advertising feature ■ From little Acorns… by Ruth Lawrence
Within moments of being welcomed into The Acorns Nursery in Lindfi eld, I noticed how considerate these young children were to one another.
I
had been expecting shouting, tantrums and bolshy toddlers, but here were calm, relaxed, confi dent youngsters just getting on with life and each other.
Janet Irwin, co-owner of The Acorns with husband David, explained the three nursery locations: Lindfi eld, a home from home where some children have breakfast and stay on for tea, is the family house, with spacious rooms, a big kitchen and beautiful private garden; Westmeston nestles in stunning downland, close to woodland, where children can enjoy lots of outdoor play, interacting safely with nature. On Tuesdays, Forest School adventures are held at the stimulating haven of Stoneywish Nature Reserve near Ditchling. Last month, The Acorns received an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted report, having achieved ‘outstanding’ in all 17 categories. Inspector Daphne Prescott commented that there were “no behavioural issues” and that “children demonstrate excellent social skills of sharing and taking turns.” Her praise ran throughout the entire report, stating that the “children’s emotional wellbeing is truly fostered” and how they “are developing very positive attitudes to their learning, preparing them well for the future.”
Children even learn to grow vegetables and join in food preparation, sitting round a large family table for delicious, locally sourced home cooked lunches. Each child creates their own big book of photographs and personal artwork. While leafi ng through one book, I noticed one photo of a radiant little girl with her own words “I am happy. Look what I have done.” Another child wrote touchingly:
“Sport, music, science, art, craft, reading and, perhaps most importantly, playing – it’s hardly surprising that the children can’t stay away.”
“Thank you for looking after me. I will miss you.” Parents write of Acorns as “a truly wonderful, unique and special place”…. “ so many treasured memories”….. “we feel lucky and proud that our son was an Acorns child.” Eclectic activities equip children for school although they may opt to stay until 8 years old if they wish. Sport, movement, dance, science, art, craft, nature and numbers…. reading,
pottery, music, singing and, perhaps most importantly, playing – it’s hardly surprising that the children can’t stay away. From 25th July to 12th August, 2-8 year olds can enjoy ‘Acorns Summer Holiday Fun!’ at Westmeston. Janet holds an MA in Education and because of her introduction of French into the youngsters’ growing vocabulary she attracts many bilingual children, including families on holiday in England. These children are streets ahead of their peers because of their early exposure to different cultures and the sheer variety of stimulation they receive.
The nursery is registered for Early
Years Funding and accepts childcare vouchers. There is such a demand for places that Janet is currently recruiting qualifi ed staff to join her team. Before I left, I’d been quietly
observing the ‘little acorns’ and I suddenly imagined them in 20 years’ time: healthy, well adjusted, curious adults, fully engaged with life. What better beginning could a parent wish for? ■
The Acorns Nursery School 59 Denmans Lane, Lindfi eld West Sussex RH16 2JN Tel. 01444 455081
www.theacornsnurseryschool.com SUSSEX LIVING FOR MID SUSSEX 57 April 2011
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