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 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.
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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

  • £89.50 - Per day under 3 years,
    £83.50 - 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.
    •   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 21-40
9.8

Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.757) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin has 133 reviews.

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Review from Lucy S (Mother of Child) published on 19 April 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I do not have a bad word to say about Toad Hall. The staff are all professional, polite and caring. The support they provide for the children in their care is amazing with different and varied activities running each day. The children learn through play which means they don't even know they are learning,
which is fantastic for preschool children who will soon make the transition to school. Since moving to Owls, my son has grown and developed his behaviour and social skills and started recognising words in books, writing letters he has seen and trying to write his own name, this is all down to the wonderful Owls team.

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Review from Sylvia B (Mother of Child) published on 13 April 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been at Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin for just over a year, she has developed beyond our belief! We have seen a huge turnaround in her social skills, she went from being incredibly shy to creating strong bonds with children and carers. She has developed a strong appetite to learn and is
determined to write people's names at the moment. One of the best things about Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin is the management team - they are incredibly friendly, understanding and accommodating. This is something I hugely value as a busy working Mum. I moved my daughter from another nursery last year due to an inflexible and rude management team - so I'm really pleased Toad Hall is so wonderful.

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Review from A R (Mother of Child) published on 3 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter started going to little chicks in January and my partner and I could not be happier. The staff are so welcoming and caring and have really helped make the transition into daycare as smooth as possible. The staff have really gone above and beyond and our daughter has settled in extremely
well. Going to daycare is now part of her routine and she has just blossomed whilst in their care. Most importantly we know that she is safe and in capable hands. We could not be more grateful to Toad Hall Nursery, Hitchin!

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Review from Stephanie R (Mother of Child) published on 30 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child joined the baby room at Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin in January and I couldn't be happier to have found such a caring nursery. First and foremost, I wanted to find a nursery where I could drop off my baby and he would be happy and this was more than enough for me, but Toad Hall has gone beyond
this and not only is he very happy there, but the progress I've seen in him since joining is genuinely incredible. I really do feel as though I'm leaving my baby in the best care, which is a huge weight off my shoulders and the relationship he has with the staff is so lovely to see!! They genuinely care!

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Review from Amy W (Mother of Child) published on 30 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I've had the pleasure of having my son and now daughter at Toad Hall for the last four years. My daughter absolutely loves coming to nursery. The staff are incredible and clearly really adore her, I feel very secure and safe leaving her there. My son equally loved his time there and despite him being
at school now, lots of the staff know who he is when he comes in to pick up my daughter with me. Would wholeheartedly recommend!

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Review from Hayley D (Mother of Child) published on 30 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started here in October 2022 and she has come so far. The team in her room have been amazing, it’s a second family for her. The whole nursery has an amazing vibe throughout, it’s a home away from home

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Review from Lydia F (Mother of Child) published on 29 March 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very happy with Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin, all staff are lovely - admin and communication are very good. My son is very happy here.

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Review from Gemma A (Mother of Child) published on 29 March 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely staff and facilities. Thank you for looking after my most prized possession.

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Review from S T (Mother of Child) published on 29 March 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very caring staff and our son is happy going in every day. There are lots of well-thought-out games and activities, a good structure for the development and great communication on a daily basis with the parents. All in all, a great nursery.

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Review from Andy B (Father of Child) published on 17 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Toad Hall experience has been fantastic from the very start and we couldn't be happier for our daughter to be there! She goes in twice a week and always looks forward to it and then tells us what an amazing day she has had! The days are varied and a lot of thought clearly goes into each and every
session to make sure the children are engaged and having fun. It's a happy, healthy and positive environment and everyone always has a smile on their face. The team there are amazing and are a pleasure to deal with at all times. We would certainly recommend to all parents looking for a nursery for their little ones.

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Review from Jade T (Mother of Child) published on 16 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has been nothing but happy since starting at Toad Hall nursery in October 2022. She settled into the baby room easily and loves all of the staff, we often find her having a cuddle with them when we collect her. She has enjoyed all of the messy play opportunities they provide including painting,
water play, gloop, glitter and many more. Her key worker has kept a comprehensive journal of her learning which has been lovely to look back on and see how far she has come since starting. We really couldn't ask for more from the nursery.

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Review from R C (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is an excellent nursery, professional and caring staff, great activities and healthy meals. Our three children are so happy here and nothing is ever too much trouble. We have tried another nursery before this and Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin is by far the best. It is such a big decision to make and
we are so happy with it.

