Willows Farm Day Nursery

Willows Activity Farm, Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans AL4 0PF
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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.

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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 61-80
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.

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Review from Colette B (Mother of Child) published on 26 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are so thrilled with Willows Farm Day Nursery. My daughter gets to explore the farm, has made loads of friends and loves her key workers. There is a family feel about this nursery, and the atmosphere from drop off to pick up is one where all staff and children are happy. Highly recommend.

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Review from Dave H (Father of Child) published on 26 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I spent a lot of time researching local nurseries and talking to other parents and after visiting Willows Farm with my mother in tow who is a retired headteacher, it was a no brainer. Willows nursery won based on their ethos, organisation and structure. The bonus is it's on a farm and they take the
children to visit an animal every day. I honestly believe the care and education she receives has helped her develop at a rate of knots. I am looking at moving to Bedfordshire and if I do we will still bring our daughter to Willows Farm. If you are a parent looking for a nursery, look no further. They have looked after my daughter since she was 6 months old and she adores her keyworkers and is absolutely thriving. I am beyond happy with our decision to choose Willows Farm Nursery.

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Review from Gabrielle R (Mother of Child) published on 20 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My child has recently just started at Willows Nursery and so far we are very pleased with our experience so far. Great communication between staff and parents, even in this difficult time. They have really helped my child settle and been understanding and caring even when he was poorly. They seem to
be building a great relationship with my child which is reassuring and makes it easier when dropping him off.

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Review from Emily S (Mother of Child) published on 20 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been part of the Willows nursery journey from September 2013 to July 2020 as both my daughters very much enjoyed their time here. It was a brand new nursery and we immediately knew it was right for us. The setting on a farm was so unique and because of this, both girls have a great love and
confidence with animals. The staff have always been amazing, such a pleasure to talk to at drop off and pick up and a lot of the ‘originals’ are still there. They continue to do more and work really hard. My children have flourished from being here and are continuing their Willows journey with the Kids Camp- it is their second home!

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Review from B F (Mother of Child) published on 20 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely wonderful. Cannot fault them. The site is amazing, the building is lovely and spacious. Even the car parking facilities are great and easy. The staff make you feel so welcome every morning, they remember your child's name and are familiar with the parents. They all greet the children as though
they are so happy to see them. Throughout the day the children seem to have so much fun. The tiered room system is fantastic and each room is packed full of activities and lovely outdoor space. They seem to go around the farm every day and every age gets to go. The staff and managers are wonderful - always happy and smiling. They cannot do enough for you and your family. We have been at Willows nursery for 5 years now and will be there for another 4 at least. We are so happy leaving our children in their care and when our youngest reaches school age, we will be sad to have to leave Willows nursery.

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Review from Mandy Z (Mother of Child) published on 20 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We can not recommend this nursery enough. Our son has been attending since he was 10 months old and thoroughly enjoys his days at nursery. During the last few months, they have gone above and beyond for our family making sure our son resettled after a period of absence and supporting him in the transition
of becoming a big brother. Staff are always welcoming and friendly. They know all the children and families by name and are extremely approachable. They know our son's next steps and ask us for regular feedback to support his development. I think when a two-year-old wakes up in the morning asking for nursery that speaks a 1000 words.

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Review from Komal A (Mother of Child) published on 20 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was quite nervous to send my daughter to nursery especially with the covid situation but Willows has been amazing, she was settled in prior to lockdown and then was off for 3 months. She quickly settled back in and Willows have been amazing and ensuring she is happy and I am reassured. She loves her
days there and she has learnt so much since joining them.

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Review from Eloise H (Mother of Child) published on 20 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has attended Willows since he was one and we cannot fault it. He loves it and the staff seem to adore him, which makes us feel very confident that he is in the right place. They are always accommodating and willing to go the extra mile to help him and teach him.

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Review from Nikki (Mother of Child) published on 20 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely fantastic nursery, my daughter has been going there for 6 months now and she absolutely loves it. She comes home so happy every day she goes and the staff have a brilliant rapport with her. She has learnt and developed so much during her time there and they really encourage her. She loves
going to the farm. Can’t fault them in any way!

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Review from Gem E (Mother of Child) published on 8 November 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We moved our three-year-old daughter from another nursery. We were so blown away by the professionalism and warmth of the staff at Willows, right from the initial look around to setting up the account with admin, carefully co-ordinating the settling in sessions. You really feel that everybody that works
there, cares about what they do and your child and you. Our daughter settled so quickly and literally begs us each day to stay there longer. What impresses me most is the way that they do everything they can to accommodate your needs and be flexible where they can, which as a parent is massively important and very much appreciated. We enrolled our younger son into there pre-toddlers room too and love the way there are things like Heartbeeps for the little ones to enjoy in addition to the regular farm visits. We wouldn’t want our kids to go anywhere else, and I feel there is no other nursery that offers what Willows does. It is a truly special place, and I will be sad when my kids leave.

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Review from Grace D (Mother of Child) published on 7 November 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A unique and special nursery, the new pre-school managerial team is fantastic, they’ve brought the school to a whole other level.
I have a little girl who skips in happy every morning. I have every faith and trust in them to look after our daughter to an exceptional standard.

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Review from Rhiannon E (Mother of Child) published on 4 July 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I really like Willow Farm nursery - my first and only child attends here and I was so nervous about leaving her somewhere. They made me feel very reassured and I love the little extras, like farm visits and photo progress sheets of my daughter. The facilities are excellent and the staff are all very
friendly welcoming and seem to genuinely care about the children.

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Review from Kavin (Father of Child) published on 13 February 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son loves Willows Farm Nursery. All the staff are great, he has been going since he was one and he is three now, just moving into preschool. They make the transition easy and comfortable. Highly recommend. About to start my second little one in a few months!

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Review from Amy B (Mother of Child) published on 12 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Willows is the most amazing place for my 3 girls. I feel so privileged to be a part of it. Thank you for all that you do for my girls, they have had the best start in life. Love you all.

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Review from Gareth L (Father of Child) published on 25 October 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

An excellent facility made better by extraordinary staff. Despite a room of toddlers we are always made to feel our little girl is the only one. The level of care and kindness is exceptional and it is very well run.

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Review from Luseni D (Father of Child) published on 28 September 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

Continuing concern about one to one care and consistency of key worker engagement with the child.

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Review from R R (Mother of Child) published on 16 August 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Willows Farm Nursery for almost 1 year. She loves going to nursery and making new friends. Some carers are very special to her and this makes me think she is in the right place. I love the fact the carers encourage her particular friendships, sports, dance, singing and,
of course, the visit to the farm! She is happy, so I feel safe and happy as well.

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Review from Y L (Mother of Child) published on 10 August 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter loves coming to nursery. She has become more independent since she started here. Her vocab has grown so much. Most days I discover that she knows another word.

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Review from C M (Father of Child) published on 10 August 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very positive experience here at the nursery. We think all carers are highly friendly and our son loves attending Well done all involved

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Review from Adrian L (Father of Child) published on 10 August 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have found Willows to be the best experience for our children to learn and grow. The staff are always friendly and professional. Our children have/still love coming here and we have no issues recommending the nursery to family and friends.

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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.

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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.


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