Business Details
38 Years
experience
Trusted Child Care & Early Education in Glasgow
Acorn Park Nursery has been dedicated to providing exceptional childcare and early education since 1988. Founded on the principle that children thrive in environments where they feel safe, loved, and nurtured, we have built a reputation for excellence through our commitment to fostering holistic development. Our purpose-built facility in Glasgows Park district offers spacious, stimulating rooms across three floors, complemented by private gardens and modern amenities. With a team of highly qualified practitioners, many holding advanced degrees, we maintain adult-to-child ratios exceeding national standards to ensure individualised care. As partners with Glasgow City Council, we deliver up to 1140 hours of funded care for eligible children aged three and over.Our approach integrates outdoor learning, creative exploration, and STEM-based initiatives, reflecting our belief in education that extends beyond traditional boundaries. Over three decades, we have supported generations of families, prioritising transparency, parental involvement, and emotional wellbeing. Our non-uniform policy and homely atmosphere create a welcoming environment where both children and parents form lasting connections. Regular communication, daily updates, and community-building activities underscore our dedication to partnership with families. Recognised for innovation through collaborations with Glasgow Caledonian University, we continue to evolve while staying true to our founding ethos of nurturing each childs unique potential.
Services
Childcare Services
Early Education
Hot Desks
Outdoor Play
Parent Support
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of specialist experience in early childhood education.
- Our staff include degree-qualified practitioners and an Additional Support Needs teacher.
- We maintain adult-to-child ratios exceeding national care standards.
- Our purpose-renovated Georgian townhouse offers unique learning spaces and private gardens.
- We partner with Glasgow City Council to provide funded care for eligible children.
What people say
Wonderful staff
Safe and nurturing
Excellent facilities
Daily updates
Strong bonds
Services
Childcare Services
Our childcare provision supports children from 6 months to 5 years through tailored care plans. Practitioners create structured routines combining play-based learning with emotional support, ensuring continuity with home routines. Daily activities include sensory exploration, music sessions, and physical development exercises, all delivered in age-specific spaces designed to promote security and curiosity.
Early Education
Our Curriculum for Excellence-aligned programme fosters creativity and critical thinking through STEM projects and outdoor learning. Qualified educators guide children in self-directed learning while maintaining formal assessments through individual progress portfolios. Weekly themes integrate art, science, and literacy, with dedicated spaces including a climbing gym and art studio enhancing experiential learning.
Outdoor Play
Daily outdoor sessions in our private gardens and adjacent parkland develop physical skills and environmental awareness. Children engage with natural elements through gardening projects, weather observation, and structured play using double-pram systems for infant mobility. The outdoor curriculum specifically targets motor development, social interaction, and risk-assessment skills in all weather conditions.
Parent Support
We provide comprehensive parental engagement through daily progress updates, settling-in assistance, and a dedicated hot-desking facility. New parent orientation includes Wiggle Giggle sessions and extended visitation periods. Additional support features private consultation rooms and partnerships with local institutions for specialist family resources.
Hot Desks
Our complimentary hot-desking facility enables parents to work onsite with high-speed internet and refreshments. Located on the second floor, the space maintains proximity to children while offering professional amenities. This service particularly benefits remote workers requiring flexible childcare solutions, with booking options available for regular or occasional use.
People
Mary McDonald
Founder
Mary established Acorn Park Nursery in 1988, bringing decades of primary education expertise. Her vision for nurturing environments remains central to our approach. She continues to oversee strategic direction while mentoring staff in child development best practices.
Vari McDonald
Director
Joining in 1993 after completing her teaching degree, Vari transitioned from temporary assistance to leadership. She now manages daily operations, ensuring continuity with our founding principles while implementing modern educational methodologies across all age groups.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We care for children from 6 months up to school age, with dedicated spaces and staff for each developmental stage.
Do you offer funded childcare?
Yes, as Glasgow City Council partners we provide up to 1140 hours of funded care annually for eligible children aged 3+.
What are your operating hours?
We operate Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, with flexible settling-in periods and occasional evening/weekend viewings available.
How do you support child development?
Our curriculum combines structured learning with free play, outdoor exploration, and STEM activities tailored to individual needs and interests.
Are meals provided?
Children bring packed lunches, though we provide nutritious snacks and a designated dining area with table-setting activities.
Can parents visit anytime?
Yes, we encourage drop-in visits during operating hours and offer hot-desking facilities for working parents.
