Old Macdonald's Day Nursery Bovingdon

Darley Ash Farm, Chipperfield Road, Bovingdon, Hemel Hempstead HP3 0JW
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10 19 Reviews
  • Old Macdonald's Day Nursery Bovingdon, Hemel Hempstead
Old MacDonald's Day Nursery, Bovingdon opened in February 1998 and is Ofsted registered for 74 children at any one time, from 3 months to 5 years. They are open Monday to Friday 7.30 am - 6.30 pm all year round except for public bank holidays and offer morning and afternoon sessions, full days or a full week. They are situated amongst open countryside offering a unique setting with farm animals to visit and garden areas of approx 1 acre. Ofsted rating: Outstanding (January 2023).
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Lauren Savage (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 29

Total Places for Children

  • 74

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

Old Macdonald's Day Nursery Bovingdon Reviews (19)

10

Old Macdonald's Day Nursery Bovingdon has a Review Score of 10 (9.969) out of 10, based on 19 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Old Macdonald's Day Nursery Bovingdon has 19 reviews.

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Review from Nicky T (Mother of Child) published on 16 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A fantastic nursery and pre school facility!
Both our children have thrived here and as parents we have been so happy with everything old macs have provided. From food, facilities, activities, farm trips and of course care, we cannot fault them. As our youngest son is about to "graduate" and move
into reception this September we can see how well prepared the children are for this next step in their lives, just as our older one was. It will be sad to say goodbye to everyone at old macs who have been there in these key years, of not just our children's lives but ours too as new parents! Brilliant nursery that I would recommend to anyone.
Reply from David Selwood, Director at Old Macdonald's Day Nursery Bovingdon
Thank you so much for your lovely review it means so much to the team
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Review from David N (Father of Child) published on 16 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Old MacDonalds is a fantastic nursery, it's a warm, friendly and safe environment and I can't recommend it highly enough. The staff are welcoming and approachable, I know my daughter is always well looked after and the progress she has made in the last year has been wonderful to see
Reply from David Selwood, Director at Old Macdonald's Day Nursery Bovingdon
Thank you so much for your kind words they mean so much to us all
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Review from Zoe D (Mother of Child) published on 15 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We as a family love Old Macdonalds Bovingdon. My son has been going since he was 9 months old, he is now almost 2 and half. The way he has developed in this time, from counting, to his ABCs and his social skills has been amazing. They show so much love, care and attention towards him and the other children
and I couldn't be happier to send him here everyday. All the staff are fantastic, a big thank you from us
Reply from David Selwood, Director at Old Macdonald's Day Nursery Bovingdon
Thank you so much for your kind words it means a lot to us all
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Review from Zoe H (Mother of Child) published on 11 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at old MacDonalds Bovingdon nursery are amazing. My son loves them all especially a few members of staff. They go above and beyond to make children feel settled and safe and most importantly have lots of fun. The chef makes them delicious and healthy meals and snacks and the admin team are
efficient and always quick to respond.
Reply from David Selwood, Director at Old Macdonald's Day Nursery Bovingdon
Thank you so much for your kind words they mean so much to all of us.
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Review from Genevieve M (Mother of Child) published on 11 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter loves going into nursery each day and is through that door and can't wait to see her friends and caregivers, which speaks volumes about the great care and support she receives at Bovingdon.
The farm is a great bonus and she enjoys all fo the time they spend outside playing.
Reply from David Selwood, Director at Old Macdonald's Day Nursery Bovingdon
Thank you so much for your kind words they mean a lot to all of us
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Review from Maz M (Mother of Child) published on 10 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been at Old Macs Bovingdon since she was a year old and she's now about to start school , every member of staff is friendly, welcoming and great with the children, my daughter is always happy and excited to go into nursery and loves telling em about her day when I collect her. Richard
cooks a variety of food that's healthy and fun and she's always wanting me to make it at home! I feel safe in the knowledge she's looked after and cared for while she's there!
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Review from Alison J (Mother of Child) published on 10 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Old MacDonalds Bovingdon is such a great setting where the children are so supported and thrive in such a positive caring environment. The staff are brilliant at bringing the best out of the children (and supporting the parents too!!). The activities they offer are incredible especially the use of the
