Woodlands Nursery at Beechwood Park School

Beechwood Park School, Beechwood Park, Markyate, St Albans AL3 8AW
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10 70 Reviews
  • Woodlands Nursery at Beechwood Park School, St Albans
Beechwood Park School Nursery, Woodlands, welcomes boys and girls from rising 3 to start their educational journey.

Woodlands Nursery prides itself on being a very special place where the youngest of Beechwood Park’s children can develop their individuality, learn, grow and belong.

Woodlands Nursery’s curriculum is carefully planned and balanced to offer each pupil room for personal self-expression and choice, whilst at the same time ensuring that the key, early academic skills and knowledge are woven into the children’s day, through varied learning opportunities.

When you visit Woodlands, you will see and hear happy, busy and confident children who are encouraged to use their teachers as a learning resource, as well as their secure human relationship away from their homes.

They understand that the setting may be the first experience of education outside their family, therefore it needs to be one of fun and creativity where the well-being of the adults and children working and playing together is supported – day after day.

A Woodlander belongs to one of two parallel classes, and each has their own key teacher, focused on getting to know that child, caring for them and directing their individual learning and development in creative and fun-filled ways. The classes come together in ‘age and stage’ based groups to learn key early academic skills which are then woven into their continued play. Children are also encouraged and are free to mix, particularly when choosing their own learning and activities.

The Nursery staff team is highly trained and recognises the vital importance of building secure and happy relationships with you and your child. They care about your child and will work hard to understand their unique and individual personality, interests and needs.

Being part of School, Woodlanders have the benefit of access to facilities most nurseries are simply not able to offer.

Care Provided by Woodlands Nursery at Beechwood Park School

  • Type of Service
  • Nursery School – Privately Owned
  • Open term time
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Beechwood Park School
  • Person in charge
  • Zoe Pritchard (Head of Nursery)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 7
  • Total Places for Children
  • 40
  • Age Range
    • from 2 years 9 months
    • to 4 years 11 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 08:25-17:30
    Tuesday 08:25-17:30
    Wednesday 08:25-17:30
    Thursday 08:25-17:30
    Friday 08:25-17:30
  • When Closed
  • School Holidays (inline with school activity club)

Funding & Fees Guide for Woodlands Nursery at Beechwood Park School

  • Full Day (per day per term) - £873
    Morning (per day per term) - £612
    Additional Full Day (where available) £86.25


  • Fees quoted are per day / morning per term


  • Parking
  • Please follow signs to Woodlands Nursery, where you will find a dedicated parking area.


Woodlands Nursery at Beechwood Park School Reviews (70)

Total of 70, showing 1-20
10

Woodlands Nursery at Beechwood Park School has a Review Score of 10 (9.972) out of 10, based on 27 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Woodlands Nursery at Beechwood Park School has 70 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our twins started woodlands in September and they absolutely love it! They look forward to the days they are there and get excited about the things they are learning. The staff are incredible, so nurturing, kind and caring. We love woodlands!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are so pleased that we found Woodlands Nursery for our Son. The care, the staff, the setting and the facilities could not be better.


Our Son has learnt so much at Woodlands already in his short time here. The daily maths and phonics lessons are so beneficial and will really set the children up

well for Reception. This nursery also offers forest school and P.E lessons to the children as an added bonus.


The teachers show such enthusiasm and the regular updates through the app really help you see the hard work put in as well as a glimpse of your child's day.


