Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury)

Mandeville Road, Aylesbury HP21 8AL
Submit a Review
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.

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 61-80
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.

Overall Experience

  • 145
  • 6
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

152
3
15
24
128
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been with Willows from 6 months, currently 21 months, and is in Ladybirds.
Staff are amazing, their care and dedication to supporting child development are exceptional.
The variation in activities both child or adult-led is way beyond the things we would think about doing at home!
Often,
my daughter comes home with visible examples of the activities she has been engaged with during the day, and this is wonderful to see.
The staff, well what can I say - all staff are engaging, communicative, child-centred and yet pragmatic and support any adult focus areas - eg, removing a dummy.
I couldn't think of a better setting for her to be nurtured or for her developmental and social growth.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We are really happy with the nursery and our daughter loves spending some days here. The staff are friendly, caring and clearly work hard with the children, creating educational activities and a learning environment. It would be nice if the menu varied a little to further satisfy her nutritional needs,
for example, there is limited calcium-based food types, which would help meet her daily calcium requirements and limited red meat and oily fish on the menu at the moment. Otherwise, we are really pleased and happy with the nursery and its staff. Thank you for your hard work.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son settled in extremely well from day one. The staff quickly got to know him well and very attentive and accommodating to his needs. All the staff from management, cooking staff and nursery practitioners are extremely friendly and helpful. They have a genuine interest in the kinds, nothing is too
much bother.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Despite national restrictions, my experience has been very good. My daughter has had reduced exposure to social situations, so staff were very containing and made sure we are updated during her settling period. She is a happy little girl going to nursery now and she gets to do activities we wouldn't
normally do with her (play-doh, messy play, etc).

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Super friendly and helpful staff who have gone above and beyond for our daughter during her time with the nursery, especially during the last year, with covid restrictions in place. Everyone has stayed upbeat and professional, which has kept our daughter settled and focused during these uncertain times.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Overall, we are very impressed with the care that Willows provide. Our son has a dairy-free diet and they provide confidence in knowing he is kept safe with a separate meal prep. We also find the communications from Willows is excellent. We get daily updates about our child's daily activities via the
parents' app and a mini handover at pick up. We highly recommend Willows.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My twin girls have been at the nursery for two years, and they could not have loved it more. They came from another nursery which they had really struggled at, but from day one at Willows they settled in as they had always been there.
The staff are all incredibly friendly and supportive. Everyone
knows everyone, and they are so engaged with each child.
The staff put on great events, and there is just a very friendly community feeling to the place.
They handled the Covid crisis so well. There was great communication in place from the very beginning and really good resources on offer.
My girls are really ready for primary school but in large part, this is down to the excellent work of all of the preschool team, in particular, two members of staff.
I couldn’t rate the nursery highly enough.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all the staff at the Willows, they have made us feel welcomed and been part of our little boy's continued growth, they are an integral part of his development. Moreover, whatever time of the early morning or busy afternoon and no matter who you speak to
you are always greeted with a friendly smile and made to feel as though nothing is too much trouble. Our little boy is leaving to go to school, and we will really miss all of the staff.
Thank you so much.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot recommend this nursery highly enough. As a first time mum, I was naturally nervous about leaving my child with someone who wasn't family. However, since day one (back in October 2018), Willows and all of their staff have been nothing short of amazing. From letting two *slightly* emotional parents
sit in the CCTV room so they could watch their daughter's first settling in session, to the wonderful way that they have behaved during the Covid-19 situation, Willows have been a joy to send our daughter to. Everyone at Willows is so friendly and has taken the time to get to know our daughter... walking in with her is like walking in with a celebrity(!)... everyone you walk past knows her name (and this is the same with every child) and engages with her. I have never had any fears or concerns about the care given by the workers, and I look forward to picking her up and hearing what exciting things she has been up to that day. Would recommend wholeheartedly.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have had two children in Willows. Both children have been so happy which has really supported me back to work. Going back to work as a new mum is extremely difficult, I felt the Willows team really made me feel so ease.
They have nurtured my little ones and embraced their individual personalities.
I
wish they didn't have to leave.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Willows Day Nursery is a fantastic setting to send your child. Rest assured that your child will be well cared for and all staff really go above and beyond what is expected. My son is coming to the end of his time at the nursery as moving on to primary school, but we both will truly miss everyone the
staff are caring, kind, hardworking and keep your children safe, you really have no worries and know that your child is having an amazing day.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been very happy with the care at Willows. My child loved her 18 months in the setting forming strong bonds with her key worker in each of the two rooms she spent time in.
Despite only attending one day a week she settled well and looked forward to attending. She was pushed to develop skills
that we were also working on at home and communicating via the online portal helped with this.
The organisation and management of the nursery is second to none. Communication is prompt and clear. The staff are all friendly and supportive.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I couldn’t recommend Willows enough. My son has been going there since he was 9 months old and now at 2 years 7 months he is thriving. The connection he has to the staff it feels like home from home. The nursery has dealt with the COVID-19 situation expertly and managed our ever-changing needs so well.
The staff are friendly and really care about our boy and all the children there.
He loves the food at nursery and often tells me recipes that they have cooked for him and they were yummy and I know he’s getting all the nutrition he needs! I honestly recommend it to everyone and couldn’t recommend Willows enough for all childcare needs!

