Busy Bees Fitzsimmons

32 Portsmouth Road, Guildford GU2 4DJ
Review Us
9.3 56 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Fitzsimmons, Guildford
Busy Bees Fitzsimmons is located in Guildford, a short 10-minute walk from Guildford High Street and the mainline station. Your child will flourish during their stay at nursery with the endless opportunities available. There are several rooms that are tailored to suit different age categories and developmental stages, all are equipped with age-appropriate toys, activities so that every child enjoys their stay at nursery.

To help with your child’s development, the devoted team carefully select and plan activities in line with the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) curriculum guidelines so that your child is prepared for the next steps in their educational journey. There is also a fantastic foundation class which further supports your child's preparation for the next key stage.

No matter the age of your child or where they are with their development, the qualified nursery team are there to offer support and guidance so that you can be rest assured that your child is receiving the highest quality care possible while at Busy Bees Fitzsimmons.

In addition to in-person updates at drop off and collection, your child's key worker will provide updates of what your child gets up to throughout the day via the Parent Zone App. This is a fantastic way to stay connected during your child’s stay at nursery so that you never miss any of those important milestones.
Show Busy Bees Fitzsimmons on the Map

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Bernie Thatcher (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 32

Total Places for Children

  • 128

Age Range

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

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays

Parking

  • They have lots of car park spaces as well as a buggy park.

Busy Bees Fitzsimmons Reviews (56)

