Busy Bees Hempstead

197 Hempstead Road, Hempstead, Gillingham ME7 3QG
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9.9 82 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Hempstead, Gillingham
Busy Bees at Hempstead provides the perfect environment to offer children the best start to their early education.

The nursery has light and spacious rooms, with separate areas for different ages, and fabulous resources to encourage children's development and ensure they enjoy each day spent there. The team also strive to create a welcoming environment where children are nurtured and prepared for the next stage of their educational journey.

Along with fun-filled nursery rooms, the nursery provides a comforting sensory room, so your child can relax and absorb their senses with colourful lights, the bubble tube and fine motor toys.

The enthusiastic staff work hard to make sure your child is happy and engaged during their time at the nursery. So no matter what they enjoy doing, there will never be a dull moment at Busy Bees at Hempstead.

The team understand how busy family life is, to help support you they provide nappies and wipes along with meals and snacks for your little one to tuck in to throughout the day. You can also book additional sessions through the easy online booking system, Pebble.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Claire Arkell (Centre Director)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 16

Total Places for Children

  • 76

Age Range

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

Funding & Fees

  • Full day £59.00,
    Am session £33.50,
    Pm session £29.00

  • Fees are inclusive of all meals prepared and cooked by their own in house Chef, Suncream, nappies and wipes

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

Parking

  • Parking onsite, please park on the left hand side when entering the carpark.

Busy Bees Hempstead Reviews (82)

