Ladybirds Nursery

Birch Centre Hill End Lane, St Albans AL4 0RA
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9.8 106 Reviews
  • Ladybirds Nursery, St Albans
Ladybirds Nursery welcomes babies and children from 3 months to 5 years of age to tranquil surroundings in a parkland setting. It opened in 2003 and is owned and managed by two experienced early years teachers who lead a loyal staff team.

Parents can be confident their child enjoys a broad and balanced curriculum, with both indoor and outdoor play contributing to early development. Staff aim to promote an eagerness to learn, while supporting independent thinking and self confidence.

The aim is to lay the foundations for full-time education by cherishing the importance of the early years.

Please contact the team for their Babybird brochure.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Michelle Gee (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 20

Total Places for Children

  • 61

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Please contact us for a copy of our current fees or for any information on funding.
    We offer a discount % for full time places.

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays

Ladybirds Nursery Reviews (106)

9.8

Ladybirds Nursery has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.814) out of 10, based on 11 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Ladybirds Nursery has 106 reviews.

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Total of 106, showing 21-40
Review from Philip W (Father of Child) published on 8 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery providing excellent and balanced environment for children. Location within Highfield Park is ideal as provided easy access to forest walks and gardens which the nursery makes great use of.
Very professionally run by very experienced and knowledgable leadership and staff.
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Review from Orla W (Mother of Child) published on 10 November 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started in Ladybirds in January 2020 and I can honestly say that her experience there was incredible. She always looked forward to going into the nursery and sometimes didn’t want to go home because it was during her disco! She became more confident and well socialised through interaction
with the staff and the other children. There was a wide variety of activities carried out on a daily basis. The themes were well thought out and really got the kids engaged. She definitely misses all her friends in Kingfishers. We only left because we moved away from St Albans.
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Review from Natasha B (Mother of Child) published on 13 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter started Ladybirds when she was 9 months old. She graduated two weeks ago as a happy and confident child, feeling good about the prospect of going to "big school".
The staff are caring, attentive and well-loved by the children. They guide the children as they learn and develop through play,
but also more structured lessons like phonics, writing, science or creative pursuits. It's obvious that the principals bring their unique experience to make this a special place.
I was regularly amazed by the breadth of activities we would see uploaded to the parent portal. It was really nice to see the things they encouraged them to do and the sense of achievement the children would get from the activities. I also love that the children spend time outside in Highfield Park every day; be it walks in the buggies as babies or Forest School in pre-school. The level of education is excellent and it's clear that all the staff feel passionately about it.
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Review from Maria K (Mother of Child) published on 8 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son recently "graduated" from Ladybirds; he joined the nursery when he was only 6 months old and he has loved every single day. There is strong leadership, staff are very caring and attentive, and they benefit hugely from the park setting, spending a lot of time outdoors. Babies receive a lot of
1-2-1 care and attention; we received detailed reports about what our son was doing daily. He was a fussy eater as a baby and the nursery supported us a lot by being actively helpful and engaged. The nursery has a very nurturing culture, and a high rate of staff retention, which means that the kids can bond with their key workers and build a trusting relationship. We were extremely impressed at how well the nursery prepared him for reception! Looking back 4 years ago, we were very stressed about choosing the right nursery for our child - but Ladybirds exceeded by far our expectations and played a huge part in our son's development. We could not be more grateful for all their help and support!
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Review from Vicky B (Mother of Child) published on 27 August 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our eldest son started at Ladybirds in 2018, aged 13 months. From our first visit we knew that it was the right place for our boys. The staff are very caring: they have an excellent rapport with the children and know each of them as individuals, even between rooms. They have fantastic resources, including
its setting in Highfield Park which our boys have loved for their outdoor adventures. The children have close friendships which has been lovely to watch develop. Rarely has there been a day that either of them has been upset at drop-off and, if they have, the staff are always sympathetic and able to distract with encouraging words and activities. The preparation for transition to school has been excellent, and our eldest leaves pre-school confident in his sounds, numbers, and most importantly, in himself. This is in no small part due to nursery, which we often refer to as their “third parent”. We are so pleased that our sons have had the benefit of enjoying their early years at Ladybirds.
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Review from Leah N (Mother of Child) published on 19 August 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Ladybirds was a fantastic experience for my daughter. She became so much more confident and I now feel much happier about her starting school in September thanks to the care and education she received while she was there. I couldn't recommend this place enough and hope my younger daughter will be starting
there shortly too.
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Review from A N (Mother of Child) published on 17 August 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We love Ladybirds Nursery!
Our daughter started attending at 7 months and we have seen how she has flourished. The nursery take a very personal approach to the development of every child.
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Review from Aman N (Father of Child) published on 29 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We’ve had 2 sons at Ladybirds and both have honestly thrived. They have never had a ‘bad day’, and it is clear the staff are caring, compassionate and happy. Reassuringly communicative at all times, you really can feel confident that your child is in safe hands. Safe to say we’ve booked in our next
child in 2 yrs early.
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Review from Diana A (Mother of Child) published on 29 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son attended Ladybirds Nursery for 2 years. (Graduated last week)
He is a shy boy and the staff made sure that he felt safe and welcomed from the minute he arrived. His needs were always met and extra attention was given where necessary while encouraging independence.
There were always lots of
different activities for the children to enjoy and the location of the nursery is excellent providing mini adventures/walks.
I believe that everyone at Ladybirds Nursery genuinely enjoys being with children so they can learn and perfect skills in relaxed environment.
As a parent I felt listened to and informed about my child's development.
Pandemic was handled professionally and very effectively keeping Covid out of the nursery.
I would highly recommend Ladybirds Nursery.
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Review from Jenny B (Mother of Child) published on 22 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter is just about to start school in September and has been at Ladybirds for 2 years. We are so happy she went - she has grown in confidence, made lovely friends, had wonderful teachers and learnt much more than I would have expected. Most importantly, she’s really enjoyed it and looks forward
to going. They are in a brilliant setting and get lots of outdoor time too. Would really recommend Ladybirds Nursery.
