Willows Farm Day Nursery

Willows Activity Farm, Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans AL4 0PF
Submit a Review
9.3 86 Reviews
  • Willows Farm Day Nursery, St Albans
Fresh air, nature-based play and farm animals are aplenty at Willows Farm Day Nursery and Pre-School, set amidst the grounds of Willows Activity Farm.

The modern, purpose-built day nursery is split into four rooms (based on the children’s age). As children become toddlers, they enjoy free flow access to large private nursery and pre-school gardens. And as you would expect being based at Willows Activity Farm, one of the daily highlights are supervised visits to the farm attraction’s outdoor play and animal barn.

Throughout the week and seasons, the activities vary. Children enjoy weekly pony grooming sessions, hatch ducklings for the farm’s duck pond and get extra close during the lambing season.   

This is in addition to weekly French lessons and weekly forest schools, which help develop children’s five senses. The wide range of activities give children numerous rich learning experiences, both indoor and outside.

The Nursery was also proud when they updated their teaching ethos to ‘Planning in the Moment’ in 2019. The child-led teaching builds upon a child’s natural interest in an activity and fits well with the Early Years Framework.

The nursery cares for children aged from six weeks to five-years-old with staff working in partnership with parents and guardians to ensure they are happy, healthy and ready for mainstream school.

Tours are available daily for prospective parents, however, the Nursery also usually opens on the first Saturday of each month for tours. Please see the website for details and how to pre-book tours.

Show Willows Farm Day Nursery on the Map

Care Provided by Willows Farm Day Nursery

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Lucy Nicholson (Senior Childcare Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 70
  • Total Places for Children
  • 188
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 2 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 Willows Farm Day Nursery

  • Full-day session: 7:30 am - 6:30 pm
    Morning session: 7:30 am - 1:00 pm
    Afternoon session: 1:00 pm - 6:30 pm

  • Each situation is different and bespoke to your childcare needs. To find out more about our fees, please do get in touch so we are able to build a profile and give you a breakdown of what we believe best suits your child’s needs.

Willows Farm Day Nursery Reviews (86)

Total of 86, showing 1-20
9.3

Willows Farm Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.3 (9.319) out of 10, based on 27 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Willows Farm Day Nursery has 86 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 77
  • 6
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1

Date Published

86
16
21
27
59

Review from Naomi P (Aunt of Child) published on 18 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wow, My first time visiting the setting to collect my niece, what can I say,
I was welcomed by one of the management team who introduced me to the setting ensured all safeguarding procedures were followed, asking who I was and the relation to the child, after the initial meet, I then met another member
of management who was also very welcoming and professional. Both members of staff showed me to the room, giving me a tour of the whole setting, all I can say is WOW what a lovely environment and atmosphere to work in with children. All staff were happy to be at work and all children were happy, really enjoyed the time spent dropping off my niece and could suggest any parent is in safe hands.
Outstanding performance on their own sensory room and daily trips to the farm, never experienced before
What a team!

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from A L (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great nursery with lots of outdoor learning and play opportunities. Friendly and approachable staff. Always make a conscious effort to inform parents of how their child is getting on. My children enjoy their time at the nursery.
Would highly recommend this nursery.

Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review. We are really glad your children are enjoying their time with us at Willows.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from N G (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All the staff in toddlers are so loving and caring to my daughter. They put on great activities and really make sure that she is happy and thriving. They also put great events on for nursery kids which they love.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Kirsty P (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely nursery with lots of out doors time which is what we wanted. Staff are kind and compassionate. Overall we are very happy and most of all our children seem happy attending. Kids have lots of fun.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from A L (Mother of Child) published on 13 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have seen our son A has grown so much over the last year since he joined at 11 months. As a review the last year...
Our son A is absolutely loving pre toddlers and when he arrives each morning for nursery we get a 'yay' in the car. The team at pre-tods are wonderful with A and have adapted the learning
based on what my son needs instead of basing it on what all the children need, as every little one is different. Thank you to A's amazing key worker.
There have naturally been challenges and I appreciate the management team and the Pre Tods leader, for replying to our concerns or wanting any help or just time to answer questions.
Nursery is a big trust for parents to leave their little ones there. We are so happy and can't thank you enough. Can't believe he moves to toddlers within the next months...

