Holly House Day Nursery

Mayfield Avenue, Walkden, Salford, Manchester M28 3JF
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9.8 33 Reviews
  • Holly House Day Nursery, Manchester
Holly House Day Nursery’s Holiday Club has now launched, please contact the team or scan the QR code in the photo section for more information.

Holly House Day Nursery and Holiday Club offers a homely environment conveniently located close to Walkden town centre. Holly House provides quality and inspirational learning for children up to five years old.

A nurturing and caring environment is provided where everyone feels welcome and valued in their own right. Holly House has established an enviable reputation for delivering a high-quality childcare service and this is recognised by both parents and Ofsted.

Holly House was acquired by family owned Head Start Nursery Group in December 2022 but has been operating for over 20 years. The nursery has three main rooms, each specialised for 3 age groups; babies, toddlers and pre-school.

The children are cared for in a stimulating environment where each child can reach their full potential. Children are actively encouraged to explore, learn, communicate and interact with one another.

Holly House is very proud of its staff who you will find are enthusiastic, dedicated and highly qualified and this is what makes the nursery so special.

The outdoor area is extensive allowing for plenty of freedom and exploration.

There is also an open door policy to ensure there is effective communication at all times between the nursery and parents/carers.

Staff would love to show you around their wonderful nursery.

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Care Provided by Holly House Day Nursery

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

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Head Start Nursery Group
  • Person in charge
  • Melissa Heywood (Owner)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 30
  • Total Places for Children
  • 120
  • 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 & 1 week at Christmas

Funding & Fees Guide for Holly House Day Nursery

  • NEW EASTER HOLIDAY CLUB 7TH - 11TH APRIL 2025 - Please get in touch or scan the QR code in the photo section.
  • Parking

  • Vehicular access is via Mayfield Avenue and there is additional pedestrian access via the High Street Walkden.


Holly House Day Nursery Reviews (33)

Total of 33, showing 21-33
9.8

Holly House Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.811) out of 10, based on 22 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Holly House Day Nursery has 33 reviews.

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Review from Laura S (Mother of Child) published on 21 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been at Holly House for the past 9 months and loves her days there - she gets to do lots of painting, play in the nursery garden, sing and dance, listen to stories, and learn about other cultures.
I can tell she's come a long way with her learning since starting at the nursery - She's
become much better at stringing words together, counting and recognizing numbers, and imaginative play, and her confidence when approaching other children has improved massively.
The daily updates and messaging on the app are great. And it's always nice to see pictures of activities the kids have been doing that week. They're also great for ideas of things to do at home! Staff are also very quick to inform parents of any important updates or reports of illness.
The food menu is varied and nutritious and staff are always super welcoming in the morning and at pick-up.
Overall, very happy with our choice of nursery and our daughter really enjoys her days at Holly House.

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Review from Claire K (Mother of Child) published on 12 January 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our baby joined this nursery 4 months ago. All the staff are so loving and caring towards her. They are very nurturing and give her cuddles whenever needed. I love all the activities they carry out with her - she's come home with lots of nice artwork since joining - I love the photos they send to us
too on the app.
The only thing I don't like is the parking but that's probably my fault as I'm terrible at maneuvers!

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Review from Rachael R (Mother of Child) published on 17 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our Son attended Holly House Day Nursery for three years. The staff were wonderful and became our extended family. They were a wonderful support especially as early on my little boy was diagnosed with a cows milk allergy. They were already aware of the milk ladder and were so supportive and introduced
delicious home cooked food. All staff are so caring and attentive, this shows as each child runs in each morning ready for more exciting adventures. The nursery has such a homely feel and the owners in particular are very attentive and make sure our children are well provided for in a safe clean environment. The staff go above and beyond. They recognise how difficult it can be especially as a working mum. They work hard to make memories and involve us as parents too. I can never thank you all enough for helping my little boy grow. We will miss you all! Thanks

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Review from H G (Grandmother of Child) published on 18 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My granddaughter (2 years old) loves her days at Holly House Day Nursery and because her speech has developed so well since being there she can tell us all about what she does, what she eats, play and learning activities etc. Recently she became unwell and the staff were brilliant with her, recognising
something wasn't quite right, escalating it to the appropriate people and reassuring her along the way. She needed a check over by a doctor and he was very impressed with the Staff members account, she had written it all down so Mum and Dad could pass on exactly what happened. Granddaughter is fine and returned to nursery the following day.

Reply from Clare Nash, Owner at Holly House Day Nursery

Thank you for your feedback. It was delightful to receive such an honest and heartfelt review.


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Review from S G (Mother of Child) published on 18 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter absolutely adores going to Holly House Day Nursery! She has created close bonds with the staff and her development and learning has come on leaps and bounds since attending.
Yesterday she became quite unwell at nursery and I could not fault the staff with not only their initial response
but their follow up as well. The doctor even commented on the level of detail in the statement provided which helped immensely with her assessment.
I would highly recommend Holly House!

Reply from Clare Nash, Owner at Holly House Day Nursery

Thank you Steff, your kind words are much appreciated and reflect the professionalism and dedication of the staff.


