Apple Daycare Aboyne Lodge

Aboyne Lodge School, Etna Road, St Albans AL3 5NL
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9.6 10 Reviews
  • Apple Daycare Aboyne Lodge, St Albans
Apple Daycare at Aboyne Lodge is set right in the centre of St Albans.
Just one road back from the main High Street the nursery is within the grounds of Aboyne Lodge Junior and Infant School.
The building is set within a large green space and has a brand-new well equipped playground designed specifically for early years children.
The nursery has two large rooms, one for children from birth to 2 years and the other for children aged two years to 4 years old.
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Funding & Fees

Full Day Session 07:30-18:30
Half Day Session 07:30-13:00 / 13:00-18:30
Aboyne Lodge School sibling session 08:30-15:30


Funding only and paid for sessions available.


Please visit our website for up to date fees and funding information.

Contact Apple Daycare Aboyne Lodge to get a personalised quote.

Contact Apple Daycare Aboyne Lodge to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Samantha Baker (Owner/Manager)

Total Places for Children

  • 60

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years

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

Apple Daycare Aboyne Lodge Reviews (10)

9.6

Apple Daycare Aboyne Lodge has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.558) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Apple Daycare Aboyne Lodge has 10 reviews.

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Review from Harry G (Father of Child) published on 17 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son recently moved to Aboyne Lodge from another Apple setting due to Work/Convenience. Ronnie settled straight in and the team really made Ronnie feel welcome from the get go! Aboyne Lodge is a very New/Clean/Bright and happy feeling Nursery and we knew straight away we would be comfortable
with them looking after Ronnie. Charlotte and Helen have been so helpful throughout and I would 100% Recommend Aboyne Lodge to everyone!!
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Review from Muriel A (Mother of Child) published on 16 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is the first time I put my child into childcare and it took some time for him to settle, due to new environment, and only going two days a week. I was unsure of what to expect and had some questions in mind, as a parent putting my child into someone else's care. I had a tour of the nursery with
my son last July and I liked the commune areas, the outdoors equipment that support the child motors skills. It was tidy and clean. My son started developing his listening. He was listening to people while shopping and interacting with people more.I do appreciate that the team has been very patient so that my son is at ease and enjoys going to nursery.
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Review from K B (Mother of Child) published on 16 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little one has attended Apple Daycare since September 2025. The staff have always been supportive, welcoming, and friendly. I was apprehensive about my little one starting, and how well they would settle, however, there was no need to worry at all. My little one now happily walks into the room by
themselves to greet staff and friends, ready to have a great day.
The communication from staff via the app, and on handover is excellent. I love being able to view pictures of how my little one has spent their day, and the observations to inform you of what the day holds is brilliant. On Thursdays they have little dance sessions, which my little one loves so much.
The meals are healthy, and as my little one has a few dietary requirements, I have found the staff to be very accommodating for this.
Overall, I have been very pleased with Apple Daycare and I would highly recommend them. Thank you to all the amazing staff for making our transition to nursery life that little bit easier!
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Review from J H (Mother of Child) published on 16 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Apple Daycare have been fantastic, really happy with the care they have given my 1 year old daughter. She's settled in really well and seems completely happy and comfortable. I love getting the daily diary updates and photos to see what she's been up to!
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Review from Vee H (Mother of Child) published on 12 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My two little ones have been attending Apple Daycare Aboyne Lodge for just over two months now and I have to give credit where it's due. They both love it there. I've seen improvements with their listening at meal times and social development as a whole.


The two of them are typically sceptical of

letting me out of their eyesight whenever we go anywhere or their around new people, within the first week I practically felt like they couldn't wait to get rid of me whenever I mentioned "Apple daycare" in the morning.


My thanks and praise goes out to the whole team, I can tell it's a place where my kids are truly paid attention to and genuinely loved.


If I ever have any more in future(definitely not the plan) I'll be sure to reserve a spot right here for them.

