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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Review from Amy P (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter attended Ladybirds between September 2019 and July 2020. The staff and management team are extremely professional and made my daughter's time here really enjoyable. The staff are amazing and are able to build a great rapport with the children. Where Ladybirds is located means that the children
get lots of outdoor play, as well as into the local park.
As a parent, the staff are always keen to provide updates, and there are also regular email communications / newsletters too.
We are very sad to be leaving and are only doing so as we have a place at where my daughter goes to school.
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Review from Beccy S (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter attended both Kingfishers and Pre-School at Ladybirds. I can honestly say that I am so pleased that we chose Ladybirds for the love and care that they provided for her. We are leaving for Reception but if she could have stayed for longer, we would have loved it. The beautiful location in
the park makes for a unique setting for the children, with exploration activities right on their doorstep. The only way that I could have loved Ladybirds more, would be if they were able to provide meals. We will miss you all.
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Review from Luisa S (Mother of Child) published on 3 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Ladybirds Nursery has been very good for my son, who has attended since 11 months old and will now move on to school. Whilst the daily outdoor pursuits are what attracted me to the nursery initially, I can see the real benefits for him have been the personal attention he has received in the over 2-year-old
rooms. My son doesn't have a great aptitude for social skills but he is bright so he can learn. I feel like his behaviour might have been ignored in a less conscientious setting. However, his key worker in the Kingfishers room particularly put a lot of effort into helping him learn how to approach other children that she noticed he wanted to play with and also in noticing and encouraging good behaviour. He continued receiving extra support in his personal and social development during his pre-school year and is now a funny, confident and more respectful boy. The children certainly leave Ladybirds as independent and well-rounded individuals.
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Review from Rupert K (Father of Child) published on 26 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would wholeheartedly recommend Ladybirds Nursery. Our son really developed during his pre-school year and was very happy for all his time at Ladybirds. I am extremely impressed with the consideration given to preparing children for the start of school. At a meeting with our son's teacher for reception
today, she suggested that he will be well prepared for school having been at Ladybirds (he was in his pre-school polo shirt). I have heard a lot, anecdotally, to this effect.
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Review from Natalie W (Mother of Child) published on 28 October 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent, well-run and well-led nursery. Our two boys both started at 8 months old and left to start school.
The staff are all committed to the children they look after and this is apparent in the daily debriefs and ongoing activities they hold regularly. The highlight year for us was the preschool
year. The boys settled easily into school as Ladybird's preschool gently introduced them to the structure of a school day. If you are looking for an educationally enriching environment then I would thoroughly recommend Ladybirds.
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Review from Lauren L (Mother of Child) published on 4 October 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son had the most amazing experience at Ladybirds. From 12 months, through all four rooms including pre-school, until he started school in September 2019. The team are remarkable, they are caring and nurturing while encouraging the children to be independent. A great ethos focusing on fun, creative
play and positive behaviours with an impressive range of activities. The setting within the park is ideal. My son loves being outside - a lot of time is spent outdoors in the park and in their garden. He particularly enjoyed the forest school elements. Time and effort are also spent with parents. The feedback is thorough. Several information evenings have been arranged for parents and carers which I have found extremely beneficial. The team are always willing to offer advice and guidance. My son has flourished here. He was well prepared for school and has had a great start. The nursery surpassed all my expectations.
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Review from A R (Mother of Child) published on 2 October 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my son and daughter have had a positive experience at Ladybirds. The pre-school is excellent in setting them up for school life, knowing their phonics and learning how to write their names. It has given my children confidence and my daughter has settled into school really well. The key workers
are hard-working, they support the children and encourage them. I loved them being positioned near the park, they had daily walks and nature trails. The work that came home was personal, (done by the children) but presented well. Only problem is having to take packed lunches in.
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Review from Rachel H (Mother of Child) published on 23 September 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Super nursery in a lovely setting. Prepares children very well to start in reception. Both my children were very happy at this nursery and made lots of friends.
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Review from Tere H (Mother of Child) published on 8 August 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been at Ladybirds since he was a year old, he's now 4 1/2. Can safely say he's loved every minute of it. The staff are caring, firm and friendly. Much thought has been placed on the structure and activities of the childrens day. Imagination and exploration are encouraged as well as respecting
each other and staff. The preschool has been amazing, our son now knows all his letters and numbers. Great basis/foundation for school in September.
