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Willows Farm Day Nursery

Willows Activity Farm, Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans AL4 0PF
Willows Farm Day Nursery Logo
Willows Farm Day Nursery logo
My daughter has been attending Willows Farm Nursery since October 2020 and she absolutely loves it,Namrata V(Mother of Child)
Willows Farm Day Nursery, St Albans
Despite all the problems due to COVID-19, all the ladies are always cheerful, kind, ready to helSofia A(Mother of Child)
Willows Farm Day Nursery, St Albans
Being on a farm is the best place. Outside and seeing lots of animals.Marnie F(Mother of Child)
Willows Farm Day Nursery, St Albans

Willows Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School in London Colney, near St Albans, offers high-quality childcare and early years education for children aged 0 to 5.


Set within the beautiful surroundings of Willows Activity Farm, the nature-based nursery gives children the freedom to explore, learn, and grow through play.

Willows Farm Day Nursery follow the Forest School approach, encouraging confidence, independence, and curiosity through outdoor learning and hands-on experiences. From caring for animals...  

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.

Contact Willows Farm Day Nursery to get a personalised quote:

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery

Opening Schedule

Open all year

Full days available

Yes

Half day sessions offered

Yes

Group/Owner

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

Meals Provided

No

Consumables provided

No

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 (123)

9.9

Willows Farm Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.885) out of 10, based on 54 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Willows Farm Day Nursery has 123 reviews.

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Review from H R (Mother of Child) published on 27 November 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

We love sending our son to Willows, he has so much fun there, visiting the farm and soft play nearly every day. He gets lots of outdoor time, which is important to us. It's been wonderful seeing him blossom and grow in confidence. All thanks to the warm & caring staff. We couldn't ask for a better nursery!

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

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We're delighted to hear how much your son enjoys his days at Willows, from the farm to soft play and all the outdoor adventures in between. Watching children grow in confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do, and it means so much to...  

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Review from A G (Mother of Child) published on 27 November 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My daughter loves this nursery, she comes everyday full of joy and with an open heart. Thank you, Willow Team for providing her a good care! She can be a picky eater, but always finishing most of her meals at Willow's, she loves messy play and always gets it in your day care. That means less of that at home with Mommy ! Thank you!! They go for walks into the Farm often and get to interact in such a big open space, where they get to consume the energy constructively.

Highly recommend !

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

Thank you so much for your lovely review! We're thrilled to hear that your daughter comes in each day happy and excited - it's a joy to have her with us. We're glad she's enjoying her meals, embracing all the messy play, and making the most of our farm walks and outdoor adventures. Providing a...  

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Review from Amy G (Mother of Child) published on 27 November 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My son attends this nursery and I honestly couldn't be happier. The environment is warm, welcoming, and incredibly well-run. The staff are amazing-genuinely caring, patient, and dedicated to each child's individual needs. You can really see how much effort they put into creating a safe, fun, and nurturing atmosphere every day. The management team is equally impressive. They are organised, approachable, and always communicate clearly with parents. Any questions or concerns are addressed quickly and professionally, which gives me so much confidence that my child is in great hands. Overall, this nursery has been an absolute blessing for our family, I recommend this to anyone looking for a nursery!

Special shout out to Beth, Sue, Amy, Lauren, Katie and Christiana! My son adores all of you and so happy he has such a great bond with each of you.

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

Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and heartfelt review. We're absolutely delighted to hear how happy you and your son are with the nursery. Creating a warm, nurturing and engaging environment is at the heart of what we do, so it means a great deal to know that this...  

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Review from Zophia K (Mother of Child) published on 27 November 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

My daughter is a new joiner of the nursery and has completed the transition, now attending full days. The transition was excellent due to the guidance and participation of the wonderful staff. They are always calm, helpful and from what I have observed looking out for the child's best interests and treating them all as individuals. At the end of each day I feel well informed of how my child has been, what she has eaten, what she has struggled with or enjoyed and although drop offs are still difficult as she wants me to stay, she is fine once I'm gone and I am confident that she enjoys the daycare and looks forward to going there again.

