Busy Bees Mardley Hill

1 Mardley Hill, Welwyn AL6 0UE
Review Us
9.8 122 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Mardley Hill, Welwyn
Busy Bees Mardley Hill has an incredibly experienced, dedicated and long-standing team that have built up an uncompromisingly strong and positive reputation in the local area for outstanding quality childcare. This beautiful Centre is securely situated within a bespoke home-from-home environment.

The team at Mardley Hill are proud to have hat-trick of consecutive 'Outstanding' accreditations (most recently February 2022), as deemed by their governing body Ofsted. The Centre is also a flagship for Busy Bees and has been deemed as a ‘Centre of Excellence’ since 2012.

The Centre Director and her team pride themselves upon secure and positive partnerships with parents. In addition to this an incredibly strong dedication is also upheld upon the EYFS Framework of which includes: safeguarding, health and safety and learning and development. The team have significant expertise in supporting children with additional needs and they will happily discuss a tailored plan to meet with the individual needs of your child.

The Centre has exceptionally beautiful, well equipped, age-appropriate base rooms and gardens designed with the children's interests and developmental needs in mind.

As well as key EYFS objectives, children learn about designing and building, gardening, singing and dancing, and they are also given endless opportunities to explore, allowing their creative instincts to flow within their amazing surroundings.

If you would like to know more please do not hesitate to contact the Centre Director of Mardley Hill, who will be incredibly happy to discuss your individual requirements. This Centre will provide your child with the best start in life and a personally tailored service that your child deserves.
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Funding & Fees

Details of fees are available on the detailed Busy Bees webpage

Contact Busy Bees Mardley Hill to get a personalised quote.

Contact Busy Bees Mardley Hill to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Amanda Zienkowicz (Centre Director)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 18

Total Places for Children

  • 52

Age Range

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

Opening Times

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

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays

Parking

  • * A private car park is situated at the front of the Centre and can be used free of charge for parents and staff.

Busy Bees Mardley Hill Reviews (122)

9.8

Busy Bees Mardley Hill has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.791) out of 10, based on 15 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Busy Bees Mardley Hill has 122 reviews.