Keep up the amazing work team woodlands!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wonderful Experience at Woodland Nursery! We couldn't be happier with our experience at Woodland Nursery! From the very first day, the staff made us feel welcomed and reassured, creating a warm and nurturing environment for the children. The setting is absolutely lovely-surrounded by nature, which gives
children plenty of opportunities to explore and learn through play. The activities are well-structured, engaging, and designed to encourage creativity, independence, and social skills. The teachers and staff are incredibly patient, caring, and dedicated. They truly go the extra mile to ensure each child feels safe, valued, and supported in their development. Our little one has flourished since joining, building confidence and making wonderful friendships. We highly recommend Woodland Nursery to any parent looking for a safe, fun, and enriching environment for their child. Thank you to the amazing team for all your hard work and care!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son is incredibly happy at Woodlands. The teaching staff are incredible. The way they tailor the learning to the child's interests is amazing. No day is the same and they can spend the day exploring in the woods or playing monster trucks! Our son is always excited to go!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Woodlands is a wonderful preschool. Having used a different nursery setting for our eldest child we have the benefit of knowing just how different and special Woodlands is. All of the teachers and key workers are so engaged and interested in the children, the variety of learning and physical activities
are fantastic and the setting is beautiful and spacious. Thank you Woodlands!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wonderful nursery. Excellent facilities in beautiful countryside setting. Amazing range of activities and teaching to help children reach their full potential. Caring, engaging and dynamic staff. Responsive and effective leadership. My son thoroughly enjoys his time at Woodlands and has made fantastic
progress since starting there.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Woodlands Nursery is a truly magical place for children. My son goes in eager and happy every day to see what his day at Woodlands will bring him. The setting itself is beautiful, purpose-built for little learners, surrounded by acres of idyllic green grounds and with the added additional benefit of
having a Forest School, my son thoroughly enjoys his Forest school sessions. He is inspired and engaged every day, telling me all about his adventures/activities when I collect him. There is a lovely mix of child led learning as well as structured activities. The way the staff prepare the children for reception is amazing, my son has made leaps and bounds in his speech, writing and independence since starting at Woodlands. I could not speak more highly of Woodlands and the teaching team. I would highly recommend the nursery and school and are so grateful to them.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a fantastic nursery and we were lucky to have found it. The staff are extremely attentive to the needs of every child - we were very happy to see how well they get to know our child and how well they monitor our child's progress at every stage. My child cannot wait to go to Woodlands every morning
which speaks volumes. The staff at Woodlands are professional, kind, supportive and on top of their game. Food-wise, while the food menu is very balanced and healthy, I would personally like to see less sugar desserts on the menu. (Hence giving it 4 out of 5 stars for food).

Reply from Zoe Pritchard, Head of Woodlands Nursery at Woodlands Nursery at Beechwood Park School

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are always open to suggestions and will share the feedback regarding the menu. Alongside the daily dessert there is always a fruit platter.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Woodlands has been a wonderful experience for our son. We can't praise the team highly enough for the work they do. Not only are they kind, caring and lovely all around, but also provide the best learning experience for the kids. The children are engaged with countless exciting activities every day.
There are so many opportunities for them to explore and have fun yet the team never stops introducing new ones which is wonderful. Perhaps the best of all is that I get to see my son excited to go and that he says he absolutely loves being at nursery. As he progresses up to Reception at Beechwood Park School we will continue our journey with Woodlands with his little sister who is full of curiosity and can't wait to join the fun.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at Woodlands has been exceptional. Always kind and caring. Brilliant estates. My little one has thoroughly enjoyed being at Woodlands since September 24. It's so lovely to see our little one growing in such a nurturing environment.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son is very happy at Woodlands and the progress he's made since he started in September 2024 has been incredible! Staff are helpful, nurturing and excellent professionals, keeping children busy, engaged, enthusiastic about learning new things and most importantly (at least for me as a mom) happy
and kind with others!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Woodlands has been an amazing experience for our son since he started in September 2024. We have been truly amazed at his progress in such a short time. The teachers are incredibly kind and caring, creating a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe and supported. Woodlands works closely
with parents on developmental goals, which we've found incredibly helpful. Communication is excellent, with class reps keeping parents updated and organising social events, which adds to the wonderful family-like atmosphere. One of the highlights is the Forest School sessions that take place multiple times throughout the term. The facilities are modern and well-equipped, and we love that for PE, the children go to the "big school," as our son calls it, which is a great way to prepare them for a school environment. We would highly recommend Woodlands Nursery to any parents looking for a supportive and enriching place for their child to grow and learn.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We could not be happier with our choice of nursery/preschool for our son. He joined just before his 3rd birthday; having previously been in a day nursery setting. There is no comparison between Woodlands and the day nursery (which we had thought we were relatively happy with before seeing Woodlands).
Our son is so happy to go into Woodlands each morning. The staff really are excellent - very experienced early years practitioners who create a warm, nurturing environment for the children to learn through play. The children have structured small group sessions as well as lots of opportunities for free play; both inside and outside. Woodlanders benefit from the wider school offerings and outstanding facilities - having PE lessons each week in the school gym and doing Forest School sessions (where they've had great fun toasting marshmallows around a fire!). As parents, we have also been impressed with the level of communication with parents - via the app and in-person events.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wonderful, warm and welcoming nursery with mixed ages that encourages children to learn and explore. Children play outside come rain or shine and our daughter always arrives and leaves with a smile on her face.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Outstanding nursery. Caring and nurturing. The staff are outstanding and the quality of care is consistently high. I would have no hesitation in recommending this nursery. It is truly is a magical environment. Our second child has recently followed in her brother's footsteps by joining Woodlands and
based on our previous experience, we have opted for a 2 year placement (despite the term time hours only) as this nursery is second to none. We are very happy.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has attended Woodlands for just under a year and he has had a fantastic experience so far. He has formed positive relationships and grown in confidence. He loves his time at Woodlands for a number of reasons. The staff at Woodlands are excellent. They are kind, professional and highly experienced
so they offer a varied range of activities utilising the extensive facilities at Woodlands and Beechwood. My son has exposure to the forest school, the school's sports hall and lots more. There is great emphasis on learning and education and my son also has the opportunity to be creative and explore areas and things that he enjoys. He is supported throughout and we couldn't be happier with our Woodlands journey.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has recently started Woodlands and we couldn't be happier. The staff are extremely caring and helped my son settle in. The facilities are amazing, and there is also a forest school. The nursery is well structured with different day-to-day activities. My son tells me about his day with excitement
and has become a lot more confident in a short space of time. I highly recommend Woodlands Nursery to all parents.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My second child is going through the nursery, and it quickly became a natural and enriching part of both my children's lives. The staff are kind, dedicated and truly understand children (many were at the nursery for years). They get to know each child as individuals, put so much care into bringing up
the best in them and also connect with the parents at a genuinely human level. It feels like an extended family to us. We are very happy at Woodlands.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending Woodlands Nursery for the past 10 days, and I couldn't be happier with our experience so far. From day one, he has been super happy and excited to go each morning which speaks volumes about the welcoming and engaging environment the nursery provides.
One of the standout aspects
of Woodlands Nursery is the way they create opportunities for children to explore a wide range of activities. My son is constantly engaged in new and exciting experiences, which has been wonderful for his development and happiness.
The communication from the nursery has been excellent. I receive updates every day about what my son is doing, which keeps me informed and reassured that he is in good hands. This level of transparency and communication is highly appreciated.
The resources and facilities at Woodlands Nursery are top-notch. They have everything needed to support a child's learning and development in a safe and nurturing environment. Wholeheartedly I can recommend it to others.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A truly wonderful nursery that we are so happy to have found for our son. The staff are extremely caring, attentive and they make this such a happy and nurturing place for children to be. The setting is spectacular, with the children able to roam outside and go on special forest school expeditions.
There is great variety in the day-to-day activities and lunch menu, and they get to experience sports classes run by the junior school PE department. We have seen a remarkable development in our son's confidence and skills in the time he has been there and we cannot recommend Woodlands Nursery highly enough to all parents.

