Willowcroft

Nottingham Road, Spondon, Derby DE21 7NN
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9.8 58 Reviews
  • Willowcroft, Derby
Located just outside Derby city centre, Willowcroft provides residential, residential dementia and short-stay care for up to 60 residents in a purpose-built home with deep community roots. Built on the site of the old Anglers Arms pub in Spondon, the home blends local heritage with modern comfort and thoughtful design.

All bedrooms are en-suite and include personal touches like mini-fridges and motion-sensor lighting, while ground-floor rooms open onto private patios. Communal areas include a reminiscence room styled like a vintage coffee shop, cosy lounges, and landscaped sensory gardens with raised planters, seating areas and a shaded pagoda.

Meals are freshly prepared by the in-house chef, with menus shaped by resident tastes—from Sunday roasts and traditional trifles to homemade cakes and themed cuisine nights. Baking sessions and food-based events are a regular feature of life at Willowcroft.

Activities include arts and crafts, chaplain-led services, the resident-created rummy club, and visits from musicians and therapy animals. Regular outings to local pubs and Derby County Football Club add variety and fun, while the long-standing team ensures consistent, person-centred care.

At Willowcroft, care isn’t just about support, it’s about creating a community where residents thrive. Whether you’re searching for yourself or a loved one, for residential, residential dementia or short-stay care, the team at Willowcroft are here to help.

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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 60 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Day Care

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £1120 – £1278
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1228 – £1397

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Willowcroft to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 60+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (60)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (60)

Willowcroft Reviews (58)

Total of 58, showing 1-20
9.8

Willowcroft has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.818) out of 10, based on 11 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Willowcroft has 58 reviews.

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Review from C G (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 July 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wonderful care for Mum right up to the end of her life. Also cared for her family as well at that sad time. Her two years here were happy and fulfilling. Staff were friendly and helpful and the place is kept spotless.

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Review from K F (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 July 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother lived with dementia at Willowcroft in a kind and caring environment. The staff did their best to create a feeling of home while maintaining the dignity of the residents. Mum joined in with most of the activities and enjoyed the entertainment on offer. She particularly enjoyed the visits
from the therapy dogs that visited Willowcroft. Mum was able to attend the Sunday services held at the home which was important to her. There is a choice of home cooked meals, and snacks are available during the day. A continuity of the staff helped my mother as the staff were familiar to her. Mum was given end of life care in her own room at the home, which was exemplary. My sister and I were accommodated at the home at the end of Mums life. There is a great awareness at the home that family and friends are looked after as well as its residents.

Reply from Vicky Humphrey, Home Manager at Willowcroft

Thank you for your lovely review. It is nice to hear how positively the team impacted your mum's day to day life. Looking after your mum and the rest of the family was our pleasure.

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Review from Michelle R (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 15 July 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This wonderful care home as transformed my brother in law's life.The care he receives is outstanding form personal care to freshly laundered clothes. The food is just fabulous, proper home cooked meals. In fact he has put weight on. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff who always have a smile on
their faces.Thank you.

Reply from Vicky Humphrey, Home Manager at Willowcroft

Thank you for your review, your brother-in-law is a pleasure to care for and a true gentleman.

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Review from G R (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 May 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What a relief it was to find this place! Once I'd looked round, I was convinced that this was the answer to my problems! Mum is safe, cared for and fed better than I could manage. She still asks to go home, but I know she's better here and is settling well.

Reply from Vicky Humphrey, Home Manager at Willowcroft

Thank you for your kind words, we're really pleased that mum is settling in well.

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Review from S M (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum's been living at Willowcroft for 2 months now. Well led by the management team, the staff are supportive and show genuine kindness. Lots of activities to keep residents happy and the meal choices are good too. I know my mum is safe in their hands. Which has given the wider family much comfort. Well
done Willowcroft.

