St Nicholas Day Nursery

Bennetts End House, Eastwick Road, Hemel Hempstead HP2 4JQ
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9.9 98 Reviews
  • St Nicholas Day Nursery, Hemel Hempstead
Occupying a converted manor house, St Nicholas Day Nursery is one of the oldest nurseries in the country. The home from home nursery was refurbished in 2020 providing a new, modern feel inside their converted grade 2 listed manor house setting. The nursery offers exceptional care, enriched by unique learning opportunities for your child. One such experience is child-friendly cooking classes, helping to equip children with valuable skills and deeper knowledge of the cooking process.

Inside, there are four rooms carefully designed with age-appropriate resources to aid the learning and development of your little one.

The homely setting is surrounded by extensive and secure grounds offering all age groups a vast area for physical activities. The garden, which was redesigned and refurbished in 2017, includes a mini woodland nature walk and growing area in order to give children the opportunity to further explore and extend their play.

The nursery place strong importance on outdoor learning and the children engage in regular forestry sessions throughout the week in order to explore and discover the outside world. Each age group also has their own garden space to explore.

St Nicholas is central to local schools and over the past 50 years have built strong links so that the children’s transition from nursery to school is as easy and smooth as possible – for both the children and parents!

Show St Nicholas Day Nursery on the Map

Care Provided by St Nicholas Day Nursery

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Frankie Bignall (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 17
  • Total Places for Children
  • 75
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 0 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 & Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for St Nicholas Day Nursery

  • AM/PM Session £52.90
    Full Day Session £86.60
    Short Day £71.50


    We're making childcare more accessible to families:


    * FREE nursery childcare for siblings of registered children!*
    * Fully flexible
    * No meal, consumable or enhancement charges
    * Part & fully funded places available


    * Terms and conditions apply

  • A £100 non-refundable registration fee is required to secure a place. Exact days of attendance should be confirmed no later than 6 weeks prior to the child’s start date. Any changes are subject to availability.
  • Parking

  • There is a small parking area available for parents and visitors.


St Nicholas Day Nursery Reviews (98)

Total of 98, showing 1-20
9.9

St Nicholas Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.938) out of 10, based on 27 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time St Nicholas Day Nursery has 98 reviews.

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Review from Ciprian N (Father of Child) published on 17 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great stuff, everyone with smile on faces daily, friendly,
Best nursery in Hemel Hempstead.
My daughter comes home every time happy after.
New words learned always,
After weekends she always wants to go back.
Many thanks for all stuff.

Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at St Nicholas Day Nursery

Thank you for your review. We are so pleased to read how much your daughter is learning and how happy she is in our care.


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Review from Daniel L (Father of Child) published on 17 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending here for almost 2 years and she loves it here. The staff are amazing and friendly, they are always happy to see her and welcome her with a warm smile. We also have a 7month boy and we are in no doubt about sending him to St. Nicholas' when it's time.

Reply from Jo Bamforth, Marketing Manager at St Nicholas Day Nursery

Thank you for your lovely feedback! We're so happy to hear that your daughter loves her time at St. Nicholas' and that our team has made her feel so welcome. It means a lot to know you have such confidence in us for your little boy as well-we look forward to welcoming him when the time comes!


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Review from Suzanne R (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has been at this nursery for the past year and has loved every moment of it! The staff are 10 out of 10 and I cannot recommend them enough. The activities they do are so engaging and relevant and my daughter is always excited to tell me about her day.
The location is also perfect with
huge outdoor space to get outside and connect with nature! Highly recommend to all parents looking for the perfect nursery!

Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at St Nicholas Day Nursery

We're thrilled to hear that your daughter loves her time with us and that the activities have been engaging. It's wonderful to know she's excited to share her day with you! We're so proud of our outdoor space-connecting with nature is something we're passionate about. Thank you for taking the time to recommend our nursery.


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Review from H F (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My eldest came to the pre school and loved her time. Our second daughter equally loves St Nicholas. The staff are kind and take time to get to know the children. They are always doing arts and crafts and enjoying the large garden to explore.

Reply from Hannah Nabil, Marketing Business Partner at St Nicholas Day Nursery

Thank you for your wonderful feedback and kind words about our nursery team. We're so happy to hear both your daughters have enjoyed their time at St Nicholas.


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Review from T D (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has settled in very well at St Nicholas loves coming always happy to stay. The snapshots are very lovely.
Thank you for looking after my child and for all your care and support.

Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at St Nicholas Day Nursery

Communication is key for parents to be assured that their little one is safe and cared for in their absence. We are so happy to have you as part of our nursery family!


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Review from Marley B (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son is very happy here at nursery. He is always happy to see the staff and seems to be happy when he is collected. My son has gained a lot of social confidence being here and we're happy with his progress here as well. The staff are super friendly and always willing to help.

Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at St Nicholas Day Nursery

We're delighted to read how happy your son is at our nursery and his social skills are developing. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review of our setting.


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Review from Rachael L (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Could not be happier! My son absolutely thrives under your care and we love how well you know and care for him.

Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at St Nicholas Day Nursery

Thank you so much for your kind words! Thank you for leaving us a review.


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Review from E P (Mother of Child) published on 13 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All workers at the nursery are extremely helpful and professional. My son loves attending and smiles every morning and evening when dropping and picking up. The activities the children do are varied nurturing different parts of their development. News is communicated weekly with us alongside an overview
of what my son's room has been doing that week. More detailed and specific updates about my child are provided every day through the app.

Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at St Nicholas Day Nursery

We are delighted to read that your son is enjoying his time at our nursery and that you are happy with his development in our care. Communication is important to ensure parents are reassured and have an insight into their day. Thank you for sharing your experience.


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Review from Kirsty R (Mother of Child) published on 29 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a wonderful nursery. The staff are so welcoming and I feel so comfortable leaving my little boy here. He absolutely loves it and always comes out with a smile on his face. He eats well there and seems very comfortable in the environment. It's so lovely when it's not raining as they have a huge
outdoor area where they get to play. I also receive updates daily regarding what he has eaten, nappy changes and what activity they have focused on that day. I would give it 10/10.

Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at St Nicholas Day Nursery

It is lovely to read how reassured you are leaving your little one in our care. Thank you so much for recommending our setting!


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Review from D S (Father of Child) published on 20 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This nursery is amazing! The staff are so dedicated and proud of their setting. My little boy is at home at St Nicholas. He confidently leaves me in the morning, greeted by his huge smiled key worker. The garden is exemplary! The woodland-themed activities are so wonderful. The nursery is warm and inviting.
My little boy has mentioned nursery feeling like "Nany's house". Thank you, St Nicholas.

Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at St Nicholas Day Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to leave our nursery a review! We are so proud of our outdoor provision and team, who make little ones feel safe and secure in our care.


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Review from J P (Mother of Child) published on 27 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic setting! All the staff are so loving and caring and all show a passion in taking care of children.
The outdoor space is used throughout all weathers. You can often see the children playing outside on pickup!
The meals provided are nutritionally balanced for that perfect diet for children!
The staff encourage well with children's development and it's amazing to see children develop at such a level! I could not recommend this nursery enough!

Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at St Nicholas Day Nursery

Thank you for sharing your experience and for your kind words! We are proud of our setting and outdoor space; it really benefits the children's learning.


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Review from B G (Mother of Child) published on 14 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Cannot praise this nursery enough, especially the fabulous staff! My eldest child went here a few years ago and there is nowhere else I would send my youngest. He is just starting and is only a baby and the team have been really considerate of how difficult it is leaving him so small. I fully trust
them and know he is absolutely loving it. The app is great for keeping up to date with your child's day-to-day and the pictures the team upload are lovely. Also, their social media page is fantastic. So personal to the nursery and the activities they do. It's great for little reminders of things that are upcoming. Returning to work from maternity leave and trusting people with your baby is so difficult but this team have made it so much easier. I can't wait to see all the fun he has with the exciting activities they do and all the things he learns along the way.

Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at St Nicholas Day Nursery

Enrolling your precious child in a nursery is such an important decision. We are so pleased to read that you feel reassured that your little one is safe and happy in our care and that you are happy with our setting and communications.


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Review from Charlotte B (Mother of Child) published on 14 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child started nursery at St Nicholas at 10 months old and I've been very impressed with the service provided. He's comfortable and happy, the staff are lovely and reassuring and truly cares for the children. The food he has is amazing! The activities are creative and educational. Highly recommend.

Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at St Nicholas Day Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to recommend our nursery. It is lovely to read how your child has settled and is happy in our care.


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Review from L M (Mother of Child) published on 18 April 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son joined St Nicholas Day Nursery in October 2022 and we have never had any complaints. Although the children are allocated a key worker, all of the staff know each child, meaning my son is confident dealing with anyone. The care he receives is second to none. I absolutely cannot fault it. Every
day there are interesting and engaging activities set up surrounding the time of the year/season/events etc. My son loves the activities and I enjoy hearing how he gets on. The time and care that goes into my son's learning and development really shows and I am so grateful. St Nicholas is an outstanding nursery and I would recommend anyone sending their children here.

Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at St Nicholas Day Nursery

That's a wonderful review, thank you so much for sharing.


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Review from Hollie C (Mother of Child) published on 27 March 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A caring, nurturing environment in which I have seen both of my children thrive in. It is children-led, as in the team works to the needs of the children, not another agenda. The outside space is brilliant. The staff are amazing, friendly, fun and outgoing. My children's confidence has grown so much
here in this setting. Thank you!

Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at St Nicholas Day Nursery

We love our outdoor space and can't wait for the sun to start shining again!


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Review from Diana Y (Mother of Child) published on 27 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have a girl who is 2.8 months and she has been going to St Nicholas Nursery at Hemel Hempstead for six months now.
She was really quiet and shy for a long time at the nursery, but the staff in her group were/are very supportive and really helped her to come out of her ‘shell’. She is now playing
happily and joining others with their games.
Another thing that I’m very thankful for is the support the staff had towards the potty training process. It was an issue for a while, but my girl goes independently now to the potty and communicates with the staff about her needs.
Big thank you from a grateful mom!

Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at St Nicholas Day Nursery

It's a pleasure to read such a positive journey; thank you for sharing.


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Review from Eme C (Mother of Child) published on 27 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been at St Nicholas Nursery for nine months now, she started attending the nursery at just six months. As I’m sure all parents feel when putting their children into someone else’s care, we were sceptical, anxious and not sure what to expect. With me and my husband, both in full-time
work - our daughter goes to the nursery all day five days a week. We soon realised how lovely the staff were, attentive to our daughter and giving us robust handovers at the end of each day. The professional relationship has built since then, and now they’re like an extended family to our little one as well as us. Our daughter is doing things we never could have imagined at this age, the activities are enhancing her imagination, well-being and curiosity. I trust the staff and respect how hard they work. I cannot remember this nursery enough. Thank you for all you are doing for our little girl.

Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at St Nicholas Day Nursery

Wow, that is an amazing review. We'll be sure to share it with the team.


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Review from C A (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter had a wonderful experience at St Nicholas. The staff are wonderful and very caring. I felt completely reassured that my daughter was in good hands and was being well looked after. I am thrilled to see how much more confident she has become since starting nursery. My daughter loved all the
activities the staff organised and I also enjoyed seeing pictures and updates on the app. I highly recommend this nursery.

Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at St Nicholas Day Nursery

Thank you, that's really important for the team to hear. We'll be sure to pass this on to them.


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Review from Gracie O (Mother of Child) published on 12 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter absolutely loves her nursery and all of the staff. They have really welcomed her, and she has settled in well. She runs in most days not bothered about leaving me! The nursery is very good at updating me with my daughters day to day activities and any new learning she does! Also, the staff
are very friendly but professional and respectful! My daughter’s speech has come on leaps and bounds since starting nursery and comes home showing me new things she has learnt! I recommend the nursery for every opportunity given, and thank them all for their dedication and hard work!

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Review from Demi W (Mother of Child) published on 13 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending this nursery for nearly two years, and I cannot recommend it enough.
My daughter loves going to the nursery to see her friends and always says she’s excited or ‘let’s go nursery now mum’. She comes home with lovely pictures and things she has made; she’s come on so well
since attending - the best decision I made.

Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at St Nicholas Day Nursery

Thank you for taking the time to write this review; we really appreciate it!


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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.938)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.938) out of 10 for St Nicholas Day Nursery 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 27 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 27 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 4.938 for St Nicholas Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (306 Excellents x 5) + (16 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 324 Ratings = 4.938

  • 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 St Nicholas Day Nursery is based on 27 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 75 number of registered child places is 15, which has been reached with 27 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 (7)

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Meet the Team (1)

Frankie

Frankie

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2007

Qualifications: NVQ3, DSL, Paediatric First Aid, Food Hygiene


Frequently Asked Questions about St Nicholas Day Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that St Nicholas Day Nursery accepts?

St Nicholas Day Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is St Nicholas Day Nursery Open?

St Nicholas Day Nursery 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 St Nicholas Day Nursery have capacity for?

St Nicholas Day Nursery has capacity for a total of 75 Children.

How far is St Nicholas Day Nursery to the centre of Hemel Hempstead?

1.1 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 St Nicholas Day Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. St Nicholas Day Nursery has a Platinum Service – more info.