The Woodlands Nursery

Crow Lane East, Newton-le-Willows WA12 9TX
Review Us
9.9 35 Reviews
  • The Woodlands Nursery, Newton-le-Willows
The Woodlands Nursery, located in Newton-le-Willows, provides a nurturing environment where children can grow, explore, and thrive.

The nursery believes that happy, active children learn best. Its dedicated team offers high-quality early years education centred on outdoor exploration, independence, and emotional wellbeing.

Children enjoy sociable mealtimes and are introduced to a variety of tastes and textures that encourage healthy eating habits. All menus are carefully designed to meet early years nutritional standards.

The setting follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, enhanced by a child-led philosophy. Outdoor exploration, self-directed learning, and open-ended play are at the heart of the approach.
Show The Woodlands Nursery on the Map

Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Emma Gilligan (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 35

Total Places for Children

  • 136

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • 7.30am-6pm
    £68.67

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Parking

  • A large car park space is available for families and staff members

The Woodlands Nursery Reviews (35)

9.9

The Woodlands Nursery has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.931) out of 10, based on 35 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Woodlands Nursery has 35 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 34
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 35
  • 35
  • 35
  • 35
  • 0
Reviewer Connection to The Woodlands Nursery
  • 33
  • 2
Total of 35, showing 21-35
Review from Lindsey S (Mother of Child) published on 29 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has had an amazing experience at Woodlands, all of the staff are so lovely and we have noticed just how much she has developed since attending the nursery! She has recently transitioned into the next room with ease which demonstrates how great the staff are and how comfortable she is here.
She is always picking up new things and learning as well as making new friends, thank you!
Reply from Emma Gilligan, Manager at The Woodlands Nursery
Thank you for the lovely review. We support all children to make friends in each room by doing lots of fun, small group activities with a team member. We want every child to learn and develop daily…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Georgia J (Mother of Child) published on 29 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Woodlands nursery is amazing, we are so happy to send our daughter here. The staff are all lovely and have made her feel very welcome in every room she's progressed through. They all seem to genuinely care about the children and make special connections with them.


They have also handled my daughter's

allergy extremely well, going to great lengths to ensure they eliminate all risk of cross-contamination. I couldn't have asked for a better handling of this situation to give me peace of mind when sending her in.
Reply from Emma Gilligan, Manager at The Woodlands Nursery
Than you for the lovely review. Our staff know all the children well in each room. Our key buddy system is robust in each room to help support each child.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from A B (Mother of Child) published on 29 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We started nursery in September, and it's been such a lovely experience. It was our first time, and my daughter went for two full days a week. From the very first day, she absolutely loved it! She felt happy and settled so quickly, which made me feel really confident as a parent.


The staff are kind

and welcoming, and the whole place feels warm and safe. I'm really pleased with how things are going and excited to see her grow even more.


Would definitely recommend to other parents starting out!

