Willows Farm Day Nursery

Willows Activity Farm, Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans AL4 0PF
Review Us
9.8 115 Reviews
  • 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 to planting seeds in the gardens, every day is an opportunity for discovery.

Conveniently located just off the M25, Willows Farm Day Nursery welcome families from St Albans, London Colney, and across Hertfordshire.
The qualified team provides a nurturing environment with dedicated baby, toddler, and pre-school rooms, plus access to funded childcare places for eligible families.

Discover why parents call Willows Farm Day Nursery one of the best nurseries in St Albans for outdoor, farm-based learning - book a visit to Willows Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School today.
Show Willows Farm Day Nursery on the Map

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.

Contact Willows Farm Day Nursery to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

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

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

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 (115)

9.8

Willows Farm Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.838) out of 10, based on 50 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Willows Farm Day Nursery has 115 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 104
  • 7
  • 1
  • 2
  • 1
Date Published
  • 115
  • 23
  • 37
  • 50
  • 65
Reviewer Connection to Willows Farm Day Nursery
  • 95
  • 17
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 115, showing 21-40
Review from Eder L (Father of Child) published on 20 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 NurseryThank 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 farm-themed approach is something we're very proud of, so it's wonderful to hear that you feel it's giving her unique and meaningful experiences. Creating a magical environment where children can explore, learn, and build confidence is exactly what we aim for every day.

Thank you again for your trust and kind words - we're delighted to be part of her journey.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from M I (Mother of Child) published on 20 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 NurseryThank 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 really mean a great deal.

We're also glad to know your child is enjoying the variety of nutritious meals, activities, and learning experiences each week. Seeing children grow in confidence and skills is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do, and it's wonderful to hear this reflected in your experience.

Our staff take great pride in being warm, approachable, and positive, and your recognition of the key worker system is deeply appreciated.

Thank you again for your trust and kind words. It's a privilege to be part of your child's early years journey, and we look forward to continuing to support them as they grow.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Pearl M (Mother of Child) published on 17 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 NurseryThank 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 his experience so special. We're also delighted that his move to preschool has been positive and that your youngest is settling so well in the baby room. Knowing you felt welcomed from your first visit and that our activities support their development truly means the world to us. Thank you for your trust and recommendation!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Rachael G (Mother of Child) published on 23 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
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.
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Senior Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank 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!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Holly G (Mother of Child) published on 23 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
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.
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Senior Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank 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 moves! Your kind words mean a lot to our team - it's a pleasure to support her development and happiness every day
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Dave K (Father of Child) published on 15 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
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.
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Senior Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank 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.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from E C (Mother of Child) published on 15 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
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.
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Senior Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank 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 early weeks. Your kind words mean a lot, and we're so pleased to be part of your child's early years journey!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Elana L (Mother of Child) published on 15 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
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.
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Senior Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank 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!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Ben B (Father of Child) published on 15 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
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.
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Senior Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank 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 special bond. Your kind words mean a lot - it's a pleasure to support her growth, happiness, and love of nature every day!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Diane D (Mother of Child) published on 15 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
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.
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Senior Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank 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!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Michael K (Father of Child) published on 15 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
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.
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Senior Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day NurseryThank 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!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Naomi P (Aunt of Child) published on 18 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
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!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from A L (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
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 NurseryThank you for your lovely review. We are really glad your children are enjoying their time with us at Willows.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from N G (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
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.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Kirsty P (Mother of Child) published on 21 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
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.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from A L (Mother of Child) published on 13 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
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...
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Patricia C (Mother of Child) published on 13 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
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.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Andriana M (Mother of Child) published on 24 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
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.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from G R (Mother of Child) published on 30 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
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 NurseryThank you for your review. It is great to hear all the fun your son is having at Willows.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Anna H (Mother of Child) published on 25 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
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 NurseryThank you for your review. It's lovely to hear you have enjoyed your time with us at Willows.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.838)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.838) out of 10 for Willows Farm Day Nursery 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 50 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 48 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 4.838 for Willows Farm Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (523 Excellents x 5) + (61 Goods x 4) + (8 Satisfactorys x 3) + (4 Poors x 2) + (2 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 598 Ratings = 4.838
  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 Willows Farm Day Nursery is based on 48 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 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 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 188 number of registered child places is 37.6, which has been reached with 48 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.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

Loading

Loading Loading

Loading

Loading

Awards / Recognitions (1)

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.

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.