Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge

Rothamstead Lodge, Hatching Green, Harpenden AL5 2JS
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8.4 47 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge, Harpenden
Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge, Harpenden, offers a fun and friendly learning environment, suited to help children develop independent learning skills and many extra-curricular activities.

A well-resourced interior is backed up by a large and secure outdoor area, with a separate baby garden, all of which is overseen by a fully-qualified team of professionals.

The nursery benefits from being a part of the largest UK childcare provider which even has its own National Resource Centre for training, advice and expertise.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Holly Pryor (Acting Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 20

Total Places for Children

  • 64

Age Range

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

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:15-18:30
    Tuesday 07:15-18:30
    Wednesday 07:15-18:30
    Thursday 07:15-18:30
    Friday 07:15-18:30

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge Reviews (47)

8.4

Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge has a Review Score of 8.4 (8.401) out of 10, based on 3 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge has 47 reviews.

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Total of 47, showing 1-20
Review from Amy G (Mother of Child) published on 21 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been so happy with Busy Bees! Both my children have been very happy there and I can see the progress that they have both made the staff are great and very nurturing. I feel my son is leaving as school ready.
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Review from J F (Mother of Child) published on 10 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I had my son at Busy Bees from when he was 2 and he went right through until he went to school this year! He’s had a great experience here especially in the toddler room! My daughter started summertime this year in baby room and wow that room is incredible, such amazing nurturing girls! She is so happy
there! I can’t thank the manager enough, she managed to find my son and daughter a place when I needed and is so approachable and flexible. She really cares about the children and is always available to talk when you need. Because of her huge amount of experience she gives such great advice and also helped me transition my son to school! Brilliant nursery would highly recommend.
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Review from Selina E (Mother of Child) published on 12 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter joined Busy Bees from another setting, and we were always worried about the impact this would have, but it's been the best decision we could have made for her. She is thriving in this nursery and loves attending! The difference we have seen in her is outstanding not only physically but
also verbally. She was a little behind in her speech and the nursery have worked wonders in the last few months as her vocabulary is improving day by day. The staff are gentle, kind and patient and you can see the care they give to each child. We would 100% recommend this nursery.
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Review from Costas C (Father of Child) published on 31 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of our children have individually attended Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge Day Nursery and I cannot recommend it highly enough. The staff and management are wonderful,# and they have greatly contributed to their development from shy, reserved babies to outgoing, confident (and loud!) children.
The
staff, in all rooms our children have attended, are friendly, approachable and warm; our children have developed great relationships with them and they often mention them lovingly in our everyday discussions.
The facilities are excellent and the activities planned and carried out by the staff (e.g. indoor play our outdoor fun) promote both learning and social interactions. Communication has also been excellent, especially during pick-up, and the information uploaded in the app is always thorough and includes meals, activities and photos. Thank you to all the staff and management for their hard work – the impact they had on our children’s development has been extremely positive and long-lasting.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge
Hello, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review! We’re glad you’re giving your little ones the best start in life with us. Best wishes, Busy Bees.
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Review from M K (Mother of Child) published on 16 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are very happy with Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge, both out children attend and love it so much. All the staff are kind and the children learn so much from them. We would recommend the nursery 100%.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge
Hello, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review! We’re glad you’re giving your little one's the best start in life with us.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best…read more
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Review from Gwendoline M (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge Day Nursery is a lovely nursery. My son has attended since he was 2 and has a great time. The staff are friendly and welcoming. The online app is updated regularly with food choices, activities, pictures, toilet and nappy changes. I can see lots of development, including using
the 'pincer' grip when holding a pencil, taking an interest in stories we see at the library that he says he has read in nursery and starting to recognise letters and sounds. There is also lots of fun to be had, lots of fresh and creative ideas, for example, squeezing lemons to make homemade lemonade.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge
Hello, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review! We’re glad you’re giving your little one the best start in life with us.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best…read more