farm and outdoor space is wonderful. The children are so happy and becoming so confident it's so wonderful to see. 5 star rating from us.
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Review from Laila C (Mother of Child) published on 8 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can't say enough about the amazing experience we've had at Old MacDonald in Bovingdon. From the moment our son started at 11 months old in 2020, right up to this very day, it has exceeded our expectations. What really drew us in was the idea of having the farm so close and having that regular access
for the children. The staff are incredibly warm, welcoming and professional, ensuring that each child feels safe, comfortable and loved, which as a parent, is the most important thing. One of the standout qualities of this nursery is how personable they have been over the years by celebrating and supporting us whenever we have had big news/changes at home. We are so grateful that our son has had such an incredible experience in the first years of his life as we understand just how important those early years are. We wholeheartedly recommend Old Macdonald Bovingdon to any parent looking for a nurturing and personalised experience for their child.
Reply from David Selwood, Director at Old Macdonald's Day Nursery Bovingdon
Thank you for your kind words it is much appreciated, it means so much to our wonderful team.
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Review from Hannah D (Mother of Child) published on 18 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Old Macdonald's is an absolute gem and we are so lucky to be able to send both of our children here.
Every interaction with staff is friendly and warm, and I rest assured knowing my children experience that too. We love that there is so much outdoor space, that they get to experience farm visits,
and they have a helping hand in the garden!
From the teachers to the chef, to the admin team, nothing ever seems too much. You make the guilt and anxiety that parents may feel at leaving their little ones, just disappear, and I can't thank you enough for that!
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Review from Gloria M (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I honestly cannot rave enough about Old Macdonalds, Bovingdon.
My little girl started attending in 2020 right up to when she started school this year. My little boy has also attended since 2023 and we plan to keep him there until he starts school in a couple of years as well.
The staff and communication
have been absolutely amazing right from the start.
My kids have made the best of friends here and have always loved their time here. From visits to the farm, dress-up days, stay and plays, and more, it really is the best childcare setting!
I feel like I know all the staff so well from the years passed because they are all so welcoming and take the time to chat. It really is like one big happy family!
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Review from Kate W (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending Old Macdonalds for the past three years. He has always had fun and really enjoys all of the outside activities, especially the preschool garden and visiting the farm.
Over the last few months, my son was anxious about going to preschool and leaving mummy and daddy. We expressed
this with the preschool team, two in particular. They gave us some advice regarding dropping him off and they always made a fuss of him when he arrived. When we arrived to pick him up they would often say come and see him and he would be playing with his friends, having a great time which reassured my husband and I.
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Review from Alex M (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my children have attended Old Macdonald's in Bovingdon from April 2021 - to the present.
The care my children have received has been fantastic and as a parent, I feel so comfortable leaving them with the staff.
I cannot thank the team enough for the support they have given us as parents along
with the outstanding level of care and safety they provide my children on a daily basis.
Both have learned so much there and developed well.
The food provided for breakfast, lunch, and dinner is fabulous and tummies are certainly full of nutritional meals which are thoroughly enjoyed!
I always have, and will continue to, recommend the setting to any parent I meet.
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Review from Hannah S (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We couldn't be happier with Old Macdonald Bovingdon! From the lovely and ever-helpful office staff to the wonderful room staff, the farm trips to the creative classroom activities, there is always something going on. Our son has thrived in his last year at this nursery, and has loved both rooms he's
been in. The staff goes out of their way to celebrate everything and everyone and make the days interesting for the children. We also really enjoy the 'stay and play' sessions with other parents, and have built a good community as a result. Keep it up!
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Review from E R (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our experience at Old MacDonald Day Nursery has been exceptional. Recommended by my sister, whose little boy thrived there, we felt confident from the start. It was also the first nursery where my daughter felt instantly at home, and the staff have been so accommodating.
The settling-in process has
been smooth, with the team providing incredible care and reassurance. On our first settling-in session, it was clear how happy and comfortable the children were, with laughter filling the rooms which was a wonderful, telling sign. The facilities are excellent, communication is seamless, and the staff are great. It's a truly lovely nursery, and I highly recommend it!