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Review from Joanne W (Mother of Child) published on 8 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son is coming up for the end of his time at Ladybirds as he moves to school in September. It has been the perfect start for him. He is cared for and every aspect of his development catered for and extended. He loves Ladybirds. The setting, in the middle of the parkland, is perfect. He happily talks
of his adventures in the wood, maze or on a walk.
Over the last 2 years, they have faced huge challenges and have risen to these admirably. Never has my son noticed the chaos in the world around him. They have remained calm, caring and focused on doing the best for the children in their care.
We shall be very sad to say goodbye to Ladybirds. It is simply wonderful.
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Review from Racheal L (Mother of Child) published on 7 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter is about to finish at Ladybirds, we have had such a lovely year and considering all the covid restrictions, Ladybirds have been amazing! She has flourished and is very happy and ready to start Reception. She has made some lovely friendships and has never had a bad day at Ladybirds.
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the staff have been so lovely with my daughter, she loves them all, her reading and writing has massively improved in this last year, as with all the other important factors they have taught her.
We would highly recommend Ladybirds, it has been the best start for both my children. The daily walks were always a favourite of both children, and they have fond memories of the grounds. To say we are going to be sad to leave is an understatement.
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Review from Carly N (Mother of Child) published on 6 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have two children at Ladybirds Nursery and have been nothing but impressed with the care they have received. My first joined when she was 3 and is just finishing preschool. She has completely thrived and we have seen her come out of herself. She is no longer the quiet, shy girl she was but now has
so much more confidence and new skills. My little one joined when she was 1 and have received such wonderful care. She is kept busy with so many activities and thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor spaces ladybirds offers. Management are quick to respond via email or phone and they have been amazing during the whole pandemic in making sensible decisions and protecting everyone.
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Review from Katy A (Mother of Child) published on 1 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been at Ladybirds for the past 3 years. She has loved her time at nursery, has made some great friends, learnt a huge amount, and will be very sad to leave when she goes to school in September. We have seen a huge development in her reading and writing whilst at pre-school which is
a testament to the time and effort that the staff have put in. The nursery adapted very well to the challenges of Covid and we feel that the nursery has been as Covid safe as any education setting could be. I would highly recommend Ladybirds. I mark down the food category because Ladybirds does not provide lunch or dinner (but it does provide snacks).
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Review from Liz F (Mother of Child) published on 13 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has attended Ladybirds for two years and we cannot fault the care that he has received during his time there. His key workers have always got to know his likes, dislikes and habits, and as a result, he has grown in confidence and absolutely loves attending. There is always plenty of time given
to in-person feedback at the end of each day and the online journal complete with pictures and videos has allowed us to see what he gets up to during his busy day. There is a good balance between indoor and outdoor learning - our son loves venturing into the park on their daily walks. It would be nice if Ladybirds could also provide meals but unfortunately, this isn't possible.
We are very sad to be leaving, but we know that Ladybirds has set him up with a love of exploring and learning.
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Review from Daniel C (Father of Child) published on 10 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter was at Ladybirds for approximately two years, she started just after her first birthday and recently left to move to a nursery closer to our home, which we recently moved to.
Throughout that time we've constantly been impressed and reassured by the care, consideration and development Isla
received during that time.
The staff seems to have very little turnover and everyone we have ever spoken to at the nursery has been fantastic.
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Review from Adam C (Father of Child) published on 8 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at Ladybirds have all been excellent, and have worked closely with the parents both before and during the pandemic. Our daughter has been at Ladybirds since she was 10 months old and is now almost 2 years old. Her key person in both of the rooms she has been through has been communicative,
and the video clips which get sent home are great.
Our daughter loves her time at Ladybirds, especially because they are able to spend so much time in the park. The building is inside the park and there are no roads nearby.
We're very sad to have to leave Ladybirds because we are moving home away from the area.
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Review from Juliet S (Mother of Child) published on 20 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been at Ladybirds for 3 years and I have been delighted with his progress and the care that he has received. I compared many nurseries and have struggled to find another that matches the quality of learning and preparation for school that ladybirds gives. You will also not find anywhere else
in such a lovely setting in the park where the children go for walks every day around the parks and forest school is incorporated so easily. I would have hated my children to just have a small garden to go out in each day and this really built the children’s dependence from buggies early on. Overall fabulous!
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Review from Alex W (Mother of Child) published on 3 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has just left Ladybirds for school after a year in Kingfishers and a year in Pre-school. She has absolutely loved her time there and has been really happy. The staff are excellent and were obviously fond of her (and she of them). We all loved the activities she did, especially the ones I
wouldn't or couldn't do at home - which included forest school, playing with coloured shaving foam, exploring toys frozen in ice and painting their feet. The children are usually taken out daily into the varied areas and have occasionally been on small trips as part of pre-school (to a local garage and chip shop) which she really enjoyed.
The pre-school has prepared her well for starting school. In what has been a challenging 6-months, when nurseries were allowed to re-open, the nursery management was very sensible and sensitive as to how they welcomed the children back. We will miss Ladybirds!
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Review from Razin R (Father of Child) published on 31 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Ladybirds is an exceptional nursery. My daughter attended pre-school year at the nursery. After a year she is much more confident and well rounded. We appreciate the effort and hard work each and every teacher and staff put in for each student to bring the best out of them. I would highly recommend
this nursery for pre-school students. Best wishes to Ladybirds nursery and to all its staff.
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.814)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.814) out of 10 for Ladybirds Nursery 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 11 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 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 4.912 for Ladybirds Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (117 Excellents x 5) + (5 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 125 Ratings = 4.912
  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 4.902 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Ladybirds Nursery 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 61 number of registered child places is 12.2. 11 Positive Reviews ÷ 12.2 = 0.902
  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 (13)