9.3

Busy Bees Fitzsimmons has a Review Score of 9.3 (9.324) out of 10, based on 11 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Busy Bees Fitzsimmons has 56 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 51
  • 4
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 56
  • 3
  • 3
  • 11
  • 45
Reviewer Connection to Busy Bees Fitzsimmons
  • 49
  • 4
  • 2
  • 1
Total of 56, showing 1-20
Review from Laura M (Mother of Child) published on 9 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 3 children have all attended Busy Bees Fitzsimmons over the past 9 years until now. I am so sad that our time there is now up as my youngest is off to school, as it has really been a wonderful experience for them all. The staff are very loving and make my daughter smile and laugh a lot. They have
an excellent getting ready for school scheme which has been so good to prepare them for the big next step.
A truly lovely nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from L H (Mother of Child) published on 8 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my boys have attended this nursery and my youngest has just finished. This is a lovely nursery with good outdoor and indoor space and kind staff. I would thoroughly recommended, hence why the cousins have since started!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from M W (Mother of Child) published on 8 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been at Busy Bees Fitzsimmons for nearly three years and our two children absolutely love going there each day. It's a very welcoming nursery - the staff all take the time to speak to you and there is also a lovely parent community.
Each week, there are themed activities, including 'book'
and 'song' of the week which are detailed outside the classrooms so you know what the children are learning and can talk about it at home. The starting school programme has also been integral to helping my daughter get ready for this new chapter.
The garden is a great space, particularly in the summer where the children can explore the upper levels too.
Thank you, Fitzsimmons team!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from A C (Mother of Child) published on 20 September 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has attended Fitzsimmons for the past three years, and it has been absolutely outstanding. Staff are warm, supportive, fiercely inclusive and nurtured our child through every step. He's about to start school now and is completely ready for it thanks to the care and attention of the whole Fitzsimmons
team - from his key assistants in his classes to the top-notch catering.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Amy K (Mother of Child) published on 19 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees has played an essential role in both my two daughters development, with my one year old already showing positive signs having only being in their care for a month. Both my husband and I feel safe in the knowledge that they are being well looked after, challenged, developed and most importantly,
nurtured. No staff member cares less than the other and they all work together in ensuring our children are being fully supported. Communication is always very good and the in house events that are held are always good fun and a chance to chat to other parents and feel like a part of my children's’ BB experience.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Lauren H (Mother of Child) published on 18 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been going to Fitzsimmons 3-4 days per week for over 2 years, since she was a year old. We’ve found the staff to be excellent - well organised, caring and creative. The nursery is spacious inside and out and the staff come up with so many ideas for activities that help to develop physical,
emotional, and social skills. Little things happen all the time which make us think 'Wow, she must have learned that at nursery’. She has formed some great bonds with staff and other children. The nursery is also really good at updating the Parent App. It’s helpful to know about meals, nappies, and sleep - and see photos of what the children get up to - but in particular, we enjoy the monthly snapshots and longer reports at key milestones which give great insight into something developmental. Fitzsimmons is also great at organising special activities for parents to attend and even offers chats with the key persons periodically on a Saturday. Thank you team!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Ellie S (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is an exceptional nursery. The staff are fantastic and have been entirely consistent since our daughter started 1 and a half years ago, which is a testament to the place; she is so happy and safe in their care, bouncing in each morning. The facilities, especially the garden, are excellent, and
the staff run a wide-ranging programme of both stimulating and educational activities each day, which keep the little ones engaged. The team has been very supportive throughout all pivotal milestones, whether that be potty training or the arrival of a younger sibling, and we look forward to sending our second child to attend this nursery alongside her sister imminently - I have full confidence that she will also thrive in their care, and would confidently recommend the place to any other parent.
Reply from Bernie Thatcher, Manager at Busy Bees Fitzsimmons
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review! We're glad you have given your little one the best start in life with us. Best wishes, Busy Bees.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Sylvie F (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter started here in November after moving from a London nursery. The transition was seamless, thanks to the incredibly welcoming staff. The nursery's facilities and outdoor areas are outstanding, offering lots of space for play and exploration, which we found very impressive. The staff's dedication
to health and safety really stands out, a crucial aspect for us, given our daughter's history of seizures. Their attention to every child's needs and safety reassured us she was in the best hands.
The carers excel in creating fun, educational activities that engage and promote learning, contributing significantly to our daughter's social and educational development. She has shown great progress since joining and genuinely loves her time there, especially the bond she's formed with her carers.
We are incredibly pleased with our decision to choose Busy Bees Fitzsimmons and wholeheartedly recommend it to parents looking for a caring, safe, and stimulating environment for their children.
Reply from Bernie Thatcher, Manager at Busy Bees Fitzsimmons
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review! We're glad you have given your little one the best start in life with us. Best wishes, Busy Bees.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from J J (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have two children at Busy Bees Fitzsimmons (from age 12 months), and I could not rate the nursery more highly. The management runs a wonderful nursery, where both my children have been so happy, created wonderful bonds with the staff and developed more than I could have imagined. The staff are friendly,
polite and very nurturing towards the children. I am always very impressed with how much the kids learn and constantly surprised by their development, particularly relating to phonics, learning to write, numbers etc. Daily activities are well thought out and offer so much variety.
Special mention to the room managers, who have been amazing, and another member of staff who is endlessly helpful and a joy to see each morning.
Reply from Bernie Thatcher, Manager at Busy Bees Fitzsimmons
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review! We're glad you have given your little one the best start in life with us. Best wishes, Busy Bees.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Lucia P (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees Fitzsimmons is a wonderful nursery - my daughter has been attending for a couple of months now, and I have been so impressed with the nursery - the staff are incredibly attentive, the activities for the children are great fun, and the food is nutritious and varied. Couldn’t be happier to have
sent my little one here, and I look forward to seeing her progress through the different age groups!
Reply from Bernie Thatcher, Manager at Busy Bees Fitzsimmons
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review! We're glad you have given your little one the best start in life with us. Best wishes, Busy Bees