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Review from David J (Father of Child) published on 19 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We love Busy Bees, Rothamsted Lodge! They’ve been a home-from-home for both our kids. They did a great job getting our eldest ready for school and our son loves going in every day - his days are so full and diverse and the staff are all wonderful with him.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge
Hello, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review! We’re glad you’re giving your little one the best start in life with us.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best…read more
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Review from A Y (Mother of Child) published on 7 July 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both our children have been at Busy Bees since they were 7 months old. Our daughter is now in preschool and leaving for school in September. We couldn't have asked for a better setting for her to grow, learn and have fun. She has always loved it in every room ad has such lovely relationships with the
staff. The handovers are always thorough and the app is brilliant for seeing what they're doing during the day. They love the food and always seem to be doing great activities, particularly in preschool. She is sad to be leaving but has grown so much in confidence.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge
Hello, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review! We’re glad you have given your little one's the best start in life with us.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best…read more
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Review from L D (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Overall, we really like Busy Bees, Rothamsted as a nursery for our daughter, who enjoys her days there too. The staff are lovely, the rooms are fun and stimulating and the outside space is excellent. Two areas which could be improved in our view. Management generally run the nursery well, although adding
extra days/half days often requires a lot of follow-up (We understand the app is tricky to use). We find the fees very expensive. Our daughter attends 3-5 days per week which equates to £17,600 over the entire year, a huge sum.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge
Hello, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review! We are delighted your little one is having a good experience at our Rothamsted Lodge Nursery and have passed your…read more
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Review from C M (Mother of Child) published on 20 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A wonderful nursery - would recommend to any parents. Our son has been with Busy Bees, Rothamsted Lodge for 8 months - starting in the baby room and currently in tots. The staff are warm and caring and have great relationships with the children. It made my transition to full-time work much easier knowing
he was in such a nurturing environment and he is really happy there. The facilities are lovely - with lots of different play/learning spaces in each room and great outdoor space for the children to play outside each day. Very good communication on drop-off, pick-ups and daily updates on an app. Children have a wide variety of meals made fresh on-site each day. Excellent management. Thank you to all the staff.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge
Hello, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review! We’re glad you’re giving your little one the best start in life with us.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best…read more
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Review from Katie B (Mother of Child) published on 16 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son absolutely loves coming to preschool 3 days a week, he has made so many friends and loves the daily choices of activities available.
All of the staff are extremely kind, engaging and friendly and the curriculum is taught in so many adaptable ways that makes it fun for the children and they're
so proud to tell us what they've been practising/learning.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge
Hello, wow! Thank you for this glowing review! We are delighted your little one is having a good experience at our Rothamsted Lodge nursery.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best beginnings.…read more
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Review from Thomas P (Father of Child) published on 16 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees in Rothamstead is the perfect environment for our child to grow and learn. He is well cared for by people who he trusts and shows him the attention and consideration that mirrors our parental style. Thank you Busy Bees Rothamsted.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge
Hello, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review! We’re glad you’re giving your little one the best start in life with us.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best…read more
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Review from T G (Mother of Child) published on 16 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I’ve been highly impressed with Busy Bees Rothampsted Lodge. All the staff are friendly, caring, approachable and professional. My daughter loves nursery and I have seen her blossom. The outdoor space is amazing! We just love everything about Busy Bees!
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge
Hello, wow! Thank you for this glowing review! We are delighted your little one is having a good experience at our Rothamsted Lodge nursery.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best beginnings. Join…read more
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Review from M P (Mother of Child) published on 16 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The best and most important thing about this nursery is the brilliant team the manager has built around her. Both our kids have been wonderfully taken care of but really nurturing staff who seem to love children and their work.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge
Hello, we love reading feedback like this! Thank you for sharing it with us; we will pass on your lovely comments to the team at Rothamsted Lodge.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best…read more