Meet the Team (2)

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Michelle Gee

Job Title: Manager Joined: 2008

I have worked at Ladybirds Nursery since I gained my qualification Diploma in Childcare and Education in 2008. I have been fortunate to grow both personally and professionally from then, as whilst working at the nursery I gained my Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management. Starting as a nursery practitioner, I have taken on roles such as care supervisor, mentor, room leader and finally Manager. During this time I have worked across all the different ages from 3 months to rising 5's. This has given me a broad knowledge of children's ages and stages of development and I have a passion for helping children meet their true potential in a caring and nurturing educational setting. Seeing them grow throughout their time with us is amazing and the relationships built with them and their families is very special indeed.


Outside of nursery life I enjoy taking time to connect with family and friends, being outside and curling up with a good book.

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Abbie Speed

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2020

HI! My name is Abbie, and I am the Deputy Manager at Ladybirds Day Nursery.


Ever since Primary school, thanks to my mum working from home as a Childminder, I knew that I wanted to work with and understand the learning and development of children. This sparked my desire to study Psychology and Child Development at university. After achieving a First class degree, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to travel and au-pair in Australia and complete an internship teaching English to primary school children in Barcelona before joining the fantastic team at Ladybirds Nursery. I first joined Ladybirds as nursery practitioner before becoming the room leader of Doves (our Baby room) and was later appointed as the Deputy Manager.


One of the many reasons why I love working with children, is being able to be part of and aid their development and growth. Working in the baby room, I am privileged to watch the children's growth and development throughout their nursery journey; watch as they achieve milestones such as walking and learning to talk and their individual personalities and imaginations grow. I also enjoy building strong rapports with the children's respective guardians and carers and learning about their family's cultures, traditions, and celebrations and learning phrases and words of the languages that they may speak.

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