Little People of Willow Vale

9 Willow Vale, Shepherds Bush, London W12 0PA
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9.9 51 Reviews
  • Little People of Willow Vale, London
Little People of Willow Vale is a childcare provider that invests in its staff, maintaining robust training programmes and believing in the value of Montessori style learning through play.

The provider has built up a strong reputation in West London, seeking to help children become happy and confident learners as they progress towards school.

There are biometric and keypad door entry systems in place for parents' peace of mind, while CCTV is also installed.

Care Provided by Little People of Willow Vale

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Anisah Bahar (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 11
  • Total Places for Children
  • 42
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays, 1 week at Easter & 1 week at Christmas

Little People of Willow Vale Reviews (51)

Total of 51, showing 1-20
9.9

Little People of Willow Vale has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.854) out of 10, based on 20 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Little People of Willow Vale has 51 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started at Little People of Willow Vale last summer. I wanted a nursery that feels like a cosy family setting and Willow Vale definitely feels like that. Within a month, she was happy to say goodbye in the mornings. Every day I love seeing her running to the staff to get a big hug. From
the way they talk about her, I know that she is loved and well cared for at nursery.
The menu is great, offering a variety of foods. The nursery room always looks tidy. They have fun activities. The outdoor areas are small but varied with an outdoor messy play area and enough space to drive cars and run around.
They keep us updated with anything that is happening, so I never feel out of the loop.
There is an app which is a little slow, but pictures and videos are uploaded as well as what was eaten and how much they slept. I am very happy with this nursery, and my daughter loves it.

Reply from Jane Gleasure, Owner at Little People of Willow Vale

Thank you for writing your lovely review. Caring for children and making them happy is why we do the job we love so much and I am delighted that this shows to you and your daughter each and every day. We have a small baby garden and a larger play area with mud kitchen, fairy garden and play area. We also take the children out most days in the nursery 6 seater buggies and we have Forest School sessions with the older children. We have some very special staff who make it all happen every day.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My baby has been at Little People of Willow Vale for 3 months and as a first-time parent I was so scared and nervous to leave her with anyone, let alone people we didn't know. We saw so many nurseries and none of them really filled us with confidence, apart from Little People. They have been incredible,
she's happier there than at home I think, she loves it so much and cannot wait to get there in the mornings to see two staff members who are especially special. I owe them so much, they make her and us so happy. One of these staff members in particular is so warm and kind and our baby adores her. All the staff are amazing but we are so grateful to these two staff members especially. Thank you.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely nursery. Wonderful staff who are all exceptionally warm and friendly. My daughter is very happy there. The care is very good overall. They do lots of nice activities with her that I would never do at home. Very pleased to have chosen Little People for her!

Reply from Jane Gleasure, Owner at Little People of Willow Vale

Thank you for your kind words. I am delighted that the passion for the children's experience at Little People of Willow Vale shines through, and this is all down to our valuable team and their dedication to the children.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

An excellent nursery where the staff really care. My child loves going to nursery and has a close bond with her teachers and friends. She has been attending since the age of 1. She is now 3 and has developed so much in confidence and ability. I would highly recommend this nursery and we are sad to be
leaving.

Reply from Jane Gleasure, Owner at Little People of Willow Vale

Good luck with your new adventure. We will miss you. The manager and her team of amazing teachers and practitioners devote themselves to the children in their care every day. You will be very much missed by Little People.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the moment we viewed Little People we knew it was the nursery for us, as first-time parents, leaving our son at 10 months felt like a big deal and from the moment we started we have had nothing but love and support from the team. Willow Vale staff are all so friendly and helpful and always have
the biggest smiles on their face when I arrive to collect my son at the end of the day.
We just had the very first Christmas show and it was so special, I think the fact they include the babies and embrace the chaos that is a show with children all under the age of 2 speaks volumes for the love and passion Little People have for their nursery.
My son has grown in confidence and now throws open his arms to his wonderful key teacher in the mornings and I could not be grateful that he is happy and being well looked after!
Thank you, Willow Vale, you deserve all the praise!

