"This is a brilliant nursery-very well organised, with a genuine level of care and attention shown towards the children. The kids always…"
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188 Places
Location Type
Day Nursery
Willows Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School in London Colney, near St Albans, offers high-quality childcare and early years education for children aged 0 to 5.
Set within the beautiful surroundings of ... Read more
Type of Nursery
Day Nursery
Open all year
Full Day Care
Sessional Day Care
Farm Day Nurseries Reviews in Hertfordshire (122)
9.5
Farm Day Nurseries has a Group Review Score of 9.5 (9.470) out of 10. The Group Review Score is calculated using the average from all locations with a Review Score, and in addition 75%+ of all locations belonging to Farm Day Nurseries must have a Review Score.
from G M (Mother of Child) published on 24 March 2026
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
I feel incredibly fortunate that my son attends this nursery. I've been so pleased about the level of care given since he was 8 months old. He is now over 2 years old and the quality of care has been very consistent. He has learnt so much from the amazing opportunities and experiences provided by the
nursery. Would recommend this nursery to other families.
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank you so much for your lovely review. We feel incredibly proud to have been part of your son's journey from such a young age, and it's wonderful to hear how happy you've been with the care he's received over time. Consistency in our care and providing rich learning experiences are so important to us, so it's fantastic to know this has made a positive impact and helped him learn and grow. Thank you for your recommendation and for trusting us with your son's early years.
from Siobhan M (Mother of Child) published on 24 March 2026
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
My son has been at Willows nursery for over a year now.
He has grown in confidence and absolutely loves going in.
They have fun filled mornings at the farm and do a lot of enjoyable activities throughout the day.
The staff are all so caring and create a safe and secure environment for the children.
He
has lots of healthy meals and there is a lot of variety.
I recommend this nursery to other parents all the time.
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank you so much for your kind review. We're so pleased to hear how much your son enjoys his time at Willows and how his confidence has grown over the past year - that's exactly what we love to see. It's wonderful to know he's enjoying the farm visits and the wide range of activities we provide, as well as our healthy, varied meals. Creating a safe, nurturing, and fun environment is at the heart of everything we do, so your feedback means a great deal to our team. Thank you also for recommending us to other parents - we really appreciate your support and trust.
from Lora W (Mother of Child) published on 24 March 2026
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
We couldn't be happier with this nursery. Both of our girls attend and they absolutely love it. The staff (including the management team) are absolutely fantastic - warm, attentive, and genuinely caring. We've seen both of our girls grow in confidence, knowledge, social skills, and independence since
starting here. Since the nursery introduced the app, the communication with parents has been absolutely fantastic. We feel very lucky to have found such a wonderful nursery and would highly recommend it to any parent.
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank you so much for your wonderful review. We're absolutely delighted to hear how happy both of your girls are with us - it's truly rewarding to know they enjoy their time at nursery so much. Your kind words about our team mean a lot. We pride ourselves on creating a warm, caring, and supportive environment, so it's fantastic to hear that this has come across and made a positive difference to your family. It's especially lovely to know you've seen such great progress in their confidence, independence, and social skills. We're also really pleased that the app has helped keep you connected and informed - strong communication with parents is something we value highly. Thank you again for your recommendation and for trusting us with your girls' early years.
from Ellie K (Mother of Child) published on 24 March 2026
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
My son absolutely loves willows nursery especially his key worker Emmie. The staff are great with all the children. On collection I'm told all about day fun day, what he has eaten and who he has played with. I wish he could stay longer. He starts big school in September and we are both going to miss
it very much.