Reply from Vicky Humphrey, Home Manager at Willowcroft

Thank you so much for you're lovely review. We are so pleased Mum has settled in so well.

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Review from P W (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has recently died after living at Willowcroft for many years, moving from the residential to the dementia side part way through. She has always been treated with care and respect. All staff work hard to make Willowcroft feel like home, and this is apparent as soon you walk through the front door
- it has such a welcoming atmosphere. Not only have staff cared for Mum, but they have supported me. They always have time to listen and provide comfort for residents and relatives. The low staff turnover has meant that staff knew Mum very well and this gave me great confidence in their care. During the time that it was clear that Mum was dying, the care Mum and I received was exceptional. We were so well looked after and felt genuinely loved. Willowcroft is purpose-built with good-sized rooms, corridors and public areas that feel bright and airy. It is very well run and staff achieve the balance of being professional but also friendly and caring. I would recommend this home very highly.

Reply from Vicky Humphrey, Home Manager at Willowcroft

Thank you so much for your glowing review. Your Mum was a wonderful lady and both you and she will be missed terribly.

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Review from Gail L (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wonderful home and facilities, the staff go above and beyond to make my mother feel settled and comfortable. She is extremely well looked after and would recommend this home for anyone's loved one.

Reply from Vicky Humphrey, Home Manager at Willowcroft

Thank you for your kind words. It is a pleasure caring for your mother.

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Review from Jillian C (Civil Partner of Resident) published on 14 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a sad day for me today as we say goodbye to Willowcroft. My partner came here in May 2024 but unfortunately her complex medical needs can no longer be met by Willocroft as she now requires nursing care. However, I have to say a huge thank you to everyone at Willowcroft particularly those in
Arkwright wing and management. Their dedication, care and support throughout some very difficult and challenging situations were handled with professionalism and kindness. It is a lovely well-run home and I have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who is looking to place a loved one in very capable and caring hands. Keep up the good work.

Reply from Vicky Humphrey, Home Manager at Willowcroft

Thank you for your kind words, your partner is such a character. We will miss both of you. Please remember to visit us. We hope your partner settles into her nursing placement.

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Review from A W (Son of Resident) published on 12 June 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

If you are looking for a care home for a loved one, I cannot recommend Willowcroft highly enough. From the office staff to the carers, cleaners, kitchen staff and caretaker, you won't find a more devoted and helpful team. My mum was welcomed with open arms. Nothing was too much trouble, and she settled
in very quickly. The food was excellent and all were freshly prepared onsite every day. The residents were never left alone and had plenty of activities to entertain them. Sadly Mum had complex health needs, which were attended to efficiently and professionally.
Unfortunately, she wasn't at Willowcrof for long, which is sad as I knew she was very happy there. If you want confidence and peace of mind that your loved one is being well looked after, choose Willowcroft.

Reply from Kate Prince, Home Manager at Willowcroft

Thank you so much for your lovely review; it is very much appreciated by all of us here at Willowcroft. Your mum was a lovely lady, and it was our honour to have cared for her in her final days.

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Review from Lydia M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 28 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I had the experience of seeing this home when I went to visit my grandpa. He received wonderful care, they knew him well, his likes and dislikes and were very patient with him.
There are plenty of activities to keep residents entertained. It was always clean. One thing that stood out to me was that
when he went into hospital, they had already made up his bag with things he might need for me to easily collect and everyone get like they genuinely cared how he was doing. Thank you.

Reply from Kate Prince, Home Manager at Willowcroft

Thank you for taking the time to send a review and thank you for your very kind words, it is very much appreciated by all the staff in the home.

