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 41-58
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 Jane H (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 22 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We visited loads of care homes for my gran who has dementia and wasn't able to live alone safely. Such a hard decision to make as it was. Nowhere seemed right for her.
Until we came to Willowcroft. We all felt immediately the warmth, care and compassion within the home, so well kept and clean.
The
staff were interacting with the residents and whilst being shown around, we were introduced to their chaplain. Our family don't follow any religion, but the chaplain was so sincerely friendly. It isn't pushed onto you and he is a fantastic support to the residents. If you want to pray he is there for you, or if you're not religious he will happily sit and chat with you.
We were thrilled.
The whole place has a lovely tranquil ambience to it, made through the calming colours and decor used throughout.
Gran has been there seven months now. During lockdown, it has been so reassuring knowing she is content, happy and cared for. They have all gone above and beyond their duties. So grateful. Fabulous place!

Reply from Wendy Collington, Home Manager at Willowcroft

Thank you for your kind words. Our Chaplain is very positive person and enjoys bringing happiness to other people and we are very lucky to have him at Willowcroft. The staff team have remained positive throughout the lockdown, ensuring everyone's safety.

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Review from Jennifer G (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The carers here go above and beyond in looking after their residents. Nothing is too much trouble. Even before these awful times were upon us, we would praise this home and all the staff. We cannot recommend highly enough. Our mum has dementia, she is so happy here, she is shown so much love. The
staff are so caring, Mum has lovely meals, always looks nice. The home has a lovely warm, welcoming feel to it. It's so clean and fresh. The rooms are lovely. The activity team are amazing, they do so much with the residents, never a dull moment. Couldn't have chosen a more lovely home for our dear mum.

Reply from Wendy Collington, Home Manager at Willowcroft

Thank you for your kind words. The team will be pleased to hear your review. We all would agree there is never a dull moment at Willowcroft and your mum's laugh makes us all smile, and her face does light up when she smiles also. Take care and keep safe.

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Review from Dawn N (Niece of Resident) published on 22 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Prior to the Coronavirus I have visited the home on a number of occasions and found the staff to be extremely professional and helpful. The home manager has always been welcoming and had time to talk when as a family we have felt anxious about our relative's welfare. We are always offered refreshments
and have space to talk in private. During this time when we are not able to visit, we have had telephone conversations with our relative which has made us feel better and we know that all residents in the home are well cared for and happy. Its lovely when you hear residents singing in the background and always makes me smile. I can't wait to visit the home again and would recommend to anyone to visit and speak with the home when they are looking for a home for a family member. We can't wait for this to be over so we can visit the home again.

Reply from Wendy Collington, Home Manager at Willowcroft

Thank you for your kind words. At Willowcroft, everyone works as a team and the happiness of our residents is paramount to all of us.

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Review from Caroline (Sister of Resident) published on 29 November 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am exceptionally impressed at the way staff have engaged with my brother to assist in his self-worth and independence. He has certainly thrived since his arrival at Willowcroft.

Reply from Wendy Collington, Home Manager at Willowcroft

Thank you for your thoughtful comments. It’s been a journey for staff and your brother since he came to Willowcroft. Watching him grow and maintain his independence is truly a gift for everyone to see.

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Review from Charlotte S (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 7 May 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My grandparents moved into Willowcroft around 5 months ago. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and the staff are fantastic. They show true kindness to the residents and nothing is too much trouble. I visit often and I am always offered a drink and a piece of cake on my arrival! The food is always
freshly prepared and plentiful, with lots of choice. My grandad has a full English for breakfast every day! The activities team work hard to provide a stimulating environment for the residents, which they are encouraged to engage in, or not, depending on their preference. The rooms are spacious, each with an en-suite and are cleaned daily.


The care at Willowcroft is second to none, and with minimal staffing changes, the carers have really got to know my grandparents over the last few months, building up a good rapport. Carers take time to chat with my grandad about the football, and make sure the radio is always on to listen to the matches! A simple thing that really means a lot to him.

Reply from Wendy Collington, Home Manager at Willowcroft

Thank you for all your comments, which I have passed on to the staff team. Your review of Willowcroft is extremely eloquent, and you obviously feel that the team are supporting your grandparents well. I agree it is the simple things that make a difference to our residents.

