Business Details
23 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare & Early Education in Newbury
Acres of Fun was founded in 2003 by Nicola Walters, a seasoned childcare recruitment professional, to address the need for high-quality nursery care in West Berkshire. Our homely setting, nestled in two acres of natural grounds, provides a secure and stimulating environment for children aged 3 months to 11 years. With a team of dedicated, qualified staff, we prioritise outdoor learning, offering extensive gardens, woodland exploration, and a vegetable garden to foster hands-on education. Our Ofsted-rated Outstanding nursery combines structured curricula with free play, ensuring children develop confidence, social skills, and a love for learning. We maintain a family-like atmosphere, with staff-to-family liaisons and a management team led by Nursery Manager Rebecca Pritchard.Our 5* Food Hygiene-rated kitchen serves nutritious, home-cooked meals, incorporating produce grown on-site. Holiday Club extends our ethos during school breaks, focusing on outdoor adventures and creative activities. We exceed staffing ratios to ensure continuity and familiarity, avoiding agency staff entirely. Our success stems from a commitment to quality care, evidenced by consistent parental praise and a thriving community of returning families. As a business, we believe happy staff create happy children, fostering a joyful environment where every child thrives.
Services
Day Nursery
Pre-School
Holiday Club
Outdoor Educational Activities
French Lessons
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of childcare expertise with Ofsted Outstanding status.
- Our 5* Food Hygiene-rated kitchen provides nutritious, home-cooked meals.
- We maintain 100% staff continuity, never using agency workers.
- Our outdoor curriculum includes Forest School activities and vegetable gardening.
- We exceed legal staffing ratios for personalised care and safety.
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
- West Berkshire Council 5* Food Hygiene
What people say
Outstanding Ofsted rating
Dedicated staff
Beautiful outdoor spaces
Engaging activities
Nurturing environment
Services
Day Nursery
Our Day Nursery provides full-time and part-time care for children aged 3 months to 5 years. With a homely atmosphere and 2 acres of outdoor space, we combine structured learning with free play. Our Ofsted Outstanding-rated service features qualified staff, a 5* Food Hygiene kitchen, and a curriculum focused on nature and social development.
Pre-School
The Pre-School programme prepares children aged 2-5 for school through play-based learning. Specialist sessions in French, sports, and music complement outdoor exploration in our woodland and gardens. Staff ratios exceed legal requirements, ensuring individual attention and seamless transitions to primary education.
Holiday Club
Holiday Club operates during school breaks for children aged 4-11. Activities include treasure hunts, gardening, and outdoor adventures in our extensive grounds. We prioritise screen-free play, with meals prepared by our 5* Food Hygiene-rated chef. Siblings can interact, fostering a family-like environment.
Outdoor Educational Activities
Children engage in hands-on learning through our Forest School programme and vegetable gardening. Outdoor classrooms, woodland trails, and seasonal harvesting promote environmental awareness. These activities develop physical skills, teamwork, and curiosity about nature.
French and Sports Sessions
Weekly specialist-led sessions introduce French language basics and physical activities. These classes enhance cognitive development and motor skills, delivered in a playful manner that complements our outdoor-focused curriculum.
People
Nicola Walters
Owner & Managing Director
Nicola founded Acres of Fun in 2003 after 25 years running Newbury Nannies. Her vision was to create a homely nursery with outdoor learning. She prioritises staff continuity and quality care, ensuring a family-like environment for children.
Rebecca Pritchard
Nursery Manager
Rebecca joined in 2008 as Head of Pre-School, progressing to Deputy Manager before becoming Nursery Manager in 2011. She oversees daily operations and special educational needs coordination, ensuring high standards of care and education.
Julie Huntley
Development Manager
Julie has been with Acres of Fun since its 2003 launch. As Development Manager, she focuses on staff training and curriculum innovation, leveraging her extensive experience to maintain educational excellence and staff development.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We care for children aged 3 months to 11 years, offering nursery, pre-school, and holiday club services.
Do you accept government funding?
Yes, we accept early years 15/30 hours funding and tax-free childcare schemes.
What outdoor activities are available?
Children enjoy woodland exploration, vegetable gardening, sports, and Forest School activities in our 2-acre grounds.
How do you ensure child safety?
We maintain high staff ratios, conduct regular training, and have a secure environment with continuous staff presence.
Can siblings attend together?
Yes, siblings can interact during Holiday Club, fostering family connections within our setting.