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Review from Annabel K (Mother of Child) published on 2 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have sent our son to Busy Bees Mardley Hill for nearly a year now and it was the best decision we ever made. He absolutely loves all the staff, the activities and the environment that he is in and he's thriving, we can see it with our own eyes.
The staff are so genuine, down to earth, engaging,
accommodating and personable. They have made what could've been a stressful time of sending our son to nursery so smooth and tear free. He runs in and doesn't want to leave at the end of the day!
We love the app and the regular updates that we get, having a glimpse of what he's getting up to on the days, he's there, just put your mind at rest.
We loved attending the Christmas open day, getting to meet other parents and see where our sons spends his days was such a lovely insight.
If you are looking for a top-notch nursery, you could find no better than here.
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Review from Victoria C (Mother of Child) published on 2 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been attending Busy Bees in Mardley hill since he was just over a year, he is now almost 4. I was very nervous about having him attend a nursery, but the experience has been wonderful both as a parent and for our child. He adores Charlie, Katie and Maddie from the Buzz room and always comes
out happy and excited to tell us about his day. He has flourished both socially and academically in an environment that feels much more homely and less clinical than other nurseries we visited. I can not recommend enough!
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Review from Natalie S (Mother of Child) published on 2 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son started at Busy Bees in January 2025. The transition was so smooth, as he had struggled to settle at a previous setting. I believe this is down to the consistent, caring staff and calm environment. All of the staff quickly got to know my little boy and his interests so he quickly adapted. The
key worker structure is also very effective and works well.
We really value their inclusive ethos. They have really got to know our son and we always feel we are on the same page with supporting him.
Throughout the day, we receive updates and there is a daily log. At the end of the Nursery day, every single staff member takes the time to do a thorough handover sharing all of the lovely things they've done that day. We honestly feel the staff genuinely care and enjoy spending time with the children, but also feel the staff are trained to a high standard.
We can't recomend this Nursery enough, we have been blown away by the love and care they have shown our son!
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Review from H A (Mother of Child) published on 2 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From Day 1 they've made our child feel so loved and cared for. They absolutely adore going there and speak about the carers all the time when they're at home!
The communication is brilliant with many pictures throughout the day and lots of information about how they've slept and eaten.
Being a smaller
nursery it has such a lovely feel to it and I would recommend busy bees to anyone
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Review from H H (Mother of Child) published on 2 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As soon as I visited Mardley Hill for a tour I immediately felt that the nursery was a safe, organised and calm setting for my daughter. My daughter has now been at the nursery for 2 and a half years and my first impressions were correct. All the staff members are friendly and supportive and have really
helped my daughter build her confidence from the baby room to the pre-school room. I'm sure the nursery will be thoroughly missed when my daughter moves onto School in September!
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Review from Claire C (Mother of Child) published on 2 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees Mardley Hill goes above and beyond to make sure your child is cared for in a safe, happy, healthy and educational/developmental environment. What appealed to me about choosing this particular nursery was the safe guarding policies in place and the friendly calm atmosphere and staff.
Staff
listen, understand and support you to meet your child's needs as much as possible and meet your child's routine.
Staff communicate with you every drop off and pick up. I enjoy using the Busy Bees App to see how my child is doing each day, giving me reassurance they are settled. You also receive updates on the progress they are making and skills they are developing, which is so nice to see/read and an additional benefit.
My child adores the staff, settled very quickly and enjoys attending nursery which is so reassuring as a parent. I have recently registered my second child too, starting in 2027 as I'm so happy with this nursery.
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Review from E W (Mother of Child) published on 2 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little one has been at Busy Bees Nursery in Mardley Hill for nearly 6 months and he absolutely loves it!
I was particularly anxious about going back to work and us being apart and not knowing how it would all go, but I shouldn't have been, he has so much fun, he has made lots of friends and the
women are so warm and wonderful who look after him there and he gets excited to see them.
They keep us up to date, and listen to our needs and this also makes you feel so much more at ease. It's a big decision to make and we're so glad we chose here!
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Review from Lisa W (Mother of Child) published on 2 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have had both of my daughters attend busy bees mardley hill and my youngest will be leaving this summer. They have both always loved going there and we will be so sad to leave there later this year. They have so much fun, the staff are lovely and the updates are always nice to get throughout the day.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Mardley hill to my friends.
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Review from Nishma R (Mother of Child) published on 2 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy bees mardley hill have been our both of our daughters nursery for nearly 3 years now. Our daughters absolutely love the nursery. The staff are so caring and compassionate to our needs and always flexible. We get great feedback on the girls and we can see just how happy and comfortable they are
there. We couldn't have picked a better nursery for them both. Its caring and nurturing environment is perfect for our daughters. Thank you!
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Review from Jeremy F (Father of Child) published on 1 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We've had two children attend Busy Bees Mardley Hill - our eldest left two years ago, and our youngest is currently in the pre-school room. Both have really enjoyed their time at nursery and we're very thankful to the team for their hard work looking after them so well.


The team are always warm,

friendly, and genuinely caring - our children have always spoken fondly of them, and it's clear they've built a positive relationship with them. Notably, a staff member who had been there during our eldest's time recently returned after two years - and our eldest still remembered them and their guitar, telling our youngest all about it.


We like that children are outside a good amount of time and offer sports sessions which our son loves. They seem to do lots of creative activities, and engaging learning (from all the crafts they bring home and rhymes they re-tell us!).


Their new app is very good - it's updated throughout the day with photos and updates, which is nice to see what they're up to.