9.9

Busy Bees Hempstead has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.865) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Busy Bees Hempstead has 82 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Busy Bees Hempstead
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Total of 82, showing 1-20
Review from Amanda F (Mother of Child) published on 9 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending nursery at Busy Bees Hempstead since March 2024. He absolutely loves it. He is so well cared for, has so much fun, learns and plays together. The staff and Management are excellent.
My son has some additional needs and they were so helpful and reassuring that he would be supported
fully, which he is.
The facilities are great, they have a lovely programme of activities and learning they use, the food provided is healthy and varied. My son loves it all everyday.
It is extremely good value for money. I'm so pleased we chose to send my son here.
Highly recommend!
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Review from Melissa C (Mother of Child) published on 9 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have 2 children that currently attend Busy Bees in Hempstead. One is in the pre school room and one is in the baby room.
My pre schooler previously went to a childminder but they had to close unexpectedly. I was really nervous about him settling into a nursery setting but the staff there are amazing.
They make the kids feel so welcome and included. My pre schooler has almost been there a year now. Never had any problems and he always leaves very happy!
My baby started in April 2025. They've been brilliant with following his home routine. They send regular pictures and updates which I love and again he leaves very happy.
The staff here just understand kids and more importantly they understand parent life and they're so accommodating. I'm so glad we found them!
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Review from S B (Mother of Child) published on 9 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started busy bees in 2023 at 10 months old. She settled in immediately and I've never had any issues with her wanting to go in which has always been very comforting. Each time they go up a room they do settling in sessions to help the children adjust to the different surroundings and faces.
All staff are so helpful and can't do enough for child or parents. Can't rate them enough!
My daughter currently needs some extra support with her speech which they have also been proactive with.
Never had any worries with leaving my daughter there and will not hesitate to send my youngest daughter there when the time comes.
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Review from Lauren F (Mother of Child) published on 9 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been at this nursery and been through the toddler room and is now in his final year in the pre-school room. This nursery is warm and inviting and I couldn't have picked a more special place for our little boy to start his learning. The staff are kind, caring and really care about the children
and us as parents.
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Review from Natalie P (Mother of Child) published on 9 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot fault this nursery my daughter has been going since 11 months and is now 3.5 years old. She is a shy and nervous child but has grown so much and gained independence with the help of the staff, she now asks to go and is excited for her days. Outstanding care and attention to all children.
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Review from Tanya M (Mother of Child) published on 9 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Very good nursery, always greet the kids with a smile, very welcoming, good attitude from all staff and always have positive energy. The daily updates are also my favorite. I am happy with the choice of my child attending Hempstead Busy Bees.
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Review from Lara L (Mother of Child) published on 9 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son and daughter have both been going to this nursery. One since January and one since July, and they absolutely love it! The workers are always so friendly and will always keep us as up to date as they can with what they're eating and doing during the day. Couldn't say a bad thing about this nursery
at all, we love it!
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Review from N Z (Mother of Child) published on 9 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at Busy Bees Hempstead go above and beyond. We have been sending our child fir 2 years and have been so pleased. They have done more than expected such as tracking developmental milestones and provide feecback on indicators which is great. They provide helpful updates and the key workers get
to know each individual child as if they were the only one there! Definitley recommend to other parents.
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Review from Agne L (Mother of Child) published on 9 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the first moment I entered the nursery at Hempstead, I knew - this is the right place for my 9 months baby- friendly, professional staff, hugging and carrying every baby in their hands. The place is huge, beautiful, safe, nursery/entrance is far from the main street and gardens have high fences.The
food is nutritious and menu is carefully planned accordingly to NHS recommendations. The Busy Bees app is amazing: I can see all my child's activities on the day, what and how much she was eating, when the nappy was changed and how long she was sleeping. I am even informed when my baby starts sleeping.It is so nice to know that my little darling is resting right now:)The members of staff a very professional, always positive, smiling, very helpful and even small concerns are reported straight away by the phone call. My baby has a dual nationality. The nursery has an amazing program to recognise this, to help and support child with both languages. Highly recommended childcare providers.
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Review from Joanna B (Mother of Child) published on 9 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending this Nursery since September. She was very anxious at first, but she has quickly settled and now gets excited as we walk from the car to the building for drop off! Staff are all professional, friendly, caring, helpful and make you feel at ease about leaving your little
one with them.
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Review from R G (Mother of Child) published on 9 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely fantastic nursery. The staff are very kind, caring and attentive. My daughter has been going for 10 months now and loves it, she looks forward to her days there and has grown so much as a little person. Would highly recommend!!!
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Review from Laura S (Mother of Child) published on 1 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended busy bees at Hempstead for 14 months now and I am so happy we chose this nursery for him as he has settled in amazingly well. He is a very sensitive boy and I truly believe the reason he has settled so quickly and so well is because of the amazing staff that look after him. They
are so caring, understand and patient with not only my son but me as a mother. No question is too much for them and I feel I'm always informed and supported in any decision relating to my son at nursery.
They've helped him so much in his own personal development and I couldn't be happier for him to spend his time at this nursery.
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Review from H M (Mother of Child) published on 1 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Honestly, the best nursery around here. So accommodating and caring. Handover always informative and detailed, app updates also so handy.