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Review from Virginia E (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 February 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We visited my mother today and we were, as usual, welcomed with happy smiling faces from all the staff we encountered. Carers were only too pleased to cater to our every need, never too busy to listen to us and answer our questions about our mother's state of well-being, even going the extra mile and
offering us tea (and biscuits!), which is always welcome as we come some distance and are always ready for a "cuppa!"


The home is spotlessly clean whenever we arrive, mother's room is immaculate, and the care and attention all the residents receive is always very impressive.


We have visited mother at Willowcroft for a number of years and have always intended to report back and say thank you for everything you do. So our views are not just from a single visit but reflect the consistency of satisfaction throughout this time. We are by no means unappreciative of everything you do, and despite mother's condition are sure that she would echo our comments if she was able to do so. Thank you all.

Reply from Wendy Collington, Home Manager at Willowcroft

Thank you so much for your kind words. The staff here are so caring, they make it “home from home” for everyone. They are truly compassionate and empathetic. I will pass on your kind words.

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Review from Elspeth F (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 February 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been a resident at Willowcroft for the last 18 months. From day 1, all of the staff have been incredible, the whole experience of dementia for my mum, myself and our family has been the hardest and most painful time in our lives.


We now know Mum is getting the very best physical care from

staff (who we don't think of as staff, but friends and family) who stimulate those precious memories, through well thought out activities, which happen daily.


My mum is happy, relaxed, and safe, and we can all sleep well knowing this.


My sisters and I cannot recommend Willowcroft highly enough. We love and thank you all for looking after Mum so well.

Reply from Wendy Collington, Home Manager at Willowcroft

Thank you for your kind comments, the staff are a wonderful team who show empathy and understanding of residents needs. I will pass on your comments to the team, which are really appreciated - Thank you again.

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Review from Frances C (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 December 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Willowcroft is an outstanding care home! All staff are very caring and have gone the extra mile to help my parents settle and feel comfortable, safe and relaxed in the care home.
Willowcroft is very clean and homely. Each room has a fridge. There are plenty of activities for residents. In addition,
Willowcroft does not smell horrid like many care homes do.

Reply from Wendy Collington, Home Manager at Willowcroft

Thank you for your positive comments about the home and the team. I will ensure the staff know about your review and the positive comments you have made. Thank you again

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Review from S M (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After looking around a number of care homes, I knew right away that Willowcroft was right for my elderly mother.
After an initial settling in period of just 2 months, we have seen an amazing improvement in my mother's mental and physical health. Not only is she receiving excellent care for her physical
needs, she is getting wonderful emotional support. Her medication is monitored correctly, she has regular meals which is important to her well-being.
The staff are friendly, supportive and nothing is too much trouble. I feel extremely fortunate that my mother is in such a wonderful new home and we enjoy visiting her there.

Reply from Wendy Collington, Home Manager at Willowcroft

The team here appreciate your kind and honest comments about the care and support we are providing for your Mum, and hope that we can continue to build on your positive comments even further.
It is a team that takes pride in achieving a high standard of care in all aspects of a residents life, they are all committed to their roles here and work effortlessly to ensure everyone is kept safe, happy, and that their spiritual well-being is respected

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Review from Alison L (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 September 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Willowcroft doesn't feel like a care home - it feels like home. Mum is happy, very comfortable and extremely well cared for. The bricks and mortar and all the fixtures and fittings may be excellent, but it is the staff who really are superb. They are so caring, gentle and patient and I trust them absolutely.
Before moving into Willowcroft, mum was isolated and lonely and would forget to eat and take her medication. Now she is surrounded by friends and has fabulous meals and her tablets are never forgotten. The staff ensure that residents are not only safe, comfortable and happy but they retain their dignity. I will always be in their debt.

Reply from Kate Prince, Home Manager at Willowcroft

Thank you for the lovely comments. At Willowcroft we always strive to provide the best care possible for our residents in order to make their stay as enjoyable as possible and to ensure peace of mind for loved ones.

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Review from Matthew R (Son of Resident) published on 23 June 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at Willowcroft have been outstanding.
Patient, kind and so helpful with my father.