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Review from Z A (Mother of Child) published on 24 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When i was searching for a place for my daughter this was my checklist:
1) safeguarding and welfare of our child
2) cleanliness of the provision
3) curriculum
4) culture and ethos
5) community
Busy Bees ticked all areas! Couldn't recommend more.
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Review from Emily F (Mother of Child) published on 17 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my children have attended busy bees over the last few years and they have loved every minute of it. Every single staff member is caring, enthusiastic, fun and energetic and all genuinely love helping the children grow. One of my children has special needs and the nursery were extremely supportive
to us through some difficult periods of time during diagnosis, they felt like an extension to our family. I am truly sad that good things come to an end and that our children have had to move on from the setting to start school but I know they've had the best start to their childcare and education journey. Highly recommend!
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Review from R D (Mother of Child) published on 17 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our child has been having a wonderful time at Busy Bees Mardley Hill. Their knowledge in counting, letters and vocabulary has taken a massive jump since joining and we feel very happy how well they are being supported and prepared for Reception next year. The team is wonderful at communication and keeps
us up to date. The new app is also great for seeing their daily activities and overall progress. The range of activities is well balanced and we're especially glad how much time they spend outside in the nice weather.
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Review from Jennifer H (Mother of Child) published on 17 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of our children have attended this nursery over the years, and we've always felt completely confident leaving them in the care of the team. The staff have built strong, genuine relationships with our kids, and we've always been met with warmth, great communication, and a real family feel.
Last
year, our family went through an incredibly tough time, and the support we received from the team was nothing short of amazing. Their kindness and flexibility helped us more than they probably know, and we'll always be grateful for that. Our children have always felt safe, happy, and well cared for, and we've never had any doubt they were in good hands.
Sadly, the high costs meant we had to move our eldest recently - a tough decision as the quality of care has been excellent. If we could suggest anything, it would be to include more outdoor, forest school-style activities.
Overall, it's been a fantastic experience and we're very grateful for the team.
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Review from Megan S (Mother of Child) published on 17 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A wonderful nursery that nurtures children and allows them to flourish and grow in confidence. My eldest daughter was sad to leave when she started school and my 16 month old is always so smiley on handover and has made some lovely bonds with the staff in her room. The staff are all professional, kind
and highly qualified.
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Review from Andrew S (Father of Child) published on 13 February 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter absolutely loves coming to nursery and enjoys all the amazing activities on offer. The nursery has helped her with her speech and development.
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Review from Abbie Y (Mother of Child) published on 28 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Over the past three years, Busy Bees has been consistently positive for our family. From the warm atmosphere and dedicated staff to well-maintained facilities, it has played a crucial role in our children's early years.
The staff's dedication goes beyond duty; they've formed meaningful connections,
creating a caring atmosphere. Busy Bees' holistic development approach, evident in its well-thought-out curriculum, provides our children with a comprehensive experience.
Consistently well-maintained facilities ensure safe play areas and learning spaces. Regular updates and transparent communication have kept us connected and informed about our children's daily activities.
In conclusion, Busy Bees combines thoughtful development, effective communication, and well-maintained facilities, making it invaluable for our children's early years. We wholeheartedly recommend Busy Bees to other families seeking a nurturing environment.
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Review from J W (Mother of Child) published on 21 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our children have been very happy at Busy Bees Mardley Hill for six years! There is a great range of activities, the staff are always friendly, knowledgeable and helpful and our kids enjoy the food too. It really has been an excellent start to their education and they have had lots of fun too.
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Review from Daniel J (Father of Child) published on 8 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son comes here full time and has attended since he was 5 months old and is 3 years old now! His development is outstanding and I can’t thank the staff at Busy Bees enough for their care and attention to both my son and myself. The best part of my day is the updates I get on the app and he can’t stop
chatting to me on the way home about all of the fun activities he does during the day with his friends! Thank you Busy Bees for looking after my son he is my world and you treat him as if he is yours.
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Review from Laura D (Mother of Child) published on 8 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My first contact with Busy Bees Mardley Hill was when I was moving back from Sydney Australia to the UK so you can imagine how much stress I had trying to find a daycare for my 2-year-old. From the get-go the manager and her team were utterly amazing, they put me at ease straight away and they kept
in contact with me over the weeks while they were trying to find space for my boy. I was so happy when they said we have pulled out all the stops and found my son a place.