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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.972)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.972) out of 10 for Woodlands Nursery at Beechwood Park School is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 27 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 27 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 4.972 for Woodlands Nursery at Beechwood Park School is calculated as follows: ( (314 Excellents x 5) + (7 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 322 Ratings = 4.972

  • 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 Woodlands Nursery at Beechwood Park School is based on 27 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 40 number of registered child places is 8, which has been reached with 27 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 (8)

Zoe

Zoe Pritchard

Job Title: Head of Woodlands Nursery

Joined: 2023

During my career I have enjoyed teaching children from Nursery upwards in the United Kingdom, the Middle East, Taiwan and the Netherlands. Nursery is by far my favourite year group and working with the children at Woodlands is especially joyful. I find my job energising and thoroughly enjoy learning from the children in my care and, in turn, furthering their achievements.


My experiences have opened my eyes to the different ways children learn, their differing languages and their cultural backgrounds. Our role as educators, is to support not only the children but also their families and at Woodlands, we pride ourselves on our mission to Nurture, Engage, Inspire and Enable children in their learning.


I have always counted myself to be exceptionally lucky as educating young children is rewarding, exciting and full of adventure. There is never a dull day here at Beechwood Park School and Woodlanders are encouraged to be inquisitive, daring and proud learners.


Donna

Donna Comfort

Job Title: Deputy Head - Woodlands Nursery

Joined: 2018

I have worked in Early years setting for over 20+ years and have many years of experience in educating children aged 2-5 years. I currently hold a Level 4 qualification and I'm working towards my Early Years degree after returning to studying.


I enjoy seeing how children progress through their education and how they develop in all areas of our Early Years curriculum.