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Review from Richard W (Son of Resident) published on 25 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dad moved to Willowcroft initially for a short stay as he struggled to manage at home with carers. We received such a genuinely warm and enthusiastic welcome when we went to look at the home.
Willowcroft is really lovely, bright, clean, modern, and spacious, more like a homely hotel. Standards are
very high and all staff are very caring and professional.
It has been a relief for us to know that Dad is safe and so well cared for. After extending his stay for a few more weeks he recognised it was the best place for him. In his words, “We couldn’t have found anywhere better, the staff go above and beyond looking after me, meals are excellent, I enjoy the church services and there is plenty going on with activities I can join in if I want to - I can’t fault it."
Willowcroft is exceptional and clearly professionally run. There is a lovely atmosphere, the management team are always available, staff are very caring, always have time, and treat residents as individuals with dignity and respect.

Reply from Kate Prince, Home Manager at Willowcroft

Thank you for the lovely review, it is very much appreciated by the whole team here at Willowcroft. It is also so nice to read what your father has said about the home, it really does mean a lot that both family and the resident themselves are happy with the care and support given.

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Review from Gary P (Son of Resident) published on 26 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dad has recently presented with a couple of medical issues resulting in feeling faint, shaking and generally not being himself (as identified by Willowcroft staff).
Staff spoke to medical professionals and obviously gave a comprehensive brief regarding my Dads health and general well-being.
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professionals and staff then spoke to me about the best course of action resulting in a change in medication but not an unnecessary visit to a hospital.
Staff understand Dad's needs and how to look after him together with keeping me informed.

Reply from Kate Prince, Home Manager at Willowcroft

Thank you for your kind review, we do always endeavour to work closely with healthcare professionals so that your dad can stay in the home where it is familiar to him.

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Review from Caroline G (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father has been in Willowcroft Care Home since 6th January 2023 after initially going in for two weeks, I had been on a look around on 01/01/2023 and viewed two vacant rooms with my brother. I was impressed with what I saw on that first visit, Dad had previously had four carers a day visit him at
home for four years. Dad is in a first-floor room, plenty of storage space and ensuite with shower. Staff are all very nice. He has assistance with having a shower and wheeled down to the dining room for each meal. There are various activities every day, I organised a songs from musicals, film themes and photo quiz for them on Friday 19th May 2023.

Reply from Kate Prince, Home Manager at Willowcroft

Thank you for your lovely review. We are so pleased that you are happy with the care that your dad receives. It has been a pleasure getting to know your dad as well as yourself and your brother. We are also very grateful for your suggestions and input with our activities – it is very much appreciated by both the residents and the staff.

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Review from R J (Respite Resident) published on 17 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

Management-Finance - My bank was sent an enormous bill for some of my stay at Willowcroft - some £415.87. You claim to give notice of changes to finance/payment. I've had no notice about this excess for my payment in May, leaving me to find the extra money, avoiding answers to my correspondence. In
May I suggest you introduce quality control and quality assurance in the department as many companies do already. I know this is a 'one-off' payment but I need to find the money.

Reply from Kate Prince, Home Manager at Willowcroft

Thank you for submitting a review. Please be assured that we do exercise quality control and quality assurance at MHA. I can confirm that the fees charged are correct, however, I will be very happy to go through this with you again.

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Review from Anne B (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been at Willowcroft for nearly three years, and we cannot thank them enough for the love, care, friendship and support that they provide for her, as well as for us. It really is a home-from-home. We know that Mum is happy and content and we couldn't ask for her to be better looked after.

Reply from Kate Prince, Home Manager at Willowcroft

Thank you for your kind review. We are so pleased that you are happy with the care at the home. We are honoured to have your lovely Mum with us.

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Review from Jean T (Sister of Resident) published on 6 May 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our relative has been in Willowcroft for nearly five years. She has always been looked after in a caring way and all her needs have always been met. The carers and management have always been wonderful. We would highly recommend this care home to anyone looking for a place for their loved ones.

Reply from Kate Prince, Home Manager at Willowcroft

Thank you for your kind review. It is lovely to hear that you would highly recommend us to others as that is the highest compliment we could get.

