Busy Bees Major Minor Lightwater is located on a quiet residential road in an Edwardian building which was formerly a hotel. The building is creatively purpose-designed, with three main rooms – Harmony, Melody and Symphony – for babes, toddlers and pre-school children. All rooms were refurbished in October 2016.
There is an outside play area which can be directly accessed from all rooms. This can be used all year round, with a large sun shade on the decked area and a covered area to allow children to get fresh air and experience time outside in all weather.
The garden also features a Hobbit House for imaginative role play, climbing frames, and a kitchen garden area where children can grow vegetables and flowers.
Group: Busy Bees Nurseries Ltd
Person in charge: Emma Maclean (Nursery Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services: Surrey County Council
Number of Staff: 17
Service Offered: Day Nursery (Privately Owned), Open all year, Full Day Care, Sessional Day Care
Total Places for Children: 50
Age Range: from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months
Opening Days: Mon-Fri
Opening Hours: 0800-1800
When Closed: Bank Holidays & Christmas
Fees Guide: £330 per week full time 0-2 years
Admission Information: 3 months to 5 Years
Languages Spoken (other than English): Hindi, Panjabi, Punjabi
Directions:
The nursery is on Macdonald Road.
Parking:
There is on site parking available for easy drop off and pick up.
The Review Score of 9.7 (maximum of 10) for Busy Bees at Lightwater is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.
a) The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 20 Reviews over all time. This Average Rating is also the rating value for Busy Bees at Lightwater in Google's Search Results - more info
b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5 out of 5 from 10 positive Reviews in the last 12 months.
a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating of all Reviews over all time. For each review the Day Nursery / service is rated Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, Poor or Very Poor on a number of areas eg Staff, Management etc. The Day Nursery receives points for each rating as follows: Excellent = 5. Good = 4. Satisfactory = 3. Poor = 2. Very Poor = 1. These points are added up and then divided by the total number of completed ratings to generate the average rating.
The Average Rating of 4.682 for Busy Bees at Lightwater is calculated as follows: ( (169 Excellents x 5) + (64 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 239 Ratings = 4.682
b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 12 months. If there are no Positive Reviews in the last 12 months, then 2.5 points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 2 years. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with 'Extremely Likely' or 'Likely' in answer to the question 'How likely are you to recommend this Day Nursery to friends and family?'
The 5 points available are broken down as follows:
4 points are available for the first 5 Positive Reviews, 3 points for the first Positive Review and then 0.25 Points for each of the next 4 Positive Reviews.
1 point is available for reaching a target number of Positive Reviews based on 20% of the number of registered maximum number of service users. If the target is partially reached then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Day Nursery with 50 registered maximum number of service users has a target of 10 Positive Reviews, if it has 10 or more Positive Reviews it will receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews will receive 0.7 points.
If there are no Positive Reviews in the last 12 months, then 2.5 points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 2 years. The calculation is the same as above, except the points are divided by 2.
The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bees at Lightwater is based on 10 positive Reviews in the last 12 months and is calculated as follows:
3 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 = 4
Target of 10 positive Reviews (50 registered maximum number of service users ÷ 5). 10 Reviews ÷ 10 Target = 1.000
When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
Busy Bees at Lightwater has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.682)
Review submitted from a Website Submission by Gemma C (Mother of Child) on Friday 23 March 2018. Relates to March 2018.
My daughter loves going to nursery. She started at 10 months old and is now in the preschool class. She goes 2 days a week. She loves the staff and is very happy there. It's great to drop her off knowing she'll have a great day and be well looked after. I love how friendly it is. I feel my daughter learns so much when there and the preschool class is fantastic. I would definitely recommend it to my friends.
How likely would you be to recommend Busy Bees at Lightwater? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by L H (Mother of Child) on Monday 19 March 2018. Relates to March 2018.
Both my boys have attended this nursery over the last five years and both have absolutely loved it, I would definitely recommend it to anyone locally!
The staff are genuine and kind and show very real concern, care and great interest in the children and their development. There are always lots of events and thought going into what the children do daily. The in-house chef has always made a difference to me as my fussy eaters were given hot meals throughout the day, we also liked the flexibility of the nursery and the hours they offer.
How likely would you be to recommend Busy Bees at Lightwater? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Amanda W (Mother of Child) on Saturday 17 March 2018. Relates to March 2018.
I have 2 children in the nursery full time. Over the last few months I've been impressed with the additional resources purchased for the children to give them more variety and learning experience. Senior management support with any issues I have had with the children (medical or otherwise) has also been very good.
It would be great to see the children visit the country park we have in Lightwater in the warmer months to give them some variety.
How likely would you be to recommend Busy Bees at Lightwater? Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Alison D (Mother of Child) on Tuesday 13 March 2018. Relates to February 2018.
My son is a very happy little boy at Busy Bees in Lightwater. The nursery has given him confidence with other children in safe, secure surroundings. Each day is varied and at the end of each day, I receive a full report of the day including meals. The meals are balanced and healthy and my son eats well.
