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Little Acorns Day Nursery Eastleigh

Ofsted: Good
(Jun 2025)
·
4.0(4 parent reviews)
·152 Cranbury Road, Eastleigh, SO50 5HT · Hampshire
Number of places
100 places
Age range
0–5 yrs
Last inspected
Jun 2025
Local authority
Hampshire

About this day nursery

The Mulberry Bush operates multiple nursery locations across Hampshire, including Eastleigh, Locks Heath, Bitterne Park, and Waterlooville. The nurseries are dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment where children from 3 months to 5 years can flourish, encouraging a love for learning and self-expression through hands-on discovery and adventure-based learning.

The approach focuses on igniting curiosity, promoting creativity, and celebrating each child's individual journey. The Mulberry Bush traces its origins to a parent's desire for high-quality, nurturing childcare that replicates a loving home while providing expert resources.

The founders, Rachael and Oliver, sought to create a supportive and secure environment where children could learn through play and prepare to thrive, emphasising holistic care and education. The team is comprised of passionate individuals committed to childcare and childhood development, with a focus on professional growth and teamwork within an inclusive environment.

Many parents praise the nurseries for their exceptional staff, attention to detail, and a strong sense of family and community.

Our ethos

At The Mulberry Bush, we offer a nurturing environment that helps children flourish. Our nursery school is dedicated to supporting every child’s growth, fostering a love for learning, and encouraging self-expression. We create a welcoming space where curiosity is ignited, creativity thrives, and every child’s individual journey is celebrated and we empower children through holistic care and education, making a lasting positive impact on their lives.

What it's like

Children arrive happy and separate from their parents with ease. Staff support children's independence well and children confidently hang up their coats and bags on their pegs. Staff plan activities based on children's interests and use their new curriculum to further develop skills and knowledge.

Creative learningNurturing environmentPlay-based learningHolistic careCommunity-focused

Pricing & funding

Fees apply uniformly across all rooms for children aged 3 months to 4 years. The nursery offers full-day sessions and half-day morning or afternoon sessions. Rates differ based on whether the child is non-funded, fully funded, or partially funded, with separate daily charges applied for food and consumables.

Funding accepted

15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)

Good to know

  • Full day sessions run from 07:30 to 18:00.
  • AM sessions run from 07:30 to 13:00; PM sessions run from 13:00 to 18:00.
  • Fees consist of a base rate plus additional charges for food and consumables.
  • An additional 30-minute charge may apply due to a funding cap.
  • Fully funded and partially funded packages are available with adjusted daily rates.

Key facts

Opening hours

07.30 to 18.00, 51 weeks of the year

Age range

3 months – 5 years

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Little Acorns Day Nursery Eastleigh

Last inspected 6 June 2025 · Lindsay Osman

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 arrive happy and separate from their parents with ease. Staff support children's independence well and children confidently hang up their coats and bags on their pegs. Staff plan activities based on children's interests and use their new curriculum to further develop skills and knowledge.

Inspector highlights

  • The senior leadership team has a clear vision for the development of the nursery and is ambitious in its plans to develop the provision.
  • Staff report they feel supported, and their well-being is good.
  • Staff provide many opportunities for children to develop their physical skills.
  • Staff identify children with SEND swiftly and seek additional help.
  • Partnership with parents is good.

Areas to develop

  • 1strengthen group activity planning for the pre-school room, to help all children take part more effectively
  • 2review the lunchtime transitions to ensure routines are well structured and consistently meet the needs of all children.
Inspection #10402538 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) make good progress from their starting points. Staff identify children with SEND swiftly. They seek additional help to ensure children make the best progress. Staff use the skills and knowledge they have gained through training to help parents to support their children at home. They develop links with other agencies and work well together to address concerns early.

Outdoor space

All children enjoy a range of activities inside and outside. Staff provide many opportunities for children to develop their physical skills. For example, older children take part in obstacle courses. Younger children navigate the climbing frame and practise their physical skills and coordination, throwing balls to the staff to catch.

Parent Reviews of Little Acorns Day Nursery Eastleigh

4.0
(4)
Jessica Dare
a year ago

I’m absolutely disgusted with this nursery my son attended here I have since pulled him out rather than staff come speak to me as a parent they called SOCIAL! Then denied calling them after social telling me it was them! Vile place needs shutting down!!!

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Theresa May
4 years ago

My grandchildren attend ,friendly staff great management.More importantly my grandchildren love going here.

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tanya miles
2 months ago

As a grandparent I wanted the best for my grandchild so did my research and came across little acorns. My daughter and myself went for a visit and were pleasantly surprised with whole set up, so gave them a try. All I can say is absolutely brilliant! My granddaughter loves it. Their facilities are fantastic and the staff go above and beyond. Such a lovely happy atmosphere which has put all our worries at ease knowing my granddaughter is in safe hands. Absolutely recommend.

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Inspection history

Most recent inspection

6 June 2025

Good

Only one graded inspection on record — a trend chart will appear here once a second graded report is published.

View full Ofsted report

Frequently asked about Little Acorns Day Nursery Eastleigh

About the setting

Little Acorns Day Nursery Eastleigh re-registered in January 2025 due to a change of ownership. It is located in Eastleigh, Hampshire. The nursery is open from 7.30am to 6pm. There are 22 members of staff, 13 of which are qualified to level 3 and above. The nursery provides government funded early education places for children aged from nine months to four years.

URN
2831751
Registered person
TMB Day Nurseries Limited
Day care type
Full day care
Register
Early Years Register
Establishment type
Childcare on non-domestic premises
Previous rating
Good

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more