Acorns Pre-School

Acorns Pre-School, operated by Stephens, Deborah under license number EY278160, provides full-day care services for up to 68 children in Torquay.

There are a total of 630 places across 13 providers in Torquay.

Our Child Caring UK team has prepared this review so you can be more informed before enrolling your child in Acorns Pre-School.

Table of Contents

🌟  Overall Effectiveness

Acorns Pre-School has an overall score of 2. 2 of providers in Torquay share the same score.

The overall effectiveness rating for childcare evaluates key aspects such as education quality, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. It serves as a thorough assessment of how well providers meets the needs of all children, ensuring their safety, support, and steady progress in learning and development.

Ofsted inspectors examine how seamlessly different areas of provision integrate to support a nurturing and enriching environment. A top rating indicates that children receive excellent care, gain vital skills, and are fully prepared for their next educational steps.

An outstanding rating is awarded when Acorns Pre-School excels in every area, delivering a strong curriculum, exceptional teaching, and a continuous drive for improvement. Leaders must inspire a culture of ambition and high expectations, fostering a well-managed and enriching environment for children.

The score is based on the most recent inspection date as of March 31, 2022.

👩‍🏫  Quality of Education

Acorns Pre-School has a score of 2. 53% of providers in Torquay share the same score.

In the UK, the quality of education rating for childcare evaluates how effectively providers support children’s learning and development under the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This assessment considers teaching quality, the suitability of the curriculum, and the progress children achieve.

Ofsted inspectors evaluate the range of activities provided, the knowledge and skills children acquire, and their readiness for the next stage of education. High-quality settings create engaging and purposeful learning experiences that nurture curiosity and support development.

To be rated outstanding, Acorns Pre-School must provide a thoughtfully designed, ambitious curriculum that caters to all children. Teaching must be of the highest standard, facilitating strong progress, with staff demonstrating in-depth knowledge of child development and fostering strong, positive interactions with children and parents.

The score is based on the most recent inspection date as of March 31, 2022.

🎭  Behaviour & Attitudes

Acorns Pre-School has a score of 1 for behaviour. 18% of providers in Torquay share the same score.

In UK childcare settings, the behavior and attitudes rating reflects how well children develop self-regulation, positive behaviors, and mutual respect. It also considers their ability to focus on learning, maintain confidence, and build strong relationships with both adults and peers.

Ofsted inspectors look at how staff encourage and model appropriate behavior, foster emotional well-being, and help children grasp boundaries and expectations. A high rating reflects a setting where children feel supported, valued, and exhibit positive attitudes consistently.

An outstanding rating is awarded when Acorns Pre-School establishes a harmonious, respectful, and caring environment where children remain engaged, resilient, and demonstrate self-discipline. Staff must uphold clear expectations, provide meaningful emotional support, and cultivate an inclusive and compassionate culture.

The score is based on the most recent inspection date as of March 31, 2022.

🌱  Personal Development

Acorns Pre-School has a score of 1 for personal development. 18% of providers in Torquay share the same score.

The personal development rating for childcare in the UK reflects how well Acorns Pre-School supports children in growing emotionally, socially, and physically. It focuses on fostering resilience, independence, and confidence while encouraging children to adopt healthy habits and explore the world around them.

Ofsted inspectors assess how childcare settings foster positive relationships, embrace diversity, and instill respect for others. High-quality provision helps children develop strong social skills, self-awareness, and a sense of personal responsibility.

An outstanding rating is awarded when Acorns Pre-School establishes an environment that promotes children’s well-being and prepares them for future learning. This involves creating opportunities for children to follow their interests, build resilience, and develop positive habits in a safe, inclusive space.

The score is based on the most recent inspection date as of March 31, 2022.

👩🏻‍💻  Leadership & Management

Acorns Pre-School has a score of 2 for personal development. 71% of providers in Torquay share the same score.

The UK’s leadership and management rating for childcare measures how effectively leaders manage and improve the provision of care and education. It assesses their role in supporting staff, ensuring adherence to regulations, and maintaining excellence across the setting.

The assessment of leadership by Ofsted inspectors includes evaluating how clearly leaders set expectations, how effectively they engage with staff and parents, and how well they foster an inclusive environment. A strong leadership team ensures a structured, child-centered setting that promotes continuous improvement.

Securing an outstanding rating requires leaders to demonstrate a clear and ambitious vision, offer exceptional staff training, and uphold high expectations. They must proactively address challenges, creating a safe and enriching setting that supports children’s growth and development.

The score is based on the most recent inspection date as of March 31, 2022.

💼  Ownership & Operations

Acorns Pre-School is licensed to provide full-day care for up to 68 children in Torbay, Torquay.

Acorns Pre-School is owned by Stephens, Deborah, which operates 1 facilities in the UK. Acorns Pre-School takes contributes fully of total capacity for Stephens, Deborah.

Single-location providers often concentrate their efforts on one setting, ensuring dedicated resources and personalized attention. In contrast, larger providers benefit from greater access to advanced training, enhanced facilities, and structured curriculums. They can also maintain consistent standards across multiple sites, offering flexibility for families who move or need adaptable childcare options.

Selecting Acorns Pre-School requires looking past its reputation or scale. A hands-on approach—visiting the location, asking meaningful questions, and determining if the program supports your child’s learning and growth—will lead to a more informed decision.

📜 Registry

Acorns Pre-School is listed in the Early Years Register and Childcare Register.

  • ✅ The Early Years Register (EYR) is a mandatory register maintained by Ofsted for childcare providers who care for children from birth to five years old. Acorns Pre-School is listed in the Early Years Register.
  • ✅ The Compulsory Childcare Register (CCR) in the UK is for childcare providers caring for children aged 5 to 7 years. Registration is mandatory for those offering childcare services to this age group for more than two hours a day, either on or off school premises. Acorns Pre-School is listed in the Compulsory Childcare Register.
  • ✅ The Voluntary Childcare Register (VCR) in the UK is an optional register for childcare providers who care for children over the age of 8 or those providing care for less than two hours a day for younger children. Acorns Pre-School is listed in the Voluntary Childcare Register.

If Acorns Pre-School is not what you are looking for, use the below search bar below to find another facility in Torquay or elsewhere.