We believe that mealtimes are a social occasion in which children learn to sit in small groups with an adult and share their food and together.
Our tasty meals are freshly prepared on the premises by our experienced cook to provide a healthy well balanced diet. We operate a 4 week seasonal rotating menu which is displayed on the nursery notice board. Introducing children to a variety of textures and flavours along with foods from different cultures widening their experiences of the world around them whilst enhancing their taste buds! We are happy to cater for specific allergy or dietary requirements that your child may have. For babies purees and formula milk is prepared on site, meals are adapted to suit baby’s individual stages of development, introducing a variety of tastes and textures.
Breakfast is served between 8am – 8.45am and consists of cereal, milk or fruit juice and toast. Lunch is served between 11.30am and 11.45am (depending on the age group) and consists of a hot two-course meal. Light afternoon high tea is served between 3.30pm –4.00pm (depending on the age group) and is either hot or cold.
The children are given water to drink with their meals and fruit is provided every day with one of the two meals. Milk is provided during the morning and afternoon for all children during snack time. Children play a large part in mealtimes. Children are encouraged to set the table for lunch. Children self- serve their own meals and socialise around the table together, manners are a big part of meal times and these are encouraged and role modelled by staff and are important skills required for life.
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We are regularly inspected by environmental health ensuring that we comply with all food hygiene rules and regulations. You can rest assured that a five-star food hygiene certificate backs every meal.
Meals
Outdoor Play
Our outside area is an extension of the nursery providing a stimulating environment, which reflects all seven areas of learning. In addition to sensory zone, sand, water and paints, we offer ride on toys to push and pedal, areas to dig, plant and explore as well as quiet areas to sit and chat or read.
All children have access to the garden each day, whatever the weather we provide waterproof suit for the children to wear when it rains. Children in ‘Great Oaks’ are able to free-flow into the garden throughout the nursery day, whilst babies have their own time to explore each day.
We also explore the local environment with trips to the garden centre, play park, supermarket, library to name but a few.
Great Oaks (2 years to 4 years)
Shortly after your child’s second birthday they make their transition to Great Oaks. We offer support, as each child becomes an independent learner our free-flow system supports children to make choice about what they do. We believe that children learn through play and gain the most value from activities, which relate to their current learning interests. By offering a child centred approach we ensure we offer the children activities, which are engaging, and this therefore provides the best opportunities to learn and develop.
Learning resources are utilised to ensure that all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage are explored. Children are encouraged to learn through developmentally appropriate planned, purposeful play with a balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities. Activities are carefully planned to take into account the age, ability and aptitude of each individual child. Our named key person system enables us to ensure a planned curriculum tailored to meet the needs of each individual child. Children are encouraged to progress at their own pace providing firm foundations in preparation for the more formal environment of school.
The nursery comprises three main areas a quiet area, messy area and free play area for small and large group play. Our daily activities and free play cover all aspects of learning.
The children have free access all day to ICT facilities, construction, messy play and make believe to name but a few. All children have access to outdoor play on a daily basis whatever the weather (we provide waterproof suits if raining).
Debutots
Useful links
Useful links
Tapestry is our user friendly way to access your child’s learning and development. Accessed via the tapestry app that can be downloaded to your ipad/iphone/android device. Parents receive a notification when a new observation of their child is ready to view.
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Useful links
Tapestry is our user friendly way to access your child’s learning and development. Accessed via the tapestry app that can be downloaded to your ipad/iphone/android device. Parents receive a notification when a new observation of their child is ready to view.
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Useful links
Tapestry is our user friendly way to access your child’s learning and development. Accessed via the tapestry app that can be downloaded to your ipad/iphone/android device. Parents receive a notification when a new observation of their child is ready to view.
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Testimonials
"Acorns Day Nursery has played a huge part on our families life over the past eight years. Both of my children have been incredibly happy there and, over the years, the teams dedication to the children and their learning journey has been fantastic. They have not only ensured that my children have been well cared for and happy, but they are equipped with the skills to start school and grow as individuals. I would highly recommend.”
“I have sent all 3 of my children to Acorns Day Nursery and I cannot recommend them enough. My children have thrived in the supportive and caring environment provided by the exceptional staff at Nursery. The children have been treated as individuals and their different needs catered for expertly. I have always found the Nursery team to be loving and caring and they are always available for formal and informal discussions about the children. Nursery have provided a wide range of learning experiences for the children, including French classes, Debutots and a visiting farm, to say but a few. I have been impressed with just how well the key workers get to know the children and enjoyed seeing the stages of development achieved in their Learning Journey. Most importantly, the children were smiling when I dropped them off and smiling when I picked them up after having a happy fun filled day.”
"My son and daughter started at Acorns when they were about one and spent several years at Acorns Day Nursery before leaving for school. They had a lovely time at the nursery, initially upstairs in the baby room and subsequently down stairs in the "Great Oaks room". The staff were great and provided a super environment for my two to grow and develop.”