Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted

Spring Garden Lane, Berkhamsted HP4 3GY
Review Us
9.8 130 Reviews
  • Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted, Berkhamsted
Located on the outskirts of Berkhamsted, the nursery is in the perfect setting; nestled amongst vast green space to optimise outdoor learning; and only 5 minutes from the A41 for busy parents travelling to and from the nursery. The setting follows a Montessori approach to education, which prioritises the growth and development of each child, in a supportive and engaging space designed for them to learn and thrive.

The nursery offers exceptional care, enriched by unique learning opportunities for your child. One such experience is child-friendly cooking classes; inspired by the Montessori approach, fostering meaningful connections between children and the world around them and helping to equip children with valuable skills and deeper knowledge of the cooking process.

The large outdoor garden allows the children to move freely between the indoor and outdoor environments. Outside, the children are free to explore nature; making use of the bird hide and willow den as well as tending the vegetable plot and growing their own plants. The large covered outdoor classroom also allows children the opportunity to access the curriculum in a different environment.

Inside, the nursery is complete with 5 main age-appropriate rooms. Each room is carefully designed and equipped with resources to encourage age-appropriate learning and development.
Show Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted on the Map

Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Jan Weall (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 22

Total Places for Children

  • 102

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Full Day Session £97.60

  • A £100 non-refundable registration fee is required to secure a place. Exact days of attendance should be confirmed no later than 6 weeks prior to the child’s start date. Any changes are subject to availability.

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

Parking

  • There is a large car park for parents and visitors to use.

Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted Reviews (130)

