Confidence isn’t something children are born with...it’s something we help build. Ben Kingston‑Hughes explores growth mindset, resilience, and how everyday practice can support emotional wellbeing in the early years. #AcornConference #EarlyYears #WhyEarlyYearsMatter

📚 Stories. Creativity. Imagination. This one will inspire ✨ It's a pleasure to have Kirstine Beeley holding a session on developing storytelling skills. By incorporating storytelling into their activities, children learn to communicate their experiences develop language skills #AcornConference

✨ Dr Aaron Bradbury joins us as our Keynote Speaker Child‑centred practice. Relationships before outcomes. Why starting strong in early years really matters. 🌱 Challenging thinking and puts children back at the heart of practice. #AcornConference #EarlyYears #ChildCentred #DontMissOut

Spring wellbeing in action 🐦🌼 From bird movements to peacock poses, children at Shenley explored nature through play and connection. Our relational pedagogy puts care and wellbeing first because children learn best when they feel safe, secure and inspired 💚  #ChildWellbeing #LearningThroughPlay

Sustainability in early years isn’t about being perfect 🌱 It’s about starting where you are and making small changes together. 🎧 Our latest podcast episode is out now link available in bio  #EarlyYears #Sustainability

Nature + creativity = magic 🌸 This week our Forest Federation children explored hapa zome, tapping flowers and leaves to create natural prints 🍃 Sensory, creative, and completely unique every time 💚 👉 What would you create? #ForestSchool #HapaZome #OutdoorLearning #EarlyYears #NaturePlay

A new early years book is out 🌿 Sustainability in the Early Years explores care, nature, outdoor play & small meaningful change in practice. Read more on our website 👇 https://www.acornearlyyears.org.uk/News/sustainability-starts-early #EarlyYears #Sustainability #Education #ClimateAction

🌍 Celebrating Attenborough 100! 💚 At Kents Hill, The Oaks made playdough cupcakes + went on a bug hunt 🧁🐛. Shenley Squirrels made binoculars, spotted birds & explored habitats through small world play 🔍🦁🐞 Inspiring little planet protectors 🌱 #Attenborough100 #NaturePlay #Sustainability #EarlyYears

Our CEO Zoe Raven is part of a live Nursery World webinar on how early years settings can expand while creating inclusive environments for all children (incl. SEND). A great session for parents & practitioners. https://tinyurl.com/298xfd8s #EarlyYears #ChildcareUK #SEND #EYFS

Huge congratulations to Zsa Mellor from our Burton Latimer nursery for completing the London Marathon 🏅 Raising an incredible £2,633 for Worldwide Cancer Research 💜 👏 Join us in celebrating this amazing achievement! #LondonMarathon #TeamAcorn #Community

Care is not just a practice in early years, it’s a moral value. Our latest podcast episode explores why ethics of care should sit at the heart of early years provision. 🌱 🎧 A Care Manifesto for the Early Years -  Link in bio #EarlyYears #CareMatters #EthicalCare #AcornEarlyYears

We’ve only gone and won it again! 🏆 We’re proud to be named one of the Top 20 Rated Large Nursery Groups in the UK by Daynurseries.co.uk based entirely on parent and carer reviews. Thank you to our amazing teams and families. #EarlyYears #Childcare #AwardWin #TopUKNurseries2026 #daynurseries

This half term, outdoor learning and adventure comes to life at our Emberton Forest School Holiday Club. 👣 Explore • 🐞 Discover • 🎨 Create 📍 Emberton, Milton Keynes | Ages 3–11 #NatureKindergarten #ForestSchoolMK #HalfTermMK #MiltonKeynesParents #HolidayClub

Good governance is not an accident. Yesterday, Santa, our Sustainability & Governance Lead, joined trustees Olivia, Hannah and Giles at the Trustee Exchange conference in London, delivered by Civil Society Media (@civilsociety.bsky.social). Grateful for the learning and reflection. #TrusteeExchange

Health & Safety at Work Day 🦺 At Acorn, safety isn’t just guidance. It’s care, training, teamwork and speaking up. Creating safe environments means children can grow with confidence and curiosity 🌱 Click link in bio to see ow we put safety first ↓ #HealthAndSafetyAtWorkDay #SafetyFirst #EarlyYears

🌿 A classroom without walls 🌿 At Emberton’s Nature Kindergarten, children aged 3–5 learn through nature. Exploring wildlife, building confidence, and developing key skills every day. ✨ Fully funded sessions available 📩 Get in touch to find out more #OutdoorLearning #EYFS #NatureKindergarten

🌍 Happy Earth Day from Acorn! This week our children explored caring for our planet through planting, litter picking, creative art, movement and learning about animals and habitats 💚 What’s one small eco habit you’re proud of? 🌱 #EarthDay #EarlyYears #EcoLearning #MiltonKeynes