Reply from Jane Gleasure, Owner at Little People of Willow Vale

Thank you for your lovely review. We had the most magical Christmas festivities over December, and the Christmas Concert and Christmas plays were the highlight of it all. We have high ambitions for our children and they rose to this challenge beautifully. It is always moments to treasure. The staff have such close bonds with the children and this shines through at these events. Our parents' partnerships help make this nursery special, so thank you for your appreciation of the hard-working and dedicated staff at Little People of Willow Vale.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have two girls at Willow Vale - one started two years ago in the toddler room and one a year later in the baby room. We couldn't be happier with the care. Our girls absolutely love it - they are very loved there and also seem to be learning lots. It's a fantastic place full of long-standing and incredibly
dedicated staff.

Reply from Jane Gleasure, Owner at Little People of Willow Vale

Thank you for your kind words and appreciation for our amazing team at Little People of Willow Vale. Our long-serving team are very passionate about the love and care given to each and every child at Little People Nursery.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I couldn't recommend it more! As a first-time mum, I was doubting about getting my daughter at a nursery and after visiting quite a few nurseries around my area, Little People was the one that made me feel confident. The staff is the best of all it. They are always happy, full of energy, and they really
know what your baby/toddler has been up to during the day, when you pick your little one up they give you a small summary of the day for your child. You also have an app where they report every day the things your baby is doing and you can see pictures of the activities. Great communication with the parents and also parents meetings to give you a solid report about what your kid is learning, discovering, exploring, playing, etc. Their favourite activities and games! Is a very good Nursery, very happy with it!

Reply from David Gleasure, Owner at Little People of Willow Vale

Thank you for your lovely comments, especially about the staff that make the nursery so special.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our 2-year-old son started Willow Vale a year and a half ago and has truly loved every second as have we as parents. The team provide an amazingly caring experience for the children while making sure that parents are kept up to date on all milestones and areas for development. I can confidentially say
that this approach goes for both the baby and toddler rooms as well as Montessori which my son has recently moved to. We feel super lucky to have found Willow Vale and would highly recommend it to any parents looking for a new nursery for their little one.

Reply from Jane Gleasure, Owner at Little People of Willow Vale

Thank you for taking the time to write your lovely review. We are all so passionate about the children in our care, and I am delighted that this is evident in our work every day.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We couldn't be happier with Little People of Willow Vale. We have two children attending the nursery, one in the baby room and one in Montessori having started in the toddler room, so we can attest to the consistently high level of care and professionalism throughout. The staff are tireless in their
energy and enthusiasm - both our children have formed strong bonds with their key workers and our eldest talks about them endlessly at home. They come home well-fed and exhausted, buzzing from all the things they have done that day. The nursery is a warm, fun, caring and educationally rich environment, teaching them everything we could hope for, as well as supporting their emotional and social development in all the right ways. Little People is a real community of happy children and people who really care about their work. It is impossible to adequately express in a review how valuable their hard work and dedication is to our lives, and the lives of both our children.

Reply from Jane Gleasure, Owner at Little People of Willow Vale

Such lovely kind words, a huge thank you for taking the time to write this review. The staff put their heart and soul into their work and I am so delighted that it is obvious for you to see.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As parents, we are very happy with Little People of Willow Vale. The staff are very warm and friendly and our child is always happy when we collect him.
We are happy with the updates we receive throughout the day, and the activities the nursery plans for the children.
The menu is also really good
and we are pleased with our son's progress.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son is in the Toddler room and my daughter started in the Baby room in September. I really appreciate this nursery, the support they provide us as parents to ensure consistency at home and at the nursery has been essential for my toddler, especially after the birth of our second. My son didn't take
the change well (he wouldn't sit on my lap for 11 weeks), but working with nursery we helped him achieve a sense of security and control. I trust them with my children and I know they provide them with the best experience.

