Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool

Peel House, 15 Vaughan Road, Harpenden AL5 4EL
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9.7 61 Reviews
  • Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool, Harpenden
Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool is based in a beautiful listed building located in the heart of Harpenden.

The nursery offers high-quality care and education for babies aged 3 months to children up to 5 years old.

With a highly qualified, long-standing team who provide a home from home nursery environment, long opening hours, 7am - 7pm, and being just a two-minute walk from the train station and only a 20-minute train ride into London Kings Cross, the setting is great for commuting parents.

The expansive adventure garden provides children with a safe and enjoyable outdoor space for exploration. It features a climbing frame, a water feature, a mud kitchen area, and a separate, cosy and secure baby garden. Children spend time outdoors every day.

Additionally, the nursery and pre-school rooms have the advantage of direct garden access, allowing for free-flow access for the children. And while your child is busy exploring and having fun, the team can keep you updated via the Family app. Available for all Bright Horizons parents, this will keep you connected with your child's day-to-day experiences as they develop during their time at the setting.

There is an on-site chef who bakes and cooks with the children on a weekly basis to instil an understanding of nutrition and prepares delicious, healthy and nutritious food. The menus change seasonally and cater for all dietary and religious needs. The kitchen holds a 5* EHO rating for food safety and hygiene.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Claire (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 21

Total Places for Children

  • 57

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 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

Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool Reviews (61)

9.7

Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.700) out of 10, based on 11 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool has 61 reviews.

