Busy Bees Norfolk and Norwich Hospital

Colney Lane, Colney, Norwich NR4 7UX
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9.8 104 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, Norwich
Busy Bees Norfolk and Norwich Hospital has seven rooms that are well equipped and resourced with age-appropriate resources, together with three secure outdoor play areas and a nature garden.

Oftsed rated 'Strong' across all inspection areas in January 2026.

Staff look to see children stimulated and inspired based on their individual interests with a mixture of adult but mostly child-led activities through the inspiring 'Bee Curious' curriculum.

Professionals encourage the development of confident learners and a smooth transition into school life.

All meals are home-cooked and consist of fresh, seasonal ingredients and the nursery has consistently received five star ratings for food hygiene.
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Funding & Fees

Contact Busy Bees Norfolk and Norwich Hospital to get a personalised quote.

Contact Busy Bees Norfolk and Norwich Hospital to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Sarah Radford (Centre Director)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 36

Total Places for Children

  • 114

Age Range

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

Opening Times

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

When Closed

  • Bank Holidays & Christmas

Busy Bees Norfolk and Norwich Hospital Reviews (104)

9.8

Busy Bees Norfolk and Norwich Hospital has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.823) out of 10, based on 59 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Busy Bees Norfolk and Norwich Hospital has 104 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 104
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  • 59
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Reviewer Connection to Busy Bees Norfolk and Norwich Hospital
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Total of 104, showing 21-40
Review from Priyanka C (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has settled so well at Busy Bees. Everything has the personal touch which really helped her feel comfortable and safe. I couldn't be more proud of the nursery and I haven't got one thing I would change. She's so well looked after and it gives me such a peace of mind while I'm at work. Her
key worker Maddie is a star and gives us such a lovely update every day. They know each child as individuals and it's so special.
Also a little shout from out to Barry and the kitchen team because my daughter rarely leaves a morsel in her plate!
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Review from M G (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son is having a wonderful time at busy bees .I was worried at the beginning as a working mum and how I will leave him but the carers helped him settle very quickly and they always take a good care of him. Every time I go to pick him up he is happy playing around and enjoying himself
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Review from Leah W (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy bees is a fantastic nursery! My son has been attending for just over a year now and he has loved his time here! With the help of nursery staff he is developing into an amazing little boy. He learns so much and it's lovely to see what he gets up to on the app. All the staff are so friendly and we
have felt welcomed since day 1. His egg allergy is catered to so well, I never have to worry about it. When he he moved into the next room it's always handled so well and he always seems to be at ease! I couldn't recommend this nursery enough! 2
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Review from Nmesoma U (Mother of Child) published on 23 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was a bit anxious about my son starting nursery. I was worried about whether he was going to be well looked after, but the team at Busy Bees have supported him to settle in well and look after him. His communication and has greatly improved and he is a lot more social. It will be nice to have more
pictures about how his nursery day goes.
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Review from Holly M (Mother of Child) published on 23 March 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy has settled in so well at Busy Bees Norwich, they have made our little family feel so welcomed and safe to leave our boy there from day one. He has come on heaps with his skills and we love to see what he has been up to everyday. I would definitely recommend this nursery to friends and
family as we've found it perfect for our family!
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Review from V A (Mother of Child) published on 13 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees (NNUH) is really the best start to life! My child has spent his initial 4 years of life here. The staff are amazing and I can proudly say that my child'd development and confidence is all their hardwork and dedication. Can never thank them enough!
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Review from M C (Father of Child) published on 3 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It's a big moment leaving your child in the care of someone other than close family for the first time but the team at Busy Bees were so reassuring. settle sessions really got her used to the environment and the team couldn't have been more helpful to us and our daughter. Since starting nursery our
daughter has taken part in so many activities and we are so pleased with the updates we get each day. Our daughter has been going to the nursery for nearly a year and every morning she goes there is a big smile on her face. I have complete confidence in the ability of all staff and I can't wait for our daughter to continue her development at the nursery. Thankyou
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Review from K V (Father of Child) published on 1 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic Oaktrees staff. Our son has been really blossoming and learning so much about manners, songs, pre school orientation, space and solar system , ,,,. I could go on and on.
This is very much his ' home ' and comfort zone, and we know it will be a challenge starting school. My wife and myself
work full time and hence the nursery has been a real blessing to support us day to day.
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Review from Jenny C (Mother of Child) published on 1 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am so pleased that we picked busy bees for our daughter. She always has a lovely time and is so well looked after, the staff are always kind and supportive. They couldn't have made the transition into nursery and the transition into the older room easier.
My daughter has been at the nursery for almost
a year, she loves going and I love the daily updates of all the activities she has taken part in.
The nursery have put on some lovely events too, I was able to join my daughter one afternoon for a Mother's Day tea and had a great time! Thank you so much!
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Review from Aimee L (Mother of Child) published on 27 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son is in snowdrops class. We absolutely love busy bees and are really pleased with how he has been looked after. My son has severe food allergies and they have great procedures for this. My sons key person is so lovely towards the children. She recently wrote a report on him and the level of detail
showed how well she has got to know him, seeing all of his little quirks! Kate is also really good with my son - he finds separation difficult as drop off and she is fab with this.


My son was in bluebells before and 2 particular staff members were amazing. They sent me so many updates during the day, which was lovely to see. He still looks out for these ladies, even though he is no longer in their room.
The place is very clean and the children are really well looked after. Management communicate with parents well. We are really happy!