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Review from H M (Mother of Child) published on 11 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been at this nursery for a few months now and we are so pleased we chose this nursery for him. On occasion he still finds it hard to say goodbye to me at the gate, however he settles in quickly and comes home full of smiles. I get updates from the nursery, and they are very easily contactable.
It's very clear he feels safe and happy once he's through the door!
He speaks very fondly of the managers and is always talking about his new friendship group and the fun they have together. As a new nursery, the facilities are fantastic-everything is bright, colourful, and very inviting for the children.
The on-site chef is a brilliant addition, and knowing he's getting fresh meals every day is a huge comfort. We also find the school-hours transition and the on-site location incredibly convenient. It's a wonderful setting, with nurturing teachers, and I would highly recommend it to any parent.
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Review from Rahul R (Father of Child) published on 28 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Thank you so much for helping our little one, Kya, settle in. She started nursery for the first time with you 3 months ago, and she has been so comfortable. We are certain that's down to the staff who look after her, particularly Helen and Charlotte who greet us every morning and afternoon at drop off
and pick up. Kya is so comfortable walking in, and we know she is happy there (perhaps due to the snacks - she is a big foodie!). Thanks again for all you are doing, it's much appreciated
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Review from Elisha W (Mother of Child) published on 14 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We placed our 4 month old into apple daycare at Aboyne and I have to say I was really nervous as he was still so small. However, Charlotte and Helen have been absolutely fantastic and really put my mind at ease. I'm kept updated throughout the day with messages and images and any questions they may
have are asked straight away. My little boy has settled in straight away and has a huge smile on his face any time he sees Charlotte and Helen; so thank you all for maki my the experience a great one and for caring so much about my little one!
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Review from H B (Mother of Child) published on 11 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 1 year old started at Apple Daycare recently and I cannot fault it. Having had previous nursery experiences with my elder son, Apple is by far superior in its setting, cleanliness, focus on providing a lovely environment and above all else wonderful care. Couldn't recommend highly enough
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Review from C B (Mother of Child) published on 11 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The team at Apple Daycare have taken such good care of my daughter since she joined at the beginning of May. They could not have done more to help her settle and make sure she has fun whilst learning each day. Each staff member is very professional whilst being approachable and friendly.
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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.558)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.558) out of 10 for Apple Daycare Aboyne Lodge is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 10 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.6 out of 5 from 10 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 4.975 for Apple Daycare Aboyne Lodge is calculated as follows: ( (117 Excellents x 5) + (3 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 120 Ratings = 4.975
  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 4.583 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Apple Daycare Aboyne Lodge is based on 10 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 = 3.75
    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 60 number of registered child places is 12. 10 Positive Reviews ÷ 12 = 0.833
  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 (0)

Meet the Team (5)

Samantha

Samantha Baker

Job Title: Head of Nursery Joined: 2010

Qualifications:
Cache Diploma, Level 3 in Children’s and Young Peoples' Work Force.
OFSTED Registered Childminder, graded as Outstanding in all areas.
Paediatric First Aid


Samantha (Sam) has extensive childcare experience, including having 2 children of her own. She initially started Apple Daycare as a childminding services before transitioning into a nursery in 2013 and then expanded Apple Daycare into a nursery group in 2015.


Before having children, Sam worked as a singer/song writer and makeup artist. She studied theatre and creative arts at the Guild Hall London and has many skills as a musician and performer, which she loves to incorporate into her practice.

Samantha

Samantha Pleasant

Job Title: Group Operations Manager Joined: 2013

Qualifications:
Level 6, holding a BA(Hons) in Special Educational Needs.
Paediatric First Aid


Samantha ( Sammie) is mainly responsible for managing the team at all five settings, arranging the staff rotas to ensure we have the right number of staff at the right place at the right time, and managing SENCO responsibilities.


She is married to John and they have a daughter Rosemary-Belle.

Madison

Madison Knight

Job Title: Registrar Joined: 2019

Qualifications:
BA(Hons) in History from The University of Bristol.
Paediatric First Aid


Madison worked as an Angel for Apple in 2019 & has now returned to handle the registration responsibilities, including booking and conducting viewings, creating care plans, and amending current care.

Charlotte

Charlotte Blackwell

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2019

Qualifications:
- Level 3 Early Years Educator
- Paediatric First Aid 

Helen

Helen King

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2025

Qualifications:
- Master's in Early Years Education

Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Daycare Aboyne Lodge

What is the Age Range of Children that Apple Daycare Aboyne Lodge accepts?

Apple Daycare Aboyne Lodge accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years.

What Days & Hours is Apple Daycare Aboyne Lodge Open?

Apple Daycare Aboyne Lodge is open: 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.

How many Children does Apple Daycare Aboyne Lodge have capacity for?

Apple Daycare Aboyne Lodge has capacity for a total of 60 Children.

How far is Apple Daycare Aboyne Lodge to the centre of St Albans?

0.1 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

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