Busy Bees Great Notley, Braintree

Notley Green, Great Notley Garden Village, Braintree CM77 7US
Review Us
9.5 58 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Great Notley, Braintree, Braintree
Busy Bees Great Notley, Braintree children are able to learn and develop many skills in a safe, secure and hygienic environment, fully equipped to pursue recognised pre-school goals and adhering to the standards of regular inspections.

Staff are well qualified to fulfil the requirements of a healthy and positive service, trained in effective first aid and medication administration where required and implementing a thorough recruitment programme for the peace of mind of all parents who place their trust in the service.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Melissa Harrison (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 35

Total Places for Children

  • 100

Age Range

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

Opening Times

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

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays

Busy Bees Great Notley, Braintree Reviews (58)

9.5

Busy Bees Great Notley, Braintree has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.500) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Busy Bees Great Notley, Braintree has 58 reviews.

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Review from Jodie C (Mother of Child) published on 17 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees Notley have gone above and beyond with the care and support of our son and we will be really sad and a little lost without them when he leaves to go to school.
He has some very specific needs which the team have adapted, upskilled, perservered and supported us with.
As well as being really
warm and friendly individuals they are professional and will always help with any challenge.
Our son has really enjoyed his time at nursery.
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Review from Stephanie C (Mother of Child) published on 11 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our 3rd child to go through Great Notley Busy Bees, each has greatly gained through their experience at nursery, the play and learn approach has readied them each for the school journey, with just a year away for our 3rd, I truly believe she is on course to continue her learning journey with ease.
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Review from Jemma P (Mother of Child) published on 28 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All of the staff are kind, caring, friendly, and polite. From the moment we first visited, we felt welcomed and reassured that our child would be in safe hands. The team clearly takes the time to get to know each child individually, creating a supportive environment where they can learn, grow, and feel
secure.
One of the aspects we really appreciate is the consistent communication. We receive regular updates throughout the day via the nursery app, including photos, meal information, activities, and nap times. It's so comforting to see what our child is up to and to know he's happy and engaged.
The nursery is clean with lots of age appropriate activities. The staff put a lot of effort into planning fun and educational activities for the children.
We've seen our son grow in confidence, independence, and social skill since starting here. I would recommend to friends, family, and anyone looking for a safe, happy, and caring environment for their child.
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Review from Stevie F (Mother of Child) published on 28 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We couldn't be happier with our experience at Great Notley Busy Bees. From Day One, and consistently since, the support they've provided - both to us as parents and to our child - has been truly outstanding. Their care for her wellness, happiness and development gives us so much peace of mind.
I wholeheartedly
trust the team. The communication is excellent, whether it's updates via the app or a friendly phone call during the day. The staff are incredibly polite, calm and supportive, creating such a nurturing environment.
Knowing my child is eating nutritious balanced meals while enjoying her day makes such a difference too.
Another huge plus is the flexibility they offer with adhoc days which is incredibly helpful for us as a family.
We feel so lucky to have found this day nursery. Thank you team.
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Review from O S (Mother of Child) published on 29 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely outstanding service at busy bees great notley. I have full confidence in all the staff that work here, I never feel worried about sending my daughter to nursery and I always know she's having a great time!
The photo updates are so lovely and reassuring. The app is always updated quickly
and I'm fully aware of all meals/nappy changes/sleeps that my daughter has.
Her key person is amazing, my little girl loves her to bits. We had a recent bout of illness and went to hospital over a weeks time frame, both the nursery in general and her key person phoned me personally to see how she was getting on, that speaks volumes in the level of care I know she is receiving.
It's also very impressive how quickly all the girls learn the child's name and the parents names, a real personal touch, from day one they've made us both feel at ease on those tricky drop offs!


Thank you to all the girls at busy bees!