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

Thank you so much for your lovely review! We're thrilled to hear that your daughter comes in each day happy and excited - it's a joy to have her with us. We're glad she's enjoying her meals, embracing all the messy play, and making the most of our farm walks and outdoor adventures. Providing a...  

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Review from A M (Mother of Child) published on 26 November 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

I am genuinely so impressed with Willows Farm Nursery. From the moment my daughter started there her care has been outstanding. From they way they handle the settling in, to the day to day care she now receives. The staff are always more than happy to speak to you and provide honest feedback and updates. My daughter adores her key person and the other ladies in charge and working in the pre-toddler room. I can tell she feels so comfortable and safe with them and they are always in hand for a cuddle when she needs one! They really care about the individual child and make them feel special. The added bonus of being on a farm has been wonderful, daily trips to see the animals and experience the seasonal activities. I have also seen so many developments with my child's learning and feel so assured that she is being stimulated and encouraged to grow into a confident and happy little girl. She comes home babbling about her day! So grateful to them, truly wonderful, rounded nursery.

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

Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and heartfelt review. We're absolutely delighted to hear how well your daughter has settled in and that you feel confident in the care she receives. Our team in the pre-toddler room will be over the moon to know she feels comfortable,...  

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Review from Emily D (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Brilliant nursery and pre school. Children genuinely happy, enjoy going and constantly busy and learning new things. Good communication with parents. Staff really approachable and caring, both to parents and children. Love that they get to regularly visit the farm during the week - sometimes twice a day at preschool and getting to have different experiences whilst there (from feeding animals, sitting in the tractor, going on the little rides or going in the maze).

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

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that your child is happy, engaged, and enjoying their time with us. Our team works hard to create a caring, supportive environment, so it means a lot to know that you feel well-communicated with and comfortable approaching our...  

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Review from Francine F (Mother of Child) published on 20 November 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

All three of my children have been cared for by the staff at Willows and I couldn't be happier, or recommend the nursery more! It's such a nurturing and happy environment. The staff are so caring and supportive, taking the time to really get to know each of my children-their strengths and challenges and little quirks. In doing so, I have seen each one of my children flourish in confidence and happiness. It's so reassuring when leaving your children knowing they are truly being looked after and supported. The facilities are incomparable to any of the other nurseries we visited, only aiding in my children's development. I have nothing but good things to say about Willow's and I'm just so grateful to all the staff for taking such good care of my little ones. Thank you.

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

Thank you so much for sharing such a heartfelt review. It truly means a great deal to us that all three of your children have been part of Willows, and knowing that you've trusted us with each of them is the highest compliment we could receive.

We're delighted to hear that you've found our...  

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Review from G L (Mother of Child) published on 20 November 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Wonderful nursery to send your child to. Mine is so happy there that he doesn't even look back once he walks in the door. All the staff are lovely and caring. The rooms and the kids are all clean (no snotty noses being smeared all over the place). I Especially love how they're taken to the farm to see the animals and enjoy walks in nature. I am so happy that I found willows

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

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It's lovely to hear how happy your child is when coming through the door - that confidence and excitement means so much to us. Our team works hard to create a caring, nurturing environment, so your kind words about the staff and the cleanliness of the...  

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Review from Eder L (Father of Child) published on 20 November 2025 Submitted via Website
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My daughter has been going there since she was 6 months old, and what they do there is magical. She truly loves the place. Because they work with nature and have this farm theme, my daughter will grow up with unique experiences in a daycare.

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

Thank you so much for your lovely review. It means the world to us to hear that your daughter has been happy with us since she was just 6 months old. Watching children grow and thrive over the years is such a privilege, and we're thrilled that she truly loves her time here.

Our nature-based and...  

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Review from M I (Mother of Child) published on 20 November 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Willows have always been responsive, kind and caring toward our child. They ensure we recieve regular updates via their communication tool, and provide detailed handovers about their day on collections. They have always responded to any concerns or worries and taken time to ensure us as parents are involved in our children's development throughout their time at nursery. Our child receives a wide variety of different nutritional meals, completes lots of different activities in and out doors and is learning new skills each week. The staff team are always smiling, approachable and communicative. Each child is allocated a key worker who provides additional communication to parents and focus on the child. It is wonderful. We wouldn't consider another nursery following our wonderful experience so far.

