Hertford Barns

Hertford Barns, Cole Green, Hertford SG14 2NL
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9.9 100 Reviews
  • Hertford Barns, Hertford
Hertford Barns provides a warm and welcoming environment where each child's individual needs are prioritised and their interests nurtured.

The nursery is located in the quiet countryside against the beautiful backdrop of the Hatfield Estate. The purpose-built facilities benefit from the calm and safe green spaces surrounding it, offering plenty of fresh air.

Children benefit from age-appropriate gardens which furthers their social, emotional and physical development.

The highly trained staff support each child to reach their potential with activities designed in line with EYFS principles.

Hertford Barns also offer the extracurricular activity of Tiny Mites for under twos and Yoga Mites for over twos on alternate Tuesdays.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Jenny Pratt (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 39

Total Places for Children

  • 90

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 & Inset Days

Parking

  • Free parking is available onsite.

Hertford Barns Reviews (100)

9.9

Hertford Barns has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.926) out of 10, based on 51 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Hertford Barns has 100 reviews.

Overall Experience
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  • 9
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Date Published
  • 100
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  • 51
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Reviewer Connection to Hertford Barns
  • 89
  • 10
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Total of 100, showing 61-80
Review from A K (Mother of Child) published on 30 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is truly a brilliant nursery that caters to the needs of every individual. The nursery was excellent at supporting our son during the settling period; they provided bespoke care throughout. It has a play-based, child-centred approach and they adapt to the different interests of all the children.
The environment is inspiring and is consistently changed so the children are engaged in their open-ended space. It all feels really natural and the children have so many lovely toys/ equipment to play with. We also really like that, whatever the weather, the children will go outside. Our son is in preschool and the free flow to the garden is great; we love that the staff are happy for them to get muddy/wet/sandy. The staff always provide individual feedback at the end of his day and it is always clear they have been attentive and really know him. They foster independence by giving the children little responsibilities which creates a really positive and organic atmosphere and routine.
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Review from Nikki H (Mother of Child) published on 30 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son and daughter both attend Hertford Barns day nursery, we have had a great experience with them both. All the staff are extremely friendly, warm and caring. It’s so nice how every member of staff greets the children in the morning and they all know their name. They have such lovely outside space
for the children to play, and nice big rooms which was a big attraction to us when we were choosing a nursery. I would highly recommend them.
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Review from V R (Mother of Child) published on 3 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our boys have been attending Hertford Barns since March 2020. Every element of the provision is 10/10.
The calming and nurturing indoor environment caters for all needs, from quiet time to messy play and the amount of outside space available is superb.
The boys have loved every minute of their time
here and will be sad to leave when they start full time school in September.
The catering and food options are incredible and my boys have been introduced to such a wide variety of Healthy and wholesome foods.
The different Key workers that the boys have had over the last 3 years have been wonderful and really had a big part to play in our boys lives.
All the staff are always so happy, kind and caring, and our children are very lucky to have them all as part of their life stories.
I would also like to say a big thank you to all the other support staff, including management, kitchen staff and reception who are always happy to help with and answer questions or queries promptly.
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Review from Adam R (Father of Child) published on 7 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter has been going here for a good amount of time now and she absolutely loves it - no complaints there!
I can also see that staff do take care in what they do and look after our children very well.
My only negative is that the nursery provides an app which is supposed to tell and show you
how your child has been getting on - photos, toilets during day details, naps etc. From the start, this has been pretty poor, but she was only going 2 days a week. Now she goes full-time, we only receive 2/3 updates a month despite raising this several times (1 post on the app for the whole of April).
Family relatives also have children in nurseries elsewhere (who also pay less) and they all receive frequent updates any day their child is in nursery.
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Review from L B (Mother of Child) published on 5 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We've had a wonderful experience with our son attending Hertford Barns Nursery. The staff are brilliant; so kind, caring and supportive and really went above and beyond to help our son settle in when he started. I've been really impressed by the variety of fresh food made on site and the facilities
- in particular the outdoor space which our son absolutely adores. We couldn't be happier with our choice and would recommend it highly to other parents.
