Willows Farm Day Nursery

Willows Activity Farm, Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans AL4 0PF
Review Us
9.6 94 Reviews
Fresh air, nature-based play and farm animals are aplenty at Willows Farm Day Nursery and Pre-School, set amidst the grounds of Willows Activity Farm.

The modern, purpose-built day nursery is split into four rooms (based on the children’s age). As children become toddlers, they enjoy free flow access to large private nursery and pre-school gardens. And as you would expect being based at Willows Activity Farm, one of the daily highlights are supervised visits to the farm attraction’s outdoor play and animal barn.

Throughout the week and seasons, the activities vary. Children enjoy weekly pony grooming sessions, hatch ducklings for the farm’s duck pond and get extra close during the lambing season.   

This is in addition to weekly French lessons and weekly forest schools, which help develop children’s five senses. The wide range of activities give children numerous rich learning experiences, both indoor and outside.

The Nursery was also proud when they updated their teaching ethos to ‘Planning in the Moment’ in 2019. The child-led teaching builds upon a child’s natural interest in an activity and fits well with the Early Years Framework.

The nursery cares for children aged from six weeks to five-years-old with staff working in partnership with parents and guardians to ensure they are happy, healthy and ready for mainstream school.

Tours are available daily for prospective parents, however, the Nursery also usually opens on the first Saturday of each month for tours. Please see the website for details and how to pre-book tours.
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Type of Service

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

Person in charge

  • Lucy Nicholson (Senior Childcare Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 70

Total Places for Children

  • 188

Age Range

  • from 0 years 2 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Full-day session: 7:30 am - 6:30 pm
    Morning session: 7:30 am - 1:00 pm
    Afternoon session: 1:00 pm - 6:30 pm

  • Each situation is different and bespoke to your childcare needs. To find out more about our fees, please do get in touch so we are able to build a profile and give you a breakdown of what we believe best suits your child’s needs.

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

Willows Farm Day Nursery Reviews (94)

Total of 94, showing 1-20
9.6

Willows Farm Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.599) out of 10, based on 31 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Willows Farm Day Nursery has 94 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 85
  • 6
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25
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Review from Rachael G (Mother of Child) published on 23 July 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child loves this pre school, we really like him coming here too. The staff are great and so friendly and he has such great relationships with them all! They do so much with the children and enjoy regular trips to the farm. Very happy.

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Review from Holly G (Mother of Child) published on 23 July 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter loves nursery, she knows what day she goes and is excited to get there. She recently moved to pre toddlers and has settled in well doesn't always want to leave when I come to pick her up and enjoys her day. We enjoy getting the daily updates and the photos. Our daughter's is progressing
really well and has recently started showing her dance moves that she has learnt at nursery. We are so happy with the staff the updates and how happy our daughter is.

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Review from Dave K (Father of Child) published on 15 July 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very well run nursery. Lots of fun things to do, always with an educational angle to it. Most of all, the staff are very kind and genuinely care about the children's welfare. Very happy with my choice to send my son here.

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Review from Lucy T (Mother of Child) published on 15 July 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very pleased with the nursery and preschool. My son loves it, although it sometimes takes a while for him to go in in the morning (because he's so attached to me), he has a great time when he's there. The staff always have patience with him and make him feel at ease to help him go through the door.
Overall we're very pleased with the preschool, and going to the farm is a great bonus.

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Review from E C (Mother of Child) published on 15 July 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We love it here at willows nursery. Our child is really happy going into his room and the staff are always so welcoming. The only negative we have is the lack of photos especially in the early weeks when he was unsettled on drop off.

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Review from Elana L (Mother of Child) published on 15 July 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has been attending for 8 months and loves it. Staff are caring and lovely to talk to, giving an in depth review of her development at the end of the day. The added soft play and farm visits are a massive bonus. Her confidence has come on leaps and bounds since joining.

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Review from Ben B (Father of Child) published on 15 July 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic nursery overall, our daughter loves it so much and the staff are amazing. The outdoor space and access to use Willow Farm's facilities is such a bonus and gives her valuable time outside and in nature. The staff are so warm and caring, her designated keyworker especially has been her rock
during the settling in period and they are best of friends.

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Review from Diane D (Mother of Child) published on 15 July 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Willows is a fun friendly warm place to be, my son has grown in confidence so much since being here. the children are heard and very much cared for. Lots of feed back for mums and dads about their day. Staff are super friendly.

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Review from Michael K (Father of Child) published on 15 July 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From baby barn to toddlers, I couldn't be more happy with Willows, our boy loves it and he's developed so well alongside the staff and other children. We'll look tomorrow send our 2nd here when they're old enough too.

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Review from Naomi P (Aunt of Child) published on 18 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wow, My first time visiting the setting to collect my niece, what can I say,
I was welcomed by one of the management team who introduced me to the setting ensured all safeguarding procedures were followed, asking who I was and the relation to the child, after the initial meet, I then met another member
of management who was also very welcoming and professional. Both members of staff showed me to the room, giving me a tour of the whole setting, all I can say is WOW what a lovely environment and atmosphere to work in with children. All staff were happy to be at work and all children were happy, really enjoyed the time spent dropping off my niece and could suggest any parent is in safe hands.
Outstanding performance on their own sensory room and daily trips to the farm, never experienced before
What a team!