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Patricia C (Mother of Child) published on 13 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We could not be happier, our child loves it here. Really happy with the setting and enjoy going to the farm and have lovely activities in the nursery for children. We are really pleased with the progress.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Andriana M (Mother of Child) published on 24 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our little one started in September 2024 and absolutely loves it, he has created such lovely bonds with the ladies. Everyone at Willow's Farm Nursery is so friendly and welcoming. The updates are great and we enjoy the photos on the app.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from G R (Mother of Child) published on 30 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing facilities and incredible staff who make it what it is. We love how much time our son gets to spend outdoors and he loves going in the tractor plus feeding the animals. He's learnt so much from attending willows and we look forward to next year.

Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day Nursery

Thank you for your review. It is great to hear all the fun your son is having at Willows.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Lucy T (Mother of Child) published on 25 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very pleased with the nursery and pre school. One of the reasons we choose willows is for the farm and outdoors as my child loves being outside. Over all we love willows and glad we chose it for our child.

Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day Nursery

Thank you for your review, we love to hear your children are enjoy attending Willows.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from E E (Mother of Child) published on 25 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely, friendly environment and amazing resources. My child has thrived since starting at Willows nursery. The staff are always happy to answer questions and offer support. Management have been brilliant with myself and my child. Very understanding and welcoming.

Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day Nursery

Thank you for your review. I am really glad to hear you and your child are enjoying attending Willows.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Anna H (Mother of Child) published on 25 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been delighted with this nursery for our daughter, who started age 1 and has thrived in this lively, caring environment over the past two years. The staff are brilliant, the location is wonderful for children and we are so pleased we picked it.

Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day Nursery

Thank you for your review. It's lovely to hear you have enjoyed your time with us at Willows.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from J L (Father of Child) published on 25 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My ever increasing child's development can be seen quite literally on a daily basis and this is all down to the staff at Willows nursery. Their care, devotion and willingness to guide these kids has no bounds.

Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day Nursery

Thank you for your review. Thank you again for your kind feedback regarding our team. The staff enjoy being with your wonderful children.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from C L (Mother of Child) published on 12 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our girls have a great time each day. Especially trips on Tristan the tractor! The staff are lovely and they have lots of fun playing all day. Our oldest in pre-school comes home with lots of stories and has made lots of nice friends.

Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day Nursery

Thank you for your feedback. It's wonderful to hear your children are having a lovely time at Willows.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Laura M (Mother of Child) published on 4 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started at Willows Nursery in January, and our first months in the babies' room were less than ideal. As a first-time mother, I was anxious and needed reassurance, but communication felt generic and disorganized. Photo updates were rare, and I assumed this was the norm. My daughter seemed
content, but I wasn't satisfied. With changes to management and staff, I decided to wait and see. Everything changed when she moved to the pre-toddlers room. The team there is amazing-welcoming and communicative. Her key worker Lauren is incredibly attentive, sharing regular updates and showing genuine care for my daughter's development. I feel so much more at ease now, and the daily photos are a joy to share with family abroad. What started as a rocky experience has become one where I feel fully confident in the care she receives. The pre-toddler team and the nursery manager deserve all the praise for turning things around!