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Ashleigh M (Mother of Child) published on 19 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees Fitzsimmons is an outstanding nursery, my son has attended full-time since he was 11 months old and we/he couldn't be happier here. The staff are incredible and form such special bonds with the children. The rooms are extremely well equipped and there are lovely outside areas which are utilised
year-round. Management at the nursery are amazing, going above and beyond to ensure the most supportive and caring environment. As a parent to a child with allergies, I have complete confidence in their ability to care for him, I would recommend Busy Bees Fitzsimmons to anyone in a heartbeat.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Gerard M (Father of Child) published on 18 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter was very happy at nursery and pre-school for 4 years and became close with the staff and made some of her first friendships. Overall we are very happy with the service, care and level of professionalism. Thank you.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Fitzsimmons
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 the best start in life with us. Best wishes, Busy Bees
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from R C (Mother of Child) published on 18 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We’ve had an excellent experience at Fitzsimmons. The facilities are great, especially the outdoor play areas. The staff are kind, caring and thoughtful, and they really go the extra mile and make sure the parents are doing okay too. The preschool has played such an important part in getting our son
ready for school. Our family have loved it there, and we would recommend them to anyone.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Fitzsimmons
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 the best start in life with us. Best wishes, Busy Bees
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Richard G (Father of Child) published on 19 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is an outstanding nursery led by an extremely competent, kind and caring management team. My son and daughter have been here full time from the ages 6 months to pre-school and throughout that time they have absolutely loved the activities, the staff and the facilities. Parents have easy access
to the overall nursery director as well as all the room managers so any questions have always been taken care of without issue. There have been many occasions where the room staff and management team have gone above and beyond to ensure children and parents get the best support they need. I would recommend this nursery without question.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Fitzsimmons
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
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Y A (Mother of Child) published on 3 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bee Fitzsimmons is an outstanding nursery. Our daughter absolutely loves going there and we know she is in the best hands possible. The nursery is well managed, the activities for the kids are not only fun but also focus on developing their skills, the meals are freshly prepared and offer great
variety and the staff working with the children are just amazing. There is a big space outside for the kids to play which our daughter enjoys so much!
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Fitzsimmons
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
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Rachel C (Mother of Child) published on 22 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees Fitzsimmons is a fantastic nursery. Extremely well run, with a real focus on keeping children engaged, active and nurtured. I feel assured every day that my daughter is in the best possible hands.
Activities are thoughtfully prepared by knowledgeable practitioners, the facilities are excellent,
and the outdoor space is wonderful.
The children are met every day by happy, smiling faces and make real connections with the staff and their peers.
Couldn’t be happier!
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Fitzsimmons
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
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Lindsay F (Mother of Child) published on 1 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We couldn’t be happier with the nursery. My daughter has been here since she was 9 months old and settled in really well thanks to the great staff they have there. Lots of rooms, outside space and the staff really bond with all the children.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from E M (Mother of Child) published on 7 April 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery is such a fun, engaging environment for the children to be in. All the key workers are extremely attentive and always encourage the play and development of the children in their rooms. My two, always skip into nursery every morning and come away buzzing every evening, having had so much
fun in the day.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Emma W (Mother of Child) published on 8 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has absolutely loved her time at Fitzsimmons. The team are awesome. Caring, professional and fun. It has given her an incredible start, making learning fun. She has developed valuable skills and made many friends. Thank you team!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Heather K (Mother of Child) published on 28 May 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can't say enough good things about Busy Bees at Fitzsimmons nursery and strongly recommend them to anyone looking for a nursery for their child. My son started there when he was about one and a half years old, and I went back to work full-time. He loves it and has really blossomed there. The learning
and development are really tailored for each age group but also individually to each child while following the Early Years curriculum. The staff are professional, kind, caring, and knowledgable. They all seem to really love what they do, and it's palpable. The facilities and outdoor spaces are outstanding and always very clean and well maintained. My son loves the forest school offered on-site. The nursery fosters a great sense of community among the parents and children, including wreath-making classes at Christmas and story evenings. The food prepared for the children is of exceptionally high quality - tasty and nutritious, with two courses at lunch and tea. An amazing nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.3 (9.324)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.3 (9.324) out of 10 for Busy Bees Fitzsimmons 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 11 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.4 out of 5 from 11 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 4.894 for Busy Bees Fitzsimmons is calculated as follows: ( (119 Excellents x 5) + (12 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 132 Ratings = 4.894
  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 4.43 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bees Fitzsimmons is based on 11 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 128 number of registered child places is 25.6. 11 Positive Reviews ÷ 25.6 = 0.43
  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.

Loading

Loading Loading

Loading

Loading

Awards / Recognitions (3)

Meet the Team (1)

Bernie

Bernie Thatcher

Job Title: Centre Director

Hello, my name is Bernie and I am the Centre Director here at Guildford Fitzsimmons. I am very keen to provide a safe and stimulating environment for all the children, so parents can feel happy and confident whilst they are in our care. Being a mother, I realise how important it is that children have the best possible start in life.

Frequently Asked Questions about Busy Bees Fitzsimmons

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

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

What Days & Hours is Busy Bees Fitzsimmons Open?

Busy Bees Fitzsimmons is open: Monday 07:30-18:00, Tuesday 07:30-18:00, Wednesday 07:30-18:00, Thursday 07:30-18:00, Friday 07:30-18:00.

How many Children does Busy Bees Fitzsimmons have capacity for?

Busy Bees Fitzsimmons has capacity for a total of 128 Children.

How far is Busy Bees Fitzsimmons to the centre of Guildford?

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