Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin

Glover House, 23-25 Bury Mead Road, Hitchin SG5 1RT
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9.8 133 Reviews
  • Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin, Hitchin
Toad Hall Nursery is a 107-place nursery in the heart of Hitchin, offering a child-led approach to encourage the development of the children in their care. Children are given the opportunity to explore, interact, engage and thrive within the care of the highly experienced staff team.

Partnership with parents is at the heart of everything they do, from planning social events, holding quarterly Parent Forums to discuss and share ideas, and providing all children with ‘Home Learning’ ideas and opportunities to share with their carers at home.

The nursery is made up of 7 rooms, each catering for a different age group which enables them to provide facilities and resources for the right age and stage of each child. Weekly activities are planned for the children around their interests, utilising their state-of-the-art facilities both inside and outside, in their large gardens which also boast a growing patch and mud kitchen.

There are three garden areas which again cater for different ages of children, which enable more children to access the outside provisions at one time and gives opportunity for children to assess their own risks, develop their physical abilities and engage in the nursery’s extra initiatives, such as their Cook and Grow Programme. The children plant and care for their own produce in the Nature Garden, which they then help to prepare before the qualified chef cooks in their on-site kitchen. All meals and snacks are prepared and cooked on site, and the nursery prides itself on sourcing only the best quality ingredients for the children to enjoy.

Toad Hall is passionate about providing the best possible opportunities and childcare for children aged 3 months to 5 years.

Care Provided by Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Collette Jordan (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 39
  • Total Places for Children
  • 107
  • 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 & Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin

  • £86.00 - Per day under 3 years,
    £80.00 - Per day over 3 years.


  • •   10% Family discount on the eldest child’s fees.
    •   5% discount for NHS, Armed Forces, Police and emergency services staff.
    •   50% discount on Staff fees.
    •   Up to 30 hours of funded nursery education per week during term time. In some cases, funding is also available for 2 year olds.
    •   A corporate discount maybe available if there is an agreement in place between Toad Hall Nursery and another company.
    Please email the nursery directly for our latest fee information.


  • Parking
  • The Nursery boasts a large car park at front of the building, making parking extremely easy for busy parents who need to drop off or collect their children from nursery.


Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin Reviews (133)

Total of 133, showing 1-20
9.8

Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.807) out of 10, based on 29 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin has 133 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

So far we have been very pleased with the nursery for our sons. There are a couple of amazing teams that work really well together in their rooms. They really care well for the children and set up creative and imaginative activities every day. Both of our sons have been very happy to go to nursery at
Toad Hall.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started at Toad Hall in September and has settled in really well, making lots of friends and participating in lots of activities. We were at first nervous about her going to a new nursery but from day one she absolutely loved it. The staff keep us up to date with everything that she is doing
and they all are very friendly. We are sure that we have made the right choice with Toad Hall.

Reply from Collette Jordan, Manager at Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin

Thank you for the lovely review. This is so lovely to hear and I am glad your daughter has settled so quicky.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have two children at this nursery, one of them is about to finish and start school. I have been very happy with the care provided by the nursery. The majority of the staff are excellent and provide my children with a lot of love and support. They both do lots of interesting activities and enjoy themselves
every day.

Reply from Collette Jordan, Manager at Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin

Thank you for the lovely review. We hope the transition to school is an exciting one.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We couldn't be happier with the fabulous team in Dragonflies. They are wonderful and create a happy and nurturing environment for the children. The relationships our little one has with them, and the other children in the room are lovely to see. We're always kept well informed, and they are caring and
conscientious. I'm very grateful to them for the care and kindness they show our child and the support and reassurance they provide for us too. Thank you!

Reply from Collette Jordan, Manager at Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. It's lovely to hear your positive experience. The team in Dragonflies will be very pleased.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We went to a stay/play session as her parents couldn't go. We were welcomed. The staff are lovely in dragonflies and our granddaughter is very happy there. The staff were lovely to the children and also to the visiting family members. We watched and assisted her with making a sandwich - which she enjoys
(and does at home) and then she ate it. Lovely visit and thank you for getting me a chair!

Reply from Collette Jordan, Manager at Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin

Thank you for your lovely review and kind words. We love a stay-and-play session and so glad you enjoyed it too.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son is very happy in Dragonflies. The staff are wonderful - they put a lot of effort into working with our son and he has a wonderful connection with them. They are very creative in preparing activities; and are positive, supportive and energetic. His confidence has grown, his language has developed,
and he has happy friendships with the other children in the class. Thank you very much.

Reply from Collette Jordan, Manager at Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin

Thank you for the lovely review. The Dragonflies team go above and beyond with their activities so it is great to hear they are being recognised for this.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at Toad Hall are absolutely wonderful. The care and enrichment they provide are second to none. I wouldn't dream of sending my child anywhere else. We are so grateful to Toad Hall and all their staff. They made the transition so easy both for our child and us as parents. I know that when our
little one goes to nursery at Toad Hall they will have a fantastic day - learn so much and be looked after with kindness and respect.