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Review from Matthew C (Father of Child) published on 6 March 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife and I have both said it was the best decision moving our son to Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin. The staff are excellent and the nursery is such a happy environment for children to play and learn. We are very happy with the nursery as a whole and would recommend to other parents.

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Review from O D (Mother of Child) published on 22 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We continue to be really satisfied with Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin. Our son benefits from the care of the wonderful staff who have helped him grow and develop over the last year. Every day brings something new for the children as the staff plan great learning and fun activities often inspired by particular
themes. The staff are very in tune with my son and are quick to flag subtle changes in him they observe as he learns and grows. The reports we receive are extremely detailed and it gives my husband and I such great comfort to know our boy is being so well looked after and is so happy at nursery.

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Review from Nicola R (Grandmother of Child) published on 6 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My grandson has been attending this nursery for the last two years. The ladies in his class (owls) are incredibly kind and helpful. They give feedback each day as to what he has spent the day doing and what he has eaten etc. They structure each day with lots of activities and teach the children their
letters etc. They organised a lovely Nativity play. The staff from all the classes know all the children and always greet them in a very friendly way as do the office staff. My grandson really enjoys going and looks forward to it.
It is a very warm and caring nursery and I would recommend.

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Review from B S (Mother of Child) published on 6 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Toad Hall is a fantastic nursery, and our daughter really enjoys being there. She always has a huge smile on her face at pick-up and can't wait to tell me about all the activities she has done that day. The staff are so welcoming and caring. Everyone says hello to us in the corridors, even staff not
in our daughter's room. The office staff are efficient, very helpful and always happy to discuss any concerns. Our key worker keeps us up to date with new skills they are working on and always supports and continues milestones we are developing at home. The rooms are bright, welcoming and very clean. There are always fun and interactive activities laid out that vary each day.

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Review from Chris L (Father of Child) published on 3 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been so happy with the care and development that Toad Hall has given our daughter over the last three years. The staff are all attentive and caring and the nursery itself is well equipped for all types of play. In all the rooms; Hedgehogs, Little Toads and Owls she has had amazing teachers and
she will be sad to leave them in September.

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Review from L M (Mother of Child) published on 22 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter started in October and we have been beyond happy with how she has settled! The staff in her room are so kind and seem to have such beautiful bonds with the children. The communication with us at the end of the day has been excellent, we get told about her day and eating and sleeping etc.
The staff always seem so available to discuss anything.

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Review from Shauna S (Mother of Child) published on 10 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been so happy with the standard of care, educational provision and support since our daughter has gone to preschool at Toad Hall.
Our daughter is learning the basics of phonics and number skills, which will prepare her for reception in a nurturing and supportive framework.
The staff genuinely
care about the welfare and development of my daughter and support her in any way they can. This comes from the top down as the management is always supportive of us as a family.
The facilities, since being refurbished, are more spacious and allowed the children more space to play. There are always different themes and stations to keep the children engaged, such as bee week and nation authors week.
Overall, we are more than happy with the facilities and provision of the preschool at Toad Hall.

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Review from D G (Father of Child) published on 11 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Toad Hall Nursery is a wonderful nursery and fantastic environment for children. The staff are all excellent at their jobs and are brilliant with the children. Everything that makes their experience at the nursery a good one is down to them. They are attentive and extremely accommodating to all parents,
particularly for those who may be slightly more high maintenance. There is never anything that is too far for the team. The activities, food and feedback loop are all well planned and thought out. We love that the team will accommodate requests around the children. If their diet, nappies, medicine or other elements are often needing a change. They are brilliant at integrating this. The communication is outstanding. They do a wonderful job of making you feel heard and understood as a parent.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.757)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.757) 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 21 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 21 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 4.776 for Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin is calculated as follows: ( (194 Excellents x 5) + (49 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 246 Ratings = 4.776

  • 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 4.981 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin is based on 21 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. 21 Positive Reviews ÷ 21.4 = 0.981

  • 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)

Top 20 Large Nursery Groups 2023

Recipient: Toad Hall Nursery Group

Date: Friday 28 Apr 2023 More details

Action for Children - Menu Checker

Recipient: Toad Hall Nursery Group

Date: Sunday 18 Oct 2020 More details

Soil association Food for life Silver award

Recipient: Toad Hall Nursery Group

Date: Wednesday 19 Aug 2020 More details

News (0) & Events (0)

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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.

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