Hygge Bears Nursery

Foxholes Farm, London Road, Hertford SG13 7NT
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8.9 5 Reviews
  • Hygge Bears Nursery, Hertford
Hygge Bears Nursery is a calm, nurturing early years setting rooted in the Danish concept of Hygge, where children feel safe, valued and free to be themselves.

Set on a working farm in Hertfordshire, the nursery offers a rare combination of homely indoor spaces and expansive natural surroundings, creating an environment where childhood can grow and explore at an unhurried and meaningful pace

Children thrive when they feel emotionally secure, so strong attachments, gentle routines and warm relationships sit at the heart of daily life. Each child is treated as an individual, with care and learning shaped around their interests, temperament and stage of development rather than a one size fits all approach

The farm setting provides children with daily access to outdoor play across ten acres of land.

Children climb, explore, garden, cook, care for animals and immerse themselves in nature in all seasons. These experiences build confidence, resilience and a deep connection to the world around them. Learning happens naturally through play, curiosity and real life experiences, guided by skilled early years educators and aligned with the EYFS

Freshly prepared meals, cooked on site, are enjoyed in calm, sociable mealtimes that support independence and a positive relationship with food.

Funding & Fees

£115.50/day all inclusive (No additional fees for "extras")

Government funding accepted
Tax free childcare accepted
Workplace nursery schemes accepted

Contact Hygge Bears Nursery to get a personalised quote.

Contact Hygge Bears Nursery to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care

Owner

  • Dobbing Nurseries Ltd
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Gail Clayton (Nursery Manager)

Total Places for Children

  • 68

Age Range

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

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 & Christmas

Parking

  • Ample parking to front and rear of Nursery

8.9

Hygge Bears Nursery has a Review Score of 8.9 (8.868) out of 10, based on 5 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Hygge Bears Nursery has 5 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Total of 5, showing 1-5
Review from Connie S (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We honestly couldn't be happier with this nurser. The staff are absolutely amazing and genuinely care so much about the children. Parker absolutely loves going in every day, which says everything. We receive regular updates and observations, so we always know how she's getting on and what she's been
up to, which is so reassuring as a parent.
The facilities are fantastic, and one of our favourite things is how much time they spend outside. Parker especially loves being around the animals - it's such a lovely, nurturing environment and you can really see how much thought goes into the children's experiences.
The owner has been incredible to our family, especially after going through a very tough time. The kindness, understanding and support shown to us has meant more than I can put into words and has truly made life with Parker so much easier during that period.
We honestly couldn't thank them enough and wouldn't recommend this nursery highly enough.
Reply from Aaron Dobbing, Managing Director at Hygge Bears NurseryThank you so much for such a lovely review

We're so happy she loves coming in each day, and it means a lot to hear the updates and observations help you feel reassured too, I will be sure to pass the feedback on to the team.

We're so grateful you shared this with us, and glad we could be here to support you. See you soon for more adventures!
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Review from Natasha O (Mother of Child) published on 23 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Having done research for a nursery for my 18 month old I was so happy to come across Hygge Bears. The fact it's set on a farm and the amount of outdoor play and learning was a big positive for me. Kids spend a lot of time in educational 'class rooms' so I didn't want this for my daughter at this age.
The learning on the farm and just being outdoors has been great and she now absolutely loves animals and puddles!!
My daughter's trying new foods as the food provided is such a great variety! I wish I had as nutritious lunches!
The staff are really caring and really help settle my 'clingy' 18 month old, and she now runs in everyday excited to see her friends, learn and play.
I can't rate this nursery high enough, the team are all superb and the communication is great.
Reply from Aaron Dobbing, Managing Director at Hygge Bears NurseryThanks for your review. We're really pleased Hygge Bears is helping your little one thrive.
Thank you as well for the kind words about the team and our communication, I'll be sure to share your feedback with everyone.
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Review from Lachlan R (Father of Child) published on 21 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Could not be happier with how my son has settled in and grown since moving to the nursery in mid December. Staff are very genuine and lovely people led by the owner of the nursery. A real person, not just a cog in a large corporate behemoth. Food is locally sourced and of high quality and my boy loves
it. The nursery is always spotless and lots of care is clearly taken. The significant amount of outdoor play time at the farm is fantastic as well as the occasional use of the soft play on site.
Reply from Aaron Dobbing, Managing Director at Hygge Bears NurseryThank you, we try our best. I will be sure to pass your feedback to the team!
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Review from Sophie R (Mother of Child) published on 21 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our experience at Hygge Bears could not be better. My child has settled really quickly and all staff have taken the time to get to know my child and understand what they love and encourage their development in a really positive way.


