Food
Nutritious snack with water and milk provided during morning session.
Acorns Nursery School in Shackleford
Ofsted: Good
(Oct 2021)
Number of places
30 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Oct 2021
Local authority
Surrey
About this day nursery
Acorns Nursery School, located in Shackleford, offers a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged 2-4 years, set within a bright village hall with extensive outdoor spaces and access to local farmland. The nursery prides itself on fostering powerful, confident, and independent learners with strong social skills, who understand boundaries and value themselves and others.
Their ethos is centered on providing a safe and happy space for children to explore, play, make friends, and experience wonder, aiming to build a love of learning from an early age. The curriculum encourages investigation, creativity, and problem-solving through both indoor and outdoor activities, including a 'moving parts' garden, a large grassed area with a sandpit and pirate ship, and a developing wooded area for natural learning.
As a parent committee-run charity, Acorns Nursery emphasizes affordability and approachability, with an experienced and dedicated long-serving team committed to each child's development.
Our ethos
Our ethos recognises, cares for and values the potential of each and every child that attends Acorns nursery. At the core of our ethos, is the belief that every child needs time to explore in a safe and happy environment for them to play, make friends and experience awe and wonder in order to help them become more confident, sociable and accepting of others needs and feelings. We aim to make our nursery school experience positive and stimulating for every child, giving them a secure foundation to build a love of learning for their future. At Acorns Nursery, we provide activities that stimulate the children’s learning experience through investigation, encouraging children to manage risk taking through planning with adult support and encouragement. As educators we seek to develop children’s natural curiosity, creativity and the ability for them to make connections. We believe that happy children learn best, and our team are enthusiastic and supportive of all the children and enjoy sharing in their achievements, progress and ongoing development.
What it's like
Children are happy and quickly settle into the warm, welcoming nursery, showing motivation and eagerness to learn. The well-organised environment and staff support help children develop confidence, social and communication skills, and they enjoy imaginative and outdoor physical play.
Rural location with extensive outdoor spaceCharity-run and parent committeeFocus on outdoor learning and explorationExperienced and long-serving team
Pricing & funding
Funding accepted
30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds
Pricing on request
This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.
Key facts
Opening hours
Monday - Friday, 9am - 2:45pm
Age range
2-4 years
Term time / All Year
Term Time
Session types
Morning sessions, Full days
Established
2003
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Acorns Nursery School
Last inspected 12 October 2021 · Ingrid Howell
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 are happy and quickly settle into the warm, welcoming nursery, showing motivation and eagerness to learn. The well-organised environment and staff support help children develop confidence, social and communication skills, and they enjoy imaginative and outdoor physical play.
Inspector highlights
- Children are happy, settle quickly and show a positive attitude to learning
- Well-organised environment that promotes curiosity and independence
- Children develop good communication skills and imaginative play
- Regular outdoor play and physical activities support physical development
- Staff build strong partnerships with parents and work well with other professionals
Areas to develop
- 1build on the staff's knowledge of the curriculum intent so they are clear what skills and knowledge they want children to gain from all experiences
- 2strengthen the use of questioning to help identify what children already know, and provide clear explanations to extend their knowledge even further.
Inspection #10128705 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
SEND provision
Staff gather information from parents to help tailor settling-in sessions to support children's individual needs and interests. Staff work effectively with other professionals to support children's learning so all children receive the help they need to make good progress.
Outdoor space
Children enjoy regular outdoor play, exploring the natural environment (for example, watching birds and noticing spider webs) and using physical apparatus such as a 'wobbly bridge' and 'fireman's pole'.
Parent Reviews of Acorns Nursery School
5.0
(6)
Joanna Webster
8 months ago
Both my sons have attended Acorns and we couldn't be happier. It is truly a very special place. The staff are so kind, patient, loving and dedicated. The children are so lucky to be given the very best start at Acorns, with a fantastic outdoor area, all the brilliant role play indoor areas and all the fun, educational activities that they do. We feel so thankful that our children have had the opportunity to come to Acorns.
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Alison Leighton
8 months ago
Both of my children have had the most magical and incredible time at this nursery playing, learning and growing up in the most special of settings with loads of outside space. Run by the most amazing team of ladies with years of experience to help you through all the parenting challenges, my kids adore their acorns family and I can’t speak more highly of this special little place. It is truely a hidden gem ❤️
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Jennifer Daly
8 months ago
Acorns is a lovely nursery that is a wonderful place for little ones to learn and grow. The staff are all so caring, they have created a safe and loving environment. The activities are thought out with lots of learning through play. Acorns gives the children the best start in the early years and prepares them for a school setting.
Read on Google
Ally Russell
8 months ago
A wonderful, warm and nurturing nursery. The staff here are absolutely incredible and I couldn't have wished for anywhere better for my children to attend. It feels like a family - safe and personal. Lovely setting. Absolutely recommend!
Read on Google
Yvette Sharvell
5 years ago
Reviews from Google for Acorns Nursery School. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Date: October 2010
- October 2021Good
- July 2015Outstanding
- October 2010Good
Frequently asked about Acorns Nursery School
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