Acorn at Wolverton Mill

Inspection of Acorn at Wolverton Mill Unit 1, Walker Avenue, Wolverton Mill, Milton Keynes MK12 5TW

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Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is good

The provider has a clear ethos that underpins the curriculum. This is known and understood by all staff, who encourage children to be confident, imaginative and independent. The curriculum is broad and offers multiple ways for children to learn about rules and expectations and to assess risks, such as through forest school activities.

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The provision is good

There have been significant changes at the nursery, with changes to staffing, the environment and the curriculum. Despite this, staff in each room deliver effective teaching that builds on children's prior learning well. There is a strong focus on the basics, with staff paying close attention to developing children's communication and language and personal, social and emotional development. During the inspection, there were no children on roll with special educational needs and/or disabilities. However, staff are making progress in identifying where children need extra support and developing targeted teaching. As a result, there is early recognition if children's progress does not meet expectations and any gaps in development are closing rapidly.

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The provision is good

Staff support and encourage children's positive behaviour well, and they are good role models. This is because they handle children with respect, talk in calm and low voices, seek the views of children whenever possible and show them genuine care and affection. This contributes towards an environment where children feel safe and happy.

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need to do better?

n Leaders continually monitor the delivery of the curriculum and its effectiveness. This helps to ensure that staff have high expectations for children and keeps children motivated and interested. Throughout the day, children experience consistently high-quality teaching. Staff engage children in exciting and interesting storytelling sessions. They gather children in small groups for singing. Children watch in wonder as staff play music for them on a guitar. This sustains children's attention and interest and helps to introduce them to new experiences that promote their communication and language development. n There have been multiple changes in a short amount of time, and the nursery is undergoing a period of adjustment. Staff report that this is favourable as they receive professional development and training and can see the benefit of the new curriculum for children. The numbers of children are increasing rapidly, and

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need to do better?

staff are still adapting to new ways of working. Senior leaders recognise the challenges this brings and have been offering staff ongoing support. However, the support is not always swift enough, and occasionally, staff feel under pressure when meeting the needs of children who are new to the setting and

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need to do better?

9 September 2025 need extra comfort and attention. n Staff recognise when children's communication and language development does not meet expectations and offer effective targeted support. However, despite this good understanding and awareness, sometimes, staff do not consider how children's unlimited use of dummies can impact on their ability to speak freely. n Staff are kind, considerate and caring towards children and encourage their emotional and physical development well. Their gentle and respectful interactions help children to settle and feel content. Children are beginning to form close and trusting relationships with their key person, and this promotes their sense of security and well-being. n Mealtimes are managed well. Leaders have recently reviewed and improved arrangements, introducing several stages of security. This ensures that from kitchen to table, there are multiple checks ensuring that food meets children's

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need to do better?

nutritional needs, is suitable for their age and meets their dietary requirements and preferences. n The provider is committed to supporting children to understand the world and the impact they have on it. Children learn through experiencing natural resources and experiences. This approach fosters children's sense of curiosity and intrigue, and they all appear continually engaged and excited by their learning. n Relationships with parents are developing. Staff share regular information, but sometimes it lacks the detail and clarity parents need to enable them to know how they can support children's progress at home. n The provider's astute evaluations and review of the nursery enables them to understand where there are opportunities for improvement. Leaders have comprehensive plans for continuing to strengthen and build on the good quality of the nursery.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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should:

n pursue further opportunities to help alleviate staff workload to promote staff well-being and increase stability and consistency for children n increase staff awareness about factors that can hinder and contribute to children's communication and language development n expand on information sharing with parents to enable them to effectively support children's learning and development at home.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2820320 Local authority Milton Keynes Inspection number 10419489 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 78 Number of children on roll 80 Name of registered person Acorn Early Years Foundation

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reference number

Telephone number 01908 870334 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

Acorn at Wolverton Mill registered in 2024 and operates from Wolverton Mill, Milton Keynes. The nursery employs 15 members of childcare staff. Of these, 10 hold an appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 and above. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 7.30am to 6pm. The nursery offers government-funded places for children aged nine months to four years and children in receipt of funding for disadvantage.

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Inspection activities

n This inspection was prioritised following a risk assessment process. n The inspector discussed the intent of the curriculum and observed its implementation during activities indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n A joint observation was completed and discussed with the manager. n During the inspection, the inspector held a meeting with the manager and the head of early years and compliance. She looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery. n The inspector spoke with staff and children at suitable times throughout the inspection. n Parents were invited to share their views with the inspector. Several parents discussed their views during the inspection, and the inspector took account of all feedback received.

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Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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Inspection activities

9 September 2025 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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