Reply from Jane Gleasure, Owner at Little People of Willow Vale

Thank you for your kind words of appreciation and the lovely comments regarding the staff in both the baby and the toddler rooms. Consistency is key for children of this age and we are blessed with such a strong passionate team at Little People. I will be delighted to share this review with the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing nursery. Our lives (both family and working) couldn’t function without five staff members in particular. Amazing people, not staff! Our baby is so happy, confident and curious. Couldn’t be more grateful. Great place, highly recommend it.

Reply from Jane Gleasure, Owner at Little People of Willow Vale

I agree they are not just staff, they are very dedicated and special people who are so passionate about what they do each and every day. We are a family and take care of each other.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has been at Willow Vale since he was nine months old. He immediately settled well because the staff are so welcoming and engaging. It is easy to see that the staff care about the children and treat them like family. Additionally, we love seeing pictures of him playing throughout the day and
receiving updates via the app regarding his learning progress. Our son had attended another nursery prior, which pales in comparison. Willow Vale is full of joy and life, and our family are very happy.

Reply from Jane Gleasure, Owner at Little People of Willow Vale

Thank you for taking the time to review our lovely nursery in Shepherds Bush. Our team is like a family and we all work together to ensure that your child has the very best start in life. I appreciate your lovely comments and the staff will be delighted to know that all their hard work and dedication towards our wonderful children at Little People of Willow Vale is recognised by you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our baby started at Little People in September 2022 when I returned to work full-time. She was 11 months at the time of starting and was two months premature when born, so I was nervous about her attending nursery as she was so much smaller than everyone else. I needn’t have worried. She loves the nursery,
squeals with delight when we drop her off, and to be honest, seems a bit upset when we turn up to take her home. She really enjoys it. Loves singing and books (can't get enough of books) her movement, feeding and talking have all really come along. The staff in the baby room are beloved in our house. I had a very stressful birth and suffered PTSD as a result of a long hospitalisation with the baby in Nicu, but Little People have really helped with my return to work transition knowing how happy my baby is to be there!

Reply from Jane Gleasure, Owner at Little People of Willow Vale

Thank you for your lovely comments about our team. I agree they are very special people and we not only look after your baby but we look after each other too. The empathy the staff and I have for parents and the children in our care comes from personal experience but also a lifetime of dedication to this most important role in our communities.


I am so delighted that they are recognised for the amazing individuals that they are. This is not just a job to us, it's a way of life. I am so pleased that so many parents at Little People of Willow Vale recognise the talented team we have.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has been going to Little People of Willow Vale since she was two, and all the staff are very helpful and kind, giving us lots of suggestions when my child feels a bit emotional when we drop her off. The staff keeps updating us about my child's learning progress and daily routine, so we understand
more about her life in the nursery. We are very happy that she's grown a lot after joining Little People; she tells us what she did in the nursery. She enjoys circle time, playtimes in the garden, healthy food and playtime with her friends. We highly recommend this nursery to everyone.

Reply from Jane Gleasure, Owner at Little People of Willow Vale

Thank you for your lovely comments. At Little People of Willow Vale, our days are always busy ones, but I am delighted that you recognise the work we are doing every day with Healthy Eating too. Engaging children in making healthy choices each day and having fun learning to brush their teeth and lots of physical activities all help promote healthy life choices in the early years.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started at the nursery when she was 3. We were slightly nervous, as up to that point, she had only been looked after at home, and had never spent a day away from us in a room full of other children.


Within hours of her first day at Willow Vale, all our nerves evaporated. Thanks to the

warm, familial atmosphere, the friendly, attentive staff, and the intimate, stimulating environment, our daughter settled in immediately. Now she actively looks forward to going into nursery every day, and always is excited to tell us all the things she did when we pick her up. She has made very good friends with the other children, and developed a super close bond with the teachers.


We would highly recommend the nursery to any other parents.


Reply from Jane Gleasure, Owner at Little People of Willow Vale

Our staff take pride in their work and put their heart and soul into the experiences the children have each day. I am so pleased that you recognise all their hard work. Thank you for taking the time to write your review. We are very excited about the new room in the garden and all our outdoor learning that is planned for next term.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has been at the nursery since 11 months, and from the get go the nursery have been excellent. They had a well organised settling in period, and it took almost no time for the staff to make our son feel at home. Always welcoming us with a big smile in the mornings; they deliver a variety of activities
with plenty of photos available to document the children's days.

