Little Willows Kindergarten

Joicey Road, Low Fell, Gateshead NE9 5AT
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9.9 133 Reviews
  • Little Willows Kindergarten, Gateshead
Little Willows Kindergarten in Gateshead provides quality care and learning for children up to the age of five years in a caring, loving and safe environment. Staff strive to provide the highest standards of care and aim to support children through every stage of their early years development. All staff members are qualified or working towards a qualification.

The nursery is located in a purpose-built setting with a light and spacious atmosphere. There is an in-house kitchen where nutritionally balanced food is prepared for the children every day. All food is freshly cooked and the nursery does not serve convenient fried food.

Children can explore their outdoor environment in the nursery’s secure playground, which also has a fun natural adventure area.

Care Provided by Little Willows Kindergarten

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

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Tanya Vadhera
  • Person in charge
  • Vicky Rounthwaite (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 17
  • 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 & Christmas
  • Parking
  • The nursery have ample parking behind the building.


Little Willows Kindergarten Reviews (133)

Total of 133, showing 21-40
9.9

Little Willows Kindergarten has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.871) out of 10, based on 39 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Little Willows Kindergarten has 133 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has attended Little Willows Kindergarten since she was 9 months old (she is now 3.5). The staff have always been friendly, extremely caring and flexible to meet her needs. My daughter has been settled and felt very much at home since the beginning. The nursery has made such a positive impact
on my daughter's development and increased her confidence. I feel reassured that when I drop her off at the nursery door she is in very safe and caring hands. I wholeheartedly recommend Little Willows Kindergarten to any parents seeking a nurturing childcare environment that will provide the very best start for your child.

Reply from Vicky Rounthwaite, Nursery Manager at Little Willows Kindergarten

Thank you for recommending us so highly! We are so pleased to hear how happy you are with Little Willows!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Lovely nursery with a lovely team! Very happy to have my kids go there. They do a wide range of activities to help with their learning and development.
I would have them in more government funding, as in other countries!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our little boy has been so happy at Little Willows and has made a real connection with his key workers, as well as the other support staff. We can see the staff really care about the children and they know them in great detail, which has given us real piece of mind while we're at work. We love to see
pictures of the children on their excursions to the park, care home, or fruit shop and we know this is helping our little boy to develop excellent social skills, as well as getting to know his community which is so nice! We would wholeheartedly recommend Little Willows to others in the area.

Reply from Vicky Rounthwaite, Nursery Manager at Little Willows Kindergarten

It is so good to hear that as parents you have peace of mind leaving your son with us. It is one of our favourite things to get the children out and about in the local community, the children always have so much fun. Thank you for your review!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We have had a lovely experience with Little Willows so far. My child has made some very special connections with his key people and enjoys the range of activities and meals supported by the nursery setting. My child needed some extra care when starting the nursery last year due to illness and they could
not have been more supportive of his care and communication with myself.
Everyone is so friendly and welcoming.

Reply from Vicky Rounthwaite, Nursery Manager at Little Willows Kindergarten

We are pleased to hear that your experience has been lovely with us! Thank you for your review!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Lovely nursery with a lovely team! Very happy to have my kids go there. They do a wide range of activities to help with their learning and development.


I would have them in more of government funding was like other countries!


Reply from Vicky Rounthwaite, Nursery Manager at Little Willows Kindergarten

We are glad you are happy to have your children with us and that you think so nicely of the staffing team. Thank you for your review!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Best nursery I have used! They try to do everything they can to support you and your child's needs! I was worried about looking for a new nursery for my autistic daughter but after meeting the staff and seeing what they had to offer it was a no-brainer. Can't thank them enough for all the effort they
put in to support her. Highly recommend!

Reply from Vicky, Nursery Manager at Little Willows Kindergarten

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive setting, meeting all of our children's needs the best we can, but it is so good to hear it from 1 of our parents first hand! Thank you for your review.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending Little Willows for the past 3 years and absolutely loves it! The staff are all fantastic, so friendly, caring and attentive. They always provide a wide variety of activities throughout the day, lots of different crafts, storytelling and importantly plenty of outdoor play. My
son is always so excited to tell me what he's been up to that day, or what crafts he's made. Staff management are brilliant at regularly sending out comms to keep parents updated. They also invite parents into the nursery frequently to participate in sessions or events which we love!

Reply from Vicky, Nursery Manager at Little Willows Kindergarten

It's always lovely to hear how happy our families are with our nursery and how excited the children are to share at home about how they have filled their day! We look forward to having our parents in for more stay and plays in the New Year.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I could not recommend Little Willows enough! My son skips in with a huge smile on his face and walks out at the end of the day telling me all about the lovely things he's been getting up to. The staff are extremely friendly and make you feel secure leaving your child in their care.

Reply from Vicky, Nursery Manager at Little Willows Kindergarten

It makes us all so happy to hear how happy the children are coming into Little Willows. Its so good to know that our parents feel secure leaving their precious little ones with us too! Thank you for your review!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I'm so pleased I chose this nursery for my little boy. He's been going for nearly a year now and absolutely loves it. The staff are amazing, they're so caring, always so happy and my son has an amazing bond with them all. My little boy has come on so much and I have the staff to thank for that. The
food he has from there is great and they cater to his allergies. I am always kept well informed of what he's been up to, what he's had to eat, any naps and nappy changes, they also upload photos of him which is lovely to see.