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from Shauna H (Mother of Child) published on 28 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We love Willows. It was our favourite nursery out of all those around Highfield Park. They have a lovely big open room with lots of toys and activities, an outdoor area with more activities, and the farm and soft play next door. Plus they're surrounded by fields and countryside! Our daughter has had
some great days at Willows. The team are all lovely, so caring and engaged, and they've really connected with our daughter. She's a little more introverted than the average baby, so we were worried at the start, but they listened to us and took their time with her, and by the end of the first week, she was happily sleeping there and loving all the food! The team are great at recording her sleep, food, etc on the app. And they matched our routine from day one, adapting it over time as she shifted to one nap. They've been so supportive and warm, and have been a big help to us first-time parents. Plus, our kid is just so happy going in in the morning, and grins when she sees them, she loves it.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from P M (Father of Child) published on 25 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Willows Farm Nursery is an amazing place for children, my daughter started there in the baby room aged 14 months, on to Pre-Toddlers and then to Toddler room where she is now. All the rooms are brilliant and so to are the carers, I get feedback after each day and updates on their app. They work on achieving
key educational milestones and take the children on trips to Willows Farm and Soft Play. My daughter often won't let me do her hair in the morning saying she wants it done by two of her carers (cheeky but love that!), she genuinely gets excited in the car on nursery days. I would highly recommend Willows Farm Nursery to all.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from R Z (Mother of Child) published on 10 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My son had a great experience at Willows Farm Day Nursery. He started in 2021 joining pre-toddlers. The staff at both the nursery and preschool I highly recommend. So great for them to experience the outdoors and go to the farm. 10/10.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from James G (Father of Child) published on 26 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great staff. Always been good with all three of our kids. The key worker for our youngest is excellent, mixing fun and learning really well. The facilities are excellent and the opportunity to enjoy the farm is unique.

Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review. We are so glad to hear how wonderful your journey has been with us at Willows Farm Day Nursery with your three children. We take great pride in our experiences with the farm and the children's learning.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from S V (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

My son has a great time at Willows Farm. He enjoys the outdoor time and is always excited to go. The organisation and communication between his key workers, his progress and photo updates have been really average. I would like more communication about changes to staff, updates on his learning and photos
of his day more often through email, at pick-up or in the app. I hope this is something that will be improved in future.

Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day Nursery

Thank you for your review. We really appreciate your feedback and will look to make some changes to our communication processes when sharing feedback with parents.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Review from L F (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff are all lovely, kind and caring. They have provided great support from my son since he started as a baby. I love that children get regular opportunities to explore the farm setting, including seeing lambs in spring. The opportunities for parents to come into setting for special events are brilliant
to bridge the gap between nursery and home.

Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day Nursery

Thank you for your wonderful review. We are so glad to hear how lovely our staff have been supporting your son since starting with us at Willow Farm Day Nursery. We enjoy and take great honour in promoting our nursery events that include parents, this has helped create a lovely parent partnership with the team.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Current Review Score: 9.3 (9.319)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.3 (9.319) out of 10 for Willows Farm Day Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 27 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.7 out of 5 from 25 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 4.654 for Willows Farm Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (248 Excellents x 5) + (55 Goods x 4) + (12 Satisfactorys x 3) + (3 Poors x 2) + (6 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 324 Ratings = 4.654

  • 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 4.665 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Willows Farm Day Nursery is based on 25 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 188 number of registered child places is 37.6. 25 Positive Reviews ÷ 37.6 = 0.665

  • 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 (1)

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Meet the Team (1)

Lucy

Lucy Nicholson

Job Title: Senior Childcare Manager

Hi, I’m Lucy Nicholson, Senior Childcare Manager of Willows Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School! Our Day Nursery offers childcare full of discovery and rich learning experiences, with the daily opportunity to meet the farm animals and enjoy forest school sessions in the great outdoors. We are located in the heart of the countryside of St. Albans, where we provide our children with the best in early year’s education and learn through the ‘Planning in the moment’ child-led teaching approach.


Frequently Asked Questions about Willows Farm Day Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Willows Farm Day Nursery accepts?

Willows Farm Day Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 2 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Willows Farm Day Nursery Open?

Willows Farm 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 Willows Farm Day Nursery have capacity for?

Willows Farm Day Nursery has capacity for a total of 188 Children.

How far is Willows Farm Day Nursery to the centre of St Albans?

3.5 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 Willows Farm Day Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Willows Farm Day Nursery has a Platinum Service – more info.