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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Total of 58, showing 21-40
Review from Hannah B (Mother of Child) published on 5 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been so happy with Busy Bees at Great Notley, Braintree. Our little boy has been there seven months now and he absolutely loves it. He settled so well and is so well looked after by all the staff. You can see how much the staff love the children and the children love them! The staff all put
in so much effort with the daily activities and we can see how our son has grown in confidence and ability since he’s been at nursery. I would highly recommend to any local parents.
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Review from Kimberley (Mother of Child) published on 27 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic staff go beyond expectation. Extremely supportive settling in my baby when I returned to work (a huge emotional challenge for a mum). I am also impressed with how the foundation class integrate educational activities within their play, my pre-schooler comes home with lots of exciting things
to tell me that has been done.
You couldn’t get a better start prior to primary school. They prepare them for primary in so many ways, from where to hang their coat and bag to good manners and helping others.
They are a big part of our lives and like a second family for us.
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Review from Kayleigh C (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot recommend Busy Bees highly enough. The staff all genuinely care for the children and my daughter has grown in confidence in a supportive and nurturing environment. Key skills and literacy are a clear goal throughout the nursery and are enforced through play as well as structured activities
which means my daughter has learnt so much without even realising it!
The building itself is secure and well managed and the classrooms offer so much for the various age groups.
The nursery offers loads of themed days and family events.
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Review from Jemma G (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We hunted around for a nursery that didn't cost an arm and a leg. Busy Bees is so much cheaper than other nurseries we looked at and they cover all nappies and wipes so that's a saving in itself. He started at 10months and is now nearly 2. He's a boy who likes routine so nursery is great and he's always
welcomed by happy smiling carers. They teach them basic babysign when little and we have continued to expand upon this at home. For me, nursery gives him the activities that I as a full-time working mum don't have enough time to do and the messy play activities that my OCD just can't handle at home with our white walls:-). I love the app and it's great to know what he has eaten etc and how much sleep he has had (how much milk when he was little). Also, they document his learning and what they are working on to improve. They have a great outdoor space which my son loves as definitely he is more of an outdoor kind of kid. The great all year astro surface allows them to get out when grass wouldn't have allowed.
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Review from Amy (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have loved this nursery from the day my girl started over 3 years ago. They are wonderful with the children and She is well above average thanks to them. I will be sending my baby there once I go back to work from maternity leave.
They listen to your ideas, problems and even complaints (not that
I've really had any over the years) but when I have said I'd like something done in regards my child they are 100% accommodating. Very friendly and easy to talk to. Fantastic place.
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Review from Kim D (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I highly recommend Busy Bees. My baby daughter attends here. The initial visit was very helpful. There was no pressure to book a place and I was actively encouraged to visit other nurseries so I could make an informed decision.
The staff are incredibly caring and I can relax in the knowledge my daughter
is in a safe and loving environment. You can tell she loves the staff. You can call as many times a day as you like for an update. When I pick her up, a mini handover is always provided.
One of the things that attracted us was the new refurbished outside area as the children are encouraged to be outside as much as possible.
The app informs me of how much she has eaten, she sleeps and also provides regular observations and assessments.
The office staff makes the whole paperwork and invoicing easy and are always on hand for queries.
I can tell my daughter genuinely loves attending nursery and whilst she has been there a short time, I can already see she has developed and progressed a lot.
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Review from Fran R (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing nursery. My youngest has just started after my eldest went here. The staff are lovely and I couldn’t ask for a better nursery.
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Review from Joby C (Father of Child) published on 28 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My five-year-old son was at this Busy Bees for 4 years until August 2017, my 22-month-old daughter has been there for 18 months or so. I think the manager and her staff do a fantastic job and are always seeking feedback and ways to improve the nursery.
The rest of the team are always really helpful
I would be quick to recommend any of my friends to send their kids there.
We noticed a marked increase in both child's development at the nursery, the interaction with other children is also something that we feel our children really benefit from.
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Review from Jill R (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has made excellent progress at this nursery. It is well organised and the staff teams are excellent at communicating my daughter's progress. The leadership and management team are excellent.
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Review from Matt W (Father of Child) published on 28 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My second child is now at the nursery, excellent nursery and they are focused on the children.
