Busy Bees Bedford Elstow

Progress Park, Elstow, Bedford MK42 9XE
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8.4 34 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Bedford Elstow, Bedford
At Busy Bees Bedford Elstow, every child will learn to develop new skills, take part in exciting activities and discover their independence.

The enthusiastic team design and deliver a variety of engaging activities to support children's development. With a qualified teacher onsite and following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, the team consider each child’s needs and interests.

The fun doesn't end inside, outside the nursery offers a spacious area for children to play and let their imaginations run wild.

Do you want to keep up to date on all the excitement your little one is getting up to? Through the ‘ParentZone’ app, the team are able to deliver regular updates of your child's progress, including any key moments or milestones.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Zoe Kirkpatrick (Centre Director)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 34

Total Places for Children

  • 112

Age Range

  • from 0 years 2 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • https://www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk/download-fee-sheet/169

  • Fee sheet available via our website, a fee calculator also available

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Parking

  • Parking available on site

Busy Bees Bedford Elstow Reviews (34)

8.4

Busy Bees Bedford Elstow has a Review Score of 8.4 (8.410) out of 10, based on 7 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Busy Bees Bedford Elstow has 34 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 34
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Reviewer Connection to Busy Bees Bedford Elstow
  • 32
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Total of 34, showing 1-20
Review from Amy E (Mother of Child) published on 14 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
This nursery is really lovely, the staff are so friendly and the manager ALWAYS gets back to me when I call or have any concerns regarding my son. I am more than comfortable leaving my son with them 3 days a week.
They update me on any issue immediately too and that's always so helpful.
Thanks
busy bees !
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Review from Fiona O (Mother of Child) published on 11 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I had a few teething problems in the beginning settling our daughter in but the team and management were great at addressing them quickly. Communication has been clear and consistent especially since the new app has been introduced, the resources provided for the children are good and always being
refreshed. But what really stands out for me, is her key workers throughout her journey and the team in general are kind, caring, and genuinely committed to the her wellbeing and development. It's clear they really love what they do, and that makes all the difference. I always feel happy when dropping her off that they will provide her with the support and love that she needs!
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Review from A C (Mother of Child) published on 4 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter absolutely loves her time at this nursery! From the very beginning, we've been so impressed with the caring and friendly staff who make every child feel welcome and safe. The meals provided are nutritious and well-balanced, and my daughter always talks about how yummy the food is! It's clear
the children are well looked after and truly enjoy being there - the happy atmosphere is felt as soon as you walk in. We feel so lucky to have found such a wonderful place where our child can learn, grow, and have fun every day. Thank you to the amazing team!
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Review from L W (Mother of Child) published on 4 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our experience of the nursery so far has been exceptional. My child has blossomed so much since being here. Communication is amazing, and no question is too much for anyone. The staff are so friendly and easily approachable. I would recommend the nursery to anyone.
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Review from C T (Mother of Child) published on 4 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Very happy with my son being there and how they teach and explore new things with him. Always polite and understanding, good communication.
Good environment and happy. Good with outside play, good education play.
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Review from G D (Mother of Child) published on 13 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5
Poor management, poor supervision of some rooms and poor safeguarding. Baby room experience was fantastic. Ladies were polite and welcoming. Both my children settled quickly and were happy. When moved to 2-3 room accidents and incidents happening daily. Sometimes staff did not know what happened but
significant marks or injuries. Poor supervision of children and massive concerns. Would not recommend if looking for long term nursery.
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Review from Carly T (Mother of Child) published on 19 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very happy with this nursery. My daughter absolutely loves the environment and the staff. The staff are very friendly, professional and caring. My daughter always comes out smiling. Would recommend 100%.
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Review from Obi M (Mother of Child) published on 21 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees have been instrumental in the progress our son has made in his overall development. I cannot thank the staff enough for their patience and their efforts with him. They went above and beyond and seeing how far he has come makes us so emotional. He is about to graduate and we couldn't be prouder.
A huge thank you to everyone who has ever looked after him!!
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Review from Rebecca R (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From day one it has been the best decision to move my daughter here. The centre manager and staff genuinely care about the child and want the best for them, it didn’t feel at all like they were just there to do a job. Very friendly and warming and couldn’t fault it at all.
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Review from Jenny L (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We’ve used Busy Bees at Bedford Elstow for childcare for the last 3.5 years and have always been impressed by the hardworking staff and their commitment to providing excellent childcare. Staff are friendly and welcoming and I always feel confident my children are getting the best care and attention.
The
range and variety of food options are excellent my children both eat really well in nursery!
The app is a welcome addition as it gives you an insight into their day, I enjoy seeing photos of what they’ve been up to.
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Review from Dana W (Mother of Child) published on 26 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My first child was at Busy Bees Elstow from 5 months in February 2016 to preschool 2020 graduation and my second child from 9 months 2018 until 3 year old room 2021. The first year in 2016 was unsettled with management and staff consistency, but it has grown into having an experienced, solid, friendly
team of staff. I would like to say that we call the staff friends - who have been there for the children and myself like family, especially since my second child started with the baby room manager and one of the early years educators, these two girls are adored by my child and they were there for unconditional support in their own time when the children's father died in March 2019 and thereafter. The centre manager has been kind and flexible, approachable to parents and making many in house/sports/music opportunities, daily events and out of hours activities interactive for participation. One member of staff, in particular, has been a lovely influence with my second child in the past year and other staff members are well thought of with how they have worked with my first child in his time. Thank you all so much!
Reply from Lindsey Doughty, Marketing Manager at Busy Bees Bedford Elstow
We are thrilled to hear your comments. We are really pleased to hear about your positive experience at nursery and very much appreciate having you as part of the Busy Bees family.
