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The Willow Tree Private Nursery

78 Lake Lock Road, Stanley, Wakefield WF3 4HP
The Willow Tree Private Nursery Logo
The Willow Tree Private Nursery logo
The Willow Tree Private Nursery, Wakefield
The Willow Tree Private Nursery, Wakefield
The Willow Tree Private Nursery, Wakefield

The Willow Tree Private Nursery in Wakefield offers high-quality childcare for children up to the age they start school.

Staff form strong relationships with children and their families and the child’s voice and wellbeing are placed at the heart of their practice.

The nursery creates an inclusive and enabling environment where every learner can flourish. The team believes that children thrive when they feel secure, inspired, and empowered to explore the world...  

Funding & Fees

At the Willow Tree we offer a variety of sessions to best suit the needs of the families in our community.

Full Day Rate: 7:30AM - 6PM

Half a Day Rate: AM: 7:30AM - 12:30PM / PM: 1PM - 6PM

School hours: 9AM-3PM

For prices please contact the setting.

All meals are included in your fees, we just require you to provide your own nappies, wipes and creams.

Contact The Willow Tree Private Nursery to get a personalised quote:

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery

Opening Schedule

Open all year

Full days available

Yes

Half day sessions offered

Yes

Owner

  • The Willow Tree Private Nursery Ltd
  • Private Owned

Person in charge

  • Shannon Mills (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 16

Total Places for Children

  • 75

Age Range

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

Meals Provided

No

Consumables provided

No

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

The Willow Tree Private Nursery Reviews (5)

8.8

The Willow Tree Private Nursery has a Review Score of 8.8 (8.799) out of 10, based on 5 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Willow Tree Private Nursery has 5 reviews.

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Review from Jennifer T (Mother of Child) published on 21 April 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

This is a lovely, cosy nursery setting. My daughter has been attending since she was 9 months old and you can see how much the staff truly care about the children. There has been some management changes due to promotions and change of ownership during my daughters time there and can say with confidence that the current managers are amazing (not that the others weren't) but getting to know these people over the past year and a half it really does feel like a family. Couldn't recommend more

Reply from Shannon Mills, Nursery Manager at The Willow Tree Private Nursery

Thank you so much for your kind words! It really does mean a lot to us!

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Review from H B (Mother of Child) published on 21 April 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Could not ask for a more caring and supportive nursery for both my boys. The managers and staff go above and beyond to make the nursery a welcoming place for all children. My eldest who is autistic, non verbal loves attending and the support we receive as a family from The Willow Tree Nursery is exceptional. They say it takes a village to raise a child and I feel like the willow tree are well and truly part of our village.

Reply from Shannon Mills, Nursery Manager at The Willow Tree Private Nursery

What a lovely review, thank you so much! It means a lot to us!

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Review from A E (Mother of Child) published on 21 April 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My daughter started nursery in September 2025 and she was so shy, quiet and was struggling with everything
The workers there were very kind and supportive, they let her express herself bit by bit and were very nice to her sh
Now she is a totally different person, she is extremely excited to go to nursery every day
She now has many friends and can't stop talking about her daily activities in the nursery
She even started the nursery halfway potty trained and they helped her a lot with the process

I can't thank them enough for all the support they gave to my daughter

Reply from Shannon Mills, Nursery Manager at The Willow Tree Private Nursery

Thank you so much for your lovely words. It truly means a lot to us here at The Willow Tree

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Review from A H (Mother of Child) published on 6 October 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
After some changes within the nursery setting, the team seem to have come out of the other side. My child loves being at nursery and has built great bonds with the staff members she interacts with daily. She thrives within the environment that WillowTree are creating for her. Shannon and Nathan are fantastic at lending an ear to help with any problems and creating a two pronged approach to follow through what works at home to be able to help at nursery too.

The staff are so caring and want to develop my child always. Thank you to the WillowTree team.

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Review from Crystal G (Mother of Child) published on 28 July 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

Our daughter is always so happy to go into nursery, she has formed lovely bonds with the team and the other children. She's also in a great mood when we pick her up, it's so reassuring to know she is enjoying herself and always has lots of positive things to say about the activities they've been doing and the food she's eaten. A big thank you to the lion room team, thank you all for making our daughter feel so safe and cared for.

Reply from Amanda Stevenson, Admin Manager at The Willow Tree Private Nursery

Good afternoon, Your kind word are greatly appreciate. I will make sure they are shared within our team. Thank you

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Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

News (1) & Events (0)

News
  • Posted: Wednesday 25 Mar 2026The Willow Tree team had a research trip to Sweden, last weekend, where we spent time looking at their outstanding early years provisions and and practice. We got insight into...
Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events for The Willow Tree Private Nursery.

Awards / Recognitions (0)

There are currently no awards/recognitions posted yet for The Willow Tree Private Nursery.

Meet the Team (9)

Christina Smith Job Title: Nursery Owner and Director Joined: 2022
Christina Smith

As both the Director and Owner, Christina brings a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to early childhood education. With a deep commitment to creating a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment, Christina ensures that every child in her care feels valued, supported, and encouraged to grow. Her hands-on leadership style, combined with her genuine love for children, sets the tone for a warm, family-like atmosphere where both children and staff thrive. Christina’s vision continues to shape the nursery into a place where little minds are nurtured and big dreams begin.

Shannon Mills Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2025
Shannon Mills

Shannon Mills is the Nursery Manager and brings a genuine passion for early years education to her role. With a degree in Childhood Studies and a strong foundation in child development, Shannon stepped into her managerial position in May 2025.

As both a dedicated professional and a proud mum to a four-year-old, she understands the importance of creating a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment for every child. Shannon is deeply committed to supporting children’s learning and well-being, and she works closely with families and staff to ensure each child receives the care and attention they need to thrive.

Amanda Job Title: Admin Manager Joined: 2024
Amanda

Amanda is the friendly face and first point of contact at the nursery, welcoming families and visitors with her warm, approachable manner. As Admin Manager, she plays a vital role in keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes, handling enquiries, organising key information, and supporting both staff and parents. Amanda’s professionalism, efficiency, and caring nature make her a valued and dependable member of the team. She is always ready to help with a smile, ensuring that everyone who walks through the door feels at ease and well-supported.

Lizzie Freeman Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2025
Lizzie Freeman

Lizzie has been with the Willow Tree since September 2025 and was promoted in December 2025 to Deputy Manager.

Beth Job Title: Room Leader Joined: 2025
Beth

Caterpillar Room Leader

Hajira Job Title: Room Leader Joined: 2025
Hajira

Room leader of butterflies

Molly Job Title: Room Leader Joined: 2025
Molly

Room leader of Ladybirds

Sarah Job Title: Room Leader Joined: 2024
Sarah

Room leader of Bee room

Emma Job Title: Room Leader Joined: 2025
Emma

Room Leader of Dragonflies

Frequently Asked Questions about The Willow Tree Private Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that The Willow Tree Private Nursery accepts?

The Willow Tree Private Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years to 5 years.

What Days & Hours is The Willow Tree Private Nursery Open?

The Willow Tree Private Nursery is open: 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.

How many Children does The Willow Tree Private Nursery have capacity for?

The Willow Tree Private Nursery has capacity for a total of 75 Children.

How far is The Willow Tree Private Nursery to the centre of Wakefield?

2.4 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 The Willow Tree Private Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Willow Tree Private Nursery has an Enhanced Service - more info.