Reply from Emma Gilligan, Manager at The Woodlands Nursery
Thank you for the lovely review. Through our Curriculum we ensure the children have lots of fun whilst learning. Every day is different at The Woodlands. New skills are learnt in each room as they…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from A W (Mother of Child) published on 29 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl loves coming into nursery. She has come on so well and more confident within herself. The staff are lovely, very friendly and always making sure my daughter is clean and happy. Its fantastic how we get pictures and daily updates of them so fabulous interaction. Plenty of food and snacks
within the day so well fed. Overall 10/10.
Reply from Emma Gilligan, Manager at The Woodlands Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review. All our staff have lovely interaction with our children and enjoy doing a variety of activities for the children.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Emma E (Mother of Child) published on 29 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Woodlands Nursery is lovely nursery with a welcoming and family feel where all of the staff know all the children, no matter which room they are in. Both of my children have attended this nursery, my oldest is eight and still talks fondly about his favourite memories and staff. My youngest has just
turned two and similarly has settled in so well and looks forward to his days in. We feel very lucky to have chosen such a wonderful setting to help nurture our children from such a young age.
Reply from Emma Gilligan, Manager at The Woodlands Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review. We want all our children to enjoy their time at The Woodlands and have lots of fun here.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from R H (Mother of Child) published on 26 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my children have attended the Woodlands Nursery and I have had so much peace of mind knowing they are so well taken care of and enjoy their time there. The staff are so friendly and caring and my children have made lovely connections / bonds with staff members across all of the different age
group rooms. They have also learned so much through lots of fun activities, as well as making lovely friendships with other children. There is a huge emphasis on the importance of outdoor play which I feel is really important. Food options are always varied, we are kept up to date with what the children get up to during the day, the room sizes are great and the choice of toys / resources are great. It can be daunting to leave your child with someone else but I cannot recommend this nursery enough.
Reply from Emma Gilligan, Manager at The Woodlands Nursery
Thank you for the lovely review. We have a great outdoor space at The Woodlands where the children have have access throughout the day to develop their physical skills more.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from K A (Mother of Child) published on 26 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When my son was in the baby room it was obvious he was so very well cared for and appeared so happy upon pick up. He was always smiling and playing when we came to collect him. The staff were always interacting with our son helping him develop (which has shown massively) and be able to move onto the
mini learners room. Staff were always professional with a smile and attentive to our son. Well done staff in the baby room and thank you so much for helping our boy settle into his nursery and be able to move up a room with confidence and true happiness.
Reply from Emma Gilligan, Manager at The Woodlands Nursery
Thank you for your review. Our staff have lovely bonds with all of the children in all of the rooms. We really encourage personal, social and emotional development from an early age.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from R H (Mother of Child) published on 25 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff are always very welcoming and very easy to speak to when approached with any worries or queries, my son loves coming to nursery. The staff will also go above and beyond to meet your needs if requested
Reply from Emma Gilligan, Manager at The Woodlands Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review. We are always happy to help any parent with any queries you may have.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from J W (Mother of Child) published on 25 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Everyone made my Son's transition to the preschool room seamless. My son is really anxious with anything new but now he loves his new room. Shout out to Lisa in his previous room for helping him grow in confidence
Reply from Emma Gilligan, Manager at The Woodlands Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review. We have a lot of long standing staff here at The Woodlands. We ensure both the children and staff are nurtured daily.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from R C (Mother of Child) published on 25 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Such a lovely nursery, everyone is pleasant and it's a nice place to be when dropping off and picking up my child! They take occasional pictures of my daughter during her day and upload to an app which we love to see.
They accommodate my daughter's allergies well with an array of different foods to
try.
They always update me at the end of the day with what my daughter has been up to.
I have nothing negative to say about this nursery and hope my daughter continues to love it!
Reply from Emma Gilligan, Manager at The Woodlands Nursery
Thank you for this lovely review. We have lovely team here at the Woodlands who show a deep knowledge of all the children who attend. It's lovely to see her learn and develop every day.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from L R (Mother of Child) published on 25 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Every aspect of the woodlands is exemplary. We couldn't be happier. The staff are so friendly and professional and stop at nothing to make sure the children enjoy their time and thrive. Management are very friendly and approachable and are ways on hand to offer advice and guidance with the children
at the centre of everything they do!
Reply from Emma Gilligan, Manager at The Woodlands Nursery
Thank you for your review. We always ensure our children have a fun day whilst learning lots daily. We have a lovely ethos that we embed into the Nursery with the staff and the children.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Georgia W (Mother of Child) published on 24 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is such a lovely nursery with a real family feel. My child is always excited to go in each day, which makes us so happy and reassured. We feel really lucky to have sent her here for the past year. The staff are so kind and welcoming, and the facilities are great. Since starting, my child has also
become much more adventurous with food, which has been amazing to see. Thank you Woodlands!
Reply from Emma Gilligan, Manager at The Woodlands Nursery
Thank you for your review. We have a lovely outdoor space which the children love to explore. We work with all our families to ensure our parents and children are happy in nursery every day.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Laura H (Mother of Child) published on 24 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been attending The Woodlands Nursery since he was 5 months old, he is now 3 years old and recently moved into the Pre School room. He is absolutely thriving and loves going to nursery, we have had a positive experience from the day he started. All the staff are friendly and treat the children
with kindness, comfort and respect. I have nothing but good things to say about The Woodlands - thank you!
Reply from Emma Gilligan, Manager at The Woodlands Nursery
Thank you for your review. We have glad you have had such a positive experience . We have an amazing curriculum which our staff and children follow to ensure they leave Nursery independent, confident…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Donna R (Mother of Child) published on 24 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My children have been attending the Woodlands since it first opened. My son and 2 daughters have all been through nursery from being 1 year old. My youngest daughter is still there and she absolutely loves attending nursery. Before starting nursery she was not a people person she didn't talk much or
interact with other adults at all but since starting at the woodlands she had grown into such a fun loving happy little girl they really do treat the children like extended family. My daughter chooses to go to nursery even if I'm off work she loves it so much !! The staff are all amazing at their jobs and they really are truly invested in the care and support of the children it's it just a job to them they are genuinely happy to be there ! I will be sad to leave the nursery once my daughter starts school as we have grown so accustomed to being part of The woodlands family.
Reply from Emma Gilligan, Manager at The Woodlands Nursery
Thank you for your taking the time to complete a review. We enjoy having her, we ensure every child gets the best start in life and she will be missed when she does go to school
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from C G (Mother of Child) published on 22 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Woodlands Nursery is excellent.
Both my children have thrived here and the staff are wonderful.
My daughter has needed extra support due to a medical condition but everyone at the Nursery from management to the apprentices have been understanding and supportive.
Thank you so much x x x
Reply from Emma Gilligan, Manager at The Woodlands Nursery
Thank you for your lovely review. At The Woodlands Nursery dietaries and safeguarding children are our upmost priority. We always develop positive parent partnerships. We have enjoyed having both your…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.931)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.931) out of 10 for The Woodlands Nursery 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 35 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 35 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 4.931 for The Woodlands Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (391 Excellents x 5) + (29 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 420 Ratings = 4.931
  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 The Woodlands Nursery is based on 35 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 136 number of registered child places is 27.2, which has been reached with 35 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 (0)

Meet the Team (2)

Emma

Emma Gilligan

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2024

Hello,
My name is Emma, I have a BA (HONS) in Primary Education, and I have been in the childcare sector for over 20 years. I have a passion for working with children. I have more than 15 years of management experience. I have a young daughter myself who has a hobby in dance. This involves travelling around the UK for dance competitions. I am passionate about giving every child the best possible start in life, and a key strength of mine is having positive, strong parent partnerships with all families.

No image found

Lisa Williams

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2017

Hello,
My name is Lisa, and I hold a Level 5 qualification and have completed a range of additional training to help support children and families. I have experience working with lots of wonderful practitioners and children who have helped me develop my practice along the way. I enjoy bringing child-centred ideas into everyday practice. I am committed to giving children a nursery where they feel happy and inspired to learn.


Outside of work, I enjoy spending time socialising with family and friends. I also enjoy taking my dog, Barney, for walks around the local area and exploring new places.

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