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank you so much for your lovely feedback. It means a great deal to hear how happy your son has been at Willows Nursery, and we're so pleased that Emmie and the team have made such a positive impact on his experience. We always aim to make every child feel supported, cared for, and excited about their day, so it's wonderful to know you've felt well-informed and reassured at collection times too. It's bittersweet to see our children move on to big school, but we're so proud to have been part of his journey and know he'll do brilliantly in his next adventure. We'll miss you both very much and wish him all the very best for September!
from S J (Mother of Child) published on 23 March 2026
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
This is a brilliant nursery-very well organised, with a genuine level of care and attention shown towards the children. The kids always seem happy, engaged, and well supported. The staff are honest, professional, and consistently follow safeguarding policies, which is incredibly important and reassuring
as a parent.
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank you so much for your kind and thoughtful feedback. We are delighted to hear that you feel our nursery is well organised and that the care and attention we provide to the children is evident.
It's wonderful to know that the children appear happy, engaged, and well supported-this is always our top priority. Your recognition of our team's professionalism and commitment to safeguarding means a great deal to us, as we strive to create a safe and nurturing environment for every child.
from C P (Mother of Child) published on 23 March 2026
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
A fantastic setting for my little one. The staff are all so friendly and my little one absolutely adores them all. Communication on daily updates is always up to date and relevant. We have built such a bond with our little ones key workers and feel comfortable with leaving my children in their capable
hands.
Thank you!!
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank you so much for your lovely review!
We're so pleased to hear that your little one is happy and has built such strong bonds with our team - it really means a lot to us. Building trusting relationships with both children and their families is at the heart of what we do, so it's wonderful to know you feel comfortable and confident in our care.
It's also great to hear that you find our daily updates helpful and relevant. We always aim to keep parents informed and connected to their child's day.
Thank you again for your kind words and support - we truly appreciate it!
from Yuliia S (Mother of Child) published on 23 March 2026
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
We are incredibly grateful to this nursery for the love, care, and attention they give to the children every single day. The staff are truly wonderful - kind, patient, and genuinely passionate about what they do. It's clear that they create a safe, warm, and nurturing environment where children feel
happy, confident, and excited to learn.
Our child has grown so much since starting here - socially, emotionally, and in confidence. The activities are always creative and engaging, and it's lovely to see how much effort the team puts into making each day special for the children.
Communication with parents is also excellent, and we always feel informed and supported. It gives us great peace of mind knowing our child is in such caring and capable hands.
Thank you to the whole team for everything you do. We truly appreciate your dedication and would highly recommend this nursery to any family.
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank you so much for your incredibly kind and thoughtful review. It truly means a great deal to our whole team.
We are delighted to hear that you feel confident and supported by our staff, and that your child is happy, thriving, and enjoying their time with us. Creating a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn is at the heart of everything we do, so it's wonderful to know that this is reflected in your experience.
It's especially rewarding to hear about your child's growth in confidence and development - that's exactly what we strive to support every day. We're also really pleased that you enjoy the activities and feel well-informed through our communication, as building strong partnerships with families is so important to us.
Thank you again for your trust, support, and recommendation. It's a privilege to be part of your child's journey.
from J H (Mother of Child) published on 12 January 2026
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience2.0 out of 5
It feels more and more like a money grabbing business than a nursery and preschool who care about young children.
Many improvements could easily be made, especially in regards to communication with parents, relevant information on the app and via email, and their constantly increasing fees.
Getting
in the door can be challenging.
The high turnover of staff is a red flag.
It seems undersubscribed, another red flag. Especially when other local village nurseries are oversubscribed.
Positives are that the people who look after the children are wonderful and kind. The space is generous and farm visits are great - if they take place.
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank you for your feedback. We're delighted you appreciated our caring team, spacious environment, and farm visits. We would like to clarify a few points. Communication with parents is important, and we introduced the App in October 2025 to support this. Updates, messages, and information are shared via the app's newsfeed, alongside direct communication.
Regarding staff turn-over, as the nursery has grown, we've recruited additional team members to maintain consistent, high-quality care.
Fees are reviewed annually per our T&CS with at least one month's notice; the most recent review was in January 2026 following the previous review in January 2025.
We are fortunate to offer generous indoor and outdoor spaces. While availability in certain rooms may be limited, this is carefully managed to maintain appropriate ratios and high standards of care.