We are delighted…read more
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Review from Elizabeth B (Mother of Child) published on 26 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy has been at Busy Bees Elstow since 2019. He started when he was just 8 months old in the baby room. The senior of the baby room was fantastic with him, being able to cooperate our home routine into his daily routine at nursery. I had photos and artwork to bring home every week from the
activities he had engaged in during his time at nursery.
Fast forward to after lockdown and he is now in the 2-3's room. Every day we are welcomed by a friendly face inviting him into the nursery. I receive fantastic feedback from the day he has had from the girls in the room. With the app being accessible from my workplace I get daily updates of how he is getting on. The room is full of toys representing my child's current interests, which I see he gets involved in the fun and exciting activities during observations on the app. The girls are very involved in my child's wellbeing by always putting him first and being supportive when needing reassurance as a parent.
Reply from Lindsey Doughty, Marketing Manager at Busy Bees Bedford Elstow
We really appreciate your excellent feedback. We will endeavour to maintain the quality of care that you have experienced during your time as a parent at nursery.
Your positive feedback will be…read more
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Review from F L (Father of Child) published on 25 November 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A brilliant nursery ran by the manager and her team. I actually wanted my daughter to attend based on my son's experience years ago at Busy Bees. Some of the staff are still working here and they are always working tirelessly to promote children's happiness and wellbeing. The safety levels regard COVID-19
have been exemplary and communication has been consistent throughout. Keep up the fantastic work! I will keep recommending this site to other parental friends. Many thanks.
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Review from David D (Father of Child) published on 11 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since my son started at your nursery over the summer period, his general development regarding communication, understanding, information retention, key skills and character development have really come to the fore. Not only is it a pleasure to engage and interact with him on a daily basis, but he never
ceases to amaze and amuse my partner and I with his newly acquired skills, language and personality. Furthermore, the care/learning/development team has been terrific - they are always tremendously helpful, they’re empathetic of our child’s needs, they genuinely enjoy nurturing and developing the children and, above all, my little one loves going each day. Well done Busy Bees Elstow.
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Review from Lauren H (Mother of Child) published on 27 August 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I had to move to this nursery during Covid lockdown due to my own nursery shutting. Despite it reopening soon after, I ended up staying at Busy Bees Elstow as me and my toddler loved it so much. The staff all did such an amazing job looking after my toddler throughout lockdown and beyond. He is visibly
happy here and learned all his favourite staff members' names within a couple of weeks and gets excited when he sees them each day. He’s not even 2 and comes home with new words daily and even has his own special handshake with a member of staff. I feel he has come on leaps and bounds in his development here as staff take a personal interest. They strive to teach him new things and subsequently, get excited to tell you about the things he’s learnt or done that day (which is so lovely to hear as a parent!) The manager is a credit to the nursery and comes to greet each child, every morning. Despite the nursery size, it has a family vibe and the large garden is great. I highly recommend Busy Bees Elstow.
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Review from Stella B (Mother of Child) published on 6 August 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son started Busy Bees when he was 10 months old and the staff were very supportive during the settling in process. During the early days, prior to lockdown, we were able to be let into the nursery for pick-up and watch him playing through the window and we were pleased to see that always looked
really happy and busy.
My husband works shifts and they were happy to accommodate this by allowing us to provide details of the nursery sessions we need a few weeks in advance. Our son continued to attend nursery during the lockdown and all of the staff could not have been more helpful and efficient in implementing the ever-changing government advice/instructions.
The nursery manager greets the children every morning and we always feel as though her caring attitude cascades to the rest of the team. They seem to genuinely care about the children and enjoy being with them. The greatest testament to this is that our son will often try to walk back in when we pick him up at the end of the day.
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Review from Carissa E (Mother of Child) published on 28 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been going to Busy Bees nursery since he was 8 months old, I am very happy with the service and care they have provided over the past 3 years. My child is happy and enjoys attending nursery.
I would highly recommend.
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Review from Victoria (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We sent our little boy to nursery to support his development and have new experiences from a young age. He only goes 2 mornings a week and we have seen such a positive change in him in a short space of time. The staff are lovely and always give us a little round-up of his morning when we collect him.
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Review from Leena (Mother of Child) published on 26 February 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Busy Bees Elstow for 10 months, when she initially started I was unsure however the staff members were very welcoming in particular - Deputy Manager. She has been wonderful to work with and she bonded with my daughter from Day 1, which was very reassuring. 10 months on,
my daughter is enjoying nursery the staff in the baby room and 1-2's are wonderful, they have good understanding of my child's needs and provide good feedback at pick up. I regularly get sent work that she has completed which is lovely to see and overall she is enjoying it. I am happy to recommend Busy Bees to future parents.
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Review from Sarah H (Mother of Child) published on 13 June 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Lovely nursery which is well managed by the manager and her team. The noticeable differences to the team morale, organisation and feel of the nursery over the last 6 mths has installed confidence. My only criticism is that the toys and equipment need replacing in areas as they look grubby.
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Current Review Score: 8.4 (8.410)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.4 (8.410) out of 10 for Busy Bees Bedford Elstow is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.5 out of 5 from 7 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.9 out of 5 from 6 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Day Nursery 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.542 for Busy Bees Bedford Elstow is calculated as follows: ( (63 Excellents x 5) + (8 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) + (6 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 83 Ratings = 4.542
  2. 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 3.868 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bees Bedford Elstow is based on 6 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 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 = 3.6
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the number of registered child places in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery registered for a maximum of 50 child places has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 112 number of registered child places is 22.4. 6 Positive Reviews ÷ 22.4 = 0.268
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Day Nursery does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Child Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (1)

