Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury)

Mandeville Road, Aylesbury HP21 8AL
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9.7 152 Reviews
  • Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury), Aylesbury
A purpose built day nursery, specified by Childbase to the highest quality standard. Developed on behalf of the Stoke Mandeville Hospital to care for children of the Trust employees and the local community, Willows provides a happy, sociable environment where every child is treated as an individual. Willows Day Nursery has obtained their Green Flag Eco-Schools Award.

The nursery has five main playrooms for individual age groups, including sensory rooms and additional sleeping areas. Outside is a large, enclosed and fully equipped garden with separate areas for different activities including a baby garden with a decking area. There is also a forest school, running sessions Monday - Wednesday. In addition to the daily routines, Willows also offer the extracurricular activity of Char Char Chimps to their under 2’s. They attend every Friday from 2:30pm until 3:15pm.

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Care Provided by Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury)

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Jane Hobbs (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 60
  • Total Places for Children
  • 130
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 2 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:30
    Tuesday 07:30-18:30
    Wednesday 07:30-18:30
    Thursday 07:30-18:30
    Friday 07:30-18:30
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & Inset Days
  • Parking

  • Free parking is available on site.


Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury) Reviews (152)

Total of 152, showing 1-20
9.7

Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury) has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.684) out of 10, based on 24 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury) has 152 reviews.

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Review from Daniel D (Father of Child) published on 6 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started in the ladybird room around the end of November and he has adapted to his new routine amazingly. He always goes into nursery happy and smiling, he's so much more confident and we can already see his speech progressing. This is absolutely down to the amazing staff in the room. They really
do take wonderful care of our son and keep us updated throughout the day. He's absolutely thriving at Willows and we couldn't be happier. I always feel welcomed when arriving at the nursery, all the staff know my son's name and greet him as we enter the building. When walking into his room he always gets a warm welcome from the ladybird team and I love hearing all the feedback at the end of the day.

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Review from T M (Father of Child) published on 20 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Willows has been I think the motivator for having a second child. The way our daughter has been nurtured bestows in us the trust that she is in good hands. From the different classes that she has progressed through, she comes home expressing volumes of good experiences with the staff and peers as well.
The different names we here mentioned in the evening prayers have driven us to see what she sees in her learning advisors. Children at Willows experience the perfect balance of what parents wish for their kids. We wish you many more...

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Review from L R (Grandmother of Child) published on 18 October 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my grandmother and grandson have attended the nursery. The children have been nurtured and cared for as individuals. They have been encouraged to develop in their own way and their own time. For my granddaughter, transition to school was natural and a very positive experience. The nursery were
very involved and had uniform dress-ups and school roleplays in preparation for the move, on her graduation day she was in the perfect place to be ready for 'big school'. The manager is very understanding and accommodating as are her team. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.

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Review from Eman A (Mother of Child) published on 13 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Willows Day Nursery is the best setting I could have imagined for my daughter. She thrived in the two years she spent there, developing her verbal skills, social skills and friendships that are carrying on with her as she starts reception. The teachers there are all supportive and loving and they are
able to offer both the personal care that caters to individual needs as well as the setting for children to play and interact with one another. Their classes are filled with resources, centres and up-to-date equipment. There is a high hygiene level and my daughter always loved going every single day. Not only did she play, but she also learned different skills in a fun way. Thank you Willows for offering my daughter a second home.

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Review from Stephanie J (Mother of Child) published on 5 August 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Willows is a wonderful nursery! Both my children attended since they were 9 months old and have been so well looked after. The staff are so friendly and are well led by management. The team are so approachable, regardless of how big or small the problem. I would thoroughly recommend this nursery to
everyone!

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Review from K R (Mother of Child) published on 5 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We had an awful experience at a previous nursery and called the Willows in a panic as we needed to find somewhere for our child urgently. From the very beginning, the team were understanding and helpful and instantly I felt I had made the right decision in calling them. Every member of the team we had
dealings with was friendly and approachable and really helped my little one become more confident. Dropping them off at nursery was no longer a battle as he was settled. Thank you to everyone for changing our opinion of childcare.

