Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool

Peel House, 15 Vaughan Road, Harpenden AL5 4EL
Review Us
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.
Show Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool on the Map

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.

Overall Experience
  • 48
  • 13
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 61
  • 3
  • 4
  • 11
  • 50
Reviewer Connection to Bright Horizons Harpenden Central Day Nursery and Preschool
  • 45
  • 15
  • 1
Total of 61, showing 21-40
Review from Chris A (Father of Child) published on 31 May 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery is fantastic, supportive and engaging. Love it!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Katherine L (Mother of Child) published on 23 January 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter moved up from the baby room to the toddler room with a simple and happy transition. She loves nursery and is excited every time she comes. Thank you to the team who keeps her safe and happy!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Hongtas Z (Father of Child) published on 22 January 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a great place for my daughter to grow up in. She has received a lot of attention and care was given when needed.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Catherine E (Mother of Child) published on 10 January 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We're so pleased how quickly our daughter has felt at ease and settled into the nursery and made strong bonds with the staff members.
We feel since her time at the nursery, she has grown in both confidence and sociability.
She is an extremely happy little girl there!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Karen M (Grandmother of Child) published on 8 November 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When I pick my grandson up from the nursery in the afternoons, he always looks so happy. He is always involved in some kind of activity or other and often has a piece of artwork to bring home. He has made lots of friends and has an obvious bond with the staff that work in his room. He enjoys his food
and it makes me very happy that a family style approach is in place at lunchtime and tea time. As my daughter and her partner are working hard, it makes me very happy that my grandson is being looked after so well.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Matt S (Father of Child) published on 8 November 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter enjoys her nursery experience and I know she is very well looked after every day.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Kristine J (Mother of Child) published on 2 November 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves coming to nursery. She comes home and always tells me what she has done. I feel that I am apart of her learning even as I am not there. She is excited to bring in the sound of the week and would ask me to show her the sounds she learned in "school" on her alphabet chart. All the staff
are amazing and caring. Thank you to all. PS. management has always been supportive, reassuring and genuine. Excellent service all around.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Victoria I (Mother of Child) published on 1 November 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A friendly and inviting environment for babies to interact, play and learn in the baby room. The key workers listen to your child's needs and have always been reassuring us parents on their well being.
I love hearing about the diverse activities they are part of and the healthy foods to experiment
and enjoy. The team have set a high standard of care that is a pleasure to be part of.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Stephan B (Father of Child) published on 30 October 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We were really thrilled with how easily our daughter settled in and felt comfortable. It was a huge load off our minds that she was in good hands.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Hollie S (Mother of Child) published on 30 October 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl loves coming to nursery. She started at 10 months old and settled in so well. She now talks about her carers at nursery when at home, which is lovely to know. She learns so much too, coming home saying new words and phrases.
Lovely to not to have to worry about her knowing she has a
great day.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from E G (Mother of Child) published on 30 October 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Very caring staff. Lots of activities to keep the babies busy. My son has learnt lots here.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from L D (Mother of Child) published on 30 October 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son is so happy at Harpenden Day Nursery. It's like his second home. The girls are so caring and have built great bonds with my son.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from York-Mui H (Mother of Child) published on 3 September 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been at Harpenden Day Nursery for 2 years. During that time he has developed in confidence. He has become more sociable, happily plays and shares his toys. His language and gross motor skills have increased enormously. His sister started in the baby room a few months ago and again she has
settled really well. We have been impressed with the care and education provided by the nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Martina M (Mother of Child) published on 22 August 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started at the nursery at the age of 11 months. He loves it there. The staff are very caring, friendly and always smile. It’s a happy nursery.
Every day is filled with lots of activities and he learns new things. He’s having great fun with his nursery friends there. Also the food is very yummy.
I
get updates on his food intake, sleep, activities etc. at the end of each day.
I know my son is in good hands.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from A P (Mother of Child) published on 8 August 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are so happy with the nursery, our child is extremely happy and the staff are excellent and engage really well with our child. Since starting at the nursery at 9 months, he has come on leaps and bounds with his speech and walking. The communication from the staff is excellent at pick-up and they
are very welcoming each morning. The variety of meals is also excellent. We would recommend the nursery to anyone.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Jemma T (Mother of Child) published on 19 June 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son loves coming to the nursery. He settled in really quickly and has always done something interesting every day. The staff are lovely - really friendly and professional.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Anna G (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My son really enjoys nursery. He is improving his social skills. He is very well looked after and we feel comfortable leaving him.


The only criticism would be the very high cost.

  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from S G (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child is always very happy at the nursery and is learning lots. I love that they are learning French and the sound of the week. It has been pretty hectic since the new people came from Bright Stars which makes it hard to get many updates and also there's a lot of new staff but I see the old staff
trying to ensure we all meet, so I appreciate that.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from K M (Father of Child) published on 27 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The nursery offers a variety of different rooms by age and ability. Lots of mixing occurs which makes room transitions very easy. There is a wonderful outside space and it gets used in all weathers which the children love. There are also lots of large indoor activities and ongoing themes. The food is
great and meal times are very calm with good learning about sharing and table manners. Fee structures are somewhat opaque but feedback seems welcome and communication with parents improving.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Jack T (Father of Child) published on 27 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son loves coming to nursery 3 days a week. He has always completed a range of activities, some of them so messy that we would never attempt at home, which is great. He gets a wide variety of food to eat which always seems healthy. All of his activities, foods and nappies are explained at the end
of the day and written on a sheet which is helpful. The staff are all really friendly. No complaints at all.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
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.

Loading

Loading Loading

Loading

Loading

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.

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.