The children are encouraged to have plenty of fresh air which is good. If you have any specific requirements for your child, the nursery staff take this on board.
In terms of development needs, the staff are well trained to develop the child's specific needs. There are parents evenings to discuss any issues or concerns which are really useful. The nursery has a themed calendar throughout the year for each event of the year which encourages the children to learn about events and dress up. There are also events for the parents which is good. My son will stay with Busy Bees until he goes to school in this happy environment.
How likely would you be to recommend Busy Bees at Lightwater? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Louise D (Mother of Child) on Tuesday 13 March 2018. Relates to March 2018.
Neither of my children want to leave at pick up time which shows they really enjoy their days at nursery!
It being a smaller nursery means it’s ideal for children who only attend part-time like mine. They still feel settled as it’s small enough that they know everyone there.
The menu is great and the activities varied and well planned.
They love the staff, who are always really caring.
How likely would you be to recommend Busy Bees at Lightwater? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Abigail D (Mother of Child) on Tuesday 13 March 2018. Relates to March 2018.
I have nothing but praise for this nursery setting. There was no other choice when I was looking for a nursery for my daughter as my son had previously been in the setting.
How likely would you be to recommend Busy Bees at Lightwater? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by N K (Mother of Child) on Monday 5 February 2018. Relates to January 2018.
A wonderful nursery. The staff are so caring and lovely with the children. Both my children settled very quickly. Highly recommend.
How likely would you be to recommend Busy Bees at Lightwater? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Tiffany C (Mother of Child) on Tuesday 17 October 2017. Relates to October 2017.
A kind and welcoming setting with a great array of activities and toys for our 3 year old. A great approach to learning and helping the children to achieve.
How likely would you be to recommend Busy Bees at Lightwater? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Tricia (Mother of Child) on Wednesday 4 October 2017. Relates to August 2017.
Very warm and caring staff. A lovely 'home from home' environment for children to flourish in. Great facilities, my children both loved it!
How likely would you be to recommend Busy Bees at Lightwater? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Mandeep S (Father of Child) on Tuesday 6 June 2017. Relates to May 2017.
My daughter would be starting school in September 2017. When she started the nursery in September 2015 she was enrolled for speech therapy as she was delayed in her speech. I can not thank the nursery enough on how far my daughter has come in her speech and she has gained the confidence to start the school. Small setting with individual attention to the needs of the children. Very happy with the care she has received and would recommend the nursery to all.
How likely would you be to recommend Busy Bees at Lightwater? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Joanne A (Mother of Child) on Monday 13 February 2017. Relates to February 2017.
My daughter has been at the nursery for 7 months she loves the nursery. She has settled so quickly the staff are amazing really friendly and happy.
She's come on so much developmentally wise since starting. It prompts me to try new things as well. She enjoys all the activities and is happy when I go to pick her up. I could not recommend a better nursery.
How likely would you be to recommend Busy Bees at Lightwater? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Victoria B (Mother of Child) on Wednesday 30 November 2016. Relates to November 2016.
I'd really like to thank you all for making Freddie feel so welcome since he started in October.
It's been a huge milestone for my son starting a pre-school environment and he has received amazing support from staff across all rooms.
I'd like to especially thank the pre-school teacher who has taken the time and patience with him while he continues to settle. The pre-school member of staff also for providing comfort and cuddles when I've had to peel him off me, hand him over and go!
Whether it's the ABC song, nativity, trying a new food or telling me his colours in French, I can see my son coming on a treat in your care and I'm happy he's happy :)
Thank you
How likely would you be to recommend Busy Bees at Lightwater? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Jo L (Mother of Child) on Saturday 26 November 2016. Relates to November 2016.
Excellent nursery, highly recommend it to any parents. My son loves it and never wants to come home! The activities they do are varied and include little kickers and theatre bugs. The children are always doing different activities and the food is good.
How likely would you be to recommend Busy Bees at Lightwater? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Joanna W (Mother of Child) on Friday 25 November 2016. Relates to November 2016.
Our daughter (nearly 3) has been at Busy Bees at Lightwater Majors for nearly a month.
She had some excellent settling sessions where the staff spent time getting to know her and making her feel confident.
She enjoys going to nursery as she comes home enthusiastically and often talks about it on the days she doesn't go. The staff respect her interests and her personality. They respect the fact that she doesn't always want to eat - they encourage but never force her to eat.
We always have an informative breakdown of her day when we collect her which is helpful. For example, we are told how long she has slept for, what she has eaten and the activities she has taken part in.
We're very pleased so far and our daughter seems very happy.
How likely would you be to recommend Busy Bees at Lightwater? Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Jodie G (Mother of Child) on Thursday 24 November 2016. Relates to November 2016.
I'm very glad my daughter attends this nursery, she always comes home happy and tells me about everything she has learnt. The staff are very friendly and have taught my daughter a lot to which I am very grateful!
