term Time

Established

2007

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Acorns Nursery

Last inspected 18 June 2024 · Melissa Cox

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

The dedicated, friendly staff create a nurturing space where children's individuality is fostered and children enjoy coming to nursery, benefiting from individual attention. Staff promote literacy and emotional well-being, and children make good progress overall and are well prepared for the next stage in their education.

Inspector highlights

  • Dedicated, friendly staff create a nurturing environment and foster children's individuality.
  • Children enjoy nursery and receive individual attention, showing determination and good behaviour.
  • Strong focus on literacy with animated story times and writing opportunities for older children.
  • Excellent personal development and health curriculum, including a garden where children cultivate fruits and vegetables.
  • Effective leadership and teamwork with regular staff training and strong partnerships with parents and external agencies.

Areas to develop

  • 1focus staff's professional development on helping them identify and plan for the most important aspect of a child's learning
  • 2expand staff's confidence in implementing the curriculum for children, so they make clearer connections between the intent of activities and the level of challenge for children.
Inspection #10350538 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff work closely with external agencies to overcome any barriers to learning and ensure children gain access to any additional support they need at an early stage; the provider ensures good oversight of progress for children who may need additional support.

Outdoor space

Children use the garden to cultivate fruits and vegetables and learn about healthy foods; they change into outdoor shoes and find sun hats before going outside to play.

EAL / language support

All children, including those who are learning English as an additional language, are well supported to become confident communicators.

Inspection history

Date: March 2011

  • June 2024Good
  • February 2020Good
  • April 2014Outstanding
  • March 2011Outstanding

Frequently asked about Acorns Nursery

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