Sunshine + spring blossom + tiny beasties = the perfect Tot morning 🌞🌸🪲 What’s the best mini beast you’ve spotted lately? www.acornearlyyears.org.uk/forest-school-booking-page or click link in bio  #ForestTots #SalceyForest #OutdoorPlay

A bright, thoughtful Monday at Shenley 🌿 The Oaks explored the forest with litter pickers, learning about materials and why caring for our environment matters, before enjoying stories and quiet time together. A lovely balance of adventure and calm 💚  #OutdoorLearning #EcoLearning #AcornEarlyYears

Tiny runners, BIG cheers 🏃‍♀️🎶👏 Our Squirrels & Oaks smashed a mini marathon today! Following the arrows, cheering friends on, and finishing with medals 🥇💧. Next weekend staff member Zsa runs the London Marathon! Drop a “Go Zsa!” 💛🏃‍♂️ in the comments below #LondonMarathon #ActivePlay #EarlyYears

Tiny hands today… towering sunflowers tomorrow 🌻 The Acorns planted sunflower seeds for National Gardening Day. Adding compost, sprinkling, covering, and watering 🌱 Sunflowers reach their tallest height in 8–12 weeks. Let’s see how tall ours grow! #NationalGardeningDay #LittleGardeners #EarlyYears

🌿 Love outdoor learning and child‑led play? We’re hiring an Outdoor‑Based EYP at our Emberton Nature Kindergarten! 40 hrs (4 days) | £27,664–£29,120 (≈£13.30–£14/hr) + £500 bonus 👇 https://acornearlyyears.eyrecruit.co.uk/early-years-practitioner/339?source=careers #EYJobs #OutdoorLearning #Careers

🚛🌱 Big learning at Acorn! Our Shenley children explored a real bin lorry, learning about recycling and caring for the planet through hands‑on play. This is Acorn’s sustainability ethos in action. 🔗 acornearlyyears.org.uk/climate-action-plans-for-nurseries #EarlyYears #ClimateAction #EcoLearning

🌿 Den building & tool making at Acorn Forest School Holiday Club 🌿 📍 Salcey Forest Using sticks, branches and big ideas, children explored woodland skills through building, creating and playing outdoors. Hands‑on forest fun beneath the trees 🌳 #HolidayClub #OutdoorLearning #SalceyForest

🌿 Tots Stay ’n’ Play at Salcey Forest starts Monday 13th April 🌿 Outdoor sessions for toddlers aged 1–4 with forest play, crafts and bug hunting. ☕ Hot chocolate & snack included 🕤 9:30–11:00am | 🚗 Parking included 📍 Salcey Forest 🔗 Book via the QR code or website #ForestSchool #OutdoorLearning

Week 2 of our Forest School Holiday Club is in full swing! 🌿 From campfires to den building, children are loving today’s outdoor adventures. Limited spaces still available this week...book now!!! acornearlyyears.org.uk/Pages/Category/holiday-clubs ForestSchool #HolidayClub #OutdoorLearning

🐣✨Happy Easter from our Burton Latimer nursery! Before the break our children made their own bunny hats and had a wonderful time getting creative. Wishing everyone a bright and joyful Easter weekend!🌼🐰 #AcornEarlyYears #BurtonLatimer #Easter

🐣 Happy Easter Weekend from Acorn! We hope all our families enjoy a lovely break. Just a reminder that we’ll be closed for the Bank Holiday weekend and will re‑open on Tuesday 7th April 💛 See you all soon 🌷 #HappyEaster #EasterWeekend #AcornEarlyYears #EarlyYears #FamilyTime

Today is International Children’s Book Day 📚 At Acorn Early Years, books and storytelling are part of everyday learning. Supporting imagination, communication and confidence through play. 💬 What’s your favourite book to share with a child? #InternationalChildrensBookDay #AcornEarlyYears

April Fools’ at Acorn 🌿😄 After a month of Movement, Mud & Mindfulness, today’s creativity peaked: The children insisted their mud pies were real pies!!! “proper tasty ones!” And their forest potions? Apparently the special ingredient. 🧪🥧😉 #AprilFools #EarlyYears #ForestSchool #AcornEarlyYears

Children thrive outdoors! In the movement, the mud, and the magic of nature. 🌿✨ Read the blog ↓ 🔗 www.acornearlyyears.org.uk/movement-mud... 💭 What outdoor moment always lights up your setting? #EarlyYears #OutdoorPlay #AcornEarlyYears #OutdoorPlay #NatureLearning #ChildDevelopment #PlayMatters

Starts Monday! Our Easter Forest School Clubs are nearly full. Campfires, nature play, climbing, creativity and woodland adventures across Salcey, Cold Harbour and Emberton. Book now: www.acornearlyyears.org.uk/Pages/Category/holiday-clubs #ForestSchool #EasterHolidays #OutdoorLearning

