Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury)

Mandeville Road, Aylesbury HP21 8AL
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9.9 163 Reviews
  • Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury), Aylesbury
A purpose built day nursery, specified by Childbase to the highest quality standard. Developed on behalf of the Stoke Mandeville Hospital to care for children of the Trust employees and the local community, Willows provides a happy, sociable environment where every child is treated as an individual. Willows Day Nursery has obtained their Green Flag Eco-Schools Award.

The nursery has five main playrooms for individual age groups, including sensory rooms and additional sleeping areas. Outside is a large, enclosed and fully equipped garden with separate areas for different activities including a baby garden with a decking area. There is also a forest school, running sessions Monday - Wednesday. In addition to the daily routines, Willows also offer the extracurricular activity of Char Char Chimps to their under 2’s. They attend every Friday from 2:30pm until 3:15pm.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Jane Hobbs (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 60

Total Places for Children

  • 130

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 & Inset Days

Parking

  • Free parking is available on site.

Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury) Reviews (163)

9.9

Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury) has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.911) out of 10, based on 29 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury) has 163 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury)
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Total of 163, showing 21-40
Review from K B (Mother of Child) published on 29 July 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Willows is excellent! Our daughter started nursery at 11 months of age in 2020. She is leaving to go to school next month after 4 years. Our daughter struggled desperately to settle, perhaps due to the Covid years but the care and support we were given as a family from the wonderful Willows staff
was much appreciated. Our 13-month-old son is also at the Willows and has been for 6 months. The staff are excelled, caring and kind. They always remember things like allergies, recognise issues promptly and communicate fantastically. An excellent place with the forest school, nice resources and lovely staff. Thank you.
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Review from Anna C (Mother of Child) published on 16 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Willows is a fantastic nursery and preschool. Two of my children have attended here and they have always been happy and supported.
The teachers take great care in their work and this is reflected in the children's enjoyment.
Thank you!
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Review from J B (Mother of Child) published on 16 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started at Willows earlier this year after being let down by another nursery, we had a mad panic to find him somewhere. I was extremely nervous about leaving him as it had taken him a while to settle. Since joining Caterpillars the change in him has been remarkable! The staff are so kind and
caring and have shown nothing but patience and understanding!
A special thanks to his Keyworker, who keeps us up to date on a regular basis.
The updates via the app can be sporadic, some days you don't receive anything when it is so useful to know what they have eaten or when they have slept! The handovers at the end of the day can also be the same. More consistency with these would be helpful.
There seems to be a variety of different activities every day and the choice of meals is fantastic!
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Review from K E (Mother of Child) published on 5 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was very anxious about sending my son to a nursery as we previously used a childminder and the setting is very different. At first, as expected, he was very sad when I dropped him off, but quickly settled and now loves going to nursery. The nursery has made me feel at ease, posting updates throughout
the day and always happy to answer my questions. He is very well looked after at nursery, by his key worker especially, and by all staff members. His development has come a long way in such a short space of time, all from the help of his key workers.
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Review from G C (Mother of Child) published on 30 May 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery all round, staff are so friendly and welcoming. My child has grown up so fast and has learnt so much.
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Review from C E (Mother of Child) published on 1 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff are friendly and help with any needs that are required. Food is varied and a great selection. I have noticed that when my child comes home if she has done a poo that her bottom isn’t wiped. I know they encourage the children to do themselves but my child can’t reach round yet.
Reply from Jane Hobbs, Nursery Manager at Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury)
Thank you so much for your kind comments and taking the time to review our nursery. Parent feedback is vital to our efforts to continuously improve the nursery experience. Please be assured we take…read more
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Review from David M (Father of Child) published on 26 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have had both of our children attend Willows and having looked into many nurseries beforehand, are very pleased with our decision to use Willows.
The staff are very friendly and helpful and the early years education is fantastic. Both children have progressed well socially and educationally and
have been looked after very well.
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Review from Lucy O (Mother of Child) published on 28 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Willows now for approximately the past 15 months. It is genuinely such a lovely environment for her to attend and I truly believe that she thrives there. I have been suffering from awful morning sickness recently and the staff in her room have been so attentive, they have
made the morning drop-offs so much easier for myself and my daughter. As well as ensuring that I am okay, they settle my daughter down as soon as possible and ensure that she is happy during the day.
She has expressed to them that she has been a bit upset/worried about me recently, so staff in the room have done work with her around her feelings.
I couldn’t recommend this nursery enough!
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Review from Aswathy S (Mother of Child) published on 23 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Brilliant nursery! Our son has enjoyed each and every moment he was there. It's a great team - gives individual attention to the needs of the child. Well organized with regular assessments, feedback and support. My son is generally a sweetheart, however there have been several days where he was clingy/cheeky/tantrum-y
and they have always been patient and caring. Never felt difficult as a parent to leave him with them...always a delighted face on reaching his bumblebee room. It's a shame that we are relocating and have to take him out of this nursery. My son will badly miss his people.
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Review from Nimmi V (Mother of Child) published on 30 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son is having a great time at Willows Day Nursery. He is being looked after really well. He enjoys all the activities at the nursery. I was really sceptical about him settling in well in the new atmosphere. But the transition has been smooth and heartwarming. Thankful to the team at Willows.