Reply from Jane Gleasure, Owner at Little People of Willow Vale

Thank you for your very kind words. The staff are always so passionate about the children in their care and I am so pleased that this is obvious to for parents to see. We are looking forward to lots of fun activities and events in the summer.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff has been so amazing. All of them go the extra mile with my son, other children and with each other. They are so energetic, caring, good listeners and just good people. Me and my wife consider the staff as family. Everyone is so responsive and great listeners/carers. Massive shout out to our
son's primary carers. Also, love the activities the employees/company does for my son. Fab nursery and will always recommend.

Reply from Jane Gleasure, Owner at Little People of Willow Vale

Thank you for taking the time to write your review of my lovely team. All the staff at Willow Vale, have worked tirelessly to ensure that the children and parents have a positive experience at Little People of Willow Vale, and I am so pleased that you appreciate them in this way.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started at Little People of Willow Vale just before his 1st birthday and I couldn't recommend this nursery more. The staff are incredibly nurturing and caring and whilst I found the transition difficult I always knew he was in safe hands. He settled in fairly quickly and it's so lovely to now
see his relationship with his teachers. The activities are always imaginative and varied and the food is great with lots of options. I would highly recommend this nursery

Reply from Jane Gleasure, Owner at Little People of Willow Vale

Thank you for your words of encouragement and appreciation. The staff do go above and beyond for the children and I am so delighted that all their hard work and quality of care are recognised.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Really lovely nursery. The staff are super friendly with lots of energy and are really caring of all the children. We get lots of lovely pictures of her doing various activities which she enjoys greatly. I would thoroughly recommend this nursery.

Reply from Jane Gleasure, Owner at Little People of Willow Vale

Thank you for your review. It is lovely to hear that the app is providing lots of photos of all the lovely activities in the classroom.
I appreciate your time in writing this review and will be very happy to share it with the staff.


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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.854)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.854) out of 10 for Little People of Willow Vale is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 20 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 20 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.854 for Little People of Willow Vale is calculated as follows: ( (208 Excellents x 5) + (29 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 240 Ratings = 4.854

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Little People of Willow Vale is based on 20 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 42 number of registered child places is 8.4, which has been reached with 20 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (2)

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Meet the Team (1)

Dawn

Dawn Cove

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2000

Dawn was a secretary before she worked with children, but in the early 1970’s she worked for 7 years at Hammersmith and Fulham as a Nursery Nurse, where she achieved her NNEB qualification. Dawn then had 3 of her own children and during this time she ran a local playgroup. She also trained as a gymnastic coach in artistic and rhythmic gymnastics before teaching in a local school, and by 2000 Dawn joined Little People of Willow Vale as Deputy Manager, finally taking over as Manager the following year.


Dawn then completed her BA Hons degree in Early Years Education and then became Education Coordinator for both the Willow Vale and Fulham nurseries in 2014. This allowed her to manage government requirements, staff training in safeguarding, the Early Years Foundation stage which involves development milestones, observations and encouragement in staff having to have a range of activities in their planning.


She is now full-time manager of Willow Vale where she leads teachings in Forest School and also leads a Guide’s and Brownie’s group in her spare time.


Frequently Asked Questions about Little People of Willow Vale

What is the Age Range of Children that Little People of Willow Vale accepts?

Little People of Willow Vale accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Little People of Willow Vale Open?

Little People of Willow Vale is open: Monday 07:30-18:00, Tuesday 07:30-18:00, Wednesday 07:30-18:00, Thursday 07:30-18:00, Friday 07:30-18:00.

How many Children does Little People of Willow Vale have capacity for?

Little People of Willow Vale has capacity for a total of 42 Children.

How far is Little People of Willow Vale to the centre of London?

3.8 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.