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Review from Sarah N (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending the nursery for over a year now and is really thriving. He really enjoys going to nursery and has a really good relationship with all the staff. The staff are great there, caring and attentive. He has learnt so much from being there and he learns something new every day. He
is developing so well with the support of the team there.

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Review from K B (Mother of Child) published on 29 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Willows is excellent! Our daughter started nursery at 11 months of age in 2020. She is leaving to go to school next month after 4 years. Our daughter struggled desperately to settle, perhaps due to the Covid years but the care and support we were given as a family from the wonderful Willows staff
was much appreciated. Our 13-month-old son is also at the Willows and has been for 6 months. The staff are excelled, caring and kind. They always remember things like allergies, recognise issues promptly and communicate fantastically. An excellent place with the forest school, nice resources and lovely staff. Thank you.

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Review from Anna C (Mother of Child) published on 16 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Willows is a fantastic nursery and preschool. Two of my children have attended here and they have always been happy and supported.
The teachers take great care in their work and this is reflected in the children's enjoyment.
Thank you!

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Review from J B (Mother of Child) published on 16 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started at Willows earlier this year after being let down by another nursery, we had a mad panic to find him somewhere. I was extremely nervous about leaving him as it had taken him a while to settle. Since joining Caterpillars the change in him has been remarkable! The staff are so kind and
caring and have shown nothing but patience and understanding!
A special thanks to his Keyworker, who keeps us up to date on a regular basis.
The updates via the app can be sporadic, some days you don't receive anything when it is so useful to know what they have eaten or when they have slept! The handovers at the end of the day can also be the same. More consistency with these would be helpful.
There seems to be a variety of different activities every day and the choice of meals is fantastic!

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Review from K E (Mother of Child) published on 5 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was very anxious about sending my son to a nursery as we previously used a childminder and the setting is very different. At first, as expected, he was very sad when I dropped him off, but quickly settled and now loves going to nursery. The nursery has made me feel at ease, posting updates throughout
the day and always happy to answer my questions. He is very well looked after at nursery, by his key worker especially, and by all staff members. His development has come a long way in such a short space of time, all from the help of his key workers.

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Review from G C (Mother of Child) published on 30 May 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic nursery all round, staff are so friendly and welcoming. My child has grown up so fast and has learnt so much.

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Review from C E (Mother of Child) published on 1 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff are friendly and help with any needs that are required. Food is varied and a great selection. I have noticed that when my child comes home if she has done a poo that her bottom isn’t wiped. I know they encourage the children to do themselves but my child can’t reach round yet.

Reply from Jane Hobbs, Nursery Manager at Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury)

Thank you so much for your kind comments and taking the time to review our nursery. Parent feedback is vital to our efforts to continuously improve the nursery experience. Please be assured we take hygiene routines very seriously and I will ensure that your concerns are addressed with your childs Key Person to prevent this from happening again. If you have any further queries, please dont hesitate to speak to a member of the team directly thank you.


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Review from David M (Father of Child) published on 26 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have had both of our children attend Willows and having looked into many nurseries beforehand, are very pleased with our decision to use Willows.
The staff are very friendly and helpful and the early years education is fantastic. Both children have progressed well socially and educationally and
have been looked after very well.

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Review from Lucy O (Mother of Child) published on 28 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Willows now for approximately the past 15 months. It is genuinely such a lovely environment for her to attend and I truly believe that she thrives there. I have been suffering from awful morning sickness recently and the staff in her room have been so attentive, they have
made the morning drop-offs so much easier for myself and my daughter. As well as ensuring that I am okay, they settle my daughter down as soon as possible and ensure that she is happy during the day.
She has expressed to them that she has been a bit upset/worried about me recently, so staff in the room have done work with her around her feelings.
I couldn’t recommend this nursery enough!

