Montessori by Busy Bees Glenalmond

14 King Harry Lane, St Albans AL3 4AP
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9.2 53 Reviews
  • Montessori by Busy Bees Glenalmond, St Albans
Montessori by Busy Bees Glenalmond is a thoroughly resourced and secure setting, designed to make the most of your child's early years learning potential and inspire their imagination.

CCTV and a fingerprint entry system are in place, with the service itself being friendly and focused on building strong relationships both with children as they develop and their parents.

Additional features include a soft play area and sensory room, there is an exclusive pre-school academy and four large outdoor play areas.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Paulina Waller (Centre Director)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 32

Total Places for Children

  • 116

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Full Day 7.30am-6.30pm:


    - 0-2 Year olds - £103.00
    - 2-3 Year olds - £103.00
    - 3-5 Year olds - £96.00

  • There is a non-refundable Registration Fee payable to secure your place of £100
    £50 of this fee will be credited to the first invoice issued to you following your child’s start date.
    Fees are based on 52 weeks per year, paid monthly in advance
    A minimum booking of 2 sessions per week is required
    Minimum Notice requirements apply, see Terms and Conditions
    No refunds will be given for sickness or holidays.
    Fees are subject to review in accordance with the Terms and Conditions
    You will be charged £15 for each 15 minutes, or part of, that you are late collecting your child after
    the end of their agreed session.
    Fees will also include nappies and wipes

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 & Christmas

Montessori by Busy Bees Glenalmond Reviews (53)

