FAQ’S

FAQS

Parents must apply for a funding code and check their eligibility before accessing funded sessions. You can do this via the official government website:
👉 Check your eligibility for childcare funding
Funding is stretched over 51 weeks of the year, with the final week in December fully chargeable.

Under 3s (from September 2025):
15 hours of funding becomes 11 hours per week, which can be used for one full day (8:00am– 6:00pm) with an hour carried over, or two half-day sessions (5 hours each) with an hour carried over, either 8:00am–1:00pm or 1:00pm–6:00pm.
30 hours of funding becomes 22 hours per week, covering two full days (2 x 10-hour sessions with 2 hours carried over), four half days, or a mix of both.

Over 3s (stretched funding):
15 hours equates to 11 hours per week, which can be used for one full day and one hour
carried over, or two half-day sessions.
30 hours equates to 22 hours per week, offering two full days or four half-day sessions, or a combination.

For all children 9 months and over an enrichment fee applies on their funded days. This helps cover the cost of meals, activities, and resources.

If your child is unwell, we ask families to consider if they’re well enough to attend. For example, if they’ve required Calpol every four hours over the past day to manage a temperature, we recommend keeping them at home until they are able to regulate their temperature naturally.

If your child has sickness or diarrhoea, they must remain at home for 48 hours after the last episode to help prevent the spread of infection.

If your child has been prescribed antibiotics, they must stay home for 24 hours after the first dose before returning, in case of any allergic reaction.

We are able to administer prescribed medication at the nursery, but we will need to see the prescription label and original packaging.

Yes, we offer the following discounts:
10% NHS Discount
10% Emergency Services Discount
10% Sibling Discount (applied to the eldest child)
Please note we offer one discount per family.

We provide a balanced, nutritious menu that includes healthy breakfasts, snacks, lunches, and teas. A sample menu is available upon request or can be found on our website.

We offer a four-step settling-in process to help your child adjust to nursery life.
– The first session lasts one hour and includes a parent or carer.
– The following sessions are 2 hours, 3 hours, and finally 4 hours.
– We may also offer a home visit, either before or after your child’s settle sessions, depending on their individual needs.
If a child is particularly unsettled, we may recommend extending the settling-in period or starting with shorter sessions to help build their confidence gradually.

Our standard opening hours are 8:00am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday.
However, we do offer the option to add an Early Club (7:30am–8:00am) or a Late Club (6:00pm–6:30pm) for a small additional charge.

Yes, all booked sessions remain fully chargeable, including bank holidays and times when your child is on holiday.

Full Day (08:00am- 6:00pm) – under 3s:
Weekly Price: £470.60
Monday: £104.10
Tuesday to Thursday: £106.30
Friday: £99.60

Half Day (08:00am-1pm or 1pm-6:00pm) – under 3s:
Monday: £68.30
Tuesday to Thursday: £69.40
Friday: £64.10

Full Day (08:00am- 6:00pm) – over 3s:
Weekly Price: £400.80
Monday: £89.20
Tuesday to Thursday: £90.90
Friday: £83.20

Half Day (08:00am-1pm or 1pm-6:00pm) – over 3s:
Monday: £55.30
Tuesday to Thursday: £56.10
Friday: £51.30

We do offer the option to add an Early Club (7:30am–8:00am) or a Late Club (6:00pm–6:30pm) for a small additional charge.

Yes, we’re open during the two-week Christmas and New Year period, except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.
If Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve falls on a weekday, we close at 4:00pm to allow our team some additional family time. Full fees still apply for these days.

We don’t offer session swaps. However, you’re welcome to book additional sessions on an ad hoc basis, depending on availability in your child’s room.

There is ample parking at Willows Activity Farm, including a small car park in front of the Day Nursery and Pre-School.

Please note Willows Activity Farm is open daily throughout the year from 9.30am to 5.00pm (closing at 4.00pm on 24th and 31st December). However, most visitors to the farm leave by 4.30pm, therefore there are plenty of car parking spaces to pick up your child.

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:

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.

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.

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.