9.8

Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.787) out of 10, based on 40 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted has 130 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 118
  • 10
  • 0
  • 2
  • 0
Date Published
  • 130
  • 8
  • 18
  • 40
  • 90
Reviewer Connection to Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted
  • 105
  • 25
Total of 130, showing 21-40
Review from Sara H (Mother of Child) published on 22 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started in the baby room at the beginning of October and she is thriving.
I cannot put into words just how amazing this nursery is, they have been so supportive and accommodating from the moment we had our first booking in session.
She is our first child and hadn't ever been left prior
to starting nursery at 11 months. Sunhill allowed a gradual start to full days over a 1 month period which helped my baby settle in and form the close bonds she has with the staff in the baby room.
My baby has formed a lovely bond with her key worker and many other staff, you can tell how much all of the staff love the babies who attend the nursery. This is honestly the best thing, you are leaving your child with people who genuinely love and care for them.
The staff go out of their way to learn the individual needs of every child and she has been so supported in every aspect. I look forward to continuing our nursery journey with Sunhill and we really feel part of the nursery family.
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted
Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your experience. The whole team understands how parents can feel apprehensive about leaving their children in the care of others and work…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from J H (Father of Child) published on 20 September 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Can't rate this nursery highly enough. Our child was here from 10 months old all the way to 3 years old. He has flourished and that is all thanks to the blueprints the nursery has laid down. Great communication and always worked with us for the best of our child. The staff here are great, they really
do make the little ones feel special. Not a bad word to say!
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted
Thank you for recommending our nursery! We take great pride in seeing children develop in our care and preparing them for school.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Sophie H (Mother of Child) published on 5 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot praise Sunhill Nursery enough. We have two boys aged two and four who have been attending Sunhill for over a year. The littlest is absolutely thriving in Sunbeams, he runs in every day and is welcomed with such energy and love it's wonderful to see. There is no end to what the nursery will
do to support these children, from yoga to squeezing their own orange juice! They really are full of energy and so much fun! Our eldest is in Planets, the preschool room, they take on his energy with such enthusiasm and he is both nurtured and prepared for his transition to school. He has come home so many times learning sign language or telling me of his rides in tractors. They are both so happy there, it's a warm and welcoming environment and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to families.
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted
Thank you for recommending our nursery! We are delighted to read how your sons are enjoying our setting and preparing for their next step in education with our school readiness programme.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from S H (Mother of Child) published on 1 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A warm, friendly, loving nursery! This was the impression we had of this nursery when we first looked around 6 years ago and ultimately what made us choose Sunhill over other local nurseries (along with the amazing outside play areas!). Just yesterday, I dropped off my youngest and he arrived at two
members of staff full of smiles for him, engaging him in chit-chat (they know him so well), helping to reassure him and ease the transition from leaving me. This is something I have always appreciated and admired about the staff- whatever the time of day, whatever they are in the middle of, whatever the room (from the baby room to the preschool room), the staff always give the warmest welcome to the children and cuddles if needed! I am very happy to say that our impression of the nursery on that day looking around is exactly what this nursery is: A place where the staff really know and value each child, helping them to flourish and develop in confidence, ready for school.
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted
Thank you so much for sharing your long-time experience of our nursery. Our dedicated teams aim to make the transition from parent to nursery easy for both, and we are pleased to have your family as…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Toby N (Father of Child) published on 31 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has had a fantastic experience at Sunhill over the past 3 years. It always feels safe, caring and a place where he can learn and have fun. The staff have been amazing throughout his time there.
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted
We are so pleased to read that your son has had a wonderful early years experience with us. Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Kayleigh M (Mother of Child) published on 9 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have our second child now at the nursery and settling in beautifully to the Baby Room. We had a wonderful experience with our first child at the nursery and he has been there for over three years, loving every second. Our second has loved her settling in time - we really could not have asked for
more. Her key workers have been exceptional. They have made the transition so easy and I felt like they were on the journey with me and my daughter instead of just going through the motions. It's a massive thing to trust people with your children and you really feel like all of the staff at Sunhill get that and are always going above and beyond, despite working in what I can imagine is an extremely demanding sector. The manager is absolutely all over everything, is knowledgeable and warm and the children love her.
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. Our team understands that enrolling your child in a nursery is an important decision, so we are pleased to read how they have made you feel at…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Jill B (Mother of Child) published on 2 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter attends Sunhill in Berkhamsted. She is my first child so I was a bit nervous about the transition back to work and starting nursery. From the start, the nursery had a ‘family’ feel from management to the members of team in her room. Nothing was too much trouble, they devised an onboarding
plan to suit us with regular touchpoints to keep me updated. She has been there now three months, her development has been excellent and the care she has received has been outstanding. I enjoy the end-of-day catch-ups with the team in the room, filling me in with what they have been up to. My daughter is happy and confident. I can’t thank them enough!
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review Jill. We endeavour to put parents at ease so they can return to work knowing their little ones are nurtured and cared for and we are delighted you…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from R N (Father of Child) published on 22 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended the nursery for two and half years now and is happier than ever. The staff are so attentive to her needs and she talks about them at home all the time. We have a great relationship with the manager who always gives us time for a catch-up. I cannot praise this nursery enough
for the support and care they have given our family.
Reply from Angela Bailey, Head of Customer Experience at Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted
Thank you for sharing your feedback. It's great to hear that you and your daughter are happy!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from J W (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5
Unfortunately, this nursery has really gone downhill in the last year. From poor communication regarding important events like a keyworker being out sick for an extended period of time and no acknowledgement from management to parents letting them know or any updates. Extremely unsafe car park, that
is pitch black with kids walking around. Rationing food to children, which is just bad, kids are told they can't have seconds. Also, snacks are just sad, cracker or half a breadstick. If you have a picky eater like I do, they aren't offered anything else, they just let them go hungry and no extra snacks are given to them. So many issues with the app that is supposed to give parents all the info they need for their kids, I can't believe how many updates I received about meals my child had when they weren't in the nursery that day. Now, they have just raised the fees 10%. This is now the most expensive nursery in the area and they can't even put up one light in the car park. Stay away.
Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted
Thank you for taking the time to review us, there is some really helpful information here which we will pass on to the appropriate departments.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Irfanali S (Father of Child) published on 14 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are so, so happy with Sunhill Nursery! Our daughters started in January and from the moment they started, we truly felt that our girls were loved by the staff, which as a parent, gave me a great sense of security in the people I am sending my children to. The staff in Stars are amazing, and any time
there is an update on something my child has done, they are just as excited for my baby as we as parents are. Staff in Comets have been incredibly accommodating, especially as my older child had a tougher time settling in. No matter how busy they are, as soon as my eldest walks through the door there is always someone there who stops what they are doing to give her a cuddle and play with her till she settles down. They constantly keep us in the loop with what the girls have been doing throughout the day. It truly is worth every single penny!
Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted
That's so reassuring for a parent and great for us to hear.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from F M (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We've had a wonderful experience with Sunhill so far. Our daughter absolutely loves it there. The staff are really good at keeping us up to date with how she's getting on, what she likes playing with and what she's eaten etc, and the app is really good for this too.
She always seems to be trying new
things and learning something different every day.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Patrick R (Father of Child) published on 11 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery manager and the Sunhill team have been fantastic during the settling period of our son. Friendly handovers in the morning and very informative at pick up. They made us feel at ease during our first nursery experience.
Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted
We're really glad that you feel at ease. We'll be sure to pass your comments onto the team.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Mary-Kate B (Mother of Child) published on 11 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The team at Sunhill is absolutely lovely and looked after my little guy with such care. They always kept me updated on things and it was obvious how much they all engaged with the children, carving out on one time with them and focusing on their interests and strengths. Would highly recommend it to
any parents looking for nursery options.
Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted
That's really kind to say, thank you very much, we'll let the team know.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from V P (Mother of Child) published on 8 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been at Sunhill Nursery for over a year and we are thrilled with the care she receives. She loves her time there and we feel very confident leaving her with the excellent staff at Sunhill.
Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted
That is wonderful to hear, thank you for sharing with us.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Ella O (Mother of Child) published on 8 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Sunhill is an amazing nursery. My son has been there for over 2 years and my daughter started about 5 months ago. Both of them absolutely love it there - the staff is fantastic and makes it such a safe and fun environment for the children. I highly recommend this nursery - can't rate it highly enough.
Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted
That is wonderful to hear, thank you for sharing with us.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Claire C (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As a parent leaving my child in the care of someone else for the first time, the experience felt incredibly overwhelming at times - however, not only has Sunhill done an exceptional job looking after my child, but they’ve also done an exceptional job considering me/us as a family making this transition,
and that’s meant the world to us.
Furthermore, our child’s development has accelerated since being enrolled in their daycare. Our little one has really come into themselves now, and it’s so exciting to see!
I really couldn’t be more grateful and happy to have my child with them.
Thank you to the amazing team at Sunhill Berkhamsted!
Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted
We're delighted to hear this. We totally understand what a big decision it is, and thank you for placing your trust in us.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from H M (Mother of Child) published on 26 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5
The staff and set-up are nice and before it was taken over by a private equity firm we had no complaints. The staff are lovely. However, staff turnover is frequent and challenging for the stability of the children. The continuous upping of fees is outrageous. The communication regarding fee increases
is last minute. They use the same reasons on repeat to put up the fees, frequently through the year which doesn’t make sense. If you want to feel like every last penny is taken from you, then this is the place for you. The car park is dark and unsafe, rather than using the profits from the extortionate fees they tell you to bring a head torch. If you would like your suspension and bank balance ruined sign up now.
Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted
Thank you for taking the time to review us. We understand your frustration with fees, this time because of the large increase in the staff minimum wage amount. We do our best to try and protect fees…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from L B (Mother of Child) published on 26 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our 11-month-old son has recently started at Sunhill Nursery and we have been impressed by the care and attention to detail from the staff to ensure this transition was as smooth as possible. The staff at Sunhill are wonderful - they have gone out of their way to support our son with his settling period
with regular updates and communication, making us as parents feel comfortable with this huge milestone, too. They were adaptable and flexible, going the extra mile and providing additional extra hours to ensure he was settled and happy before my return to work. They have taken the time to get to know him and it has been especially lovely to have the manager personally make such an effort to build a bond with him too. It was clear to see her joy, as well as his key worker, when he began to really settle and enjoy his time in nursery. It is down to the fantastic staff that he has settled so quickly after a wobbly start. We are very happy with our choice of Sunhill Nursery. Thank you!
Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted
Thank you very much. Your review means a lot and we'll be sure to share it with the team as they will very much like to read this. We're so glad he has settled and is thriving.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from E F (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our experience of our child starting at nursery has been fantastic. The teachers have been so interactive, fun and caring and have made the process really smooth and stress-free. We’re really grateful to the team!
Reply from Joanne Wright, Chief Marketing Officer at Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted
We're really grateful to you too for choosing us and taking the time to review. Thank you very much.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Larry E (Father of Child) published on 20 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our child has been at Sunhill for over 18 months now and loves it. The staff are fantastic and really engage with them on a daily basis. The communication is great with regular email updates and the app to inform of what they have done on a day-to-day basis is updated daily. Most importantly our child
comes home happy and loves her time there.
Reply from Beth Lewendon, Marketing Coordinator at Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that your child is enjoying their time at Sunhill and feels happy coming home. It's heartening to know that you appreciate the…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.787)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.787) out of 10 for Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 40 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 38 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 4.787 for Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted is calculated as follows: ( (408 Excellents x 5) + (51 Goods x 4) + (10 Satisfactorys x 3) + (9 Poors x 2) + (1 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 479 Ratings = 4.787
  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 Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted is based on 38 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 102 number of registered child places is 20.4, which has been reached with 38 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.

Loading

Loading Loading

Loading

Loading

Awards / Recognitions (7)

Meet the Team (1)

Jan

Jan

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2000

Qualifications: Level 5

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted has an Enhanced Service - more info.