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Review from A A (Father of Child) published on 1 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

Had many serious issues with this nursery.
My son has experienced trauma at an early age and has resulting attachment issues. I made this clear on visiting and enrolment. They moved my son to a new room with no transition or prior warning. He was coming out with wet pants most days. Also coming out
with his lunch round his face (at 4 pm) and his spare clothes and shoes were lost, bottles broken more than once. Raised issues with the staff who then claimed they were unaware of his special needs.
Asked to see the new room but told due to covid we couldn’t. Windows and doors were blocked specifically so we couldn’t see in. My son became more and more distressed when being taken in.
Eventually, after kicking up a further complaint, they instead referred me to social services after I ‘manhandled’ my son (aka held him tight crossing the road while he had a tantrum. The report was thrown immediately out on screening by the Council - however not after great distress for us. Avoid.

Reply from Clare Nash, Owner at Holly House Day Nursery

We would direct any interested parties to our most recent Ofsted report dated October 2021 for an independent assessment of the provision at Holly House.


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Review from Allana C (Mother of Child) published on 5 January 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

Absolute terrible nursery. The staff are lazy and leave the little ones in dirty nappies for hours. The manager's attitude is disgusting. She is really unapproachable. Don’t cross them or they will ring social services on you. This has been done to several parents. Stay clear.

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Review from T A (Mother of Child) published on 1 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Last year, when our daughter was 8 months old and having trouble with repeat head injuries at her previous nursery, Holly House was quick to take her on board. They helped her to learn to trust again, make friends, and blossom back into the happy smiley little girl she was.
She has come a long way
and really thrived at Holly House; having been given the chance to develop on her own terms she is quickly becoming a chatty, independent little girl with a great interest in everything around her. Her care staff are always really helpful and knowledgeable about her day and behaviours; she is very fond of them all.
We couldn’t imagine her being elsewhere.

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Review from Adam (Father of Child) published on 1 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It has been wonderful to see our boy's development, supported by the nursery. He returns home happy, with lots of stories to tell.


Through discussion with him, we learnt about all the activities undertaken; how proud he has been to gain rewards he has been given for contributions to class; and we

have a wall full of the art and craft he has created.


Our interactions with staff have been positive too - we felt included in his care, and listened to on the occasions we have had queries or suggestions.


I'm sure many parents feel the same about their kids, but we see ours as a person who likes to push his own boundaries of knowledge, and is older than his years. We are grateful for the flexibility of the staff in helping him develop in a way specific to himself as an individual, rather than just as a generic child.


I would also like to thank management for their care, flexibility, and 'on the ground' kind of interest in our son.


Much recommended nursery.


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Review from L C (Mother of Child) published on 1 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since my child started when 7 months old, my child has a clear bond with all the teachers, is happy going to nursery and as a result is excelling very quickly. I can see from the photos I receive on the tapestry app that all the various topics they teach include participation in exciting activities.
I get regular written and verbal feedback.


My child particularly seems to be a big fan of the food as when seeing the cook says ‘yummy’! It always seems to be healthy and have catered really well to my child’s allergies.


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Review from Dave B (Father of Child) published on 30 November 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son started at Holly House just before his 2nd birthday. We had concerns over his speech, listening and play in general. Our worries have been allayed thanks to all at Holly House!
- Play plans helped our play with him, and help him learn how to play and develop his social skills. Communication
over the play plans and their importance helped us understand their benefit and assured us of the nursery's commitment to our boy.
- The introductory period really helped our son settle, and lessened any fears we had as to how he would settle
- Staff in Elms have been brilliant! So understanding of his limitations with speech they have helped him communicate in different wants, while also helping him to improve his speech. Their bond is lovely and it's heartwarming to see.
- Communication throughout the day, on his eating, sleeping etc, on the portal is fantastic, as are the regular updates from the nursery on what activities the children are doing.
We're delighted with Holly House!!

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Review from Stacey B (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my children went to Holly House and both absolutely loved their time here. The staff are friendly and approachable. We never had any problems in the 4-5 years we used the nursery. Would highly recommend it to others!

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Review from James E (Father of Child) published on 21 October 2015
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son started in March this year in Nursery and now attends breakfast club as he has moves to a School Nursery now.
The development he had whilst at Holly House has been brilliant, his confidence levels, his speech, social interaction have all improved dramatically since being at Holly House.
It a well run, well organised, well staffed provision with staff that really care about what they do no matter what their job is in the organisation and the children that attend. We would highly recommend this resource to any parent, whether it be nursery, pre or post school clubs or holidays we have used them all and they are all excellent.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.811)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.811) out of 10 for Holly House 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 22 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 22 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 4.894 for Holly House Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (239 Excellents x 5) + (20 Goods x 4) + (4 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 263 Ratings = 4.894

  • 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 4.917 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Holly House Day Nursery is based on 22 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 120 number of registered child places is 24. 22 Positive Reviews ÷ 24 = 0.917

  • 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 (0)

There are currently no awards/recognitions posted yet for Holly House Day Nursery

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Meet the Team (1)

Melissa

Melissa Heywood

Job Title: Owner

Joined: 2022

Melissa has over 20 years’ experience in childcare and education and owns another nursery in Prestwich, Manchester. Melissa acquired Holly House in Dec 2022.


Melissa has an honours degree in Childhood Studies and is an Early Years Teacher. Her qualifications teamed with her managerial experience equip her with vast knowledge in all aspects of care, education and development of young children.


Melissa's belief is that to deliver high quality care and education that all children deserve, is down to meaningful play opportunities in a stimulating environment surrounded by staff who are attentive and care.


Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Holly House Day Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Holly House Day Nursery has an Enhanced Service – more info.