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Willows Farm Day Nursery and Preschool

Ofsted: Good
(Oct 2023)
·
4.0(23 parent reviews) ·Willows Activity Farm, Coursers Road, St. Albans, AL4 0PF · Hertfordshire
Number of places
245 places
Age range
0–5 yrs
Last inspected
Oct 2023
Local authority
Hertfordshire

About this day nursery

Willows Farm Day Nursery and Pre-School in St. Albans offers exceptional childcare and early education within the unique setting of Willows Activity Farm. Children benefit from high-quality care delivered by experienced and qualified staff, with a strong emphasis on outdoor learning and direct interaction with farm animals.

The nursery prides itself on an all-inclusive fee structure, covering freshly prepared meals, formula milk, nappies, wipes, and a complimentary Willows Activity Farm membership for the enrolled child and one parent/carer. The curriculum is child-centred and responsive, adapting to each child's developmental needs.

The nursery supports families with flexible session options, including full day and half day bookings, and accommodates various government funding schemes for children aged 9 months to four years. They also provide practical support for families, including discounts and advice on navigating childcare costs.

Situated conveniently for families across St Albans, London Colney, Radlett, Barnet, Potters Bar, Chiswell Green, and North London, Willows Farm Day Nursery provides a stimulating and nurturing environment for young children to thrive.

Our ethos

Willows Farm Day Nursery and Pre-School focuses on outdoor learning and interaction with farm animals, adopting a child-centred and responsive curriculum that adapts to each child's developmental needs.

What it's like

Staff provide children with frequent opportunities to experience the outdoors and fresh air, including regular outings to the farm where they learn about animals. Children develop control and coordination through various activities and staff successfully support them in following simple rules, managing their feelings and behaviour well. Children and their families are warmly welcomed, and staff build positive attachments with children, helping them feel relaxed and safe, and engage in new experiences.

Farm-based learningAll-inclusive feesGovernment funding acceptedFlexible sessionsComplimentary farm membership

Pricing & funding

Fees are structured by age bands for children under and over three years old, with varying daily rates depending on the day of the week. Sessions offered include full days, half days, weekly packages, and term-time only options.

Funding accepted

15 hours — working parents (9 months–2 yrs)15 hours — eligible 2-year-olds15 hours — universal (3–4 yrs)30 hours — working parents (3–4 yrs)Tax-Free Childcare

Good to know

  • All booked sessions remain fully chargeable, including bank holidays and holidays taken by the child.

Key facts

Opening hours

08:00am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday (Early Club 7:30am–8:00am, Late Club 6:00pm–6:30pm)

Food

Fresh, nutritious meals and snacks made on site, formula milk for babies, cow’s milk for older children

Age range

9 months to 5 years

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for Willows Farm Day Nursery and Preschool

Last inspected 23 October 2023

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Staff provide children with frequent opportunities to experience the outdoors and fresh air, including regular outings to the farm where they learn about animals. Children develop control and coordination through various activities and staff successfully support them in following simple rules, managing their feelings and behaviour well. Children and their families are warmly welcomed, and staff build positive attachments with children, helping them feel relaxed and safe, and engage in new experiences.

Inspector highlights

  • The management team is committed to continuously developing the nursery and staff well-being is considered.
  • Managers have a strong understanding of good-quality teaching and model strong practice.
  • The nursery team has strengthened safety procedures for farm outings following a recent incident.
  • Staff have good knowledge about how children learn and plan interesting experiences for them.
  • Children are confident and articulate, and enjoy looking at books and asking staff to read to them.

Areas to develop

  • 1extend professional development opportunities to focus more precisely on building staff teaching skills
  • 2help staff develop the range of language and words to further support children's developing vocabulary
  • 3strengthen communication between staff and parents to support children's learning at home effectively.
Inspection #10313359 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

What parents say

Verbatim quotes recorded in the Ofsted inspection

Parents report their children enjoy attending the nursery, especially the outings to the farm.

They receive a good amount of information from staff about day-to-day activities children have been taking part in.

Parents of babies know when they have had their bottles and a sleep.

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

Outdoor space

Staff provide children with frequent opportunities to experience the outdoors and fresh air. Regular outings to the farm help children to learn about their world, observe different animals, and develop control and coordination by balancing on planks and jumping in puddles. Babies use well-placed furniture to balance and develop early walking.

Parent Reviews of Willows Farm Day Nursery and Preschool

4.0
(23)
Demi Horne
3 months ago

I took my son today to look around the nursery and was warmly welcomed by Lucy, she was very friendly and the nursery had a lovely vibe to it. I’ve been to many nursery’s to look around and this nursery really was a breath of fresh air! the day was very well organised compared to other establishments I’ve been to. The layout is amazing and there is so much for the children to enjoy whilst learning. I left their feeling happy and reassured that my son will be well looked after. Zoey was amazing at showing us around and explaining what the children will be doing whilst in their care and had a very friendly nature and was really helpful and knowledgeable when we asked questions. I also really liked that they asked us if we minded being shown round with two other family’s and had the option to say yes or no (we did not mind) Lucy took her time to talk to me privately regarding my son’s needs and I felt really reassured with her knowledge and positive attitude. I have not had this in any of the nursery’s I’ve previously viewed (I have viewed many). The nursery was really bright and clean and offers the children so much more than most nursery’s I’ve been too. I feel confident in leaving my son in there care. My child looked visibly comfortable during the viewing which really put me at ease. All staff were smiley and friendly and I really liked that to thank both Lucy and Zoey. I am now not nervous about sending my son to nursery and I’m looking forward to the next chapter in his little life.

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Meggie Adams
a year ago

A truly brilliant establishment. The educators have gone above and beyond to care for our son. They have always tailored his care based on his needs and helped him make great progress. We are so grateful our son was able to attend such a wonderful nursery.

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Demi Lea
2 years ago

My twins have recently started at Willows and I am very happy and impressed with everything so far. The communication from Reina, in Admin has been excellent. All the staff in the Pre toddlers room are very welcoming, friendly and supportive. There is a lovely positive, atmosphere at the nursery. You can see how amazing the staff are with the children and they have been great at helping my babies to settle in. I am very excited to see them develop and flourish at Willows.

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Dean Robinson
2 years ago

Our eldest has just left Willows to start school - he was in the Pre-School barn. We transferred him from another nursery as we were concerned he was not getting the mental stimulation and learning assistance we wanted. We have nothing but praise for the staff in the Barn. Drop off can be difficult with a youngster but at pickup he was always excited and happy. One of the real benefits is the Farm which they visit regularly and is the highlight of the day! We also saw an improvement in learning following the move.

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gracie jane
a year ago

My 21 month old has been going here for about 6 months now and absolutely loves it, the staff are extremely welcoming and have made my baby feel relaxed and safe. Now dropping off without tears! Highly recommend x

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Reviews from Google for Willows Farm Day Nursery and Preschool. See all on Google Maps

Inspection history

Date: October 2023

  • November 2023Good
  • October 2023Good

Frequently asked about Willows Farm Day Nursery and Preschool

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