Acorns (3 - 5 years)

Our Acorns room is a vibrant, welcoming space designed to support children aged 3 to 5 as they develop confidence, independence, and a love of learning.

One of the core principles of our curriculum at Mulberry Bush is “Understand You Have a Voice.” This belief guides everything we do, here at Acorns. From self-registering on arrival to choosing the story through a voting system, helping to prepare and serve snacks, and even self-serving at mealtimes, children are empowered to lead their own routines and make meaningful choices throughout their day. They enjoy free-flow access to a secure outdoor area that encourages exploration, physical development, and a deep connection with nature. Our beautiful garden offers a variety of stimulating spaces: a bark-chipped area with a climbing frame and mud kitchen, a tarmacked space perfect for bike riding and running, and a grassy zone featuring our very own pond—often visited by frogs!

Additionally, the children care for our purpose-built vegetable patch, where they experience the full cycle of growth—from planting seeds and daily watering to harvesting and tasting the fresh produce they’ve grown themselveves.

Our caring and experienced staff are patient, encouraging, and focused on nurturing each child’s individual interests and abilities. With a strong emphasis on the key person approach and a high adult-to-child ratio, we ensure personalised support to help every child flourish.

The Pre-School environment includes areas for imaginative play, early literacy and numeracy, sensory exploration, and group activities—creating a balanced, engaging day that prepares children for their next steps in learning.

Acorns’ Curriculum

Whilst we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) as our statutory framework, we have developed our own bespoke curriculum tailored to our unique environment and the goals we have for every child in our care. Our curriculum is thoughtfully built around eight core principles that guide all aspects of learning, ensuring each child’s journey is meaningful, engaging, and empowering.

Develop a deep love of literature: We nurture a passion for stories, books, and language through daily reading, storytelling, and creative mark-making activities that spark imagination and communication.

Embrace a love of the outdoors: Children are encouraged to explore and connect with the natural world, discovering the joys of outdoor play, gardening, and nature-based learning in our beautiful gardens and local green spaces.

Be an advocate for your own learning: We empower children to take ownership of their learning by making choices, asking questions, and pursuing their interests with confidence and curiosity.

Know your physical potential is limitless: Through a range of physical activities and opportunities for movement, children build strength, coordination, and an understanding of their bodies’ capabilities.

Understand you are a part of the wider world: Our curriculum fosters awareness of community, diversity, and the environment, helping children develop empathy, respect, and a sense of belonging.

Embrace your inner artist: Creative expression is at the heart of our approach, with opportunities for painting, music, dance, and imaginative play that celebrate each child’s unique creativity.

Have a strong sense of self and wellbeing: We prioritise emotional health, resilience, and positive relationships, supporting children to develop confidence, independence, and a positive self-image.

Understand you have a voice: Every child is encouraged to express their ideas, make choices, and participate actively in their learning environment, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-worth.

Together, these principles create a rich, balanced curriculum that supports the whole child—helping them grow into confident, compassionate, and capable individuals ready for their next steps in life.