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    Acorn Early Years Foundation

    Acorn Early Years Foundation

    Updated July 2025.

    About Acorn Early Years Foundation

    Company Overview
    Acorn Early Years Foundation is a not-for-profit, charitable social enterprise providing childcare and early years education. We have 17 nurseries in Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire, and Bedfordshire. We operate day nurseries, forest schools, out-of-school clubs, and training and consultancy services, focusing on high-quality care, affordable options, and professional development for early years practitioners. The organisation is still proudly led today by its founder and Chief Executive, Zoë Raven. The majority of our people are either qualified or unqualified Early Years Practitioners, as well as support roles in the nursery (Housekeepers, Chefs) and in our Central Support Office.
    Company Size 488 UK-based Employees
    (Large)
    INDUSTRY Education & Training
    CONNECT
    Acorn Early Years Foundation Head Office
    Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
    South East England, United Kingdom

    Employee Demographics

    Tenure
    • <2 years - 42%
    • 2-5 years - 34%
    • 6-10 years - 15%
    • 11-15 years - 5%
    • 16-20 years - 3%
    • Over 20 years - 1%

    Company Culture at Acorn Early Years Foundation

    The employee experience below at Acorn Early Years Foundation, compared to a typical company.

    73% of employees at Acorn Early Years Foundation say it is a great place to work*, compared to 54% of employees at a typical UK based company.
    Acorn Early Years Foundation
    73%
    Typical Company
    54%
    *Responses to the statement “Taking everything into account, I would say this is a great place to work.” vs. a typical UK company.

    95%

    People here are treated fairly regardless of their sexual orientation.

    93%

    People here are treated fairly regardless of their race.

    93%

    People here are treated fairly regardless of their gender.

    92%

    This is a physically safe place to work.

    86%

    I am offered training or development to further myself professionally.

    Working at Acorn Early Years Foundation

    Imagination at play - children engaging in imaginary play in the home corner
    We encourage all our children to be scientists and the team get involved as well
    Learning is fun at our training days, as well as mandatory training, we also have external trainers to offer inspiration
    Acorn is all about the outdoors, a group of children enjoying nature
    All our nurseries belong to their local community, here are a group of children helping with the litter picking
    Our children love to sing and dance, especially when there is live music
    Our employees having fun at our staff conference - to energise everyone after lunch, employees were taught a dance

    Getting the list of awards....

    Best Workplaces Lists

    Great Place To Work® is proud to recognise Acorn Early Years Foundation on the following Best Workplaces Lists.

    Interested in a career at Acorn Early Years Foundation, or just want to know more?

    To discover what sets Acorn Early Years Foundation apart and explore relevant career opportunities, take a look at their website.

    Visit Their Website

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