Business Details
Nature-Inspired Childcare & Preschool in St Albans
Willows Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School is a nature-inspired childcare provider located in the countryside near St Albans. We specialise in early years education through outdoor learning, offering daily farm visits, Forest School sessions, and a 'Planning in the Moment' teaching approach. Our dedicated team fosters curiosity, confidence, and empathy in children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. We provide nutritious meals prepared on-site, tailored to individual dietary needs, and maintain strong partnerships with parents through regular updates and dedicated key persons. Our unique setting within Willows Activity Farm offers 500 acres of farmland for hands-on exploration, ensuring children develop a lifelong love of nature while meeting educational milestones. 
Services
Day Nursery
Preschool
Activity Day Camps
Forest School Sessions
Mini Farmers Programme
Highlights and features
- We offer nature-based learning with daily farm visits and outdoor exploration.
- Our 'Planning in the Moment' approach personalizes education to each child's interests.
- On-site nutritious meals prepared fresh daily, catering to dietary requirements.
- Experienced team with expertise in early years education and child development.
- Conveniently located near major commuter routes in St Albans and North London.
Services
Day Nursery
Our day nursery provides tailored care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. We offer age-specific rooms, a 'Planning in the Moment' curriculum, and daily farm visits. Children engage in sensory play, structured activities, and outdoor exploration to support holistic development. The nursery combines educational milestones with emotional wellbeing in a safe, nurturing environment.
Preschool
The preschool programme prepares children aged 3-5 years for school through hands-on learning and farm-based activities. We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework while incorporating Forest School sessions. Children develop responsibility, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through tasks like feeding animals, planting vegetables, and tractor exploration in a countryside setting.
Activity Day Camps
Seasonal day camps cater to children aged 3-12 years during school holidays. Activities include animal interactions, arts and crafts, baking, and science experiments. The camps utilise Willows Activity Farm's facilities for outdoor adventures while maintaining structured supervision. Each camp encourages creativity, physical activity, and social interaction in a fun, educational environment.
Forest School Sessions
Regular Forest School sessions immerse children in nature-based learning. Activities include seasonal exploration, shelter building, and guided nature trails. These sessions develop confidence, environmental awareness, and physical coordination. Qualified practitioners facilitate child-led discovery while ensuring safety and educational value within the 500-acre farm setting.
Mini Farmers Programme
The Mini Farmers Programme integrates farm responsibilities into early education for 3-5 year olds. Children participate in animal care, crop planting, and farm maintenance tasks. This hands-on approach builds practical skills, empathy, and understanding of rural life. The programme combines structured learning with spontaneous play to enhance cognitive and social development.
Questions
What age range does Willows Farm Nursery cater to?
We accept children from 6 weeks to 5 years old, offering tailored care across baby, toddler, and preschool rooms.
Are meals included in nursery fees?
Yes, fresh, nutritious meals and snacks are prepared on-site daily, with options for special dietary requirements.
Can I visit the nursery before enrolling my child?
We offer open days and personal show-arounds to help families experience our facilities and meet the team.
Do you offer funded childcare options?
Yes, we accept government-funded childcare schemes including 15 and 30-hour entitlements for eligible families.
What safety measures are in place for farm activities?
All farm visits are supervised by trained staff, with age-appropriate activities and safety protocols for animal interactions.
How do you support children's educational development?
Our 'Planning in the Moment' approach personalises learning through child-led activities and structured farm-based experiences.
Reviews (7)
Emma Spears
Oct 25, 2019
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My little boy attends full time pre- school!! Everyday he comes bounding out chatting about what an adventure he has had- be it holding Bernard the millipede, making a robot or a fun trip to the farm to see the animals. All the staff are friendly and the manager Claire is fab- very proactive- and her door is always open!! Would highly recommend!!
Stefan F.
Oct 07, 2019
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Absolutely rubbish.Manager is lying to you and not reliable!.. She does not keep her word...Be aware of this fact that she is not honest and do not expect miracles from her!!!
Kavin Arora
Jul 11, 2019
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My son loves Willows Farm Nursery. All the staff are great, he has been going since he was 1 and he is 3 now, just moving into pre-school. They make the transition easy and comfortable. Highly recommend. About to start my second little one in a few months!
Kalpana Bhudia
Jun 19, 2019
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2 year old daughter been attending the toddler nursery since September 2018. Brilliant staff and always willing to help with queries and issues. Daughter loves it which is the main thing:)
Jen Buckingham Smart
Jun 05, 2019
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My daughter has gone from strength to strength at the pre school. The staff are so kind and she does so many different activities. I recommend it as a caring environment that also nurtures & challenges pre school children.
Guilhem Pietri
Nov 24, 2017
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Very disorganised nursery, staff doesn't seem to care for wellbeing of the children, hygiene is 0 points, I am finding it very dirty, sons clothes all over the nursery taking us 20 mins every day to find them (if we find them) Terribly unhappy about it.
Dan & Eileen Cocker
Jun 13, 2017
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Our two kids are at nursery and pre-school here and they love it. The staff are all really friendly, and the boys love the place.