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Review from Alice Y (Mother of Child) published on 24 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son and daughter both attend Hertford Barns and throughout their time we've had a very positive experience. The staff have been a great support during their initial settling in phase, transitions with key workers and progressing to older rooms. As a parent, it is invaluable to know that your child
is safe, well cared for and looked after which is very much how we feel. The location is lovely, lots of outside space and they've recently had lambs which the children have been able to feed and name. We would highly recommend Hertford Barns and have done so to friends and colleagues.
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Review from Greg Y (Father of Child) published on 23 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great staff and key workers.
Lovely building and location.
Overall we have been extremely happy with the nursery. The food is great, a lot of variety and encourages kids to try new things. Lots of activities which seem tailored to the kids interests.
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Review from E G (Mother of Child) published on 11 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending here since she was 12 months and is thriving in this setting. The barn itself has been beautifully and considerately designed with the children at the heart. The outside space is plentiful and it's good to see the nursery using it as much as they can weather depending.
The staff are approachable and friendly and I have always felt management have an open door policy when it comes to conversation with parents. My daughter's key worker is particularly brilliant and we feel safe leaving her in her hands.
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Review from E C (Mother of Child) published on 30 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little one has been at Hertford Barns since they were about 14 months old and barely walking. Now they are nearly two and a half years old and the progress has just been amazing. Being a lockdown baby, they were always quite socially awkward and got really overwhelmed in social situations, but now
they’re such a happy, socially confident little chatterbox. They have the best relationships with their key workers and the other children. They absolutely love going to nursery every day. The nursery itself is lovely, with beautiful countryside surroundings and grounds, it’s very secure being gated which is super comforting. One thing they particularly love is that there’s lots of outdoor play and learning. Very happy parents and a very happy toddler! Thank you
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Review from E F (Mother of Child) published on 20 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been attending the Hertford Barns Nursery since September 2022, he started when he was eleven months old. We have had a great experience at this nursery, the staff are very attentive and are amazing at giving updates and progression reports. Our son seems very happy there and has developed
massively since starting. The nursery is in a lovely location and we liked the fact that there was a decent amount of outdoor space. A great all-rounder nursery that we couldn't recommend enough.
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Review from Leah A (Mother of Child) published on 14 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The setting of this nursery is gorgeous, lots of outdoor space, and beautiful rooms for the kids to play in. We moved from the US to the UK at the end of 2021, and my daughter started at this nursery in early 2022 just before she turned 2. It was a lot of big changes for her and the staff were so considerate,
warm and caring, her falling in love with her time at the nursery really helped us settle into life back in the UK as a family. She is constantly learning new things and has built some adorable bonds with other children in her room. Our daughter loves her time at Nursery - To the point where sometimes she asks me to go home, so she can stay when we pick her up. I don't think you need a better recommendation than that!
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Review from Hollie P (Mother of Child) published on 13 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended Hertford Barns Nursery since January 2022. She has built a great relationship with a number of staff and she seems to genuinely love going there. We get regular updates on her days in terms of what she does, what food she has had and her naps etc. I feel very pleased with how
she has settled, and even though we have moved recently I have no intention of moving her. The nursery itself is a lovely setting, it feels secure and they have recently upgraded the garden areas for the kids to play.
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Review from K B (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter joined Hertford Barns in September 2022. For me, as a mother, it was an easy decision to make. My son went to Hertford Barns previously in the pre school prior to starting school. My daughter attends 5 days a week. The quality of care is second to none. My daughter feels safe, happy and
has developed her confidence from starting at the age of 11 months. The staff are all approachable and take a real interest in the individual needs of the children. I love the setting and open space. For me, I wanted a nursery with lots of outdoor space. The variety of food is great and my daughter enjoys lunch and tea. I would highly recommend Hertford Barns.
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Review from S R (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been attending Hertford Barns since October 2021 and it has provided a safe, nurturing and fun environment for him. He loves being there and has thrived since starting, enjoying a wide range of activities and an excellent varied menu of food. The staff are brilliant. We are always greeted
with a warm and friendly welcome and kept well informed about his day, as well as general things going on at the nursery itself. The facilities are of an extremely high standard, with a good selection of toys, books and spaces to play and explore. The setting on the edge of a farm also provides wonderful outside space, which was a real draw for me when choosing a nursery, and the staff are always enthusiastic about getting everyone outside into the fresh air no matter the weather (within reason of course)! I would highly recommend this nursery and extend a massive thank you to all the fabulous staff who take such good care of our son and make his days so fun.
