Learning & Care

Our Approach to Learning

At Acorns Nursery in Exeter, we enrich our days with a variety of engaging experiences that spark curiosity, creativity, and joy in every child. From the magic of storytelling with Pete the Poet, where songs and musical instruments bring stories to life, to calming yoga sessions for our Preschool children with Mandy, there is always something special to enjoy. Children also benefit from visits from an animal expert, learning how to care for and respect living creatures, as well as wonderfully immersive sessions with Sensory Charlotte, where stories are re-enacted through imaginative play using carefully chosen props.

We love to explore beyond the nursery too, making the most of our local community in Exeter; whether it’s Preschool children enjoying the festive lights and Christmas market, or our younger ones visiting soft play or the park. We also cherish intergenerational connections through visits to groups such as “Remember That Song,” supporting people living with dementia. Families are an important part of our learning journey, and we warmly invite parents to join us during National Storytelling Week to share stories, sometimes in languages such as Spanish and Italian. To further broaden children’s experiences, our Preschool children also enjoy weekly Spanish lessons every Thursday with KidsLingo, helping to introduce them to new languages in a fun and engaging way.

Take a closer look

Discover the spaces, the rhythm, and the thinking behind everything we do at Acorns.

A Typical Day

Each day at Acorns is carefully balanced between play, care, and learning, with warm routines that help children feel secure and settled. From a relaxed social breakfast through to cosy story times at the end of the day, every moment is designed to support curiosity, independence, and confidence.

Age Ranges & Rooms

We welcome children from 3 months to 4 years across four thoughtfully designed rooms, each tailored to the age and stage of the children within them. From the calm, nurturing environment of The Snug through to the school-readiness focus of Preschool in The Den, every space is created to help children feel secure, supported, and ready to thrive.

Our Learning Approach

At Acorns, learning is rooted in play, relationships, and real-life experiences that spark curiosity and build confidence. Our approach combines child-led exploration with carefully planned activities, ensuring every child is supported as an individual and inspired to grow in their own way.