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Review from Jordan N (Father of Child) published on 8 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We've had a wonderful experience with Harpenden Central. The staff have been utterly fantastic, the care they give to my daughter is exemplary and the growth we've seen in her has been huge. We felt very confortable knowing that our daughter was in a safe, loving environment every day. It was always
easy to speak to staff when we needed to, and they were always welcoming and supportive with whatever I needed. I'd have no hesitation with recomminding this nursery to anyone!
Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We're delighted to hear how happy your daughter has been at Bright Horizons Harpenden Central and that you've felt so supported by the team.
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Review from L M (Mother of Child) published on 20 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been at the nursery for almost 3 years and our experience there has been fantastic. All the staff goes beyond and above ok their duties and our son couldn't have been happier at the nursery.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool
We are delighted to receive your positive feedback, and we're thrilled to hear your son is thriving at our nursery.
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Review from Daria M (Mother of Child) published on 14 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Bright Horizons Central is a wonderful place for children.
The staff are incredibly supportive and helpful throughout every stage of a child's development. They assist with everything from helping children settle into the nursery environment to potty training and learning how to dress themselves independently.
My son always felt comfortable and free to be himself there. His key person was brilliant as well! They managed to have a very good connection. Highly recommend this place.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for your kind words. We're delighted your son felt comfortable, supported, and confident and that his key person connection was so positive. Thank you for your recommendation.
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Review from James M (Father of Child) published on 5 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool is a wonderful place for preschool children. Our daughter was there from 1 year old until she went to school and our son is there now. The environment is fun, the activities diverse and strikes the right balance between play and learning and
the care that is given to the children is wonderful. The staff are like a family. In all the time we've had children at the nursery, there has been very little staff turnover and many who have left have actually come back.
Bright Horizons Harpenden Central is a great start to life for kids and a place where parents can feel safe and secure that their children are being given the best support and care possible.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, The Parent Team at Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to have supported your family, from your daughter's early years to now caring for your son. It's great to hear you value the nursery's nurturing…read more
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Review from L M (Mother of Child) published on 7 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
One member of staff in particular is a great addition to the team. The updates we have been receiving are amazing (and I know I’m not the only parent to comment on this) she has also really been supportive to our son. We have particularly good experiences from her and three other particular members
of staff. They show great attention to the children and really show they care by the feedback we are provided. Our son is very happy in the nursery so thank you!
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experiences with our team members.
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Review from Rebecca P (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of our children love Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool and are very attached to the team - it’s all smiles when we drop them off! The support, both for the kids and the families, is amazing - we feel like an extension of their nursery family. Constant creative ideas, exciting
things to do and structure when needed. There is no doubt in my mind that the kids are cared for, supported and educated exceptionally!
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool
Hello, thank you for your five-star feedback and for sharing your experience with us.
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Review from P O (Father of Child) published on 15 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter started at this nursery aged 10 months old and settled in very quickly, much quicker than we expected given how clingy she had been, despite not being full-time, she bonded really well with the lovely staff and is very happy there. We get regular updates on activities they are doing. They
clearly have well-implemented policies and processes to deal with her food allergy as well. Would definitely recommend it!
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool
Hello, thank you for your five-star feedback and for sharing your experience with us.
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Review from A P (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We’ve been really pleased with this nursery. The staff are kind, caring and patient, and our daughter is very happy here with lots of little friends. She comes home happily, talking about the different activities she’s been up to throughout the day. We are also pleased with the level of communication
we get from the nursery in, terms of what our daughter has eaten, how much she has slept, nappies, etc throughout the day.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool
Hello, thank you for your positive feedback! We're delighted to hear that you're pleased with our nursery.
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Review from Ana D (Mother of Child) published on 1 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Just wanted to say a big thank you to all for making our daughter have a lovely time at nursery!
I couldn’t find a better nursery to look after her. All the staff are incredibly helpful, efficient, friendly and extremely caring!
Lots of activities and playing time.
More than 5 stars!
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool
Hello, thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience with the team.
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Review from Natalie R (Mother of Child) published on 29 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We couldn’t be happier with Bright Horizons. From the warm welcome we received to the regular updates and photos that we get to enjoy, it’s clear that they really care. The staff excel in organising fun, varied and interesting activities. They are excellent with our son’s food allergies and ensure he
enjoys a diverse range of healthy and exciting meals and never misses out. Bright Horizons has undeniably had a big impact on his development. Most of all, he is so happy there and adores the staff. Highly recommended!
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool
Hello, we're truly delighted to hear that you couldn't be happier with your experience at our nursery. Providing a warm welcome, regular updates, and photos is a priority for us, and we're glad it…read more
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Review from Luke P (Father of Child) published on 29 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son is in full-time and just under 2 years old. He is happy there and thriving. He has made friends and is learning quickly, especially speech, thanks to the lovely team. We sent our daughter there before and would recommend it.
Reply from Amanda Barlow, Campaigns & Digital Marketing Executive at Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool
Hello, thank you for your five-star feedback and for sharing your experience with us.
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Review from Nicole H (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been really impressed with the nursery. Our daughter has just moved from the baby to the toddler room and she loves her nursery days. She has developed so much - taking her first steps and saying her first words. The staff are caring and love the children. We find the app to be super helpful
in letting us know what she's been up to, what she has eaten and seeing the very cute photos.
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Review from Alyson M (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the staff are incredibly friendly and great with the children. Our daughter loves going to 'school' and interacting with her friends, and always has a story of the fun things they did that day. I would definitely recommend the nursery to other parents.
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Review from Katie B (Mother of Child) published on 23 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been at the nursery for about a year and she gets so excited for nursery days. All of the staff are very friendly and welcoming and have been from the beginning when she had her first settle days.
I would definitely recommend this nursery to anyone. They are great at keeping in contact
and my daughter always leaves smiling.
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Review from Liliana RA (Mother of Child) published on 15 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Outstanding service... my baby is very happy to go to his nursery and to play with his carers. The facilities are superb and very well utilised, children are encouraged to love learning to what is an amazing foundation for life... Thank you!
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Review from Victoria T (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very happy with my experience of Harpenden Day Nursery. The staff are all lovely and my daughter is always happy when I drop her off and pick her up. It always seems a fun, action-packed day with caring staff.
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Review from C R (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Having only just joined the nursery, we already feel like 'one' of the family. We've settled in really quickly, and look forward to our days playing and learning. Big thank you to all the staff, especially two members, for making our transition to Harpenden so easy.
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Review from S F (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Always very accommodating. Ensures my child's individual needs are being met. Clear communication throughout my daughter's enrollment. Daily updates on the progress of my daughter and how she spent her day and meals. The settlement was very accommodating and flexible, they worked around my daughter's
routine. The staff and management are all extremely polite and loving, makes every visit a delight. Thank you, Bright Horizons Harpenden; a true asset to our lives!
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Review from K S (Mother of Child) published on 7 August 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
We are really happy with Harpenden Day Nursery. We have only just moved here and our son has had difficulty settling in, but the nursery staff have really tried to bring him out of his shell.
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Review from Vicky T (Mother of Child) published on 31 May 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Asquith Harpenden Day Nursery is a fabulous nursery where both of my sons have flourished. The staff genuinely care about the children and the care and learning across all areas is excellent. I would not hesitate to recommend.
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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.700)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.700) out of 10 for Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 11 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 11 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 4.735 for Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool is calculated as follows: ( (109 Excellents x 5) + (12 Goods x 4) + (10 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 132 Ratings = 4.735
  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 4.965 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool is based on 11 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 57 number of registered child places is 11.4. 11 Positive Reviews ÷ 11.4 = 0.965
  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 (4)

Meet the Team (1)

Amnah

Amnah

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Amnah joined Bright Horizons in January 2021 as a Deputy Manager and has since had the fantastic opportunity to progress to Nursery Manager. She is a qualified Early Years Teacher and also holds a BA Hons in Business Management.


She strives to support the team in providing outstanding childcare and education for families. Her passion is ensuring that all children receive the best start in life and experience a sense of awe and wonder at the nursery.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool

What is the Age Range of Children that Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool accepts?

Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool Open?

Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool 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 Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool have capacity for?

Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool has capacity for a total of 57 Children.

How far is Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool to the centre of Harpenden?

0.2 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 Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool has an Enhanced Service - more info.