Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin

Glover House, 23-25 Bury Mead Road, Hitchin SG5 1RT
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8.9 135 Reviews
  • Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin, Hitchin
Toad Hall Nursery is a 107-place nursery in the heart of Hitchin, offering a child-led approach to encourage the development of the children in their care. Children are given the opportunity to explore, interact, engage and thrive within the care of the highly experienced staff team.

Partnership with parents is at the heart of everything they do, from planning social events, holding quarterly Parent Forums to discuss and share ideas, and providing all children with ‘Home Learning’ ideas and opportunities to share with their carers at home.

The nursery is made up of 7 rooms, each catering for a different age group which enables them to provide facilities and resources for the right age and stage of each child. Weekly activities are planned for the children around their interests, utilising their state-of-the-art facilities both inside and outside, in their large gardens which also boast a growing patch and mud kitchen.

There are three garden areas which again cater for different ages of children, which enable more children to access the outside provisions at one time and gives opportunity for children to assess their own risks, develop their physical abilities and engage in the nursery’s extra initiatives, such as their Cook and Grow Programme. The children plant and care for their own produce in the Nature Garden, which they then help to prepare before the qualified chef cooks in their on-site kitchen. All meals and snacks are prepared and cooked on site, and the nursery prides itself on sourcing only the best quality ingredients for the children to enjoy.

Toad Hall is passionate about providing the best possible opportunities and childcare for children aged 3 months to 5 years.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Collette Jordan (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 39

Total Places for Children

  • 107

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • £89.50 - Per day under 3 years,
    £83.50 - Per day over 3 years.

  • •   10% Family discount on the eldest child’s fees.
    •   5% discount for NHS, Armed Forces, Police and emergency services staff.
    •   50% discount on Staff fees.
    •   Up to 30 hours of funded nursery education per week during term time.
    •   A corporate discount maybe available if there is an agreement in place between Toad Hall Nursery and another company.
    Please email the nursery directly for our latest fee information.

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Parking

  • The Nursery boasts a large car park at front of the building, making parking extremely easy for busy parents who need to drop off or collect their children from nursery.

Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin Reviews (135)

8.9

Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin has a Review Score of 8.9 (8.946) out of 10, based on 8 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin has 135 reviews.

