Busy Bees Bedford

Manton Lane, Bedford MK41 7NU
Review Us
8.4 39 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Bedford, Bedford
Busy Bees Bedford has wonderful learning environments that are organised to inspire the imagination, new abilities and interests. There is also a wooden adventure garden and a biometric system for secure entry.

A key person system is in place which keeps up-to-date with individual progress and focuses on building strong relationships with both children and parents.

There are a number of extra-curricular activities available alongside key early years skills, while all staff are trained extensively in matters of health, safety and security.

Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Zoe Dickens (Centre Director)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 25

Total Places for Children

  • 100

Age Range

  • from 0 years 3 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

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
8.4

Busy Bees Bedford has a Review Score of 8.4 (8.383) out of 10, based on 5 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Busy Bees Bedford has 39 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 31
  • 8
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 39
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 34
Reviewer Connection to Busy Bees Bedford
  • 32
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 39, showing 21-39
Review from Christie O (Mother of Child) published on 5 October 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was worried how my daughter would settle back into nursery but the staff have been amazing and she has loved every minute. I even increased her days as she is thriving at nursery. All staff are welcoming and friendly and they always go the extra mile to ensure my daughter is happy and to put my mind
at ease. Her key worker always communicates any feedback with us regularly, she is amazing.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from L H (Mother of Child) published on 5 October 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending this nursery since she was ten months old and she will be four next month. Through the different age rooms, she has been very happy and well cared for. There was good communication between the key workers and us parents. The variety of activities and toys/equipment is
good and she does not get bored. She seems to have made nice friends as she talks about them at home. Her development has been supported and encouraged at her pace. I have and would recommend this nursery to others.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Sara R (Mother of Child) published on 5 October 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter started nursery back in January 2020 when she has just turned one. She loves going into nursery in the morning, she gets so excited and this shows how great the nursery is. She has learnt so much so far, she loves all the activities, especially the ones involving colouring and music. The
staff are lovely and has been so accommodating, which really helps us. Would recommend this nursery, feel totally at ease leaving her there knowing that she's really been taken care of.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Martha M (Mother of Child) published on 5 October 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful place. Both my children have been happy here. Great team.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Katie R (Mother of Child) published on 5 October 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child loves going to nursery and the staff are amazing. I feel she is looked after extremely well and they have helped her development massively.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from G R (Mother of Child) published on 5 October 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very happy with this nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from G T (Mother of Child) published on 2 October 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very good. My son is always excited to come to Busy Bees. Very friendly staff who always go the extra mile.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from B D (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a great nursery very caring and nurturing. My son loves his keyworker who always greets him with a cuddle! Great at accommodating individual health and dietary needs. My son has settled really well and does a wide range of fun activities here. I am constantly recommending the nursery to other
people.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Victoria D (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery, staff are so helpful and have built a fantastic relationship with my daughter. Love it here would highly recommend.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from J A (Mother of Child) published on 24 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We find the staff are very friendly, happy, knowledgable and informative. We never worry about our child's level of learning and development or safety. Preschool is something that is missed at the weekends and thoroughly enjoyed in our household. We have seen our child excel no end at his time at Busy
Bees. A big thank you is in order. We have in the past and will continue to recommend and will be sad when it's time to say goodbye.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from J B (Aunt of Child) published on 19 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My niece attends Busy Bess in Bedford. She loves it, there is always fun, exciting activities and great staff! The 1-2's staff are lovely, brilliant girls!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from M B (Grandmother of Child) published on 19 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My grandson is in excellent hands at this nursery. He is happy and always comes home tied, which is because he is busy. All of the staff are friendly and caring and tell me all about his day.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Lisa Q (Mother of Child) published on 3 December 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child attends this nursery two days per week. I am always reassured that she is enjoying herself whilst she is here. Staff are very friendly and welcoming. Would not consider using any other nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Gregory C (Father of Child) published on 4 September 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has developed amazingly with his social interactions and confidence, which given his age is perfect for building on at school.
He was encouraged to talk about his experiences so his verbal communication is excellent so he is ready to build on this at school.
The combination of the two has really
honed his character and personality and this is down to the dedication of his carers creating the safe environment for him to develop.
He has loved nursery and it was encouraging to see him run to his carers the way he runs to me.
If my work situation were different I would definitely be sending any future children here.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Paul C (Stepfather of Child) published on 15 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We were always happy with the nursery, friendly staff are always happy to help and the communication is excellent. My stepson has always enjoyed attending this setting and gets on well with the staff. Activities are varied and plentiful and the manager is lovely. The menu is varied and my stepson enjoys
the food very much. I have recommended this setting to friends.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Talisha L (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My little boy enjoys coming to nursery and gets excited when he hears his key person's name. My little boy gets excited when he sees his "Busy Bees" and points to the nursery from the car. I am happy with the care my son receives and enjoys when he comes home with artwork and messy clothes in his bag.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Kimberley H (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son loves coming to the nursery. Within 2 weeks of him starting in the 1-2's room he began walking. The staff are great at caring for my son but also at reassuring the parents. My son is always busy doing lots of fun activities and always has a great day.
I would highly recommend this nursery to
everyone.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Tricia O (Grandmother of Child) published on 21 November 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful friendly nursery. I have always found them to be flexible with hours and sessions. My grandson loves attending and is always busy making and doing lots of lovely activities. Highly recommended.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from H A (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been going to the nursery for two years after removing him from three other nurseries in Bedford due to poor care and he loves it here.
The staff show genuine care and love and treat him as an individual. They are always available for support and advice from diet to learning potty training!!
Each staff member is enthusiastic and passionate about their job and it is evident they clearly care very much about the child and their family.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 8.4 (8.383)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.4 (8.383) out of 10 for Busy Bees Bedford is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 5 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.8 out of 5 from 5 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 4.633 for Busy Bees Bedford is calculated as follows: ( (38 Excellents x 5) + (22 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 60 Ratings = 4.633
  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 3.75 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bees Bedford is based on 5 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 = 3.5
    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 100 number of registered child places is 20. 5 Positive Reviews ÷ 20 = 0.25
  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.

Loading

Loading

Awards / Recognitions (1)

Loading...

Meet the Team (1)

Zoe

Zoe Dickens

Job Title: Centre Director

Hello my name is Zoe and I have been working in childcare since qualifying in 1994! I have worked here at  Busy Bees since 2003 firstly as a Assistant Centre Director and I then was promoted to Centre Director. My role means I am lucky to manage a longstanding staff team of 33 staff who all bring their unique qualities to the job, some of our staff have been here since the nursery opened!


The best part of my job is meeting new children and parents and supporting them with their transition into nursery. I love to see the children learn, grow and develop into happy confident independent little people ready for school. 


Working for Busy Bees gives me great opportunities to attend some valuable training which means I am trained in safeguarding children,first aid, behaviour management and SENCO to name a few.


I am also the mum of an 6 year old little boy who attended the nursery and I understand that as parents we want our children to receive the best childcare, I always strive to ensure that is what we do each day at Manton Lane.


I would love to show you around our wonderful nursery!

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Busy Bees Bedford to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Busy Bees Bedford has an Enhanced Service - more info.