Reply from Vicky, Nursery Manager at Little Willows Kindergarten

We are so pleased you chose us for your child care. It has been lovely seeing your son develop and settle into nursery life, we look forward to watching him grow as he moves further through Little Willows.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have used Little Willows for our children for over 4 years and they are excellent. We receive regular updates on the app including photos of what they have been doing and can see they have been doing a range of activities. All of the staff and are friendly, approachable and answer queries quickly.
We had great support with our eldest child who has special educational needs and Little Willows supported us in obtaining his education, health and care plan and appropriate school placement for starting reception. Highly recommened!

Reply from Vicky, Nursery Manager at Little Willows Kindergarten

We are so pleased to have you all as part of our Willows family! It was a pleasure to be part of your eldest son's journey and to provide the support he needed. Thank you for choosing Little Willows.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Little Willows since January 2023 when she was 1yr old. I couldn't fault the nursery or staff, they are always friendly and helpful and ready to answer any questions. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the nursery to other parents and wouldn't send my daughter anywhere else.

Reply from Vicky, Nursery Manager at Little Willows Kindergarten

We wouldn't want you to take her anywhere else, she is a treat to look after and we can't wait to see her grow on her next Little Willows adventure.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little girl started at Little Willows Kindergarten five months ago and I couldn't be more pleased with the care and feedback on her development. Despite being quite shy, she managed to integrate easily and quickly, which speaks volumes about the nurturing environment provided by the nursery.
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staff are always attentive and provide feedback and support whenever needed. Their dedication and attentiveness have made a significant difference in my daughter's confidence and happiness. I highly recommend the nursery to any parent looking for a caring and supportive nursery for their child.

Reply from Vicky, Nursery Manager at Little Willows Kindergarten

Thank you so much for your kind words about the staff and the nursery. We are so pleased you chose Little Willows for your child care.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Overall really good experience, very friendly staff who do a brilliant job at caring and developing the children and a great nursery with a lot to offer.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We were nervous about sending our child to nursery as he has complex dietary needs (allergies and intolerances). The staff worked hard to talk us through their procedures and we came up with a plan so that our child is well catered for and we can all monitor his food.
The staff in his room are all
absolutely lovely and have really put us at ease about leaving him with them. We're happy to have chosen Little Willows.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very happy with the nursery and the care my daughter receives. They respond to her needs well and support her. She can be very shy so being able to be in a place she feels safe is good. The only negative I can give is I wish I received more pictures of her day, I would like to see her interacting and
playing with her friends.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery offers a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for children. The rooms are bright and colourful, filled with a variety of educational toys and learning materials providing plenty of opportunities for physical activity and exploration.
The staff are truly outstanding. They are not only
highly qualified and experienced but are also incredibly caring and attentive. I cannot thank them enough. My child feels comfortable and loved, which speaks volumes about the nurturing atmosphere the staff create. Communication with parents is amazing; we receive regular updates through a dedicated app and when dropping off and picking up.
My child engages in a variety of activities, from arts and crafts to music and storytelling, which have greatly contributed to her cognitive and social development.
Meals are well thought out, varied and nutritious with all dietary requirements taken into account.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wednesday when I tell my little girl it's time to go to nursery she jumps out of bed. No messing about like other days. It's her favourite time of the week.
The staff are amazing and we love each one that we've met and have worked in the different rooms.
A special shout out to four staff members who
have all been my child's key workers and she's loved you all.
If you want a nursery that will look after your children like you work and encourage their development into wonderful humans then this is the nursery for you.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I wholeheartedly recommend this nursery to any parent seeking a nurturing and enriching early learning experience for their child. From the moment we stepped through the door, it was evident that the team’s dedication to the children’s well-being is second to none. Their warm smiles and genuine care
instantly put both my child and me at ease. My son looks forward to each day at the nursery, and I am grateful for the positive impact the staff have had on his development.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our little man started at nursery full-time at six months old and has been there for almost four months now. He has absolutely loved every second of it.
The staff there have been so attentive to him, encouraging his interests and providing us with detailed updates at the end of the day. He looks forward
to going every day and loves the singing, music, and daily activities that keep him interested.
He is EBF and Little Willows have been very supportive in managing this challenge which has been reassuring.
We’ve been so grateful for the support from Little Willows and would recommend!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Grandson started at Little Willows Kindergarten in April and has already made great progress. The staff are amazing, so friendly, caring and helpful and he already adores being with them. He loves being outside and the nursey has fantastic outdoor space for him to play, grow and learn. The indoor
space is light, spacious and well equipped to support his development. He also enjoys a wide varied array of meals. We couldn't be happier. I would recommend Little Willows Kindergarten to everyone.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.871)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.871) out of 10 for Little Willows Kindergarten 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 39 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 39 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 4.871 for Little Willows Kindergarten is calculated as follows: ( (408 Excellents x 5) + (56 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 466 Ratings = 4.871

  • 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 Little Willows Kindergarten is based on 39 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, which has been reached with 39 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.

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Meet the Team (1)

Tanya

Tanya

Job Title: Director

Hello, my name is Tanya.
I am the nursery director. I predominantly manage the 'business side' of things. However, I do love to spend time with our children and watch them grow.
I love spending each day with my Banana Moon family :)