How likely would you be to recommend Busy Bees at Lightwater? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Catherine C (Mother of Child) on Thursday 24 November 2016. Relates to November 2016.
Overall a lovely nursery environment with great a team. Appreciate the effort that goes into setting weekend charity events, parent social evenings, the weekly round up emails and the new facebook group. I have been impressed with the range and quality of the food that my daughter receives and the various activities that happen during the day. The cost, however, is high even with both parents working full time however I do feel my daughter benefits from her time at nursery. It's a shame that when we take holidays we ended up still paying the same amount even though she's not there, I understand why but I wonder if there is a better way of managing it so you have the option to switch around days a few times a year.
I would like to say thank you to the whole team but particularly the staff who are normally there 1st thing for helping my daughter settle in every morning at the 07.30 drop off so I can get to work.
How likely would you be to recommend Busy Bees at Lightwater? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by A Y (Mother of Child) on Thursday 24 November 2016. Relates to November 2016.
The information provided at pick up is great, it's lovely to have visibility of what our daughter has been doing during the day.
Seeing what she is learning comes through at home when she spontaneously does things, eg the other day she showed me drawing little circles then big circles & was telling me in a sing-song voice.
Everyone is great at the nursery & I'd like to give a special mention about the two nursery nurses when my daughter tells me things about her day, I hear about all the caring little things that they both do like doing her hair, stroking her back at naptime or giving her a cuddle & these little things have a big impact.
How likely would you be to recommend Busy Bees at Lightwater? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Johanna H (Mother of Child) on Wednesday 23 November 2016. Relates to November 2016.
My daughter has been coming to the nursery since she was 6 months old and still unable to sit unaided. From my first visit to the nursery, I felt happy that my baby would be spending time there and just wished I'd had such a lovely nursery to attend as a child.
The staff are always friendly towards parents and attentive with the children. I have always felt that the children get lots of love and support, the staff seem to genuinely enjoy their time at work.
My little girl is just under 2 now and gets to play lots of games and carry out activities we don't do at home. The staff stretch the babies imaginations and abilities in a nurturing environment.
We hope to keep our daughter in the nursery until she is ready for school.
How likely would you be to recommend Busy Bees at Lightwater? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Catherine C (Mother of Child) on Wednesday 23 November 2016. Relates to October 2016.
Lovely friendly caring nursery. The staff are always welcoming with big smiles. The management are very engaged with parents and listen to our feedback. The nursery has recently been redecorated to a high standard.
How likely would you be to recommend Busy Bees at Lightwater? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Sarah B (Mother of Child) on Wednesday 23 November 2016. Relates to November 2016.
My son is happy. I feel he is well cared for. The nurturing atmosphere at nursery means I'm happy to leave him.
He is always happy when I collect him.
I feel that the people working there understand my son and genuinely care about him.
How likely would you be to recommend Busy Bees at Lightwater? Extremely Likely
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March 2018
Job Title: Nursery Manager
Joined: 2015
Description:
Hello my name is Avril and I am the Nursery Manager. I am currently level 3 qualified. I have worked within childcare for over 10 years.I have been on many training courses such as First Aid at Work, Pediatric First Aid, Basic Food Hygiene, Safeguarding, Designated Safeguarding officer, EpiPen, DPLO, Grief and loss, SENCO, Makaton and Safer Recruitment.I believe that every child is unique and special and they deserve the best start to life, and I feel privileged that I can be part of that.
Job Title: Deputy Manager
Joined: 2015
Description:
Hello my name is Emma and I am Deputy Manager of the Nursery I am also Training Mentor and Childcare Rep. I am currently Level 4 Qualified and doing my Level 5 qualification. I have worked in childcare for 7 and a half years. I enjoy my job because I like supporting staff progress within their job roles and also working within the rooms to help enable the environment to help stimulate the minds of the children.
Job Title: Room Manager-(Harmony)- 3 months to 2 years
Joined: 2017
Description:
Hello my name is Diana I am the Room Leader in Harmony, I hold a diploma in nursery nursing and an Early Years Foundation Degree which is a level 5. . I have had 20 years experience working in a variety of child care roles.I enjoy working with children because I can see their achievements and milestones.
Job Title: Room Manager-(Melody)- 2-3 years
Joined: 2016
Description:
Hello my name is Jo and I am Third in Charge and a Room Leader of Melody. I am also the nursery's Health and Safety officer which I enjoy doing. I am NVQ level 3 qualified within childcare. I have been working in Childcare for over 10 years which I have enjoyed every minute. I love my job in childcare because I like to teach the children and watch them grow and develop.
Job Title: Room Manager-(Symphony)- 3-5 years
Joined: 2016
Description:
Hello my name is Rhiannon I am the Pre-School teacher and Room Leader. The children call me ‘Miss Firth’. I am level 6 qualified as an Early Years Teacher. I have worked within Childcare for 2 and half years. I love my Job because I believe that between 0-5 year of age children learn the most in their lives so we have the most important job nurturing and teaching them and little people are amazing.