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Review from Anna W (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am 'over the moon' with the care Mum receives. She is very well looked after. I am very quickly informed if she is ever under the weather. I can visit at any time and the home is always clean and fresh. I would strongly recommend this home to anyone, whether a dementia sufferer or for residential
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Review from A D (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 27 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The home cared for my mother-in-law, after moving from another local care provider, where standards fell short. The staff here are caring, trustworthy and definitely go the extra mile. I would not hesitate to recommend it. When choosing a care provider for a loved one it's really difficult to select
the right place. Take time to talk to the staff here. Ask them about the residents and how they are supported. They will tell you about the various programs on offer. It's then that you realise that the place is a thriving community and that it's more than a residential home.

Reply from Kate Prince, Home Manager at Willowcroft

Thank you for your lovely review, that is some good advice for potential residents when looking for a suitable care home.

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Review from Laura R (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 27 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Upon finding a spot for both my grandparents at Willowcroft, all the staff, from managers, office and care staff, have been amazing. They have been accommodating to every need that had arisen and have gone above and beyond to help them settle in and start a new way of life for both of them, despite
my grandparent's varying needs. Willowcroft not only offers care but it provides a home-from-home. Nothing is too much or too much trouble. Both my grandparent's health has improved since becoming residents. The home is maintained to a high level and all staff are friendly, kind, patient and always full of smiles.

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Review from M B (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We simply cannot begin to say how fabulous Willowcroft is. The care of my father-in-law, since he arrived last June, has been beyond exemplary. He arrived from the South West in a very weak state having suffered from COVID, sepsis and pneumonia.
Willowcroft welcomed him with open arms, so incredibly
sensitive to his needs and very understanding of what care he needed and what he actually wanted. This made a huge difference to him settling in.
The care given, while dealing with personal and sensitive issues, has been handled so well, we simply cannot fault this.
Alongside these needs, Willowcroft has a really extensive activities schedule which is thoroughly enjoyed by the residents, including church services and chaplain care, which has been particularly important for my father-in-law.
Overall we are so happy with the care given. Caring staff, excellent facilities and a holistic approach to care, including spiritual means we would thoroughly recommend.

Reply from Kate Prince, Home Manager at Willowcroft

That is such a lovely review, thank you so much. Your father-in-law is a lovely gentleman who we are honoured to have him living with us at Willowcroft.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.818)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.818) out of 10 for Willowcroft is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 11 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 11 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.901 for Willowcroft is calculated as follows: ( (118 Excellents x 5) + (13 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 131 Ratings = 4.901

  • b) 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 4.917 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Willowcroft is based on 11 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 60 registered maximum number of service users is 12. 11 Positive Reviews ÷ 12 = 0.917

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 24 Sep 2019

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Requires improvement

  • Well-led

    Good

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

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Bed Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (8)

Meet the Team (1)

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Victoria Humphrey

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2025

Victoria Humphrey, known to many as Vicky, is the Home Manager at MHA Willowcroft. She first joined the home in 2011 as a part-time Night Care Assistant and has since progressed through a variety of roles, including Senior and Deputy Manager. After a brief time away managing MHA The Herons, Vicky returned to Willowcroft in July 2024 to lead the home as Manager.


Vicky’s career in care began after serving as a Combat Medical Technician in the Army, where she spent five years travelling the world. Since leaving the military in 2004, she has dedicated over 27 years to the care and health sector.


She is passionate about providing care that is truly centred around each individual—recognising their preferences, needs, and personal story. Vicky also strongly believes in the power of effective, compassionate leadership and the positive impact it has on both team culture and the quality of care delivered.

Frequently Asked Questions about Willowcroft

What types of Care is Willowcroft registered for?

Older Person Care & Dementia are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does Willowcroft have?

There are 60 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Willowcroft?

Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room & Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Willowcroft to the centre of Derby?

3.2 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 carehome.co.uk. Please contact Willowcroft to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Willowcroft has an Enhanced Service - more info.