Meet the Team (1)

Zoe

Zoe Kirkpatrick

Job Title: Centre Director Joined: 2017

Hello, my name is Zoe and I am the Centre Director here at Busy Bees Bedford Elstow.


I started my journey with Busy Bees in May 2017 working my way up from a Room Manager to Centre Director. I have completed a BA (Hons) in Early Years Studies and I am Qualified Level 5 in Management.


I am a very creative person and enjoy being involved in creative activities with the children, allowing them to embrace their curiosity and challenge their own ideas.


I am committed to providing a safe and engaging environment that supports and develops each child's individual needs, working in partnership with all of my families to ensure their children have the best start in life.


I look forward to meeting you all and welcoming you to our Busy Bees Family here at Bedford Elstow.

Frequently Asked Questions about Busy Bees Bedford Elstow

What is the Age Range of Children that Busy Bees Bedford Elstow accepts?

Busy Bees Bedford Elstow accepts Children aged from 0 years 2 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Busy Bees Bedford Elstow Open?

Busy Bees Bedford Elstow is open: Monday 07:30-18:00, Tuesday 07:30-18:00, Wednesday 07:30-18:00, Thursday 07:30-18:00, Friday 07:30-18:00.

How many Children does Busy Bees Bedford Elstow have capacity for?

Busy Bees Bedford Elstow has capacity for a total of 112 Children.

How far is Busy Bees Bedford Elstow to the centre of Bedford?

1.9 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 daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Busy Bees Bedford Elstow to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Busy Bees Bedford Elstow has an Enhanced Service - more info.