Acorns Nursery

Stories, vegetable growing and small acts of kindness give Acorns Nursery in Oakley its character. In June 2024, children joined in familiar story phrases, practised writing their names and helped grow food in the garden. These experiences connected early literacy with practical tasks and learning to care for others.

Ofsted rated the nursery Good on 18 June 2024. It accepts children aged 24 to 60 months at St John's Centre in Oakley, on St John's Road, Basingstoke, RG23 7DX.

The early years foundation stage sets the requirements for children's learning, development and care: here, the June 2024 day included stories, play and opportunities to practise independence. Animated storytelling drew children into familiar books, while older children added their names to artwork. Literacy had a practical purpose as well as a place in group activities.

In June 2024, children cultivated fruit and vegetables in the garden and explored healthy eating at mealtimes. Changing outdoor shoes and finding friends' sun hats gave them manageable responsibilities. These ordinary tasks made independence something children could practise during the day.

The learning priorities needed sharper attention. In June 2024, staff did not consistently identify the learning that most needed support, and some activities offered insufficient challenge. Children sometimes stopped trying when a task was too easy. For families, the important distinction is between an activity that attracts interest and one that extends learning.

At the June 2024 inspection, Ofsted found safeguarding effective, emotional wellbeing a strength and staff working with outside agencies to address children's additional support needs. That combination matters for families whose children need help both with feelings and with participation in learning.

In June 2024, cosy areas gave children somewhere to discuss worries with an adult, and key-person support helped them manage their emotions. A predictable routine also supported familiarity. Care was expressed through relationships and places to pause, rather than through activities alone.

Daily conversations with parents and regular parents' evenings formed part of communication in June 2024. A lending library supplied resources for learning at home, while a fathers' stay-and-play session brought family participation into the nursery day. These offered different ways for parents to understand and join in their child's experiences.

In June 2024, attendance was term-time only, Monday to Friday. At the 18 June 2024 inspection, sessions ran from 9am to 3.45pm Monday to Thursday and from 9am to midday on Fridays. That shorter Friday is an important practical detail for anyone planning a working week around nursery attendance.

Funded early education for children aged two, three and four was offered in June 2024. In June 2024, additional funding supported the lending library, connecting financial support with resources families could use at home.

• Learning challenge. The June 2024 improvement priorities concerned identifying each child's most important next learning and matching activities to an appropriate level of challenge. Ask how staff now choose and review those next steps.
• The attendance week. June 2024 sessions ended at midday on Fridays and operated during term time. At a visit, clarify the current attendance pattern and how it fits your family's week.
• Funding and everyday costs. Funded early education was offered in June 2024. Request a current written quotation covering the funded arrangement, meals and non-food consumables together.

Acorns suits families seeking a nursery experience built around stories, practical independence and close communication with staff. Its June 2024 strengths included thoughtful emotional support and opportunities to learn beyond the activity table, from growing vegetables to borrowing resources for home. The balance is clear: a Good inspection judgement, alongside specific work needed to sharpen learning priorities and challenge.