I highly recommend.
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Review from Hayley M (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
An amazing nursery. My older child attended and loved it here, the younger child attends and absolutely loves it!
Amazing staff, would completely and utterly recommend this nursery to anyone that asks.
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Review from Michelle M (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent nursery, staff are amazing. My little girl comes home and at 21 months is saying some of the staff's names. They leave lasting memories with your children so much so in the time that they spend there. They do so many activities with the children and nothing is too much trouble. When my little
girl first started nursery two days a week at 10 months old I was a mess! Now at 21 months old, I couldn’t have dreamed that her time at this nursery could be giving her such a good start in life. Never looked back nothing is too much trouble x
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Review from Paul M (Father of Child) published on 28 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter goes to this nursery and she loves it. The staff are fantastic and our daughter loves them which shows what a brilliant job they do. I sometimes ring to see how our daughter is getting on and it is never to much trouble for one of the girls to let me know how our daughter's day is going.
I could not recommend this nursery highly enough.
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Review from Lisa S (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been coming to Busy Bees Great Notley for 18 months now and we couldn’t be happier with the progress he has made since joining.
I’m impressed when each time he comes home to tell me the activities and education he is learning or being taught, and the friends he has made has also prepared
him for ‘Big School’. Teachers and assistants are very caring and always willing to listen and guide the children into there next stage of life.
My Husband is always very security conscious and what main attracted us to the Nursery is how safe and enclosed it was.
We are very happy with the way that the nursery deal with issues when it comes to reporting at the end of the day and would definitely recommend, and have done, Busy Bees to other parents. Good Job Busy Bees.
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Review from D D (Mother of Child) published on 10 May 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I wouldn’t trust my little girl anywhere else. The staff are always welcoming and make me feel at ease when leaving my little girl with them. It is obvious that the staff truly care about the children and always have time for any questions or concerns I may have.
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Review from Ansal T (Father of Child) published on 30 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would happily recommend the manager and her excellent childcare team at Busy Bees in Great Notley. They provide a caring, creative and holistic learning environment and have been looking after our daughter for us since she was a toddler.
She is now almost 4 and has benefited immensely from the time
that she has spent at this nursery. As a teacher myself I cannot recommend them and the outstanding work that they do enough. Great job!
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Review from Amanda M (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has only recently started at the nursery but I are very impressed with the care and attention that he receives by all the nursery staff. They are friendly and approachable and I know that he is in safe hands with them while I am at work. It’s lovely to see him happy and smiling when I go to collect
him and is very often having a cuddle from a member of staff, very lovely to see.
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Review from Simon C (Father of Child) published on 26 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son attended Busy Bees at Great Notley when he was younger, and now my daughter attends. The staff are friendly and welcoming and truly set my mind at ease when leaving my children in their care. The nursery facilities are great - it’s clear that a lot of thought and effort has gone into making the
nursery such a great place for children to be.
My children have developed not only in the traditional sense of speech, fine and gross motor skills, etc. but also in terms of confidence. My daughter is well cared for, comforted and enjoys going to nursery, and I hold the upmost trust in the staff when putting my daughter into their care.
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Review from Naomi M (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Manager is very friendly and accommodating. Happy to review our child's days she attends despite changing our minds a lot.
The staff are all amazing and have worked with our little girl's confidence and teaching her many skills. We are so happy with her progress and the staff that we are increasing
her hours.
The facilities are great for the children and the food is both healthy and tasty and provides a wonderful variety which she eats without protest.
The little touches make a big difference including tea, coffee and fruit for busy parents to take to work in the mornings.
Can't recommend this nursery enough, amazing value for the price.
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Review from Sarah G (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my children have attended Busy Bees Great Notley and have been really happy here. They have made good friends and formed positive relationships with staff. The nursery has provided a wide variety of activities and uses both the indoor and outdoor areas well to create a safe, interactive and
fun learning environment.
The managers are very approachable, always friendly and helpful, and constantly striving to make improvements. Everything that your child needs is provided by the nursery making it as easy as possible for parents. The Foundation Class helps to prepare the children for school to make the transition a smooth one. Busy Bees Great Notley has provided an excellent start and we will miss it when we leave!
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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.

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.