Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Child Care & Early Education in Cirencester
Acorns Nursery School has been a trusted provider of early years education since 1952, offering a nurturing environment for children aged 0-5 years. Founded in the heart of Cirencester, our family-run nursery is dedicated to fostering holistic development through play-based learning aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. With a team led by Helen and Miles Guerrini, we combine decades of educational expertise with a passion for creating a safe, stimulating space where children thrive.Our Ofsted-registered facility features four expansive gardens, a thoughtfully designed curriculum, and a commitment to nutritional excellence through freshly prepared meals. We pride ourselves on building strong partnerships with families, ensuring each child receives personalized care and attention. The nursery's unique blend of historical charm and modern educational practices has made it a beloved institution in the community for generations.
Services
Early Years Education
Healthy Meal Provision
Outdoor Learning Spaces
After-School Clubs
Holiday Childcare
Details
- Year established: 1952
Highlights and features
- Family-run nursery with 70 years of local childcare expertise
- Ofsted-registered with consistently positive inspection outcomes
- Dedicated chefs providing fresh, allergy-friendly meals daily
- Four expansive, secure gardens for outdoor learning and play
- Personalized care plans for children with specific needs
Associations and certifications
- Ofsted
What people say
Caring dedicated staff
Excellent meals provided
Safe nurturing environment
Outstanding educational preparation
Beautiful outdoor spaces
Services
Early Years Education
Our play-based curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, focusing on personal development, communication skills, and creative exploration. Practitioners tailor activities to individual needs while ensuring comprehensive coverage of educational standards through engaging, child-led learning experiences.
Healthy Meal Provision
Two experienced chefs prepare fresh, balanced meals daily using locally sourced ingredients. Our rotating three-week menu accommodates dietary requirements while educating children about nutrition, cultural foods, and healthy eating habits in a supportive dining environment.
Outdoor Learning Spaces
Four secure, walled gardens provide diverse outdoor learning opportunities including our Mud Kitchen, Willow House, and Treehouse. These spaces promote physical development, environmental awareness, and imaginative play while ensuring safety and accessibility for all age groups.
After-School Clubs
Mighty Oaks offers extended care for children up to 13 years, featuring structured activities and homework support. The program operates at dedicated facilities with experienced staff providing a safe, engaging environment that complements regular school hours.
Holiday Childcare
Our holiday programs provide consistent care during school breaks with themed activities and special events. Children enjoy structured play, creative projects, and outdoor adventures while maintaining the high standards of safety and supervision expected at Acorns Nursery.
People
Helen Guerrini
Co-Owner & Director
Helen Guerrini brings extensive educational expertise to Acorns Nursery, having completed her Postgraduate Certificate of Education at Cambridge University. She has dedicated her career to early years education since joining the nursery in 2005.
Miles Guerrini
Co-Owner & Director
Miles Guerrini, with a background in education from Cambridge University, oversees nursery operations and curriculum development. His leadership focuses on maintaining high educational standards while fostering a nurturing environment for all children.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We care for children from 3 months to 5 years through our Acorns Nursery, and provide after-school and holiday clubs for children up to 13 years through Mighty Oaks.
Are meals included in nursery fees?
Yes, we provide three freshly prepared meals daily - snacks, lunch, and afternoon tea - all included in our standard fees with special dietary requirements accommodated.
How do you support children's learning and development?
Our play-based curriculum follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, with practitioners tailoring activities to individual needs while ensuring comprehensive educational coverage through child-led learning experiences.
What outdoor facilities do you have?
We have four secure, walled gardens featuring a Mud Kitchen, Willow House, Treehouse, and dedicated play areas for different age groups, promoting physical development and imaginative play.
How do you handle children with allergies?
Our experienced chefs prepare allergy-friendly meals with like-for-like alternatives, maintaining strict food safety protocols while ensuring all children enjoy nutritious, home-cooked meals.
What are your operating hours?
We operate Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 5:55pm all year round, with Mighty Oaks after-school clubs available until 6:00pm during term time.
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Reviews (4)
Jered Bolton
Aug 20, 2021
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Both my children attended Acorns and have now love attending Mighty Oaks afterschool and holiday clubs, where they continue to receive the same outstanding level of care we'd come to expect from Acorns. This nursery really is home from home - the range of activities provided by the staff for the children never ceased to amaze me. A brilliant nursery which I thoroughly recommend.
Becky
Jul 28, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Reliability,Responsiveness,Value
Both my children attend Mighty Oaks and absolutely love it there. All the staff are incredible, patient and fun; added to this the facilities are fabulous. In my daughters it is GREAT.
Both my children attend Mighty Oaks and absolutely love it there. All the staff are incredible, patient and fun; added to this the facilities are fabulous. In my daughters it is GREAT.
Amy D.
Jul 23, 2021
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Our eldest daughter has attended this setting since September 2017 and will be finishing in the next week (shes off to school in sept 21) but we will still be part of the Acorns family as out youngest daughter will be starting in September 21. We could not imagine anywhere better for our girls. Everyone in the management team all the way through to the staff in each room are just fantastic. We loved the facilities when we first went and love them even more now having seen the huge improvements and changes which have been made over the years. The secure outside space in the centre of town is
Kate Rose
Jul 10, 2021
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Our experience started with Acorns baby unit and went all the way to a Yr 6 in Mighty Oaks after school club. The care for the children has always been fantastic. The creativity and energy of staff to entertain and amuse the children in different ways is second to none. This family run business is set in a great location and will provide high quality dependable childcare for all children.