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Review from Emer N (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot recommend this nursery enough. My son has been attending for the past two years and has grown in confidence and flourished into a beautiful mannerly young boy. The staff, from management to key workers, work amazingly as a team and help teach and nurture the kids in their care.
Not only do
they help develop our kids but I have been lucky to attend one of the workshops they have provided to help parents/teach us some tricks of the trade. Teaching sessions that they developed from some of the questions regularly asked by the parents. My son has loved his time here and developed special bonds with his teacher. The team is well structured and provides amazing opportunities for learning with visits to the maze, forest school, the rose gardens, sports days, cooking classes and many more.
Keep up the good work, you are all a truly amazing dedicated team and it shows through our happy kids. Thank you.
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Review from J L (Mother of Child) published on 25 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son joined Ladybirds at 11 months old and was quick to settle in the comfortable and caring Doves room, developing a close relationship with his keyworker rapidly. Ladybirds focus heavily on children learning positive behaviours with others, creative play and lots of fantastic outdoor fun. The key
appeal of the nursery was the lovely park setting and outdoor walks and exploration twice a day. He has thoroughly enjoyed this. Pre-school has been excellent and he leaves a happy learner with brilliant skills to start school.
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Review from Hannah W (Mother of Child) published on 25 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We could not have asked for a more caring and nurturing nursery for our daughter. She has grown into a confident little girl, well prepared for transitioning to school. Lovely memories of great friendships that I hope will last a lifetime.
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Review from Peter MB (Father of Child) published on 11 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of our sons attended Ladybirds Nursery. The oldest one 2.5 years and the youngest one roughly 7 months. Our experience has been amazing. Friendly staff, great curriculum and the location is stunning. Both of them enjoyed playing in the boules area, the maze, the pond and the rest of the park. It
could be a coincidence, but all the children at the nursery turn out to be friendly, polite and caring for each other. It is definitely a pity we had to leave the nursery, but we would recommend it to anyone! The only downside is that you have to prepare the food for the children yourself.
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Review from Carolyn HB (Mother of Child) published on 10 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son attended Ladybirds nursery from age 1 to end of preschool.
Ladybirds is a wonderful nursery. He was extremely happy there and learnt so much. I never felt guilty about him being there as I knew that every day he had a whole host of planned activities; much more interesting than I could have
arranged!
The preschool is exceptional in preparing children for school. My son started Reception in Sept 2018 and has settled in very well, in no small part due to the preschool preparation, including being able to recognise words, spell his name and manipulate numbers. He is also extremely social and good at mixing in different groups, which again has been influenced in large part by Ladybirds.
A small drawback is the lack of cooking facilities, but this is due to a covenant on the building, not the nursery's choice. And it does mean you can be in control of what your child eats.
All the staff are genuinely caring and interested in the children.
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Review from Kanyarat H (Mother of Child) published on 10 October 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Ladybirds Nursery is very good.
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Review from Dana V (Mother of Child) published on 10 October 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Ladybirds Nursery is a little gem hidden in the midst of beautiful greenery which provides you with a sense of peacefulness and joy.
The staff is just amazing, loving and nurturing. Our experience was unforgettable! Thank you!
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Review from Gareth W (Father of Child) published on 8 August 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Ladybirds is a fantastic development foundation for toddlers and young pre-schoolers. Throughout our 6 years at the school (2 children) we have found the entire school extremely well run and very much dedicated to the children.
The school provides a great learning opportunity for the children who are
able to explore, express and develop their social skills. The teachers are very passionate about their week and provide excellent feedback.
We have only positive things to say about Ladybirds which has set up our children very well for their reception year and allowed them to develop excellent friendships.
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Review from Rachael H (Mother of Child) published on 3 August 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What stands out at Ladybirds Nursery is that it is extremely well managed and organised right through from senior management to the activities on offer for the children. The nursery is a happy, safe learning and fun working environment where the needs of the children are met to a very high standard.
Certainly, my daughter flourished there, becoming more independent, confident and ready for school. Both of my children attend Ladybirds Nursery and I would not hesitate to recommend this nursery to anyone.
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Review from David L (Father of Child) published on 31 July 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery - cannot be faulted. All of our three children attended the nursery. The standard of education and care is outstanding and the staff are incredible. The location, right in the heart of Highfield Park is the best in St Albans as the children spend loads of time in the park. Our children
loved the place.
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Review from Selma M (Mother of Child) published on 27 July 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Sucha a lovely, nurturing nursery and fantastic preschool.
Our daughter is so well prepared to now start school.
Highly recommend.
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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.