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Review from A L (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great nursery with lots of outdoor learning and play opportunities. Friendly and approachable staff. Always make a conscious effort to inform parents of how their child is getting on. My children enjoy their time at the nursery.
Would highly recommend this nursery.

Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day Nursery

Thank you for your lovely review. We are really glad your children are enjoying their time with us at Willows.

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Review from N G (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All the staff in toddlers are so loving and caring to my daughter. They put on great activities and really make sure that she is happy and thriving. They also put great events on for nursery kids which they love.

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Review from Kirsty P (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely nursery with lots of out doors time which is what we wanted. Staff are kind and compassionate. Overall we are very happy and most of all our children seem happy attending. Kids have lots of fun.

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Review from A L (Mother of Child) published on 13 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have seen our son A has grown so much over the last year since he joined at 11 months. As a review the last year...
Our son A is absolutely loving pre toddlers and when he arrives each morning for nursery we get a 'yay' in the car. The team at pre-tods are wonderful with A and have adapted the learning
based on what my son needs instead of basing it on what all the children need, as every little one is different. Thank you to A's amazing key worker.
There have naturally been challenges and I appreciate the management team and the Pre Tods leader, for replying to our concerns or wanting any help or just time to answer questions.
Nursery is a big trust for parents to leave their little ones there. We are so happy and can't thank you enough. Can't believe he moves to toddlers within the next months...

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Review from Patricia C (Mother of Child) published on 13 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We could not be happier, our child loves it here. Really happy with the setting and enjoy going to the farm and have lovely activities in the nursery for children. We are really pleased with the progress.

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Review from Andriana M (Mother of Child) published on 24 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our little one started in September 2024 and absolutely loves it, he has created such lovely bonds with the ladies. Everyone at Willow's Farm Nursery is so friendly and welcoming. The updates are great and we enjoy the photos on the app.

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Review from G R (Mother of Child) published on 30 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing facilities and incredible staff who make it what it is. We love how much time our son gets to spend outdoors and he loves going in the tractor plus feeding the animals. He's learnt so much from attending willows and we look forward to next year.

Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day Nursery

Thank you for your review. It is great to hear all the fun your son is having at Willows.

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Review from E E (Mother of Child) published on 25 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely, friendly environment and amazing resources. My child has thrived since starting at Willows nursery. The staff are always happy to answer questions and offer support. Management have been brilliant with myself and my child. Very understanding and welcoming.

Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day Nursery

Thank you for your review. I am really glad to hear you and your child are enjoying attending Willows.

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Review from Anna H (Mother of Child) published on 25 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been delighted with this nursery for our daughter, who started age 1 and has thrived in this lively, caring environment over the past two years. The staff are brilliant, the location is wonderful for children and we are so pleased we picked it.

Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day Nursery

Thank you for your review. It's lovely to hear you have enjoyed your time with us at Willows.

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Review from J L (Father of Child) published on 25 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My ever increasing child's development can be seen quite literally on a daily basis and this is all down to the staff at Willows nursery. Their care, devotion and willingness to guide these kids has no bounds.

Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day Nursery

Thank you for your review. Thank you again for your kind feedback regarding our team. The staff enjoy being with your wonderful children.

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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.599)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.599) out of 10 for Willows Farm Day Nursery is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 31 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 out of 5 from 30 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.801 for Willows Farm Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (311 Excellents x 5) + (49 Goods x 4) + (8 Satisfactorys x 3) + (3 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 371 Ratings = 4.801

  • b) 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 4.798 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Willows Farm Day Nursery is based on 30 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 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

    • ii) 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 188 number of registered child places is 37.6. 30 Positive Reviews ÷ 37.6 = 0.798

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (1)

Top 20 Mid-size Nursery Groups 2022

Recipient: Farm Day Nurseries

Date: Friday 29 Apr 2022 More details

Meet the Team (1)

Lucy

Lucy Nicholson

Job Title: Senior Childcare Manager

Hi, I’m Lucy Nicholson, Senior Childcare Manager of Willows Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School! Our Day Nursery offers childcare full of discovery and rich learning experiences, with the daily opportunity to meet the farm animals and enjoy forest school sessions in the great outdoors. We are located in the heart of the countryside of St. Albans, where we provide our children with the best in early year’s education and learn through the ‘Planning in the moment’ child-led teaching approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Willows Farm Day Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Willows Farm Day Nursery accepts?

Willows Farm Day Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 2 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Willows Farm Day Nursery Open?

Willows Farm Day Nursery 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 Willows Farm Day Nursery have capacity for?

Willows Farm Day Nursery has capacity for a total of 188 Children.

How far is Willows Farm Day Nursery to the centre of St Albans?

3.5 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 Willows Farm Day Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Willows Farm Day Nursery has an Enhanced Service - more info.