We value family feedback and are always happy to discuss concerns to ensure the best experience for children and parents.
from L T (Mother of Child) published on 30 December 2025
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
Overall very happy with the preschool. Welcoming staff and always happy to help with my son if he is a bit anxious going in first thing. My son always says he's had a good day with his friends. We love that the Nursery and preschool is part of the farm, as our son loves to be outdoors.
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review. We're so pleased to hear that your son feels happy and supported, especially during those early moments when he's feeling a bit anxious. Our team works hard to create a welcoming and reassuring environment, so it means a lot to know that this has made a difference for your family. We also love being able to offer outdoor experiences on the farm, and it's wonderful to hear how much your son enjoys this. Thank you again for your support - we're delighted to be part of his preschool journey.
from J C (Mother of Child) published on 17 December 2025
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
My son has been at willows since he was 10 months old and he's now 18 months. He has settled so well and formed great relationships with his workers who he is always excited to see and who genuinely care about him and his progress. Overall we are very happy with willows and would definitely recommend
it to anyone.
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank you so much for your lovely review. We're so pleased to hear how well your son has settled since joining us and that he has formed such strong, positive relationships with his key workers. It's wonderful to know he is happy, excited to come in, and well supported in his development - that's exactly what we strive for. Thank you for your recommendation and for trusting Willows with your son's care; it truly means a lot to our team.
from Niki N (Mother of Child) published on 17 December 2025
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery with good facilities and feel safe to leave my child. Excellent staff and care. Regular farm visits which is great. Daughter loves animals and this is a highlight. Good routines and child led activities
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank you so much for your kind words. We're delighted to hear that you feel confident and safe leaving your child with us - that means a great deal to our whole team. It's wonderful to know your daughter enjoys the farm visits and animal experiences, as well as our child-led activities and routines. Our staff work hard to provide a caring, engaging environment, and feedback like yours truly motivates us. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
from M R (Mother of Child) published on 16 December 2025
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience4.0 out of 5
I can truly say that I'm very happy with the current team in my son's preschool room at Willows Farm Day Nursery starting with their approach for learning and fun activities to the strong bond, connection and care. My son loves his time there and his teachers, which he proudly mentions. If your kids
are adventurous and love the outdoor and you want them to explore the farm and different activities that this is the best place for you! Also need to mention since they've changes to this new app every information is so much clearer and easier to track. Keep up the good job !
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We're absolutely delighted to hear how happy you and your son are with the preschool team at Willows Farm Day Nursery. It's wonderful to know that our approach to learning, fun activities, and the strong bonds our team builds with the children have made such a positive impact.
We love hearing that your son enjoys his time with us and speaks so proudly about his teachers - that truly means a lot to our team. We're also pleased that you're finding the new app clearer and easier to use, as staying connected with families is very important to us.
Thank you again for your support and recommendation. We'll be sure to share your lovely feedback with the team, and we'll continue striving to provide the best possible experience for our children and families.
from Sophie P (Mother of Child) published on 10 December 2025
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
We are 2 months in and our boy is really enjoying his nursery mornings. Comments after sessions include I had fun today and I really like my nursery school. The reason, the friendly and caring staff who has made settling in so much easier than I thought it would be. Having the farm to go to really sets
it apart from other places we had considered. Definitely made the right choice for our boy.
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank you so much for taking the time to share this wonderful feedback. We're delighted to hear that your little boy is enjoying his nursery mornings and speaking so positively about his time with us - that truly means a lot. Our team works hard to create a friendly, caring environment that supports a smooth settling-in period, and it's lovely to know that this has made the transition easier for your family.
We're also so pleased that he's enjoying the farm - it's a special part of what we offer, and we love seeing the children explore and learn there.