The environment is wonderful, with fabulous new resources and access

to wide open outdoor space and engagement with the animals on the farm.


Overall could not be happier with our experience and would advise anyone to visit the setting to understand what sets this nursery apart from a traditional setting.

Reply from Aaron Dobbing, Managing Director at Hygge Bears NurseryThank you for the kind words! I will be sure to pass the feedback on to the team.
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Review from Charlotte P (Mother of Child) published on 7 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Everyone is so lovely, excellent service & an amazing setup! My little boy has loved every day.
He loves going out to play at the farm each day.
The facilities they have inside the nursery are excellent.
The team of people are all so friendly and welcoming.
Can't recommend enough!!!!!
Reply from Aaron Dobbing, Managing Director at Hygge Bears NurseryThank you for the very kind words, I will be sure to pass your feedback on to the team!
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Current Review Score: 8.9 (8.868)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.9 (8.868) out of 10 for Hygge Bears 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 3.9 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 5.000 for Hygge Bears Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (60 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 60 Ratings = 5
  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 3.868 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Hygge Bears 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 68 number of registered child places is 13.6. 5 Positive Reviews ÷ 13.6 = 0.368
  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)

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Meet the Team (2)

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Gail Clayton

Job Title: Nursery Manager Joined: 2025

Gail is the Nursery Manager at Hygge Bears and brings over two decades of experience leading early years settings that have achieved outstanding Ofsted outcomes. She is a qualified Early Years Teacher with a deep understanding of child development and a strong belief in the power of child led learning.


Gail is passionate about creating environments where children feel safe, curious and confident to explore at their own pace. Her calm, thoughtful leadership shapes a nursery culture rooted in warmth, respect and high quality practice.


On the farm, Gail’s favourite animal is Cappuccino the alpaca, who reminds her of her beloved chow chow at home and never fails to make her smile.

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Aaron Dobbing

Job Title: Founder/Managing Director Joined: 2025

Aaron is the founder of Hygge Bears Nursery. His journey into early years education began through personal experience, after becoming frustrated with the limitations and impersonal nature of large chain nurseries. Hygge Bears was created as an opportunity to do things properly, with intention, care and integrity at the centre of every decision.


He set out to build a fiercely independent nursery that puts children and families before systems and shortcuts. Quality is never compromised for convenience, and decisions are guided by what is right rather than what is easiest.


Aaron approaches early years through the lens of a parent rather than from an extensive early years background. This perspective gives him a unique outlook on nursery life and places him in a strong position to regularly challenge accepted norms, question long held practices and push for better outcomes for children and families.


Parent partnerships are central to his vision. He believes that without meaningful, trusting relationships with parents, nurseries miss a huge opportunity to truly support children. Working closely with families creates consistency, deeper understanding and a joined up approach between home and nursery.


Aaron is deeply committed to building a team of reflective, compassionate professionals who are confident in doing the right thing every time, even when no one is watching. This ethos shapes the culture of Hygge Bears and underpins everything the nursery stands for.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hygge Bears Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Hygge Bears Nursery accepts?

Hygge Bears Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Hygge Bears Nursery Open?

Hygge Bears 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 Hygge Bears Nursery have capacity for?

Hygge Bears Nursery has capacity for a total of 68 Children.

How far is Hygge Bears Nursery to the centre of Hertford?

1.0 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 Hygge Bears Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Hygge Bears Nursery has an Enhanced Service - more info.