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Review from Scott R (Father of Child) published on 24 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees Great Notley is a brilliant place to have your child learn and develop in their early years. The fact that my daughter tells me each day how much fun she has at the nursery and learns new things is adamant about how it is operated from the managers to the nursery nurses. These achievements
have resulted from the centre receiving Outstanding's from their OFSTED inspections. The staff at the nursery are amazing and always look out for my daughter's best interests by having her involved and interacting with all activities and in the process making new friends within the class. Also, the meals my daughter gets are second to none to which I receive feedback from the staff that she eats and enjoys. Overall I would highly recommend to any parent that are looking to choose an early learning centre for their child's development to strongly consider Busy Bees Great Notley.
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Review from Katie L (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees Great Notley is amazing!
We've been lucky that both our children have had the opportunity to go there.
Our youngest is due to start in the foundation class and the handover between the rooms has been brilliant. Demonstrating they know our child so well. Plus considering how changes can
affect children and they adapt things accordingly to support that transition.
All staff have a great knowledge of the early years curriculum and create great engaging play and learning opportunities.
All staff are so caring and we can't thank them enough for all they do.
I would highly recommend the setting and all it offers.
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Review from D G (Father of Child) published on 18 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Cannot speak highly enough of the nursery. We were apprehensive, as we'd never left our daughter with anyone else before. But they were so reassuring and their provision and care is absolutely outstanding! The staff are so lovely and you can see how much they care. Highly, highly recommended!
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Review from Stephanie R (Mother of Child) published on 18 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The only nursery I looked at for my daughter, I knew from the outset she would be in safe hands. She will leave for school this year having attended since being 10 months old. An amazing nursery, with genuine caring and friendly staff and management. Lots of opportunities to develop skills and learn
about various topics. My daughter loves the outside space and the children are encouraged to play together and look after one another. Communication is good and parents evenings are informative. There's a parent partnership group so parents can get involved and shape and help the nursery. I couldn't think of a better place. Well done to this outstanding nursery!
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Review from April B (Mother of Child) published on 18 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been absolutely blown away by the staff at Great Notley Busy Bees. From the cheery greets in the morning when dropping our daughter off, to the detailed and personalised handovers at the end of the day, the entire team goes out of their way to make you and your child feel supported throughout
their journey. I was personally so apprehensive about my daughter starting nursery at 6 months, but any anxious feelings were almost instantly banished after her first session. Her development has been phenomenal since joining and we fear now she absolutely loves being at nursery more than at home! A huge thank you to everyone in the team for your amazing welcome and continued support, we're just so happy we found you!
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Review from Michelle C (Mother of Child) published on 7 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been at Busy Bees Great Notley since she was 9-months-old, she is now in her last few months before going to school. We have always been happy with Busy Bees and never had any problems. They have always communicated well and I’ve felt my daughter is in safe hands. She has learnt so many
skills from being at nursery and it’s definitely started her off well in life and prepared her for a school setting.
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Review from Katie E (Mother of Child) published on 3 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Inclusive, supportive and nurturing day nursery. Each and every member of staff clearly cares about each child and makes a conscious effort to ensure they provide the best care possible to meet the needs of each individual child and communicate effectively with parents. My child has been at the nursery
since she was 7 months old and is now 3 years and 5months old. She has transitioned through each room with ease and has always been happy and cared for, to the highest possible standard.
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Review from Matthew O (Father of Child) published on 28 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been attending here since September 2021 and we couldn't be happier with the entire team. Every interaction is fantastic. More importantly our daughter loves to go which speaks volumes for itself and what a lovely bunch they all are. Would highly recommend!
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Review from Sally S (Mother of Child) published on 28 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been very happy with the nursery so far. The staff are all so attentive and friendly. They all seem to know my daughter's name and needs and she really enjoys attending. The app is a great way of enabling me to see what happens each day she attends. I can see what activities are set up for the
day, what she has and hasn’t eaten, her sleep patterns and also receive regular photos of her enjoying herself. It is very reassuring to be at work and know that she is so well looked after in my absence.
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Review from L W (Mother of Child) published on 28 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl always comes home happy and raving about what a lovely day she has had. She has made some wonderful friends and learns new things every day, it’s amazing to know your child is in good hands when they aren’t with you. Thank you Busy Bees Great Notley.
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Review from Vicki S (Mother of Child) published on 28 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter previously attended Busy Bees from the age of 3 and most recently my son started attending busy bees when he was 13 months old (now due to start school in September). I cannot say enough good things about this nursery! At every stage, my son has had all the help he has needed and the care
he is shown is wonderful. My son has some delayed development and I cannot begin to describe the amount of support we have had from the nursery. I genuinely don't think my son would be where he is now development-wise without their help. Their focus on his development has been really well structured and monitored carefully. The head SENCo lead at the Nursery is fantastic and has even helped with all of the paperwork that goes with applying for an EHCP! She has also offered invaluable advice on extra help we can get outside of Nursery. My son is so happy there, he goes off every morning without a fuss. All of the staff are fantastic and I cannot recommend this nursery enough!
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Review from A GF (Mother of Child) published on 16 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended since March 2020, he's progressed so much! He absolutely loves nursery and his teachers. He's such a confident boy. He was potty trained throughout and is a very fussy eater and all the staff encouraged him at mine and his pace, no pressure. He's just moved to foundation class and
is adjusting so well to the new routine with the help of his teachers. Such a fabulous nursery!
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Review from Scarlet W (Mother of Child) published on 16 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy is truly happy here and I feel so happy leaving him in the morning knowing how much the staff care and will one hundred percent put every effort into making sure he is happy and looked after! He has learnt so much since starting at Busy Bees at Great Notley, Braintree. The staff in the
baby room go above and beyond everyday!
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Review from Kirsty M (Mother of Child) published on 5 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees at Great Notley, Braintee is just fantastic. The staff are kind and always smiling. They have been super through the last year, managing an extremely challenging time but keeping things as ‘normal’ as possible for the children.
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Review from Joanna M (Mother of Child) published on 5 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful, friendly staff who give plenty of updates on the app. Great activities for the kids and outdoor space. The food is varied and plentiful, our daughter is thriving at Busy Bees at Great Notley, Braintree and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.
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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.500)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.500) out of 10 for Busy Bees Great Notley, Braintree is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 10 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.5 out of 5 from 10 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 5.000 for Busy Bees Great Notley, Braintree is calculated as follows: ( (120 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 120 Ratings = 5
  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 4.5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bees Great Notley, Braintree is based on 10 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 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    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. 10 Positive Reviews ÷ 20 = 0.5
  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)

