The Willow Tree Private Nursery

78 Lake Lock Road, Stanley, Wakefield WF3 4HP
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8.8 5 Reviews
  • 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 around them.

Instagram: thewillowtreenurserywakefield

Facebook: The Willow Tree Private Day Nursery LTD
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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.

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

Type of Service

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

Owner

  • The Willow Tree Private Nursery Ltd
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Shannon Mills (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 16

Total Places for Children

  • 75

Age Range

  • from 0 years
  • to 5 years

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.

Overall Experience
  • 5
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Total of 5, showing 1-5
Review from Jennifer T (Mother of Child) published on 21 April 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 NurseryThank 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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 NurseryWhat 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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 NurseryThank 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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
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 NurseryGood afternoon, Your kind word are greatly appreciate. I will make sure they are shared within our team. Thank you
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Current Review Score: 8.8 (8.799)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.8 (8.799) out of 10 for The Willow Tree Private Nursery 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 5 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.8 out of 5 from 5 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 4.966 for The Willow Tree Private Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (57 Excellents x 5) + (2 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 59 Ratings = 4.966
  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 3.833 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Willow Tree Private Nursery is based on 5 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 = 3.5
    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 75 number of registered child places is 15. 5 Positive Reviews ÷ 15 = 0.333
  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

10 Child Vacancies

Posted: 15 Apr 2026

We have spaces available every day Monday to Friday

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

Meet the Team (9)

Christina

Christina Smith

Job Title: Nursery Owner and Director Joined: 2022

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

Shannon Mills

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2025

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

Amanda

Job Title: Admin Manager Joined: 2024

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

Lizzie Freeman

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2025

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

Beth

Beth

Job Title: Room Leader Joined: 2025

Caterpillar Room Leader

Hajira

Hajira

Job Title: Room Leader Joined: 2025

Room leader of butterflies

Molly

Molly

Job Title: Room Leader Joined: 2025

Room leader of Ladybirds

Sarah

Sarah

Job Title: Room Leader Joined: 2024

Room leader of Bee room

Emma

Emma

Job Title: Room Leader Joined: 2025

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.