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Review from Aswathy S (Mother of Child) published on 23 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Brilliant nursery! Our son has enjoyed each and every moment he was there. It's a great team - gives individual attention to the needs of the child. Well organized with regular assessments, feedback and support. My son is generally a sweetheart, however there have been several days where he was clingy/cheeky/tantrum-y
and they have always been patient and caring. Never felt difficult as a parent to leave him with them...always a delighted face on reaching his bumblebee room. It's a shame that we are relocating and have to take him out of this nursery. My son will badly miss his people.

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Review from Nimmi V (Mother of Child) published on 30 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son is having a great time at Willows Day Nursery. He is being looked after really well. He enjoys all the activities at the nursery. I was really sceptical about him settling in well in the new atmosphere. But the transition has been smooth and heartwarming. Thankful to the team at Willows.

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Review from Wanni F (Father of Child) published on 7 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been with the nursery for a few years. We have seen a great improvement in her social and communication skills throughout the years. She loves to go to the nursery every day and the staff is fond of her.
The teaching staff identify individual children and treats them nicely, and helps
them to improve the skills they require. They are dedicated and help us make her ready for school.
Communication is clear with the parent app and the weekly newsletters and the staff and the manager are always willing to help us with our queries anytime.

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Review from Jenny S (Mother of Child) published on 23 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My two children have thrived at Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury) and it's been very emotional saying goodbye as our youngest has just left for Primary School.
Throughout our 8 years, we have seen the nursery go from strength to strength, the way they handled Covid and the lockdowns was commendable,
it is a warm, happy place where the children are loved, respected and have a lot of fun.
The things my daughter has learnt during her time, particularly in the Pre-School room, are impressive (from basic woodwork and languages to naming the planets and continents). We didn't send our children to Willows to push their early years education but they both came away with a wide knowledge of a variety of topics, very much ready to start school.
The new Forest School has been an excellent addition and was the highlight of my daughter's week, come rain or shine!
Willows children are happy, confident and most of all loved. We couldn't have asked for more.

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Review from G G (Mother of Child) published on 23 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has been going to Willows for 3 months and has settled very well, The staff are friendly and professional. Out daughter loves going to nursery, she eats and sleeps well there. Her speech has improved greatly since going to Willos and she is more inquisitive and interested in playing with
other children. We feel confident our daughter is being well cared for and would recommend Willos to any parent.

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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.684)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.684) out of 10 for Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury) is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 24 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 23 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 4.799 for Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury) is calculated as follows: ( (246 Excellents x 5) + (31 Goods x 4) + (7 Satisfactorys x 3) + (3 Poors x 2) + (1 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 288 Ratings = 4.799

  • 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 4.885 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury) is based on 23 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 130 number of registered child places is 26. 23 Positive Reviews ÷ 26 = 0.885

  • 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.

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Meet the Team (1)

Jane

Jane Hobbs

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 1998

Jane is Manager of Willows Day Nursery in Aylesbury and has a wealth of experience, having worked in the early years sector for 24 years. Jane is Level 3 qualified and has worked for Childbase Partnership for 24 years.


What is your favourite feature of Willows?


My favourite feature of the nursery is the garden and Forest school area as we have recently had these renovated.


What are you most proud of about your nursery/team?


I am proud of how the team pull together when support is needed.


Frequently Asked Questions about Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury)

What is the Age Range of Children that Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury) accepts?

Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury) accepts Children aged from 0 years 2 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury) Open?

Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury) is open: Monday 07:30-18:30, Tuesday 07:30-18:30, Wednesday 07:30-18:30, Thursday 07:30-18:30, Friday 07:30-18:30.

How many Children does Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury) have capacity for?

Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury) has capacity for a total of 130 Children.

How far is Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury) to the centre of Aylesbury?

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

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury) to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury) has a Platinum Service – more info.