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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Reviewer Connection to Hertford Barns
  • 89
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Total of 100, showing 81-100
Review from K A (Mother of Child) published on 2 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child attends on two days a week and I can safely say he has a great time. Lots for him to do and some lovely staff who really engage with the children.
I have great comfort in knowing he is safe and happy, with some great photos posted via the app to make me smile during the day.
We always have
a feedback sheet of what they have been up to and a weekly newsletter. We feel part of the nursery.
Would recommend to anyone.
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Review from K H (Mother of Child) published on 31 October 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a lovely nursery. They have offered great support with my son's weaning journey; I've seen such a big improvement at home. The staff are really caring and I love to see the variety of activities he gets up to. He's always very smiley when I drop him off. Taking him here definitely eased my anxiety
with starting him in nursery.
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Review from L C (Mother of Child) published on 17 October 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What an amazing nursery. I am so happy I came across this gem of a place. My little boy absolutely loves his days at nursery, he loves all the staff members and children. The staff are outstanding, they really show so much care and empathy towards the children, and are also so reassuring to us parents.
I feel so comfortable leaving my little one with them. They give you a really good rundown of what your child has done/eaten throughout the day. The food is amazing and very nutritious. The outside space is great, the children have so much room to explore, they spend a large part of their day outside. Our little one is thriving, and has really come on leaps and bounds since attending.
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Review from Anna J (Mother of Child) published on 20 September 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Our son joined the nursery when he was eleven and a half months old and has settled well over his first six months. He has developed good relationships with his carers and they have been attentive and always provide really enthusiastic and positive reports on his day. One of the things we like best
is that all the staff in the daycare know our son by name and say hello to him every day.
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Review from R M (Mother of Child) published on 24 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery is just amazing.
The staff are all lovely and welcoming my son leaves so happy every single time.
They have helped him along his fussy food journey which is a blessing for me at home.
Massive thank you to the two staff members who Ronnie absolutely adores for all of your hard work
with him.
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Review from M P (Mother of Child) published on 24 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Hertford Barns nursery is full of wonderful people and my children are happy and feel safe there which is the most important. The meals and the space available is great. Some improvements I would like to see are more regular updates on the app (with consistent feedback across staff as some are more
vague than others) as well as formal meetings. I had to arrange for one and I would like to see this as part of an agreed schedule. I would also like to see more thought through creative activities as I’m noticing themes are based on very vague topics such as trucks because there was construction going on outside. What about cultural themes for example, more sharing from different kids and learning from each other. More opportunities to see what the kids are up to and meet other parents. I am very happy with general communication and management to date. The staff has always been helpful and supportive. Overall a good nursery and I will continue to send my children there.
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Review from Luxy H (Mother of Child) published on 15 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
After feeling anxious about moving our son from childminder to nursery quite suddenly, we couldn't be happier with our decision to pick Hertford Barns. Since his settling in session our son has been so happy, he loves all the children there and the staff. He is thriving, his speech is coming along well
as well as his understanding of emotions. We cannot fault anything about the nursery, the setting is wonderful and his key workers are superb. We love all the outdoor space they have, the staff are always friendly and understanding and truly put the children first. Every time we drop our son off we feel confident and content that he is getting the best care possible.
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Review from R H (Mother of Child) published on 10 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Our daughter has attended nursery very happily for over 2 years now.
The staff are full of warmth and love for the children which is what we wanted from a nursery setting.
The food is amazing (thank you) - very healthy and changes often enough to give variety. I only wish my daughter ate as well at
home as she does at nursery!
We struggled during the lockdown period with their communication, but since the nursery was taken over by Childbase Partnership, we have noticed a marked difference in the professionalism of how the business is run.
My only build, which I have also given to the staff, is that over the course of 2 years we have only had 1 formal "parent evening" and I would like feedback, especially in pre-school, to be a little more forth coming, especially with the transition into reception.
Thank you to the wonderful team who have looked after our daughter so brilliantly
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Review from Lucy E (Mother of Child) published on 9 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Excellent nursery that offers a very caring, educational and stimulating setting for children to develop. As a mother of 2 children, one who has graduated from this nursery and one who is currently attending, I couldn’t be happier with the care that has been and continues to be provided to my children.