Thank you again for your kind words and for choosing us for your son. We're so happy to have him with us.
from D S (Mother of Child) published on 10 December 2025
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
Lovely friendly environment activities are well thought out and our daughter is genuinely excited to get inside and get involved. Staff have taken the time to get to know her. They have been very good at getting her settled.
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank you so much for your lovely feedback. We're delighted to hear that your daughter enjoys coming in and getting involved in the activities - the team put a lot of thought into creating engaging and nurturing experiences for the children. It's wonderful to know that she feels excited and settled, and we're glad our staff have been able to build such a positive relationship with her.
We truly appreciate your kind words and your trust in us.
from Marie T (Mother of Child) published on 10 December 2025
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
Our son has settled in the baby room really well thanks to the key workers by finding different ways to make him feel comfortable.
The key workers have shown such care and support towards him that he is comfortable with all of them and goes to nursery in the mornings happy.
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank you so much for your lovely review. We're delighted to hear that your son has settled so well in the baby room. Our key workers work hard to create a comforting, nurturing environment for every child, and it's wonderful to know that their care and support have helped him feel happy and secure. We really appreciate your feedback and are so pleased to see him coming into nursery each morning with a smile.
from Jannie S (Mother of Child) published on 9 December 2025
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
I know my son is happy and settled here. There is so much stuff for him to do especially going out each day. He has also taken to the staff like a dream and has become more independent. Everyone seems lovely here and hes clearly well looked after
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank you so much for your wonderful review. We're delighted to hear that your son is happy, settled, and enjoying all the activities we have to offer. It's lovely to know he's building great relationships with the team and growing in confidence and independence. Our staff truly care about providing a supportive and nurturing environment, so your kind words mean a lot to us. Thank you for trusting us - we're so glad he's thriving here.
from J H (Mother of Child) published on 9 December 2025
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
Willows farm nursery has been amazing for my son. He's come on so so well since joining.
All the staff are lovely and so intensive to my son and his needs. I highly recommend willows farm. My son is very happy here.
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank you so much for your lovely review. It's wonderful to hear how happy she is coming in each day - and just as happy when she's collected! We're delighted that she feels so special and settled with us. Seeing her speech and confidence grow has been a joy, and we're grateful for your trust and kind words. Thank you for being part of our community.
from J M (Foster Parent of Child) published on 9 December 2025
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
You should have all year or from thier first day. The staff treat get like a princess. She isxalways so happy to go and just as happy when we collect her. She loves going so much and the staff have helped so much with her speech and confidence. Thank you all so much.
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank you so much for your lovely review. It means a lot to hear that your daughter feels so happy and confident coming to nursery each day - that's exactly what we strive for. We're delighted that she feels so special and well cared for by the team, and it's wonderful to know you've seen progress in her speech and confidence too.
Thank you for your kind words and for trusting us with her care. We love having her with us.
from I Z (Mother of Child) published on 1 December 2025
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
My daughter absolutely loves going to nursery. She has recently started but settled in very quickly. They make her feel so welcomed and she is excited to go. The staff are amazing and so kind. They do so many activities and Involve the children in real life events.
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank you so much for your lovely review! We're delighted to hear that your daughter has settled in so quickly and enjoys coming to nursery. It means a lot to us that she feels welcomed and excited each day. Our team truly appreciates your kind words - we love creating a nurturing, fun, and engaging environment for the children. Thank you for trusting us and for being part of our nursery family!
from H R (Mother of Child) published on 27 November 2025
Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience5.0 out of 5
We love sending our son to Willows, he has so much fun there, visiting the farm and soft play nearly every day. He gets lots of outdoor time, which is important to us. It's been wonderful seeing him blossom and grow in confidence. All thanks to the warm & caring staff. We couldn't ask for a better nursery!
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank you so much for your wonderful review. We're delighted to hear how much your son enjoys his days at Willows, from the farm to soft play and all the outdoor adventures in between. Watching children grow in confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do, and it means so much to know you feel supported by our team. We truly appreciate your trust in us and are grateful to be a part of your son's journey.
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