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Review from H D (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The facilities are excellent with a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities. I feel reassured in the knowledge that my son has a safe and secure environment to learn and play when I leave him. The staff have built a strong relationship with our family and are consistently excellent, friendly, professional
and personable. There seems to be a consistent exciting approach to my son's experiences and he is always telling us about new games and learning opportunities. I wouldn't want my son to be cared for anywhere else especially during his important early years.
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Review from A W (Mother of Child) published on 30 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending Hertford Barns since September 2021, and we could not be happier with how he has settled in and the support he has received. We were originally drawn to it by the outside space, but it offers so much more.
His speech has developed brilliantly, and he talks about the staff
very fondly. Staff greet him with huge smiles at drop off and always give a good rundown of his day on collection. They supported us when he first joined to ensure that he settled quickly, and they knew things about him before he even arrived. We have attended parent's evenings there, and they are always supportive in terms of working towards things that we at home are also focusing on.
As parents, we are very happy with the care our son receives, but he also now tells us about his day with excitement.
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Review from V T (Mother of Child) published on 30 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A wonderful nursery; there is always a warm welcome waiting for us. All the staff are friendly and supportive, patient and caring. Everything our child needs to grow and develop, emotionally and physically is well considered. Our child feels safe, confident and excited to go to nursery. A big thank
you to all the staff for your hard work.
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Review from E H (Mother of Child) published on 16 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A really lovely nursery. My 18 month attends three days a week and absolutely loves it. Each day the children complete different activities that combine learning and playtime, we've seen a big change in her social skills all of which she has learnt through playing and making friends.
All of the staff
are really friendly and help support you with your child's development. Nice facilities, definitely feels cleaner than most other nurseries we looked at! Great all-rounder.
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Review from Monde G (Mother of Child) published on 16 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff members at the nursery for all the hard work they do with the kids! My daughter has really improved in so many ways due to the input from the nursery! Your learning skills are brilliant! I would recommend anyone who is looking for great nursery
in Hertfordshire to go to Hertford Barns.
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Review from Harriet A (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started five months ago when he was eight months old and as our first child, we had limited experience or knowledge of childcare outside of the home. Returning to work is a tough and conflicting time for any parent. However, since joining at Hertford Barns, I have found the staff to be friendly
and genuine, professional and positive. I feel like the girls in the room really do know my son. Staff always ask about my son every morning - how his night was, his weekend, and if he's well and happy etc and are always willing to tweak or tailor his routine at nursery around my wishes or concerns (for example, for sleeping longer periods at night, the girls helped with shortening and moving his nap times around). Being at nursery also massively helped with weaning and introducing new and varied foods and learning to use a bottle and sippy cup. I find he is a happy and sociable baby - my husband and my family say the same.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.926)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.926) out of 10 for Hertford Barns is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 51 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 51 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 4.926 for Hertford Barns is calculated as follows: ( (567 Excellents x 5) + (43 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 611 Ratings = 4.926
  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 Hertford Barns is based on 51 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 90 number of registered child places is 18, which has been reached with 51 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.

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Awards / Recognitions (18)

Meet the Team (1)

Jenny

Jenny Pratt

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2008

Jenny is the Manager of the award-winning Hertford Barns Day Nursery and has a wealth of experience, having worked in the Early Years sector for 17 years. Jenny has numerous qualifications, including a Level 2, 3 and 4 in Childcare and has worked at Childbase 15 years.


What is your favourite feature of Hertford Barns?
My favourite feature is the beautiful setting of our nursery, we benefit from such fantastic outdoor space and our rooms are beautiful yet functional for an Early Years setting.


What are you most proud of about your nursery/team?
I am so proud of my staff team and their ability to build strong bonds with our families and children, the nurture and care they give their children is outstanding. We are also a growing nursery so having the ability to be able to adapt to all the changes has been key to building our successes.

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