Busy Bees Maidstone Oakwood

Queens Road, Oakwood, Maidstone ME16 0JN
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47 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Maidstone Oakwood, Maidstone
Busy Bees Maidstone Oakwood is located on Queens Road in Maidstone Oakwood. This recently refurbished nursery has excellent links to local schools.

The nursery has 2 gardens including a large garden with a natural woodland area and separate play area for under twos.

Nutritional food is cooked on-site and has a team of skilled and experienced staff. The nursery achieved a Good Ofsted rating in May 2022.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Heather Dodds (Centre Director)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 20

Total Places for Children

  • 47

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Please contact the nursery or visit the nursery website for more info.
    Full and half day sessions available.

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & 1 week at Christmas

Busy Bees Maidstone Oakwood Reviews (47)

Over all time Busy Bees Maidstone Oakwood has 47 reviews.

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Total of 47, showing 1-20
Review from Jenny E (Mother of Child) published on 22 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees is a brilliant nursery with incredibly professional, caring and loving staff. Our son started in the baby room at the age of 1, moved to the toddler room at 2 and is currently in the pre-school and in each room the teachers have been amazing. Each room is spacious with lots of toys, both educational
and fun, and there are also lots of books. The teachers do lots of experiments/role play/dancing/stories etc. with the children. The garden is amazing and has lots of separate play areas. The in-house chef is brilliant and regularly sends round meal plans which are varied and nutritious, and he also recently built a big wooden car for the garden for the children to play in. Throughout the day the teachers provide photos, videos and information about your child's meals which is very reassuring. We're very happy with our choice of sending our son to the Busy Bees in Allington. Thanks for all your hard work, for keeping our children safe and for doing everything you do to aid their development.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Maidstone Oakwood
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. Best wishes, Busy Bees
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Review from Linda D (Mother of Child) published on 4 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees Allington is a great nursery. Both of my children have attended the nursery and I noticed growth in my children's confidence, social skills, vocabulary and eating habits. My son (who is now at school) was one of few children who went into reception with confidence, full vocabulary and skills
in maths and English and I feel this was not only a reflection on us as parents, but the investment that Busy Bees Allington had with him, and thats why when my daughter was born 5 and a half years later there was only one nursery we considered, and now I am watching her develop the same way her brother did. She has learnt to share, enjoy the outdoors, eat various foods, and practice maths and English skills daily. The staff are brilliant, super friendly, informative and responsive and I couldn't praise them enough.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Maidstone Oakwood
Hello, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review! We’re glad you have given your little ones the best start in life with us.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best…read more
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Review from Kay W (Mother of Child) published on 7 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I love having our little girl in Busy Bee's Allington. You can tell the staff are very happy as they have many long serving team members and likewise the children are also very happy. The communication is brilliant and they are so easy to talk to and deal with on a day-to-day basis. No request has been
too small. I like the parent zone app where we get to see pictures of our children. I also love that the children can access the forest school next door. The kids get lots of time to play outside. In a challenging time for us, the team took action straight away and worked with us to support our little girl in managing some challenging behaviours. It's been a real light relief every day we drop our girl off knowing she is so happy to go straight in and play with her friends and the staff.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Maidstone Oakwood
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 H B (Mother of Child) published on 7 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child adores going to Busy Bees Allignton and has made some lovely friends. The staff are kind and always go above and beyond for the children, making fun and educational activities up. So happy we chose this nursery.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Maidstone Oakwood
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 Lauren H (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees Maidstone Allington are outstanding! The indoor and outdoor activities are brilliant with a fantastic outdoor space and forest area! The staff are devoted, caring and wonderful people and I feel completely at ease leaving my daughter! I also had my son attend who had the most outstanding first
years of learning with them so I can only thank them for being amazing day in and day out! Thank you Busy Bees you are just brilliant!
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Maidstone Oakwood
Hello, Wow! Thank you for this glowing review! We are delighted your little one's had a good experience at our Maidstone Allington nursery.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best beginnings. Join…read more
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Review from X B (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
At Busy Bees Allington, they were amazing at helping my eleven-month-old settle in. They are so caring and nurturing. They always have time to discuss her day with us when we collect her. They have a good understanding of how to help little ones feel settled and happy.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Maidstone Oakwood
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 Maya M (Mother of Child) published on 4 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been going to this nursery for almost 2 years. He absolutely loves the place. They create a wonderful learning environment for the kids with various activities to keep them busy both indoors and outdoors. They have a lovely outdoor area. They cook fresh meals each day which my son enjoys.
I can see how my son grows and what he learns at the nursery. He is polite and kind to others and he engages with his peers. His gross motor skills impress us each week and I attribute this entirely to the nursery as he spends 5 days a week there. The staff are kind and caring and communicate well with parents. I highly recommend this nursery.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Maidstone Oakwood
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 Rachel Y (Mother of Child) published on 4 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son loves it here. He has grown and developed so rapidly in his time at Busy Bees Maidstone Allington with so much stimulation and experiences. The staff and management are excellent and I would highly recommend this nursery.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Maidstone Oakwood
Hello, Wow! Thank you for this glowing review! We are delighted your little one is having a good experience at our Maidstone Allington nursery.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best beginnings.…read more
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Review from Holly W (Mother of Child) published on 4 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been at Busy Bees Maidstone Allington coming up to a year now, she started really shy and timid (towards adults and children) with a speech delay. But with the help of everyone here she has totally come out of her shell, making friends, talking more and more every day and making solid
relationships with the staff who she adores. She goes to bed saying “can’t wait for school tomorrow!”. The staff have always taken care of her individual needs and guided her to become more confident and independent. Thank you!
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Maidstone Oakwood
Hello, Wow! Thank you for this glowing review! We are delighted your little one is having a good experience at our Maidstone Allington nursery.
Best wishes.