9.2

Montessori by Busy Bees Glenalmond has a Review Score of 9.2 (9.177) out of 10, based on 9 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Montessori by Busy Bees Glenalmond has 53 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Montessori by Busy Bees Glenalmond
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Total of 53, showing 21-40
Review from Jo G (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son (now age four) has been at Busy Bees Glenalmond for nine months since we relocated. We have been really pleased with the whole experience. The staff are lovely and I was really touched that all the staff knew who my son was when we first arrived even though it is a large nursery and that was
a really personal touch. I was wary of such a large place having come from a small childminder but he settled in and made friends quickly and I think the staff and lovely setting are a huge part of that.
Reply from Paulina Wygnaniec, Manager at Montessori by Busy Bees Glenalmond
Dear Jo, thank you for your lovely review. The settling in process can be sometimes difficult and we are pleased that your child has settled so well. It is great to see all our children back to the…read more
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Review from Emily (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at Glenalmond have continued to do a fantastic job over the last few months welcoming the children back. My son is very happy there and loves the big garden which is used daily. All the staff are very caring and do a brilliant job. Thank you.
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Review from Freya L (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been attending the nursery now for nearly two years. At every stage of transition, he has been thoroughly supported and cared for. The staff go above and beyond to form positive relationships and encourage his development. Coming out of lockdown we were apprehensive about so many changes
to day to day life; Busy Bees has remained constant in their love and support for our child. He has settled back seamlessly and bounces out at the end of the day full of stories, songs and new games he has learnt.
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Review from Leanne H (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Daughter loved her time at Busy Bees Glenalmond and now my son is enjoying his time there. The team are extremely caring and great at understanding my son’s traits and needs ensuring he feels settled and at ease.
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Review from Natasha G (Mother of Child) published on 2 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at the nursery are all super welcoming and very knowledgable about the children and how they spend their time. I leave my son there knowing that he will be cared for and learn and develop at the right pace for his age group.
We get regular updates of what is going on in nursery so we feel
connected to his development - this can be a daily summary, a weekly newsletter and a quarterly parent's evening.
The team were brilliant during lockdown, keeping us informed of what was going on, showing care for individual circumstances and giving us ideas of how to entertain and develop children at home.
Reply from Paulina Wygnaniec, Manager at Montessori by Busy Bees Glenalmond
Dear Natasha
Thank you very much for your lovely review.
It is great to hear that you and your child love the nursery!
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Review from Liz B (Mother of Child) published on 2 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We all love this nursery! The team are fantastic with strong leadership and a real caring ethos. My daughter absolutely adores spending time here and during COVID-19 lockdown was able to continue to attend due to staying open for key workers. The staff throughout this time have been tremendous and I
can not thank them enough. A beautiful team that matches the beautiful building and gardens! I would recommend this nursery to anyone!
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Review from Darren B (Father of Child) published on 2 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been attending this nursery now for almost two years, and absolutely loves her time here. The staff are extremely welcoming and friendly, complemented by the beautiful building and surrounding gardens. Our daughter quickly developed strong relationships with her key workers as she has
progressed at the nursery, and has likewise made some great friendships with her classmates!
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Review from Katie C (Mother of Child) published on 2 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started at Busy Bee’s in September 2019. I have been extremely impressed with the staff and the nursery. My daughter was extremely shy at first but her teachers always gave her a cuddle and made her feel comfortable. She now talks about her teachers constantly and calls them her friends.
To a mummy it is so important knowing your child is being well looked after by the staff. The nursery is clean, well equipped ranging from a great library to an amazing and safe outdoor area. I can’t thank the staff and manager enough for allowing me to drop my daughter off to nursery knowing she is being well looked after by a great team!
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Review from Liz R (Mother of Child) published on 2 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been so delighted that Busy Bees Glenalmond has re-opened. Our 2-year-old is so happy to be back. He asks to go in, even on the days he’s not meant to be there.
I feel confident leaving our son in the capable hands of the staff at Busy Bees. I feel they are taking the safety measures very
seriously in response to COVID-19.
I highly recommend this nursery facility.
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Review from Kate T (Mother of Child) published on 2 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The team at Busy Bees Glenalmond are absolutely fantastic. The new manager is friendly and approachable and does a fantastic job in keeping all the parents up to date. My youngest has only recently joined, and has settled in so well which is a testament to the friendly and kind staff. They will call
if there have been any problems, are flexible when it comes to special requests for nap time etc, and are really good at getting the children out in the garden as much as possible for some fresh air and a run around!
Would highly recommend.
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Review from Natalia B (Mother of Child) published on 2 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My 2 children have attended the nursery since they were 6 months.
The staff are extremely committed and dedicated. They provide such a loving, fun and secure environment for the kids.
Under the new management, the facilities have improved significantly.
The outdoor garden and surrounding woodland
make the location a fantastic place for kids to grow.
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Review from Claire G (Mother of Child) published on 22 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been very happy at the nursery, he has attended from 8-months, and is now 2. The staff are brilliant and know him really well, even those who are not in his classroom.
He talks about the staff and his friends at nursery fondly, and has missed them during the covid closure; he is excited
to be going back.
Activities are varied and they get to spend a lot of time outside. Feedback on their day is thorough, and the staff always have time to answer your questions.
A lovely nursery.
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Review from Victoria S (Mother of Child) published on 22 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending Busy Bees at Glenalmond since he was 9-months-old. He is now two and loves coming. It’s such a lovely building with amazing large rooms and a fantastic garden. Everyone is so friendly, and all the staff know him really well. He’s always happy at drop off time, and I am happy
knowing he is safe and well looked after. There is a wide variety of healthy food and loads of activities.
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Review from Anna R (Mother of Child) published on 22 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended Busy Bees since September 2018. When we first joined there was a period of upheaval while management changed, staff changes, invoices were unreliable and general communication was sporadic, however, that did not affect the experience of my daughter. The admin and finance team
now are brilliant and constantly improving.
From day one, I have always felt that my child was loved and cared for by the nursery staff. She has progressed through three rooms to ensure that she has always been challenged appropriately to her development.
All three sets of key workers have been fantastic; they take time every day to talk about what has gone on, food eaten, nap times, nappies/toilet trips, activities she enjoyed.
Following 12-weeks of not being in the nursery due to Covid19, she ran to hug one of the ladies.
Relating to Covid19, they were putting measures in place before the government did, all of their actions have been planned and communicated clearly. I feel that my daughter is safe, challenged and loved.
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Review from Jo S (Mother of Child) published on 22 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We’ve been at Busy Bees for 5-years with both my children and I can’t recommend Glenalmond enough. The nursery is well run, and there seems to be a really good team spirit amongst the staff. Everyone is so kind, and they really get to know all the children and show genuine fondness for them.
They
have so much outdoor space and spend as much time outside as possible which the kids love. The foundation class was a great addition in the last couple of years, and they spend a lot of time prepping the older children for starting school.
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Review from Hannah W (Mother of Child) published on 17 May 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The manager and the team are absolutely amazing! My daughter has become such a beautiful and advanced little lady, I’m so proud of her and it wouldn’t be without the help of the nursery! Couldn’t have done it without you.
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Review from Katy M (Mother of Child) published on 30 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been at BusyBees since September 2017. The new manager has a clear vision of where she wants the nursery to be and her pathway to get there. This is reflected in their recent 'Good' OFSTED rating.


