About Alderton Acorns
Alderton Acorns is a community not-for-profit organisation, set in the heart of Alderton, Gloucestershire and just a short distance from Oak Hill, our local primary school. The Pre-School is Ofsted registered and provides a wide variety of educational resources and activities, to prepare children for their next stage into school life.
At Acorns we recognise the importance of providing children with a range of learning opportunities, which capture and engage their individual interests in a happy, safe and nurturing environment. Whilst there is structure assigned to the daily running of the Pre-School, child-led play is very much encouraged.
Our outdoor space
We’re very fortunate to have free flowing access to our wonderful outdoor space. This provides children with a safe outdoor area in which a wealth of physical and learning opportunities can take place.
Many a pirate has walked the plank on our wooden pirate ship; the raised beds have seen the likes of Mr McGregor chasing Peter Rabbit, but have also been a place of awe and wonder in many a child’s eye as they watch the vegetables and flowers grow from seeds.
Our role play resources provide a wonderful array of imaginative play and learning opportunities which the children can engage in freely at any time during the day.
Opening Hours
Our Pre-School is open to children aged from two years six months and runs term time only. We’re open Monday to Thursday from 9am until 3pm.
Free from age 3 years – your child is eligible for 15 hours free childcare each week. This is funded by the Government and starts the term after their third birthday.
Additional hours are charged at £5.50 per hour (two year olds) and £5.00 per hour (three and four year olds).
We’re open Monday to Thursday from 9am until 3pm.
Sessions available are:
- Full day – 9am to 3pm
- Morning – 9am to 12pm
- Morning and lunch – 9am to 1pm
- Afternoon – 12pm to 3pm (including lunch)
To register your child at Acorns please contact us via email: aldertonacorns@gmail.com or call 07842 161159.
Forest School
Forest School is about exploring and experiencing the natural world through practical activities. The children will go out in all weathers, all year round, exploring and learning from the seasons and environment changes. By playing outdoors in a controlled, safe environment, our children develop stronger social skills, greater ability to work in groups, and generally give children higher self-esteem and confidence in their own capabilities. We do this by giving them freedom, choice, independence, small achievable tasks and lots of praise.
We hunt for mini beasts, dig in our digging pit, paint with mud, make music with sticks and tree trunks, build fires, toast marshmallows, whittle sticks, identify flora and fauna and learn about our local environment and how to care for it. Most importantly, we have fun and drink lots of hot chocolate!
Our Daily Acorns Routine
9am – Welcome to our little acorns
10.30am – Snack time
12.30pm – Lunch time
3pm – Pick up (goodbye to our little acorns)
Our Staff
Ellie Corroon
Manager
I’m the Playleader here at Alderton Acorns. I hold a Level 3 qualification and 10 years’ experience in both day and private nurseries.
I am a mum to 2 girls, 1 dachshund and live locally in Tewkesbury.
I moved to Tewkesbury 3 years ago from London, where I grew up. In my spare time I like to make memories with my children and spend time with my family!
Sarah Turner
Deputy
Steph Castle
Pre-School Assistant
I’ve worked in early years settings for over 12 years, taking a bit of time off to raise my own three children in between. I love every aspect of my job and feel so lucky to be part of Alderton Acorns.
I’m passionate about providing children with a safe, nurturing, and happy environment, in which they can learn and develop their individual key skills through a range of child-led activities and most importantly through play.
Camilla Cheney
Pre-School Assistant
I’ve worked as a nanny since leaving Norland College in 2008. I’m very much enjoying working at Alderton Acorns. Whether we’re on a pirate adventure, painting, puzzling or settled in the book corner I love seeing where the children’s imagination takes us – every day is a new adventure which invariably sees me howling with laughter.
When not at preschool I’m an avid knitter, keen photographer and enjoy walking my dachshund around the village.
Toddler Group
Our fun and friendly toddler group runs every Friday 10 to 11:30am (term time only). It is open to all families and is a great way of socialising, meeting new families and most importantly having fun in a safe and happy setting.
We provide a variety of activities and resources for babies and children to engage their interests, as well as offer them a range of learning and play opportunities.
Families also have open access to our wonderful outside area, where the play and learning can continue in the fresh air. Each session includes unlimited teas and coffees as well as a sweet treat for adults.
Each child will get a biscuit (or 2) and a choice of milk or water at snack time.
Toddler group cost (per session):
- £3 per family
Gallery
Testimonials
Teri Cartwright
“My little boy has just finished his first year at Alderton Acorns, he absolutely loves it and can’t wait to return after the summer break. It’s a small, personal, community based setting but the staff are wonderful and the children enjoy the diverse range of activities and family environment. Thank you!” 
Sinead Davies
“Alderton Acorns is a fantastic preschool with friendly, professional and dedicated staff. The setting is great, with a lovely outdoor space. My two children thrived there, making many friends along the way. They had so much fun, whilst also coming away with great skills to set them up for school.”
Find Us
Alderton Acorns Pre-School and Toddlers is easily accessible from local villages including Dumbleton, Beckford, Gretton, Toddington, Gotherington, Sedgeberrow and Ashton-under-Hill.
Address: Alderton Village Hall, Dibden Lane, Alderton, GL20 8NT
