Opening hours
Monday to Friday 8:45 AM - 3:15 PM (Term-time only)
Little Acorns Playgroup in Camborne
Ofsted: Good
(Jun 2025)
Number of places
24 places
Age range
1–4 yrs
Last inspected
Jun 2025
Local authority
Cornwall
About this day nursery
Little Acorns Playgroup, nestled within the grounds of Penponds School in Higher Penponds, Camborne, offers a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged 18 months to 5 years. This term-time only preschool focuses on providing a cosy, happy, and familiar atmosphere, akin to a home away from home.
Our ethos
Little Acorns Playgroup aims to provide a "home away from home" through a cosy, happy, and familiar atmosphere. Its curriculum aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guidance.
What it's like
Children enter the nursery with happiness and excitement to begin their day. Staff have good relationships with children and families, and settling-in sessions are flexible. Children display curiosity, confidence, and independence, nurtured into active, enthusiastic learners.
Forest SchoolCharity-run CommitteeTerm-time only
Pricing & funding
Charges are structured around morning, afternoon, or full-day sessions, with separate rates based on age bands for children aged 18 months plus and 2 to 5 years. A lunch fee is charged separately, with a discounted rate available for children attending a full day.
Funding accepted
15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)
- Session (am or pm) for 2–5 year olds£18.00 / session
- Lunch for 2–5 year olds (if full day)£1.50 / session
- Lunch for 2–5 year olds (standalone)£3.50 / session
- Full day for 2–5 year olds£36.00 / day
- Session (am or pm) for 18 months+£21.00 / session
Good to know
- Fees are based on morning, afternoon, or full-day sessions.
- Pricing is split into two age bands: 18 months+ and 2 to 5 years.
- Lunch is charged separately, with a discounted rate for full-day attendees.
Key facts
Session types
Morning session, Lunch session, Afternoon session, Full day
Food
Parents provide snacks and packed lunch; hot dinners once a week are being introduced.
Age range
18 months to 5 years
Term time / All Year
Term Time
Established
1993
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted rating for Little Acorns Playgroup
Last inspected 6 June 2025 · Sharon Elliott
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 enter the nursery with happiness and excitement to begin their day. Staff have good relationships with children and families, and settling-in sessions are flexible. Children display curiosity, confidence, and independence, nurtured into active, enthusiastic learners.
Inspector highlights
- The team is knowledgeable and has a clear vision for what it wants children to learn, designing exciting, purposeful activities.
- Staff regularly assess each child's development and set tailored learning targets, ensuring that all children make consistently good progress.
- Children enjoy an active sports session guided by a coach, developing skills through structured activities and building confidence.
- Staff support language and communication development effectively, using accurate modelling, commentary, and a wide range of books.
- Children develop their understanding of numbers, shapes, and colours through a balanced approach of structured activities and child-led play, and staff guide them in learning social skills through board games.
Areas to develop
- 1support staff to recognise the needs of younger children at mealtimes, to help children eat independently and engage in social conversations
- 2share further information with parents about the importance of nutrition to benefit children's health.
Inspection #10398098 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report
What parents say
Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection
Parents speak warmly of the nursery and its team, feeling well informed about their children's development and daily experiences.
Inclusion & environment
How they support every child
Outdoor space
Children eagerly explore the garden, discovering fascinating insects and sharing their joy with friends. Staff extend their wonder with magnifying glasses and lively conversations to further their understanding of insects. Children spend time outdoors each day and benefit from regular fresh air.
Parent Reviews of Little Acorns Playgroup
5.0
(1)
Catherine Bennett
13 years ago
My daughter Emelia attends and until September 2012 my son Lloyd attended the Little Acorns pre-school in Penponds. I could not rate it more highly. They really take the time to consider the needs of the individual children, put on such wonderful family events such as the family trip to Porthminster beach, St Ives in the summer and have an amazing outdoor area that the children really enjoy. When my daughter asks where she is going each morning she is so happy on the days that I say 'you are going to Little Acorns today' she really doesn't want to go anywhere else, what better recommendation can there be!
Read on GoogleReviews from Google for Little Acorns Playgroup. See all on Google Maps
Inspection history
Date: July 2006
- July 2025Good
- June 2025Good
- October 2019Good
- October 2019Good
- March 2015Good
- February 2015Good
- July 2009Good
- June 2009Good
- July 2006Requires improvement
Frequently asked about Little Acorns Playgroup
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