Melissa

Melissa Harrison

Job Title: Centre Director Joined: 2007

My Name is Melissa Harrison, the Centre Director here at Braintree Great Notley.


I hold a Foundation Degree in Childcare. I have been working at this Centre since January 2007 and I still love my job as much as I did all them years ago. Seeing the children every day and the joy that nursery brings to their faces is invaluable. I lead a well-qualified and experienced team of staff who like myself have a real passion for childcare. Leading my team to offer the very best care and education fills me with so much pride. Watching the children through their journey from here to Primary School is extremely rewarding.


Both my children attended the Nursery from 6 months of age; it without doubt gave them the 'Best start in life'. Both children are extremely sociable and keen to learn.

Frequently Asked Questions about Busy Bees Great Notley, Braintree

What is the Age Range of Children that Busy Bees Great Notley, Braintree accepts?

Busy Bees Great Notley, Braintree accepts Children aged from 0 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Busy Bees Great Notley, Braintree Open?

Busy Bees Great Notley, Braintree is open: Monday 07:00-18:30, Tuesday 07:00-18:30, Wednesday 07:00-18:30, Thursday 07:00-18:30, Friday 07:00-18:30.

How many Children does Busy Bees Great Notley, Braintree have capacity for?

Busy Bees Great Notley, Braintree has capacity for a total of 100 Children.

How far is Busy Bees Great Notley, Braintree to the centre of Braintree?

2.0 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 Great Notley, Braintree to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Busy Bees Great Notley, Braintree has an Enhanced Service - more info.