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Review from C S (Mother of Child) published on 27 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending since he was 9 months old and is now in Little Acorns (age 2). Information about his day is handed over well both in person and through the Busy bees app and the staff have been absolutely wonderful in his care throughout. The food is nutritious, well-balanced with an exceptional
variety and great care is taken of individual dietary requirements. The staff feel like extended family in that they really understand his personality and love sharing the little quirks and cheeky behaviour that he is showing more and more of. He has grown so much in confidence, loves the environment and activities, and is really encouraged to explore, learn and grow.
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Review from Hannah H (Mother of Child) published on 25 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter is currently in Oaktrees and son is in Sunflowers. We have received lots of support with our children over the years and the staff always work so hard and are so caring giving the reassurance that our children are in good hands.
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Review from C S (Mother of Child) published on 24 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started in the Buttercups room at 8 months old, just as seperation anxiety started to kick in. The nursery staff scheduled additional free settle in sessions before she started to give us both more confidence. She always seems to have a good time at the nursery, the pictures of her day are
so nice to see and she has a great bond with her key worker. The meals look delicious and healthy. All of the team are kind and caring. Would definitely recommend.
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Review from D B (Grandmother of Child) published on 24 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
our grandson is looked after very well by all the staff,
who clearly enjoying looking after the little ones.
He is always happy to stay and definitely well entertained and enjoys his meals and snacks
Thank you team
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Review from Ben C (Father of Child) published on 24 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff are caring and attentive. The nursery have clearly done a very good job supporting our child's development in a range of areas. As our child has moved from room to room and now into Little Acorns, staff have helped them to settle in quickly and smoothly. They will now totter off for breakfast
without a backwards glance.
The long hours provided are very convenient and the food is superb. Indoor facilities and resources are good; I would love to see more "nature" outside. The quality of communication has varied over time - not always giving us a great idea of how our child has spent the day. It has been better of late and hopefully the new app will help staff with this. Do expect to find entry/exit to the car park incredibly frustrating!
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Review from J K (Mother of Child) published on 24 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Both my sons have and are attending busy bees the oldest one has been through every room and is now in oak trees the preschool room my youngest gets is currently in snowdrops. Both my children have really enjoyed their time at nursery, both struggle with drop offs but mostly have a fantastic time when
they are there. The staff are friendly and open and honest, I do feel ratios could be better in the older classes and 2-3 year class is absolute chaos. Unfortunately the nursery does seem to have a high turnover of staff which can be difficult for the children. The menu is exceptional and my little boy says he wishes he could eat his food their every day it's very varied and healthy meals. They spend a lot of time outside, lots of singing, painting, story time. It's a lovely place for children to grow
Reply from Sarah Radford, Centre Director at Busy Bees Norfolk and Norwich HospitalHi there! Thank you so much for your feedback. I want to reassure you that we're fortunate to have a very stable team at the moment - although we experienced higher staff turnover a few years back, things have really improved and stabilised since then. We're also proud to be currently overstaffed, which is quite rare in childcare right now so we're counting ourselves lucky in this respect! This means we can provide care that exceeds our legal ratio requirements. I hope this information helps ease any concerns you had!
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Review from Kayleigh G (Mother of Child) published on 24 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy started buttercups 1 month ago and I have already seen a difference in how his confidence has grown and how much he has developed in such a short time all with the help of the wonderful staff in the room with him. They are very reassuring and update me regularly with photos and all the
meals he's had throughout the day. They will always do their best to make sure he feels settled which makes going back to work that little bit easier to know he's happy. Thank you! Definitely recommend!
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Review from Janine B (Mother of Child) published on 24 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy ! Has been attending Busy Bees for 2.5 years and now in Oak Trees. The staff and managers are super kind and not having close family by , Busy Bees are part of an extended family to us and my son. Incredibly accommodating and kind, over the years they have all helped us navigate my son's
speech delay and support us with this difficult experience. I would give them a million stars if I could. Thank you for everything you do. You are all very much appreciated
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Review from Charlotte D (Mother of Child) published on 24 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been going to Busy Bees since she was 11 months old. She is currently in little acorns and absolutely loves going in in the morning. She is always happy at the end of the day and talks about the children she plays with and the lovely people that work there. The key workers make a wonderful
effort for special occasions like Mother's Day and the daily handovers are great. They always seem to genuinely enjoy what they do.
The food they serve the children always sounds so interesting and varied, our daughter often eats second a portion!!
So glad we chose this nursery.
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Review from H H (Mother of Child) published on 24 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending this nursery since 2022 and my son since last year. I think the staff in all the rooms (currently sunflower and oaktrees) make the nursery a really special place. They are all so brilliant and caring. I feel very fortunate to have sent my kids here- and feel they have
both learnt invaluable lessons in friendship, sharing and confidence from their time at busy bees. Thanks so much to everyone at busy bees!
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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.823)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.823) out of 10 for Busy Bees Norfolk and Norwich Hospital is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 59 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 59 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 4.823 for Busy Bees Norfolk and Norwich Hospital is calculated as follows: ( (592 Excellents x 5) + (105 Goods x 4) + (10 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 707 Ratings = 4.823
  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 Norfolk and Norwich Hospital is based on 59 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 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 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 114 number of registered child places is 22.8, which has been reached with 59 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

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Awards / Recognitions (1)

Meet the Team (1)

Sarah

Sarah Radford

Job Title: Centre Director

Welcome! I am Sarah and I'm the manager of Busy Bees, Norwich Hospital. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, and I look forward to meeting you and your family

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Busy Bees Norfolk and Norwich Hospital to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Busy Bees Norfolk and Norwich Hospital has an Enhanced Service - more info.