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Review from Wanni F (Father of Child) published on 7 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been with the nursery for a few years. We have seen a great improvement in her social and communication skills throughout the years. She loves to go to the nursery every day and the staff is fond of her.
The teaching staff identify individual children and treats them nicely, and helps
them to improve the skills they require. They are dedicated and help us make her ready for school.
Communication is clear with the parent app and the weekly newsletters and the staff and the manager are always willing to help us with our queries anytime.
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Review from Jenny S (Mother of Child) published on 23 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My two children have thrived at Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury) and it's been very emotional saying goodbye as our youngest has just left for Primary School.
Throughout our 8 years, we have seen the nursery go from strength to strength, the way they handled Covid and the lockdowns was commendable,
it is a warm, happy place where the children are loved, respected and have a lot of fun.
The things my daughter has learnt during her time, particularly in the Pre-School room, are impressive (from basic woodwork and languages to naming the planets and continents). We didn't send our children to Willows to push their early years education but they both came away with a wide knowledge of a variety of topics, very much ready to start school.
The new Forest School has been an excellent addition and was the highlight of my daughter's week, come rain or shine!
Willows children are happy, confident and most of all loved. We couldn't have asked for more.
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Review from G G (Mother of Child) published on 23 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been going to Willows for 3 months and has settled very well, The staff are friendly and professional. Out daughter loves going to nursery, she eats and sleeps well there. Her speech has improved greatly since going to Willos and she is more inquisitive and interested in playing with
other children. We feel confident our daughter is being well cared for and would recommend Willos to any parent.
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Review from M S (Mother of Child) published on 21 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would like to say thank you to two members of staff in particular. They are always mentioned by another member of staff when she is not present in the nursery.
The staff is outstanding, careful and patient! I truly appreciate the help and support given.
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Review from K G (Mother of Child) published on 9 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been at the nursery for a few years, he’s headed to school soon and we will really miss the nursery. The care has been exceptional! The staff are so lovely and the manager is quick to respond and support parents while being flexible.
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Review from Cristina R (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
We had our daughter for a couple of months at this nursery for two days a week but decided it was not the place for her. Some of the staff are very friendly and dedicated so I guess the experience can vary depending on who is the child’s key person, but I believe there is room for improvement for some
of the staff when it comes to communication with parents, observing the child’s behaviour and reporting, as there is a platform available that can help even more communication with parents. We did have some posts but for the most part, they were published with massive delay (I would get a couple of posts in one day with what happened 3 weeks ago, two weeks ago, etc) and there was little variety in terms of activities (although there is a lot available in the room) The monthly learning stories were as well posted with a long delay, and included mostly excuses like “not yet settled in”, “was on holiday”, “English is her second language” etc and sometimes didn’t even have a learning story at all.
Reply from Jane Hobbs, Nursery Manager at Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury)
Thank you so much for your kind comments about members of staff and for taking the time to review our nursery. Parent feedback is vital to our efforts in continuously improving the nursery experience.…read more
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Review from Olivia I (Mother of Child) published on 4 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are all very friendly and loving towards the children and you can tell they really care about them! My child has come on in leaps and bounds in all aspects- movement, eating, social skills etc. he is so happy there and always happy to see the staff! I am so happy with the nursery and feel
100% confident in their abilities and in knowing my child is safe in their care. The food is well balanced and varied and there are a wide range of activities that I’ve seen my child participate in!
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Review from Brian L (Father of Child) published on 6 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can't thank Willows Day Nursery enough for all they have done and continue to do for my daughters! They have surpassed all my expectations of what to expect in a nursery and my children are thriving in their environment. The staff are always so helpful, friendly and knowledgeable that I never worry
about my children being in their care. After a difficult time at a precious nursery, my wife and I were worried about starting again but we are so glad we have found Willows and know this is an environment they will continue to benefit from until they start school.
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Review from Chloe B (Mother of Child) published on 1 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing nursery! Could have not chosen a better one. Everyone there is amazing and our son is very happy. They really focus on the happiness and development of the child and make sure the transition from staying at home with the parents to full-time there is done as smoothly as possible.
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Review from Megan S (Mother of Child) published on 21 December 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has had excellent care in the caterpillar room. Lovely staff and a great variety of activities.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.911)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.911) out of 10 for Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury) is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 29 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 29 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.911 for Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury) is calculated as follows: ( (318 Excellents x 5) + (27 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 347 Ratings = 4.911
  2. 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 Willows Day Nursery (Aylesbury) is based on 29 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 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
    2. 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 130 number of registered child places is 26, which has been reached with 29 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. 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.

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Awards / Recognitions (21)

Meet the Team (1)

Jane

Jane Hobbs

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 1998

Jane is Manager of Willows Day Nursery in Aylesbury and has a wealth of experience, having worked in the early years sector for 24 years. Jane is Level 3 qualified and has worked for Childbase Partnership for 24 years.


What is your favourite feature of Willows?


My favourite feature of the nursery is the garden and Forest school area as we have recently had these renovated.


What are you most proud of about your nursery/team?


I am proud of how the team pull together when support is needed.

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