Natalie

Natalie Kneller

Job Title: Early Years Teacher

Joined: 2016

I completed my teacher training at ‘The London Institute of Education’ and chose to focus on Early Years Education. I then proceeded to teach in London as a Reception teacher before choosing to develop my teaching career internationally. My passion for Early Years continued as I worked as a Nursery or a Reception teacher in Indonesia, Vietnam and The Hague. On returning to England, I trained as a ‘Reading Recovery’ teacher and worked within Key Stage One at a school in Hemel Hempstead, helping children who found learning to read more challenging. I also delivered training and workshops to parents and teachers, helping them understand the development of early reading skills and provided ideas to help children develop a true love of reading. When I began work at Woodlands Nursery in April 2015, I was excited to be working within Early Years again. I have also enjoyed leading the development of phonics and have created a bespoke phonics curriculum for the Woodlands children. The phonics teaching is woven around high-quality texts, as well as singing, music and movement. The curriculum is designed to entwine with the children’s interests and allows them to develop their skills whilst they are engaged with the very important business of play.


Catherine

Catherine Brown

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner

Joined: 2017

I hold an NVQ Level 3 (Children and Young Peoples' Workforce).


My current role is Nursery Teacher and Assistant Lead for our Nursery 1 pupils.


I have worked in Early Years for 9 years, and have been at Woodlands Nursery since September 2017


Sophie

Sophie Swain

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner

Joined: 2015

I have worked in Early Years for 8 years and hold an NVQ Level 3 in Child Care. I have worked at Woodlands since its opening in 2015.


Emma

Emma Matthews

Job Title: Nursery Practionner

Joined: 2021

I have been teaching for a number of years and I was drawn to work at Woodlands because of the clear love and excitement that the staff have for the children. There never seems to be a ‘typical’ day here… one day we are making up dances to pop songs, the next day we are rolling down the hill with pure joy and the following day we are creating bicycles from biscuits!


There are endless experiences and opportunities for the children in all areas of the Early Years Curriculum. The care shown by the staff to the children is tangible and as a staff team, we also care in the same way about each other. In my ‘spare’ time I am a mummy to my gorgeous son. We love playing board games, eating chocolate and meeting up with friends for adventures.


Ruth

Ruth Baker

Job Title: Nursery Practionner

Joined: 2015

I have worked in Early Years for over twenty years and, after a short break, I’m delighted to have returned to Woodlands, to the pleasure of working with a team of gifted and dedicated adults and to the joy of being able to support the youngest members of the Beechwood community as they start out on their learning journey. I firmly believe that support is most effective when delivered in partnership with parents and I look forward to forming a strong relationship with the families of my key children. My favourite quality is enthusiasm and Woodlanders, children and adults alike, have that by the bucket load. Being part of the Woodlands environment is, for me, a privilege.


I have lived close to Beechwood Park for most of my adult life and both my, now grown-up, children were at the school from Reception to Top Form.


I like mud and fun … neither of which are in short supply at Woodlands! I enjoy taking learning outside and, when not at Woodlands, I like to get outdoors for long walks and to garden. My other passion is for words. I’m fond of reading, writing and enormously fond of chatting. You have been warned!


Tracy

Tracy Jenkins

Job Title: Nursery Practionner

Joined: 2022

I have taught children in Early Years for the last 20 years. I am so pleased to have joined Woodlands Nursery – it is such a fun and inspiring place to work and the friendly team is passionate about creating a wonderful learning environment.
I am now officially an ‘empty nest mum’, with my two daughters now living and working in their university towns. I often commute to Scotland and Manchester in the school holidays for visits.
I am kept busy out of school with two old horses to look after and can often be found out walking in the countryside. I am also currently studying to teach children mindfulness to support their mental and emotional wellbeing.


Frequently Asked Questions about Woodlands Nursery at Beechwood Park School

What is the Age Range of Children that Woodlands Nursery at Beechwood Park School accepts?

Woodlands Nursery at Beechwood Park School accepts Children aged from 2 years 9 months to 4 years 11 months.

What Days & Hours is Woodlands Nursery at Beechwood Park School Open?

Woodlands Nursery at Beechwood Park School is open: Monday 08:25-17:30, Tuesday 08:25-17:30, Wednesday 08:25-17:30, Thursday 08:25-17:30, Friday 08:25-17:30.

How many Children does Woodlands Nursery at Beechwood Park School have capacity for?

Woodlands Nursery at Beechwood Park School has capacity for a total of 40 Children.

How far is Woodlands Nursery at Beechwood Park School to the centre of St Albans?

7.8 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.