ABOUT Willows Farm Day Nursery & Pre-School
A Nature-Based Nursery & Pre-School in St Albans, Hertfordshire
A countryside nursery where childhood feels like an adventure
Set within Willows Activity Farm in Hertfordshire and partnered with Farm Day Nurseries, our setting gives children something truly special – space to explore, animals to care for, and a childhood rooted in nature.
We believe children learn best when they’re outdoors, curious, and having fun. From supervised visits with our farm animals to hands-on seasonal activities, Forest School sessions and nature-based play, every day is full of opportunities to discover, imagine and grow.
Learning Through Play
Child-led discoveries, meaningful moments
Our curriculum reflects a responsive and child centred approach shaped by what children know, can do, and need to learn next.
No forced activities, no rigid timetable. Just real, spontaneous, joyful learning that meets children exactly where they are.
What Makes Us Different
A nursery built around nature and real-world learning
Being based at Willows Activity Farm gives children access to almost 500 acres of fields, gardens, trails, and animal areas. Their week might include:
• Watching the changing seasons in our gardens
• Exploring the A-maize-ing Maze in summer
• Visiting the pumpkin patch in autumn
• Meeting ponies, goats, guinea pigs and more
Each season brings new discoveries, new adventures, and new ways for children to build confidence, empathy, and a deep connection to the natural world.
Healthy, Nutritious Meals
Freshly cooked food for busy, growing children
All meals and snacks are prepared in our on-site kitchen by our brilliant chef. We focus on healthy, balanced meals— no added sugar or salt, just real, delicious food children enjoy.
• Fresh, home-cooked meals every day
• Two-course lunches
• Adaptable options for any dietary needs
• Complimentary formula milk for babies
Working Together With Parents
Open communication and genuine partnership
Every child is paired with a dedicated key person who supports their development and keeps you fully in the loop. Through our Famly app, you’ll receive updates, photos, observations, and milestones, so you never miss the moments that matter.
We also offer:
• Regular parent evenings
• Daily chats with our team
• Support with routines, transitions, and settling-in
• A warm parents’ coffee lounge with free hot drinks — ideal for a catch-up or a grab-and-go pick-me-up.
Strong relationships help children thrive, and we take that partnership seriously.
Health, Well-Being & Happiness
A nurturing environment where children feel safe, confident, and understood
Well-being is at the heart of everything we do. Children spend their days outdoors, moving freely, learning through real experiences, and building emotional resilience in a supportive, caring environment.
Farm visits help children develop empathy, kindness, and responsibility — feeding animals, caring for them, and learning how to look after the world around them. It’s a holistic, grounded approach to raising confident, capable little humans.
Join the Team
A workplace where people genuinely love what they do
Working at Willows means being part of a team who value nature, creativity, and meaningful connections. Fresh air, open space, and daily animal interactions create a work environment that feels energising, supportive, and purposeful.
At Farm Day Nurseries, staff well-being comes first. Our on-site Well-being Ambassadors champion mental health, offer support, and help integrate well-being into daily practice. We invest heavily in training from early years specialists so our team can grow, thrive, and feel confident in their roles.
We’re proud that Farm Day Nurseries was recently named a finalist in the Nursery Awards Health & Well-Being category — a testament to our commitment to supporting our teams just as well as we support our children.
If you’re passionate about early years and want to work somewhere genuinely inspiring, Willows might be your next adventure.
Visit our Day Nursery
Enrolment Week: Saturday 26 Sept – Saturday 3 October 2026
The perfect opportunity to experience Willows Farm Day Nursery and Pre-School in action. Attending will allow you to be shown around the site, meet the team, and ask any questions you may have! Please book only one ticket per family:
Enrolment Week
Book a Personal Show around
Can’t make Enrolment Week? No worries. We offer mid-week show arounds for you to come and view the nursery. Just book an appointment below!
Should our weekday show around appointments not be convenient, please feel free to register your interest here and a member of our team will be in touch.
Book a Show Around
Are you eligible for FREE funded childcare?
Are you missing out on free government-funded childcare? Download our FREE funded childcare eBook, telling you everything you need to know regarding the new government grants and eligibility criteria.
Download our funded childcare ebook
Areas we serve
Willows Farm Day Nursery is conveniently located for families in St Albans, London Colney, Radlett, Barnet, Potters Bar, Chiswell Green, and other parts of North London and Hertfordshire. We’re just minutes from the M25 and easily accessible from both town and countryside.