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Review from Elizabeth B (Mother of Child) published on 18 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees, Allington has really progressed my child and gives their best to help and care for them. I would recommend Allington to anyone who is looking to send their child to nursery. All the staff are friendly and approachable, give you updates on how their day has been and what your child has been
progressing with. Thoroughly enjoyed my child’s time being here. Credit to the staff for such a lovely, friendly and educational environment.
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Review from Christie (Mother of Child) published on 28 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We moved our daughter to this nursery from another big brand in Spring of this year (she was about 1 when she joined). Unfortunately, a place at the branch most local to us was not available at the time so she attended another Busy Bee's in the interim. I can't thank the staff at this nursery enough
for restoring my faith in childcare! After a bad experience, I was dubious about how my daughter would take to the new nursery but from day one she was so happy and content here. The nursery has a real "small" feel in terms of knowing everyone and it being a real home away from home. Her key worker and was incredible with her - they formed a real bond and made it so difficult to say goodbye! The nursery was happy to go along with our dietary requirements (veggie baby), she slept well at nursery and we always got regular updates, feedback and photos which made the separation from home easier. If it was only a bit closer I would have kept her here until her school years without a doubt!
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Review from Charlotte A (Mother of Child) published on 17 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended Busy Bees at Maidstone Allington for over a year now. She had very bad separation anxiety due to our past but the staff at Busy Bees have been absolutely excellent with her.
She's a fussy eater but with the help and encouragement from the staff she will now try anything and
everything!
She absolutely loves going to nursery and enjoys learning new things, she's come on leaps and bounds since starting.
They really keep parents up to date with everything that occurs in the nursery from your child's daily activities to awesome days that they plan hard for the children such as dressing up days etc.
I am forever thankful to the centre director and the team as they have helped not only my daughter but myself too when I have come to them for advice etc to help my daughter progress.
They are always there to lend a supporting hand and I cannot recommend Busy Bees at Maidstone Allington enough!
My unborn child will also be attending when his time comes.
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Review from Liz S (Mother of Child) published on 17 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been attending Busy Bees at Maidstone Allington for 2 years and she has blossomed since she started. She has grown more confident and learnt to make new skills. The nursery itself is great, particularly the garden area. The staff are fantastic and communicate well. It’s clear that they
all take time to get to know the children and love what they do. I’m so grateful for the work they’ve put in, especially during the pandemic. Highly recommend.
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Review from Arlinde H (Grandmother of Child) published on 17 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My granddaughter has had a wonderful time here, she gets on well with all the adults in her year group and also with the children, she looks forward to going and seeing everyone. I would recommend the nursery highly, for fun and education and forming social skills outside of the home.
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Review from Charlotte B (Mother of Child) published on 17 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has attended Busy Bees at Maidstone Allington for nearly 18 months - its proximity to my husband's workplace was our original reason for looking at the nursery but we were impressed by the lovely large play area outside and in the baby room (where she started), and the focus on wooden toys
- not plastic. They've been really accommodating of her food allergies and we've never had to worry about leaving her - she's always happily trotted off without looking back. We get an observation through the ParentZone app once every two weeks so we know that they're focusing on her early years education and assessing her progress constantly. She particularly enjoys being in the toddler room now, she's learning, using her brain and coming home happy in the evenings.
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Review from Louisa B (Mother of Child) published on 17 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our baby started at Busy Bees at Maidstone Allington in July 2020 after months of being locked down with just his parents for company.
Our first impression of the nursery was one of such a warm and welcoming environment which was really important to us as our baby was quite shy at the time.
We were
incredibly impressed by the personalised approach taken not just to each child’s educational development, but their personal development too, and we have really seen the difference that investment has made in our baby who has flourished in confidence since joining the nursery.
Each member of staff who works in the room seems to have gone out of their way to establish a wonderful relationship with each of the children. In addition the children in each bubble appear to develop really strong friendships at the nursery.
Communication between the nursery and parents is good with opportunities to converse at drop-off/pick-up, via email and via a parent app too.
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Review from Jaime C (Mother of Child) published on 17 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my boys have attended Busy Bees at Maidstone Allington and both have been extremely happy and learnt so much. Not just ABC but emotionally and people skills. I too have been supported on bad days personally and felt such comfort they are taking the best care of my sons.
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Review from Lucy W (Mother of Child) published on 17 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended this nursery for the last year and a half and absolutely loves it. The outside space is amazing and they are outside every day no matter the weather even if it is for a short time. He has a great group of other kids that he plays with and has formed strong bonds with his key workers
who genuinely take an interest in his development. The food is cooked on-site and I am always happy that he gets a wide range of nutritious food. Overall I would highly recommend this nursery - my son actually gets disappointed on a weekend when he doesn’t get to go!
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Review from Gillian D (Mother of Child) published on 17 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has attended Busy Bees at Allington since September 2020 and we have been very impressed ever since. The best reviews come from our 18-month-old who always comes out of nursery full of beans and is always excited to go in. He is given such a range of activities to do every day he is there, and
a real focus is put on getting the children outdoors which he loves. The staff have always been so friendly and caring towards our son, and us, and we have seen so many developmental changes in him since he started. I would have no hesitation in recommending this nursery to any parent.
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Review from Cheire W (Mother of Child) published on 17 February 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Being new to the area and being a first-time parent it was hard to know where to start with nurseries but I had seen a few Busy Bees locally so was familiar with the chain. I was recommended this nursery by a neighbour and from visiting on an open day where restrictions were in place given the pandemic
we truly believe we have made the right decision in sending our little one here. They have come such a long way in the few months they have been attending. They are well looked after and settled. They enjoy their time here and even run in and don't bother saying 'bye' some days. It's a lovely thing to see and a peace of mind knowing they are enjoying being somewhere they can spend a lot of time especially at such a young age. I would highly recommend this nursery.
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Overview of Review Score

