Willows Farm Day Nursery

Willows Activity Farm, Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans AL4 0PF
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9.8 105 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.
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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

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 (105)

9.8

Willows Farm Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.845) out of 10, based on 41 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Willows Farm Day Nursery has 105 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 105
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Reviewer Connection to Willows Farm Day Nursery
  • 86
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Total of 105, showing 21-40
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 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…read more
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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!
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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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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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Review from C L (Mother of Child) published on 12 December 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our girls have a great time each day. Especially trips on Tristan the tractor! The staff are lovely and they have lots of fun playing all day. Our oldest in pre-school comes home with lots of stories and has made lots of nice friends.
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day Nursery
Thank you for your feedback. It's wonderful to hear your children are having a lovely time at Willows.
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Review from Laura M (Mother of Child) published on 4 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started at Willows Nursery in January, and our first months in the babies' room were less than ideal. As a first-time mother, I was anxious and needed reassurance, but communication felt generic and disorganized. Photo updates were rare, and I assumed this was the norm. My daughter seemed
content, but I wasn't satisfied. With changes to management and staff, I decided to wait and see. Everything changed when she moved to the pre-toddlers room. The team there is amazing-welcoming and communicative. Her key worker Lauren is incredibly attentive, sharing regular updates and showing genuine care for my daughter's development. I feel so much more at ease now, and the daily photos are a joy to share with family abroad. What started as a rocky experience has become one where I feel fully confident in the care she receives. The pre-toddler team and the nursery manager deserve all the praise for turning things around!
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Review from Shauna H (Mother of Child) published on 28 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We love Willows. It was our favourite nursery out of all those around Highfield Park. They have a lovely big open room with lots of toys and activities, an outdoor area with more activities, and the farm and soft play next door. Plus they're surrounded by fields and countryside! Our daughter has had
some great days at Willows. The team are all lovely, so caring and engaged, and they've really connected with our daughter. She's a little more introverted than the average baby, so we were worried at the start, but they listened to us and took their time with her, and by the end of the first week, she was happily sleeping there and loving all the food! The team are great at recording her sleep, food, etc on the app. And they matched our routine from day one, adapting it over time as she shifted to one nap. They've been so supportive and warm, and have been a big help to us first-time parents. Plus, our kid is just so happy going in in the morning, and grins when she sees them, she loves it.
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Review from P M (Father of Child) published on 25 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Willows Farm Nursery is an amazing place for children, my daughter started there in the baby room aged 14 months, on to Pre-Toddlers and then to Toddler room where she is now. All the rooms are brilliant and so to are the carers, I get feedback after each day and updates on their app. They work on achieving
key educational milestones and take the children on trips to Willows Farm and Soft Play. My daughter often won't let me do her hair in the morning saying she wants it done by two of her carers (cheeky but love that!), she genuinely gets excited in the car on nursery days. I would highly recommend Willows Farm Nursery to all.
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Review from R Z (Mother of Child) published on 10 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My son had a great experience at Willows Farm Day Nursery. He started in 2021 joining pre-toddlers. The staff at both the nursery and preschool I highly recommend. So great for them to experience the outdoors and go to the farm. 10/10.
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Review from James G (Father of Child) published on 26 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great staff. Always been good with all three of our kids. The key worker for our youngest is excellent, mixing fun and learning really well. The facilities are excellent and the opportunity to enjoy the farm is unique.
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review. We are so glad to hear how wonderful your journey has been with us at Willows Farm Day Nursery with your three children. We take great pride in our experiences with…read more
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Review from S V (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5
My son has a great time at Willows Farm. He enjoys the outdoor time and is always excited to go. The organisation and communication between his key workers, his progress and photo updates have been really average. I would like more communication about changes to staff, updates on his learning and photos
of his day more often through email, at pick-up or in the app. I hope this is something that will be improved in future.
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day Nursery
Thank you for your review. We really appreciate your feedback and will look to make some changes to our communication processes when sharing feedback with parents.
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Review from L F (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff are all lovely, kind and caring. They have provided great support from my son since he started as a baby. I love that children get regular opportunities to explore the farm setting, including seeing lambs in spring. The opportunities for parents to come into setting for special events are brilliant
to bridge the gap between nursery and home.
Reply from Lucy Nicholson, Nursery Manager at Willows Farm Day Nursery
Thank you for your wonderful review. We are so glad to hear how lovely our staff have been supporting your son since starting with us at Willow Farm Day Nursery. We enjoy and take great honour in…read more
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Review from Sabrina L (Mother of Child) published on 25 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little one has moved from the baby room to pre-toddlers room. He is thriving at Willows Farm Day Nursery and I can see how much the staff show love and care to the children as if they were their own.
He loves his daily farm visits and adventures at soft play each day! A great way to burn off energy.
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is great to see there are no screens and instead lots of play opportunities, exploring outdoors, promoting a love of reading and opportunities for language development.
The staff in the pre-toddler room are able to communicate with parents about their child's day and are all very knowledgeable in order to pass this information on to parents.
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.845)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.845) 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 41 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 40 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 4.845 for Willows Farm Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (427 Excellents x 5) + (55 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) + (3 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 491 Ratings = 4.845
  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 40 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 188 number of registered child places is 37.6, which has been reached with 40 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

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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.