Busy Bees Great Notley, Braintree

Notley Green, Great Notley Garden Village, Braintree CM77 7US
Review Us
10 68 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.

Funding & Fees

Contact Busy Bees Great Notley, Braintree to get a personalised quote.

Contact Busy Bees Great Notley, Braintree to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Hannah Rees (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 (68)

10

Busy Bees Great Notley, Braintree has a Review Score of 10 (9.992) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Busy Bees Great Notley, Braintree has 68 reviews.

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Total of 68, showing 1-20
Review from Michelle C (Mother of Child) published on 1 May 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We love Busy Bees Great Notley! Our now 8 year old went from 9 months and our 3 year old started at 10 months old and is soon to be in the foundation class. We find it such a welcoming nursery, all staff are friendly and knowledgeable. At pickup we get a great handover and run down of the day, along
with updates during the day on the app. I wouldn't choose anywhere else and have felt comfortable from day one when my children started and know they are in good hands.
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Review from Alysha D (Mother of Child) published on 28 April 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son loves going to nursery each day, which speaks volumes in itself. He is consistently engaged, stimulated and encouraged to explore new ideas in a way that feels exciting rather than scary.
The balance between learning and play is excellent, as he gets older he is regularly challenged in an age-appropriate
way, helping to build his confidence and curiosity. Importantly, all of this happens in an environment that feels safe, secure and supportive, giving us complete peace of mind as parents.
The team are a real highlight. Everyone is friendly, approachable and clearly well-trained. Their professionalism shows in the way they communicate with children and parents. It's obvious that the team really care about the children, and their warmth creates a positive atmosphere that our son has thrived in.
As a working parent, having such an excellent nursery makes a real difference to our family life. We can work knowing our child is safe, happy and flourishing.
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Review from C W (Mother of Child) published on 13 April 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my children have attended this nursery since they were 11 months old. The eldest heading to school in September. I have not got a bad remark to make. As a parent I have felt supported by all staff and my children are happy and thriving. I would recommend in a heart beat.
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Review from Lynsey H (Mother of Child) published on 30 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We couldn't be happier that our Son attends the Great Notley Busy Bees nursery! The staff are always so friendly, professional and knowledgeable, which gives us real peace of mind. Our son absolutely loves going to nursery and always comes home happy - the workers in his room always provide a good update
and the handover feels personal. Most importantly, we know he is safe, well cared for, and in a nurturing environment. We would highly recommend this nursery!
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Review from Kane S (Father of Child) published on 29 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy bees nursery is a perfect place for my child to go to, she is well looked after and the stuff are amazing. They show so much care love and support to my child and I know she is growning into a strong independent and kind individual with their support and teaching.
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Review from N H (Mother of Child) published on 20 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has loved being at this setting, he comes home so happy and he has really thrived here. The staff are all lovely, they are kind, caring and really make the effort with engaging activities for the children. My son has severe milk & egg allergies and he has EpiPens on site. The management of this,
along with the safe food options has been fantastic. I highly recommend this nursery to any parent.
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Review from Samantha E (Mother of Child) published on 20 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I couldn't recommend this nursery more. Our girls are both incredibly happy here, and always excited to attend. This is down to all of the ladies going above and beyond in the care, support and environment they create for the children. They are always fantastic with communication to us, and have always
gone out of their way to help and support with any needs our daughters might have. They genuinely do care, and it comes across in every aspects of the children's experience.
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Review from Steven P (Father of Child) published on 20 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What can i say other than I would not want to send my children anywhere else, the staff are amazing the facilities are amazing, genuine care shown to all of the children, my boys have all been very happy here, highly recommended.
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Review from L B (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been at the nursery since she was 9 months old and has thrieved, developing her confidence. She is now a confident 3 year old who is ready for her next step of school in September, which is thanks to all the staff who have worked with her.
Would definitely recommend Busy Bees Great
Notley!
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Review from B P (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We honestly couldn't ask for a better nursery for our girls. The team have been amazing with both of them from day one. The activities are always so engaging and thoughtfully planned, handovers are thorough and reassuring, and the girls always eat their food which says it all!
Most importantly, they
are genuinely happy when attending, and that means everything to us. The team feel like part of our family and truly are our village. We trust them completely and genuinely love every single person there. Thank you for everything you do - we're so grateful!
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Review from Joscelyn D (Mother of Child) published on 13 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl has been attending Busy Bee's Great Notley since September 2025 and she absolutely loves her time there! All of the staff are super friendly, from the girls in the office, to the girls in my daughters room, and other members of staff that you see on drop off/pick up, they're all so friendly
and approachable! They were brilliant regarding my daughter's dairy allergy and filled me with so much confidence and reassurance.


Being a first time mum I was so nervous when it came to returning to work and leaving my child at nursery, but everyone at the nursery showed so much support and now my little girl is excited for her nursery days to spend time with her friends and the lovely ladies that look after her.


The meals they provide are fantastic, as well as the facilities and play they do. I find it reassuring I can check updates and photos on the Busy Bee's app too!


Thank you all so much for everything you do for our little one, and for making nursery such a joy for her!

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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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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.992)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.992) 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 21 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 21 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 4.992 for Busy Bees Great Notley, Braintree is calculated as follows: ( (250 Excellents x 5) + (2 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 252 Ratings = 4.992
  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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bees Great Notley, Braintree is based on 21 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 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 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, which has been reached with 21 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  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)

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Meet the Team (1)

Hannah

Hannah Rees

Job Title: Centre Director Joined: 2009

My Name is Hannah Rees, the Centre Director here at Braintree Great Notley.


I hold an Honours Degree in Childcare. I have been working at this Centre since June 2009, and I still love my job as much as I did all those years ago. Seeing the children every day and the joy that the 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.


My little girl attended from 1 year old; it, without doubt, has given her the 'Best start in life'. She is 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.