Child Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (1)

Meet the Team (1)

Heather

Heather Dodds

Job Title: Centre Director Joined: 1998

Hello, I am Heather and the Centre Director here at Busy Bees Maidstone Allington nursery.


I have been part of the Busy Bees family since 1998. I have lived in Maidstone all my life and have 3 children who have all attended the nursery. I hold a BTEC national diploma in childhood studies.


As a Centre Director, I support my team however required in order to provide the highest quality of care that we can for the children in our care. We appreciate that leaving your children with other people is not easy but we will aim to make the time they spend with us a happy memory and give your child the best start in life.


We look forward to welcoming you and showing you around our fantastic childcare setting.

Frequently Asked Questions about Busy Bees Maidstone Oakwood

What is the Age Range of Children that Busy Bees Maidstone Oakwood accepts?

Busy Bees Maidstone Oakwood accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Busy Bees Maidstone Oakwood Open?

Busy Bees Maidstone Oakwood is open: Monday 08:00-18:00, Tuesday 08:00-18:00, Wednesday 08:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-18:00.

How many Children does Busy Bees Maidstone Oakwood have capacity for?

Busy Bees Maidstone Oakwood has capacity for a total of 47 Children.

How far is Busy Bees Maidstone Oakwood to the centre of Maidstone?

0.7 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 Maidstone Oakwood to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Busy Bees Maidstone Oakwood has an Enhanced Service - more info.