My daughter loves it there, she looks forward to going each day and literally runs through the

door in the morning. Her learning has progressed in leaps and bounds and she has become more confident in large groups.


The staff are very caring, they listen to all your concerns as a parent and advise where they can. They are highly qualified and there are excellent child:teacher ratios. They will accommodate any special requirements and make you feel that nothing is too much trouble.


I highly recommend this nursery. Their hours are fantastic for us working parents and I know I can relax with the knowledge my daughter is receiving excellent care.

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Review from Alex Q (Mother of Child) published on 18 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter loves going to Busy Bees at Glenalmond. She gets very excited when she knows it’s nursery day. I feel the staff really know her well and fulfill her needs. The new manager is very approachable and listens to parent's views and takes them on board.
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Review from Jon M (Father of Child) published on 18 December 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are very happy with Glenalmond, especially since a new manager has taken over running it. Our two boys go there and really enjoy it. They are encouraged to do a range of activities and they have flourished as a result. Their physical and communication skills have come on tremendously and we feel
confident that their key workers will get the best out of them as they continue to develop. Glenalmond is a very welcoming place and the atmosphere is positive and constructive for children and parents alike, with the space and facilities making it a great place for little ones.
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Review from Sarah M (Mother of Child) published on 18 December 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am delighted with the care that Busy Bees at Glenalmond provides for my sons. The staff are caring and attentive to the needs of the children and have an excellent understanding of how toddlers learn and develop and how to encourage and nurture them. My sons both love spending time there and are excited
the moment that they step through the door, which is incredibly reassuring for me as a parent.


I have built very good working relationships with their key workers, who always keep me informed of how they have been during the day, both in terms of the practicalities and their mood/behaviour /the activities that they have spent the day doing. The atmosphere there is very warm and friendly and the management have recently introduced lots of parent friendly initiatives, which have been greatly appreciated. They are also very flexible about accommodating extra days of childcare when needed.


I would have no hesitation in recommending the nursery to other parents.

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Current Review Score: 9.2 (9.177)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.2 (9.177) out of 10 for Montessori by Busy Bees Glenalmond 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 9 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.3 out of 5 from 9 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 4.889 for Montessori by Busy Bees Glenalmond is calculated as follows: ( (98 Excellents x 5) + (8 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 108 Ratings = 4.889
  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 4.288 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Montessori by Busy Bees Glenalmond is based on 9 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 = 3.9
    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 116 number of registered child places is 23.2. 9 Positive Reviews ÷ 23.2 = 0.388
  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

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

Meet the Team (1)

Paulina

Paulina

Job Title: Centre Director Joined: 2018

Hello my name is Paulina and I am a Nursery Manager here at Busy Bees Glenalmond Nursery. I have joined Busy Bees in November 2018. Previously I was working for a group of nurseries in Central London. I am a Qualified Teacher since 2009 and have recently completed Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management at Cambridge Regional College. I am very passionate about working with children and families. My favourite thing about my job is that I am able to see children achieve and develop into confident lifelong learners. I look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful and spacious nursery.

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