MY son is now two and a half and he loves it, he has made lots of friends and takes part in so many activities. I also get to see updates throughout the day via the app with pictures and what he has had to eat which I love.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.791)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.791) out of 10 for Busy Bees Mardley Hill is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 15 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 15 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 4.916 for Busy Bees Mardley Hill is calculated as follows: ( (166 Excellents x 5) + (11 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 179 Ratings = 4.916
  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 4.875 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bees Mardley Hill is based on 15 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 = 3.875
    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 52 number of registered child places is 10.4, which has been reached with 15 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 (6)

Meet the Team (5)

Amanda

Amanda Zienkowicz

Job Title: Centre Director Joined: 2005

I have been working at Mardley Hill since 2005 and I am really enjoying my time spent here. I have a Foundation Degree in Early Years - a course that enabled me to expand my knowledge of child development and embed this within our Centre. I enjoy being part of an outstanding team as we do our very best to ensure the service we provide is second to none. I truly love my role at Mardley Hill and enjoy a strong partnership with all the families who attend.

Terri

Terri Baker

Job Title: Administrator Joined: 2007

I began working at Mardley Hill in 2021 and thoroughly enjoy my role. I have a great deal of Administrative experience. I have worked within many Busy Bees Centers supporting as an Admin. In my spare time, I enjoy meeting with my friends and spending lots of time with my three beautiful children and going away with my husband. I work every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30 am - 1:30 pm and I am always available to speak to parents should they require any advice on childcare vouchers, government funding etc.

Samantha

Samantha Scully

Job Title: Assistant Centre Director Joined: 2014

I joined the team at Mardley Hill in 2014. and I am the Room Manager of the Buzz Room. I am the SENCo for the Centre and feel incredibly privileged to be a part of the children's lives and impact on their learning and development could not think of another career I would rather have! My role is to ensure the smooth operation of the Buzz Room at all times; managing a team of dedicated individuals who share the same vision of high-quality childcare as myself.

Katie

Katie Chambers

Job Title: Buzz Room Manager Joined: 2014

I joined the Mardley Hill team in 2022. I am proud to be the Room Manager of the Buzz Room - I adore my role and the diverse opportunities this brings. I am very knowledgeable on supporting families with a smooth transition to starting their nursey experience. Mardley Hill is a huge part of my life - we are a fantastic team and together we continue to strengthen positive relationships with each and every family who attend our Centre.

Georgia

Georgia Quinton

Job Title: Bombos Room Manager Joined: 2014

I have worked at Mardley Hill since 2019. I was promoted to Room Manager in 2022. I'm currently completing my Level 5 degree in child care, and am really enjoying undertaking enhanced levels of responsibility. I am a caring and dedicated member of the team and very much enjoy watching the children learn, develop and grow during their time with us. I have undertaken many courses relative to care and education in my early years and am truly dedicated to my role and the children within my care.

Frequently Asked Questions about Busy Bees Mardley Hill

What is the Age Range of Children that Busy Bees Mardley Hill accepts?

Busy Bees Mardley Hill accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Busy Bees Mardley Hill Open?

Busy Bees Mardley Hill is open: Monday 07:30-18:30, Tuesday 07:30-18:30, Wednesday 07:30-18:30, Thursday 07:30-18:30, Friday 07:30-18:30.

How many Children does Busy Bees Mardley Hill have capacity for?

Busy Bees Mardley Hill has capacity for a total of 52 Children.

How far is Busy Bees Mardley Hill to the centre of Welwyn?

1.4 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 Mardley Hill to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Busy Bees Mardley Hill has an Enhanced Service - more info.