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Review from Megan P (Mother of Child) published on 14 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the start, I’ve been very impressed with Hertford Barns. Not only does the nursery look beautiful, the staff are always smiling and the facilities are brilliant. The children have plenty of outdoor fun which I really love and my daughter always enjoys her delicious meals. Her confidence has grown
so much since she started at Hertford Barns and we’re thrilled with the progress she’s made.
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Review from Nina M (Mother of Child) published on 14 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I think it is lovely that all members of staff know my daughter by name, not just the ones in her room. She has settled really well and will happily go in to one of her key workers now. She seems to enjoy the time she is there. The food is nutritious and varied and even though they are little, children
are encouraged to sit at a table and eat with cutlery. They spend a lot of time outdoors which is so important in Early Years. I am always told about important aspects of her day at pick up. The staff are friendly, approachable and great with the children. I am happy with Hertford Barns for my daughter.
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Review from Z L (Mother of Child) published on 14 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since my son started nursery at Hertford Barns, all the staff have made both myself (as an anxious mother!) and my baby feel very welcomed. The practitioners are very hands-on and work with you as a parent to ensure your child gets settled, and their usual routine is followed. Even at times when this
hasn't been achieved, they are incredibly open to feedback and are always really professional. The staff front of house also fabulous and take the time to have a one on one chat with you adding a really nice personal touch. The nursery building itself and all of the facilities/toys etc inside are incredible!
My child's development has come on leaps and bounds since joining, and he eats really well which is just a pleasure to hear.
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Review from Dawn C (Grandmother of Child) published on 22 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My grandson has just started at Hertford Barns, we went for the open day and was very impressed the way the building is laid out and the outside space the children have to explore.
The staff have a good rapport with the children and they encourage each child to their own development.
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Review from Lauren M (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has settled in so well to Hertford Barns. He has flourished so quickly from potty training to speech. It's clear to see how much the staff care about all of the children! The attention to the little details is spot on. Thank you to you all.
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Review from Brad I (Father of Child) published on 27 January 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
We have been lied to on four separate occasions by a member of staff with regards to my son's safety, well-being, and his routine. This member of staff was also in management with the previous poor Ofsted reports. We bought these instances to management who (in my opinion) do not care about anything
other than Childbase making money and sweeping things under the carpet. The most recent meeting we have had with management when we were lied to again was actually laughable, the audacity of the blame then being laid at mine and my wife's door was very surprising and distressing. I suffer with a mental disability and this was used as one of the main reasons why we were to blame for the staff lying to us. I was accused of being "Intimidating" and "Aggressive”. Our son has now been removed and I would not recommend this nursery at any level.
Reply from Jenifer Neville, Nursery Manager at Hertford Barns
We are sincerely sorry that our many discussions and meetings have not improved your experience. We take parent feedback very seriously to ensure children thrive in nursery. Their safety and wellbeing…read more
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Review from Cristine G (Mother of Child) published on 10 January 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very happy so far. After seeing Hertford Barns premises, I couldn't choose any other place for my child. Not only has bright and beautiful big spaces to play, the staff are always very supportive and kind. The management team is always very professional. My girl even asks to go to nursery on weekends,
that shows us how much she loves being there and how well she is treated. If I have another baby, definitely will be going to Hertford Barns nursery. Thanks.
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Review from Dave N (Father of Child) published on 10 January 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little boy has come along leaps and bounds whilst being with Herford Barns. All the staff are amazing; they all know his name and welcome him with a smile. It's a safe, welcoming, warm environment, and I can't praise the staff enough.
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Review from Y H (Mother of Child) published on 10 January 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It has been a while since my boy joined this nursery. There was a change of management, but I didn't even notice. It was that smoother process. All the staff and carers are so friendly and very helpful. The nursery facility is the best around here. My boy enjoys every day, so I'm very satisfied.
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Review from H S (Mother of Child) published on 10 January 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been in the nursery for some time, and we are very happy with not only the care he receives but also the variety of activities he is exposed to during the day. His development, social engagement and interaction have improved dramatically since joining this setting.
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Review from D C (Mother of Child) published on 26 November 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My review is not about a specific moment but Hertford Barns in general.
If you are having a bad morning the staff are always there to help and give words of encouragement at drop off.
Mt daughter is growing quickly and her development is moving at a fast pace thanks to the nursery.
Can't thank
the nursery enough in these difficult times keep up the good work.
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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.

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