Reply from Collette Jordan, Manager at Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin

Thank you for such a lovely review, I have shared this with the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have had a fantastic experience at Toad Hall so far. My son settled extremely quickly and that is a huge testament to the caring and highly professional staff with whom he enjoys being with and cares for him so much. He loves being outside in the garden and I'm also impressed with the variation of
toys and activities inside. Thank you so much to the staff and in particular the carers in Hedgehogs - he is so happy.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I visited Toad Hall on 2nd October as they had a “Stay & Play” day for Grandparents. It was a lovely experience. I have collected my grandson on a few occasions but to be able to observe the toddlers doing some activities as well as playing, was just lovely. It was great to see the interaction between
the staff and children. It was very easy to see why the children enjoy going to nursery as the staff are lovely, warm and friendly and clearly know the children very well. They were doing numerous activities for autumn and the room was adjourned with their autumnal coloured artistic efforts.


An extremely enjoyable experience for a very grateful grandmother.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our experience of Toadhall has been excellent. Our daughter has been there for unjust under a year and the teams in Headgehogs and Little Ducks have been fantastic at helping her settle and grow into a confident, wonderful toddler. Communication from the teams is clear and regular and emails/phone calls
are answered quickly and politely with good detail.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Toad Hall Nursery have helped our son settle in really well. Always smiling and welcoming, happy to cuddle and reassure him when we drop him off. Suggestion to move to two days worked a treat - he seems much more comfortable. The pictures and reports have been lovely to see - gives us a great idea of
how much he's enjoying being there. Thank you very much!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin are second to none. My daughter went there four years ago and a lot of the same people are still there now. My 8-month-old has started. We had such a lovely welcome back and they were all so happy to see us again. It's made leaving my baby in their care so reassuring
and he loves going and spending time there.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I have been hugely impressed by Toad Hall. The staff have been wonderful, very caring and attractive with my child. They design fun activities and learning opportunities as well as outdoor fun, which my child loves. The food on offer appears to be nutritious and well-balanced. The nursery is very clean,
which is something I noticed when comparing to other local nurseries.
This nursery has been the best place for my child and I really couldn't fault it.
Thank you to the staff.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Brilliant nursery, wonderful staff with lots of positivity and activities on a daily basis. My son loves going to nursery every day.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We have recently started at Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin. The transition into the nursery has been really smooth for both of our children. The staff are experienced and have been at Toad Hall for years - staff retention is good. The balance of activities in preschool works well to ensure a mix of play
and preparation for school. Outdoor play space and resources are also good. Communication from the management team is regular, high quality and tailored. We would recommend on the experience we have had so far.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our child started full-time at Toad Hall Nursery, aged 12 weeks and is now 18 months. She has had three different key workers since joining who have all been incredible with her. They have supported us through her being breastfed, on formula, weaning and from tummy time, crawling and now walking. Every
step of her joining so far.
We credit so much of the amazing little person she is becoming to the team at Toad Hall. We really couldn't recommend them enough.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our thirteen-month-old son started Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin earlier this month. We couldn't wish for a better setting. The team at Butterflies have welcomed him with open arms, giving him love and attention to help grow his confidence at nursery. He only attends two days a week but has settled really
quickly thanks to the team. He has so much fun! The variety of activities and playtime opportunities both inside and out are brilliant! We can't wait to see how our little guy grows and develops at Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin and thank the passionate team from the bottom of our hearts.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has settled into nursery brilliantly and I think that is all down to the fantastic staff and making her feel safe and welcome. I love hearing all the things she has done in the day and seeing her thrive!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been in the care of Toad Hall Nursery for a couple of months now and it has been a wonderful experience for us both. The team in Hedgehogs are outstanding and has gone above and beyond to help her settle and get comfortable in new surroundings. Likewise, they have gone the extra mile
with me - including an unexpected but touching Mother’s Day gift. I am so happy my daughter is in the care of Toad Hall Nursery. Really looking forward to seeing her grow and flourish in their care.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We absolutely love Toad Hall! The staff are amazing and I couldn't fault it at all! My daughter has been there since she was one and is currently in Owls. The standard of care is exceptional and they have done an amazing job of getting her ready for school. My son is due to start next month too.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.807)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.807) out of 10 for Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin 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 29 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 29 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 4.807 for Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin is calculated as follows: ( (280 Excellents x 5) + (58 Goods x 4) + (4 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 342 Ratings = 4.807

  • 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 Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin is based on 29 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 107 number of registered child places is 21.4, which has been reached with 29 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

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (10)

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Meet the Team (1)

Collette

Collette Jordan

Job Title: Nursery Manager

Joined: 2023

Hi, I’m Collette, the Nursery Manager at Toad Hall Hitchin.


I am fortunate to have successfully worked within this industry for over 23 years and hold a Level 5 Diploma in Early Years Leadership and Management. Throughout my Early years career, I have worked in many different roles including running a successful nursery for nearly 5 years.


My vision is to provide high-quality care in a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment, allowing the children to feel secure and confident. I believe this supports their growing curiosity to explore, and supports creative minds and resilience, whilst maximising success for all children.


I have always been highly focused on the well-being and development of children and believe that family partnership is the key.


My priority is to continue to lead this fantastic team and understand that a happy, successful child depends on us all working together.


Please do get in touch and arrange a visit to our lovely nursery if you have any questions.


Frequently Asked Questions about Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin

What is the Age Range of Children that Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin accepts?

Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin Open?

Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin 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 Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin have capacity for?

Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin has capacity for a total of 107 Children.

How far is Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin to the centre of Hitchin?

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