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Review from M F (Son of Resident) published on 7 June 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident of Willowcroft for over one year. She settled in very quickly making friends with staff and other residents. She enjoys living there. The staff are very caring and helpful but still treat her with dignity. She enjoys the privacy of her own en-suite bathroom and the fresh
food. The activities bring a smile to her face. I am kept informed of any issues by the staff and trust them to care for my mother.

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Review from George J (Son of Resident) published on 11 April 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Having to admit our nearly 90-year-old mum needed 24/7 care which my sister and myself could not give we started the unenviable task of looking for a suitable care home. After scouring the internet and several visits to care homes we crossed the threshold of Willowcroft. On meeting the manager and members
of her caring staff we knew this was the home for mum. Mum is now in residence - her room is excellent with en suite facilities. Mum joins other residents for meals in the dining area and joins residents in the lounge areas and encouraged to be involved in several activities respecting her dignity and right to choose. Care plans are raised and in place, updated daily for family, friends to read. Finally, all the love and care mum receives from all members of staff means she has now got a larger family.

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Review from Carole L (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 11 April 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother-in-law has been cared for with great care and compassion. The home is clean, modern and welcoming with excellent facilities. For residents who want a Christian ethos and regular worship, this Methodist-run Care Home has two services per week and a Chaplain who is available to all residents
whatever their faith perspective. There is a calm atmosphere.
The Manager is friendly and approachable and all the staff are willing to discuss the resident's needs. Care plans and notes are available and up to date. Each resident has a lead carer who has an overview of their care.

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Review from Nigel W (Son of Resident) published on 20 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother had Alzheimer's and spent her last few years at Willowcroft. We are very glad that we chose it as it has very caring staff and good facilities. We would happily make the same choice again. Her room was relatively spacious and had en-suite facilities. A family friend, who has visited several
other homes in the Derby area, told me that Willowcroft is the best of them. My mother was in another local home, whilst waiting for a place here. It was good but Willowcroft has nicer rooms and better facilities. A former manager said that my mother needed nursing care and asked us to move her from Willowcroft to a nursing home. The decision was not supported by the NHS professionals or Social Services (or us), so she stayed put. We had no further issues and are happy with the current management. A few very minor niggles regarding wear and tear to decoration and furnishings and occasional temporary minor cleaning issues are far outweighed by the excellent care and facilities.

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Review from L L (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 November 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Staff are always friendly, helpful and very patient. Although sometimes presented with challenging behaviour, they are always professional and show great care and understanding. Residents do not seem forced to join but are encouraged to participate in activities, thereby respecting their dignity and
right to choose. Similarly, residents may take their meals in their own room if that is their preference. Care plans and notes are thorough and up to date and freely available for family and friends to refer to and staff are always available to provide updates and answer any questions.

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Review from Clive B (Cousin of Resident) published on 30 June 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I live in Wiltshire and endeavour to visit on a monthly basis and, for this reason, finding a care home meeting all my cousin's needs which was 100% trustworthy with an open and loving ethos was essential. Willowcroft meets the highest standard. At my regular review in May all information and file records
were available. I am kept fully informed by management and staff, and there is a 3 way dialog with my cousin's doctors. All needs are being met. My cousin is deaf and has some medical needs but is attended in a loving and professional manner. Willowcroft is modern and always clean and pleasant.

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Review from Liz W (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 July 2015
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother lived at Willowcroft for four years from its opening until she passed away in April. Throughout that time she was cared for with the highest level of skill and compassion. Each resident is treated as an individual with their preferences regarding social activities, food, personal assistance,
pastoral care and everything else being catered for and always with a smile. The standards of catering and cleanliness are consistently outstanding. There is a real sense of family at the home and residents are encouraged to treat Willowcroft as their home. Families are welcomed and there is, consequently, a great sense of involvement for everyone. Activity coordinators work well with residents and carers to provide a stimulating and dynamic range of activities and constantly strive to extend their programme. Willowcroft has excellent links with the local community and pastoral care is exceptionally served by the resident pastor. All staff treat residents more as friends than clients and always have time to have a chat rather than always being task oriented. Management have an open door policy and are keen and able to address any issues ably and swiftly. Willowcroft is always a happy place. I am eternally grateful that my mother lived her closing years here and would unequivocally have no hesitation in recommending it to others.

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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.

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.