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Review from Emily B (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We feel incredibly fortunate to have found Old Macdonald's Bovingdon. Moving here over a year ago, we left behind a beloved nursery, so we were naturally cautious. The positive reviews and outdoor space drew us in, and now we fully understand why they have an Ofsted outstanding rating. Our children
joined at 10 months and 3 years and we couldn't be happier with both their experiences. The staff make a genuine effort to know each child individually, and our son's fifth word was the name of his adored room manager! The environment is warm and welcoming, with activities like farm visits, themed weeks, and events such as a nativity, graduation, and Christmas party. Even the management team and chef take time to connect with the children, involving them in growing fresh vegetables in the nursery's allotment. Though there are closer nurseries, the trip is worthwhile. Thank you to the wonderful team at Old MacDonald's Bovingdon for creating such a special place!
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Review from Jesse B (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We feel so grateful to have found such a wonderful nursery. Our daughter started here at 10 months old in the baby room and settled immediately. The staff are so wonderful, caring and engaging and really seem like they enjoy the time spent with the children. Our daughter is always happy and excited
to start her day and is just as happy at pick up later on. Her days are filled with activities, learning, playing and trips to the farm. Communication is great, the little touches such as letting us know the current songs they are learning are great as we can sing them at home - we've noticed her doing the incy wincy hand movements when we sing along together! We really couldn't ask for a more caring and nurturing environment and just thank you all so much for making her start at the nursery such a wonderful transition.
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Review from Laura H (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I couldn't rate Old Macdonald's more highly. I have 2 daughters there (1 in nursery and 1 in pre-school), and they have the most amazing time and arrive so happy each morning. The teaching staff are fantastic and provide a wide variety of experiences for the children to thrive in. The facilities are
outstanding and the added bonus is, it is situated next to a working farm, so the children regularly go over there to meet and interact with the animals. The food provided is very nutritious and offers a wide variety of flavours. Thank you for making my daughter's experience so wonderful.
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Review from Chloe R (Mother of Child) published on 6 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the very beginning, my little boy has loved attending Old Macdonalds. He has been attending since he was 1 year old, and has developed so much in the time he's been there, including speech and confidence.
All staff at the nursery are friendly and welcoming. It's evident that they genuinely care
about the children and their wellbeing.
Overall, I couldn't be happier with our choice of nursery. It's a wonderful place where my child feels safe, happy, and engaged. I highly recommend it to any parents looking for a nurturing and supportive environment for their children.
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Review from Sara B (Mother of Child) published on 1 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are wonderful, they care for my child and it is clear he is happy there and gets excited to go. He started very young and the staff have helped me along the various stages and its always felt like teamwork, long may it continue. It's a warm, friendly and inclusive environment.
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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.969)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.969) out of 10 for Old Macdonald's Day Nursery Bovingdon is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 19 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 19 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 4.969 for Old Macdonald's Day Nursery Bovingdon is calculated as follows: ( (220 Excellents x 5) + (7 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 227 Ratings = 4.969
  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 Old Macdonald's Day Nursery Bovingdon is based on 19 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 74 number of registered child places is 14.8, which has been reached with 19 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Old Macdonald's Day Nursery Bovingdon

What is the Age Range of Children that Old Macdonald's Day Nursery Bovingdon accepts?

Old Macdonald's Day Nursery Bovingdon accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Old Macdonald's Day Nursery Bovingdon Open?

Old Macdonald's Day Nursery Bovingdon 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 Old Macdonald's Day Nursery Bovingdon have capacity for?

Old Macdonald's Day Nursery Bovingdon has capacity for a total of 74 Children.

How far is Old Macdonald's Day Nursery Bovingdon to the centre of Hemel Hempstead?

3.6 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 Old Macdonald's Day Nursery Bovingdon to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Old Macdonald's Day Nursery Bovingdon has an Enhanced Service - more info.