Staff so personable and actually feel like friends!
SENCO also amazing support all round, including EHCP/DLA applications.
We will genuinely be so sad on our daughter's
last day with them here.
Can't recommend it enough.
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Review from Alisha H (Mother of Child) published on 1 December 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been attending Busy Bees Hempstead since April and has settled in so well there. It was a difficult transition, as he was only going one day a week, however the staff are so lovely and supportive and have made us all feel comfortable. He goes in happily now and enjoys his day there every
week!
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Review from Leanne D (Mother of Child) published on 7 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our 15 month old has attended Busy Bees at Hempstead for the last 2 months now, for 2 long days and an afternoon session a week. I was worried she would not settle in as I had pulled her out of another nursery setting for personal reasons, but she has settled in really well. The girls there are all
so friendly, and my daughter has taken to them all, and even has her favourites! We love how a photo of us as a family is put up in the room, the app that we use is really good to see how she is getting on during the day, whether that's nappy changes, food she's eaten, which is cooked by an onsite chef, or sleep (which she doesn't do a lot of!) They include photos of things she has been doing during the day which is really reassuring to see. Would highly recommend this setting for anyone who feels anxious or worried about sending their child to nursery; they have really made our daughter (and us) feel welcome and I know she is in safe hands. Thank you!
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Review from D P (Mother of Child) published on 7 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started at this nursery in October 2024, as we all are, we're really anxious about doing so. The centre director and the girls here are so welcoming, they all clearly love their jobs and have a passion for the well-being of the children that attend.
My son is in the baby room, I discussed my
worries with his key worker regarding weaning and she was so reassuring, all the girls in the baby room and every room are so welcoming and happy, they all clearly have a great relationship with one another and are happy within their work because it really shows.
I feel so grateful to them all for welcoming my son and encouraging him to become more confident, putting his needs/routines seriously.
I definitely recommend this nursery to anybody.
Thank you.
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Review from Lily S (Mother of Child) published on 7 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child found it very difficult not being with or around her parents. She would cry and get very upset when coming to nursery. Staff were very supportive and put in additional settling-in days to support her joining nursery. The staff were patient with my child and me, gave me regular updates when
she first started and now has settled in very well. The staff are very friendly and my child is enjoying nursery. She is also so much better with being around people and has more confidence.
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Review from Andrea J (Mother of Child) published on 7 November 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am so pleased that I was able to send my 1-year-old son to Busy Bees. My eldest son went here a few years back and really did so well.
The staff are friendly and take the time to let you know how the day has been for your child.
The app is great as it lets me see how the day has been for him before
I even get there to pick him up.
You get value for money here and I wouldn't send my child anywhere else. The food is always nutritious and varied. My son settled very quickly here and it helps to know that when you drop him off in the mornings that he will be well looked after and feels happy and secure there.
Overall, very happy with the nursery.
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Review from F Z (Mother of Child) published on 18 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 19-month-old has been attending Busy Bees at Hempstead for one month, twice per week. I was initially quite anxious about sending her to nursery and was nervous she would hate it, but I have so far been really impressed with the nursery and absolutely wonderful staff!
I love how friendly and happy
all the staff are at drop-off, it feels nice to see my child being greeted with a big smile each time and makes me feel confident she will have a good day!
The app is such a great resource too. I love seeing updates on my child throughout the afternoon. Just small things like seeing what she's eaten and sometimes a photo showing what she's been up to is a really nice way to communicate to me as a parent that my child is doing well and in very capable hands!
I am so pleased we chose Busy Bees at Hempstead to send our child and would really recommend it to anyone, a very heartfelt thanks to all for making it a home-from-home environment for my child to explore, play and develop.
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Review from F K (Mother of Child) published on 14 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at Busy Bees always meet with a smile and are friendly. communication is always prompt if I ever need to get hold of staff which is always a reassurance in any nursery setting. Staff are also receptive if you voice concerns or queries. Thank you for making my daughter's time at Busy Bees enjoyable.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.865)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.865) out of 10 for Busy Bees Hempstead 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 21 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 21 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 4.865 for Busy Bees Hempstead is calculated as follows: ( (223 Excellents x 5) + (24 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 252 Ratings = 4.865
  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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bees Hempstead is based on 21 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 76 number of registered child places is 15.2, which has been reached with 21 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 (1)

Meet the Team (1)

Claire

Claire Arkell

Job Title: Centre Director Joined: 2014

Hello my name is Claire Arkell and I am the Nursery Manager at Hempstead Busy Bees.


I have been with Busy Bees since they acquired the Kinder sites in March 2014.


I have been in childcare now for 11 years and hold a NVQ 3 in Children's Care Learning and Development. I have worked in a number of nurseries and for the last 9 years have been working at Management level. Along the way I have gained a lot of knowledge and experience which I reflect in my day to day practice, using this to guide the staff team and share my experience.


I attend regular training to improve my practice including, First Aid and Safeguarding.


It fills me with pride when you can see how the children flourish and develop in our care and become the individual people with shining characteristics that they are.

Frequently Asked Questions about Busy Bees Hempstead

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

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

What Days & Hours is Busy Bees Hempstead Open?

Busy Bees Hempstead 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 Hempstead have capacity for?

Busy Bees Hempstead has capacity for a total of 76 Children.

How far is Busy Bees Hempstead to the centre of Gillingham?

2.5 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 Hempstead to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Busy Bees Hempstead has an Enhanced Service - more info.