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Review from Emma D (Mother of Child) published on 26 July 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From our 7 years of using the nursery, the love and care they have provided all our children is second to none. The skills and confidence they have instilled in the children have provided them with firm foundations that will be with them for the rest of their life.
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Review from Karen M (Mother of Child) published on 12 April 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy now asks to go to nursery! He loves it. I have seen a huge change in him, the fun he has, how proud he is of the activities he does there and now he can write his name, (he won't do it for me of course). I am so thankful to the kind and understanding staff, they really know my little boy
and I like sending him to Toad Hall. They also get him to eat a wide variety of foods, which I know are healthy.
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Review from Helen T (Mother of Child) published on 27 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We love Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin! My son was there from 9 months old until he went to school and my daughter has been there since she was 11 months old and she starts school in September. So we’ve been at the nursery for six years now and will be very sad to say goodbye in the summer.
The nursery
itself is lovely and has had some amazing improvements lately. They do varied and interesting activities with the children and it feels like they want nothing more than the children to enjoy themselves and make progress. The staff are amazing! So kind, helpful and loving to the children. Nothing is ever too much trouble and you always feel listened to. They have some brilliant apprentices who seem really happy. The staff in the office are brilliant and really make the children feel special by letting them ‘work’ with them in the office, which my daughter!
We are so grateful to Toad Hall for all they have done for our children and the fabulous start they had to education.
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Review from Frances (Mother of Child) published on 10 September 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been very happy at Toad Hall, Butterflies. The team are positive, energetic, supportive and kind and this comes across in how they work with both the children and parents. He has always been treated like an individual, where his personality has been celebrated. The room activities are well
balanced, fun and inspire learning, development and social skills. There is a lot of creative play and great outside space. Highly recommend Toad Hall who offer reassurance and peace of mind in navigating child care. Thank you!
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Review from L J (Mother of Child) published on 29 August 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter started at Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin in June and she settled in really quickly. We moved to a new area and we were worried that she would find moving house and starting nursery at the same time difficult. The staff at Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin were really supportive and flexible and we
were really happy with how easily our little girl settled in.
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Review from Nicola A (Mother of Child) published on 20 August 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our two children have both been at Toad Hall. They have really enjoyed their time there. As parents, we have been impressed by the caring staff, lovely rooms and dedication they have shown. Learning-wise, they have both been well prepared for starting school.
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Review from Natalie A (Grandmother of Child) published on 6 August 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My granddaughter went to Toadhall and had a fantastic experience all staff are kind caring and attentive to children and parents. My granddaughter learnt some great skills attending Toadhall her confidence has grown. The staff and management team always take time out to talk to adults and children.
Thank you very much.
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Review from Alisa W (Mother of Child) published on 3 August 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter was at Toad Hall for 4 years, starting in the baby room and staying until she left for school. I never worried about dropping her off and was always greeted by a happy child on collection. The key person system is embedded brilliantly and there was always someone I could speak to on drop
off and pick up - communication was very good. The nursery provided lots of opportunities for me to get involved with my daughter's education including stay and plays and weekend open days at the nursery, so I've also made lots of great friends through my child attending. I cannot recommend the nursery enough.
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Review from Matt A (Father of Child) published on 30 July 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My wife and I hold Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin in high regard. To an aunt, this is our second child we have placed with an age gap of 9 years and the standard of level of commitment to the children has not changed. The facilities are of a very good standard and subsequently improved even better since
our first child went to the facility. Another key aspect is that staff develop and grow in the organisation and its great to see the next generation delivering the same care.
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Review from Zoey E (Mother of Child) published on 27 July 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My infant started at Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin at 11 months old until 3 years old. Throughout, Toad Hall taught many skills among amazing social skills, manners and toilet training. Toad Hall made it very easy to keep in contact with staff via email and regular parents evenings where all staff were
polite and informative on my infants progression at the nursery. My infant loved going to the nursery and very quickly picked up everyone’s names, where everything was around the nursery and the daily routine. I highly recommend Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin to all parents and carers.
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Review from Kaci A (Aunt of Child) published on 26 July 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My niece attended Toad Hall Nursery for 2 years and had a fantastic time and she was looked after to a high standard and was very happy.
Thank you to everyone involved in her care.
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Review from Lucy (Aunt of Child) published on 26 July 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My niece has thrived at Toad Hall, she has enjoyed all the extracurricular activities such as football and French lessons, the staff are fantastic at sharing how her day has been and I have enjoyed coming in for stay and play sessions and seeing the fantastic development she is making!
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Review from Andrea D (Mother of Child) published on 26 July 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been coming to Toad Hall since January. All the staff have been welcoming and made her settle in very quickly. She loves coming to nursery and playing with the staff and joining in with all the interesting activities they have planned. When I pick her up she doesn't want to leave,
so I know she has had an amazing day playing and learning!
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Review from Jo G (Mother of Child) published on 24 July 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son enjoys his time in nursery and does lots of different activities. It's lovely receiving his artwork to take home and the various cards like fathers day etc. The staff not only care for him but have got to know him so now they are trying to support him with his development. I really appreciate
the feedback I receive as a parent and the friendly atmosphere the staff create.
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Review from Charlotte (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been at Toad Hall since September 2017 and has recently graduated.
I’ve been impressed with every aspect of Toad Hall since the day I went to look round the nursery and throughout my sons time there.
The staff are very caring and they all genuinely like spending time with all the children.
My
son has progressed so much in his year there.
His confidence has gone through the roof and he has learnt so much.
I’ll be forever grateful to all the staff at Toad Hall.
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Review from Sarah C (Mother of Child) published on 18 July 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Such a caring setting. I've sent two children to Toad Hall 'in the kitchen' and felt very happy dropping them off knowing they are going to have lots of fun with their enthusiastic and caring key workers. The management has been very helpful and patient, as I've attempted to navigate the tax-free childcare
online site. I was always greeted with a genuine smile and "hello." Everyone knows my children's names.
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Review from Jenny J (Mother of Child) published on 17 July 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both our children love coming to Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin. The staff in all the rooms are friendly, attentive and caring and our children make good connections with many of them. The outside space is fantastic and the meals are varied and delicious (according to a fairly picky 4-year-old!). The learning
in the preschool rooms really helped them prepare for school from phonics to a little bit of independence. A really lovely nursery which we wouldn't (and haven't) hesitate to recommend.
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Review from Gabriel A (Father of Child) published on 16 July 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Both of our daughters have attended Toad Hall. I find the staff very friendly and warm towards the kids. I will give them 4/5 stars. However, Toad Hall does need to improve the standards when it comes to getting the kids ready for reception. Although the kids find their activities engaging, as a parent,
the standard for this age group is lacking.
Reply from Stephanie McLennan at Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin
Hello, thank you for your review. It’s great to hear your feedback, as it is invaluable in allowing us to continue to develop. We work alongside all local schools prior to children leaving the…read more
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Review from Emma S (Mother of Child) published on 16 July 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended Toad Hall Nursery for the past 2 years and he loves being there. He has built strong relationships with all the staff and has made lots of new friends. The staff are amazing, they are friendly, professional and so caring. I'm confident that he gets fed a healthy and nutritious diet
and enjoys lots of outside playtime and activities. His favourite being superstar sports. I would highly recommend Toad Hall Nursery to anyone looking for an amazing nursery.
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Review from Mark W (Father of Child) published on 16 July 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff know my daughter and all the children by name and what they like. The nursery is excellent, I can’t say a bad word about any of the staff and management. They cater to my daughters needs perfectly. I would recommend this nursery for any child, as all staff go above and beyond expectations.
If I could rate higher than a 5 star I would, it is just the best nursery in Hitchin.
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Current Review Score: 8.9 (8.946)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.9 (8.946) out of 10 for Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin 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 8 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.2 out of 5 from 8 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 4.772 for Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin is calculated as follows: ( (74 Excellents x 5) + (15 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 92 Ratings = 4.772
  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 4.174 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Toad Hall Nursery Hitchin is based on 8 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 = 3.8
    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 107 number of registered child places is 21.4. 8 Positive Reviews ÷ 21.4 = 0.374
  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 (10)

Meet the Team (1)

Collette

Collette Jordan

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2023

Hi, I’m Collette, the Nursery Manager at Toad Hall Hitchin.


I am fortunate to have successfully worked within this industry for over 23 years and hold a Level 5 Diploma in Early Years Leadership and Management. Throughout my Early years career, I have worked in many different roles including running a successful nursery for nearly 5 years.


My vision is to provide high-quality care in a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment, allowing the children to feel secure and confident. I believe this supports their growing curiosity to explore, and supports creative minds and resilience, whilst maximising success for all children.


I have always been highly focused on the well-being and development of children and believe that family partnership is the key.


My priority is to continue to lead this fantastic team and understand that a happy, successful child depends on us all working together.


Please do get in touch and arrange a visit to our lovely nursery if you have any questions.

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