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

Thank you so much for sharing such a thoughtful and detailed review. We're truly delighted to hear how supported you've felt throughout your child's time with us. Our team works hard to ensure families feel informed and included, so your words about our communication, handovers, and responsiveness...  

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Review from Pearl M (Mother of Child) published on 17 November 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Both my son's attend Willows Farm day nursery & pre school and they Absolutely loves it, I can't express enough how good the toddler room staff are with all the children, and a very big thank you to my son's previous Key Worker Amy along side the support of Lauren, Sue, Beth, Katie & Christana. You guys made his experience the best. ( we both miss you) now he has moved up to pre- school and once again the ladies are lovely. My Second child just started in the baby room and all the ladies looking after the little ones are also fantastic, nothing is ever too much, and you can see and feel how much they all care for each individual child. When I first viewed the nursery, I could straight away feel the warm welcome, and I knew there was no other nursery I would rather send my kids too. The activities they complete on a daily/ weekly basis has really paid off in terms of development. I would highly recommend any parent.

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

Thank you so much for sharing such a lovely review. We're thrilled to hear that both of your boys are enjoying their time at Willows Farm. Your kind words about the toddler room team-especially Amy, Lauren, Sue, Beth, Katie and Christana-mean a great deal, and they'll be so happy to know they made...  

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Review from Rachael G (Mother of Child) published on 23 July 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

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.

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

Thank you so much for your kind feedback! We're thrilled to hear that your child loves coming to the preschool and has built such wonderful relationships with our team. It's great to know that he enjoys the activities and regular trips to the farm. Your kind words mean a lot - it's a pleasure to support his learning, development, and happiness each day!

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

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.

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

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! We're thrilled to hear that your daughter enjoys coming to nursery, has settled well into pre-toddlers, and is excited about her day. It's wonderful that you enjoy the daily updates and photos, and that you've seen her progress and even her new dance...  

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

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.

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

Thank you so much for your feedback! We're delighted to hear that your child is happy at Willows Nursery and that our team has made you feel so welcome. We really appreciate your honesty regarding the photos - we'll take this on board to ensure parents feel more connected, especially during those...  

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

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.

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

Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that your son enjoys his time at the nursery and that our activities, both fun and educational, are making a positive impact. Our team takes great pride in providing a caring and supportive environment, and it's wonderful to know this has given you confidence in your choice.

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

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.

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

Thank you so much for your kind words! We're delighted to hear that your daughter loves attending the nursery and that her confidence has grown so much over the past 8 months. It's wonderful to know that you enjoy the daily updates and the extra experiences like soft play and farm visits. Your feedback means a lot to our team - it's a pleasure to support her development and happiness every day!

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

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.

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

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! We're thrilled to hear that your boy loves Willows and is developing so well with the support of our team and alongside his friends. We're delighted that you'll be sending your second child here in the future - it's wonderful to have your family as part of the Willows community!

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

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

Thank you so much for your kind words! We're delighted to hear that your son has grown in confidence and feels happy and cared for at Willows. It's wonderful that you appreciate the feedback we provide and the friendly, supportive environment our team creates. Your feedback means a lot - it's a pleasure to be part of your child's early years journey!

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

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

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that your daughter loves attending the nursery and is enjoying the outdoor space and Willow Farm facilities. It's fantastic that her keyworker has been such a positive support during settling in and that they've formed such a...  

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Review from Naomi P (Aunt of Child) published on 18 March 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
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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Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

News (0) & Events (1)

News

There are no news items for Willows Farm Day Nursery.

Upcoming Events

Awards / Recognitions (1)

  • Recipient: Farm Day NurseriesDate: Friday 29 Apr 2022

Meet the Team (1)

Lucy Nicholson Job Title: Senior Childcare Manager
Lucy Nicholson

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.

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.