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Review from Victoria P (Mother of Child) published on 7 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been with Busy Bees Rothamsted Nursery since August 2019 (our baby was 9 months when she started) and have been thoroughly impressed by the care, learning environment, activities, food and staff. We now have both our children at Rothamsted Busy Bees (2 years and 4 years) and they constantly
tell us how much they have enjoyed their days (4 days per week) at nursery. As parents we are delighted with the communication from the nursery and the variety of activities we see/hear/read about the children doing..all very topical, educational and most importantly fun! Thanks. We would highly recommend this nursery to anyone/everyone.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge
Hello, wow! Thank you for this glowing review! We are delighted your little one is having a good experience at our Rothamsted Lodge nursery. We will pass on your lovely comments to the team.
40…read more
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Review from J C (Mother of Child) published on 7 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We love this nursery. Staff are friendly and our daughter really enjoys all the activities. She has improved and developed so much since she joined. Children play and learn! The rooms are beautiful and the garden gives children a great opportunity to play outdoors.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge
Hello, we love reading feedback like this! Thank you for sharing it with us; we will pass on your lovely comments to the team at Rothamsted Lodge.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best…read more
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Review from Nick M (Father of Child) published on 7 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Can't rate highly enough. Really happy with all aspects of the nursery. Staff, activities, area and more. Our little one has been there for almost 3 years and I would highly recommend this nursery to all!
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge
Hello, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review! We’re glad you’re giving your little one the best start in life with us.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best…read more
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Review from N S (Father of Child) published on 1 October 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We're very happy with the childcare provided at Rothamsted Lodge. The staff are friendly to us as parents and seem to enjoy looking after the children - which is great that they are all happy in their work! Our son has a whale-of-a-time every day, and the nursery had adapted an online portal so that
we can see regular updates on his progress with pictures of what he has been up to.
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Review from Hayley R (Mother of Child) published on 30 May 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My boys have been attending Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge for four and two years respectively. They are both very happy there. The staff are friendly, kind, helpful, and seem to genuinely care about the children. The range of activities they do every day is brilliant, and they love the food! In the pre-school
room, in particular, my older son has come on leaps and bounds - he's writing, doing maths, his concentration span has greatly improved, and he learns something new every day.
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Review from Amy M (Mother of Child) published on 30 May 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge is a lovely friendly nursery. My son has been going since he was 13 months old (he is now 3) and has really thrived there. The staff are extremely kind and caring and the children get to experience a huge variety of activities especially in the pre-school room where he has
even had the opportunity to go on trips out including the farm, a Chinese restaurant and the local pantomime. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the nursery to other parents.
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Current Review Score: 8.4 (8.401)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.4 (8.401) out of 10 for Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge 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 3 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.5 out of 5 from 3 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 4.917 for Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge is calculated as follows: ( (33 Excellents x 5) + (3 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 36 Ratings = 4.917
  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 3.484 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge is based on 3 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 = 3.25
    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 64 number of registered child places is 12.8. 3 Positive Reviews ÷ 12.8 = 0.234
  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)

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Holly Pryor

Job Title: Acting Centre Director

My name is Holly Pryor, and I am a caring and dedicated childcare professional who truly believes that every child deserves the best start and that the first five years of the educational journey are crucial in setting the foundation for lifelong learning.


I have a level 5 qualification in Child and Family studies and hold a level 3 in Childcare. My aim, together with my team, is to ensure that when your children are in our care, you can rest assured that they are receiving high-quality childcare while having the best time in a setting that is safe, caring and fun.

Frequently Asked Questions about Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge

What is the Age Range of Children that Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge accepts?

Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge Open?

Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge is open: Monday 07:15-18:30, Tuesday 07:15-18:30, Wednesday 07:15-18:30, Thursday 07:15-18:30, Friday 07:15-18:30.

How many Children does Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge have capacity for?

Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge has capacity for a total of 64 Children.

How far is Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge to the centre of Harpenden?

0.8 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 Rothamsted Lodge to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge has an Enhanced Service - more info.