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can’t recommend Willows nursery enough. I visited a few nurseries but none made me feel at home as much as Willows. It was really hard leaving my son at 9 months old to return to full-time work but the staff really put me at ease. It was so helpful being able to drop him off with just a change of
clothes and not have to worry about anything else (nappies, formula, etc). I was always kept updated and it was lovely seeing my son’s progress through ParentZone. The staff are always professional and so caring towards the children, nothing is ever too much trouble. The children are given a huge variety of activities which have really helped with my son’s development. My son has made some lovely friends and will really miss everyone there.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son absolutely loves his nursery days. The staff all have gotten to know him as an individual and there are plenty of activities to support his development. The facilities are great, particularly the garden area. Food is all fresh and must be nicer than at home as he eats so well while he’s there!

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Before my grandson started nursery, we were all apprehensive and worried as there are very horrid stories about nurseries. We decided to try Willow Day Nursery and we now know we made the right choice. My grandson has thrived and seems happy. He has learnt so much. He comes home happy every night and
certainly looking forward to going back in the morning.
Staff at Willows are fantastic. They are warm and welcoming. When I collect my grandson, they always give me a report of the day, even the tiniest detail.
Food must be good at Willows as my grandson seems to enjoy it.
Reception staff are also very pleasant. They always say hello/goodbye.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Willows from 17 months old to 3.5 years. She has been in three different rooms including most recently, preschool. Every member of staff have been very helpful, caring and she has really flourished in this environment. The communication is great and all the nursery staff
take a keen interest in every child. My daughter has loved coming and we have never had an issue leaving her in a really safe and caring environment. I would not hesitate to recommend Willows to others. I only wish she could stay longer had we not been moving areas.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am an Aunty to a child who attends Willows Day Nursery Aylesbury and shes in the Caterpillar room. Since attending nursery she has gained a lot of confidence and is developing well in the areas of the EYFS. When I come to collect her she is always happy and is always enjoying the activities that they
have out. I fully recommend this nursery to parents who are looking to put their children into a childcare setting.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Expectations were high when our 1-year-old started at Willows this year and we were not disappointed.
It was so nice to have faith and trust in the staff and facilities from the very beginning.
We pick our two daughters up at the end of the day and they have been encouraged to have fun, play kindly
and learn. And it's all achieved in a caring environment.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot fault this nursery; the staff are invested in the children which is made clear by the loving and meaningful bonds my daughter has formed with the staff in her room. I have such peace of mind that all of my daughter’s needs are met daily; she is loved, kept safe, educationally engaged and developed,
and is provided with a variety of nutritious meals. I could not be happier with the service this nursery provides and with the way my normally shy and clingy baby happily waves goodbye to me each morning; confirmation that she feels secure.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

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.

Child Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (20)

Loading...

Loading

Loading
Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Loading

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.