🌿 Forest School moments: spring discoveries, nature crafts & outdoor learning. 🐣 Easter Forest School Holiday Club starts Mon 30 March...here is your last‑minute nudge: www.acornearlyyears.org.uk/Pages/Category/holiday-clubs #ForestSchool #OutdoorLearning #EasterHolidayClub #NaturePlay #EarlyYears

Our Holiday Club is packed with fun: adventures, crafts, friendships and time outdoors. Children ask to come back every day and spaces go quickly! 🔗Link in bio #HolidayClub #NatureKids #CreativeKids #FamilyLife

We're excited that our CEO Zoe Raven & Head of Operations Laura Tingey are speaking at the Childcare & Education Expo at London Olympia today! Come hear their insights on the future of early education, quality practice, and creating nurturing environments. If you're at the Expo, show your support.

Our Home Ed group explored Viking history at Salcey Forest this week. Shield making, braiding and rune writing! ⚔️🌿🔥 Can you translate this Elder Futhark word? ᚠᛟᚱᛖᛋᛏ Guess below! #ForestSchool #HomeEd #Vikings #Runes

🌸 Mother’s Day  we’ll cherish! 🌸 Our Wolverton Mill and Burton Latimer Stay & Play sessions were filled with seed planting, sensory play, clay creations, and special moments with mums and mother figures. 💕 #MothersDay#WolvertonMill #BurtonLatimer #FamilyFun

🎉 Huge congratulations to Nneka for achieving a Level 3 qualification with distinction! A fantastic milestone and a reflection of real dedication to early years excellence. 🌱💚 #AcornEarlyYears #AcornTraining #EarlyYears #CelebratingSuccess

Children loved using a hand drill, hammer and nails to make threading boards! 🌿🔨 Brilliant tool work and safe risk-taking. Easter Holiday Club is nearly full—book now! 🐣 Link in bio. #forestschool #toolwork #woodwork #risktaking #handtools #easterholidayclub

We celebrated National Staff Appreciation Day with bright daffodils for every member of our amazing team. Huge thanks to Jeanette Flowers for making the magic happen! 🌼💛 #StaffAppreciation #EarlyYears #AcornFamily

Wrapped up the week in the best possible way...celebrating the brilliant Acorn Early Years team. 🌿✨ From busy rooms to outdoor adventures, they’ve absolutely delivered this week. Here’s to them. Drop a like and comment to show your appreciation!. #EmployeeAppreciationDay #FridayFeels #TeamAcorn

The children were busy in the allotment this week! They prepped a bed for sowing and planted radishes and carrots in the ones ready to go. They’re also exploring how to feed the birds and what to plant next. 🌱💚 #OutdoorLearning #AllotmentKids #EarlyYears

New cohort incoming! 🌱 We’re opening applications for our Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification — and the new video explains everything you need to know. Sign up now to secure your place. 🌳✨ #ForestSchool #Level3Leader #OutdoorLearning

Spring Training ’26 brought our teams across MK, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Emberton together for hands‑on learning in outdoor play, safeguarding, SEND and creative practice. A brilliant day of connection and growth! 🌱✨ Find out more by clicking link in bio. #AcornEarlyYears #SpringTraining

🌿 Big news from Acorn Early Years! Our new blog dives into A Care Manifesto for the Early Years, Zoë Raven’s powerful call for ethical, inclusive and sustainable childcare. Read the story: link in bio #EarlyYears #Childcare #EthicOfCare #AcornEarlyYears #EducationCommunity #CareManifesto

Hands‑on baby room compliance training today, exploring safe routines, mealtime prep, supervision and statutory practice. A great session focused on quality, safety and confident caregiving. 🌿 #EarlyYears #EYFS #ChildcareTraining #BabyRoom #ProfessionalDevelopment

🌲 Hands-on training with Chris Knight today, exploring how to build natural shelters including tipi, lean-to and ridge structures. A practical session developing outdoor skills, tool use, and confidence for forest school practice. 🌿✨ #ForestSchool #OutdoorLearning #AcornTraining

Pancake Day tastes better outdoors! 🥞🔥 Our Forest School children mixed, flipped and cooked their pancakes over the campfire today. Such a fun way to learn new skills and enjoy nature. 🌿✨ #PancakeDay #ForestSchool #OutdoorLearning

Our children in Squirrels had a fantastic session! They loved joining in with actions when reading The Big Bouncy Bed and exploring the Winnie the Pooh trail for National Teddy Bears Day. Finished by choosing their favourite books. A perfect visit! 📚  #StoryTime #TeddyBearsDay #AcornEarlyYears

Inside the early years apprenticeship journey,  real experiences, real growth. Perfect listening for National Apprenticeship Week.  🎧Link to our podcast in bio. #NationalApprenticeshipWeek #ApprenticeshipJourney #EarlyYears #TrainingAndDevelopment #ChildcareProfession