Busy Bees Stowmarket

The Buntings, Cedars Park, Stowmarket IP14 5GZ
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8.7 35 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Stowmarket, Stowmarket
Busy Bees Stowmarket welcomes children between two months and five years of age to a versatile interior, fully-equipped to support key early years learning goals through both group and individual play and staffed by a trained and experienced team.

The facility has been purpose-built to suit the learning and development of pre-school children, offers parents the use of a convenient private care park and has an excellent outdoor play area that proves a real advantage to the daily activities youngsters experience and enjoy.
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Funding & Fees

Contact Busy Bees Stowmarket to get a personalised quote.

Contact Busy Bees Stowmarket to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Kim Eve-Pettit (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 20

Total Places for Children

  • 112

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

Busy Bees Stowmarket Reviews (35)

8.7

Busy Bees Stowmarket has a Review Score of 8.7 (8.693) out of 10, based on 6 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Busy Bees Stowmarket has 35 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 35
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Reviewer Connection to Busy Bees Stowmarket
  • 32
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Total of 35, showing 1-20
Review from Laura A (Mother of Child) published on 23 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl has been attending since April 2025, she absolutely loves the nursery. All the staff are super friendly and update me on my little ones day. They are super good with updating the app so I can see what my child is up to / what she is eating.
The office staff are lovely and super helpful
if you have any queries.
They have lots of space and brilliant outdoor space.
My little one gets so excited when she knows she is going to nursery. We love busy bees and would recommend to any parents.
The fact they have such a big waiting list speaks for itself, they are super! We are on the waiting list for 2027 for baby number 2 already.
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Review from Charlotte C (Mother of Child) published on 20 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My two children have attended Busy Bees over the past 4 years and we have been so pleased with their provision. The staff are caring and really get to know the children, supporting their individual interests. We particularly like the wide variety of foods offered though the nursery menu.
The children
spend lots of time outside which both of my children have loved.
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Review from L C (Mother of Child) published on 20 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son is in his last year at Busy Bees before he starts school and he has absolutely loved and thrived in every room he's been in. He's built fantastic relationships with staff, they are warm and caring and go above and beyond to make him feel happy and confident.
Hand overs are great, we really
get to know what he's been up to during the day and it's lovely to be able to continue talking about this at home. Activities are always varied, from reading, songs and arts and crafts, and so much thought goes into them, including linking them to particular national themes, like fire safety day. We really feel that he is school ready and Busy Bees has played a huge part in that. Office staff are always so friendly and helpful and make parents and children feel welcomed from the minute they buzz you through the door. Our second son starts Busy Bees soon and we know he will be so well cared for and love it there too.
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Review from Danielle M (Mother of Child) published on 20 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been attending Stowmarket Busy Bees Nursery since September 2024.
She has been in two different rooms during her time at nursery, and in both her previous room and her current one, the staff have been absolutely wonderful. We completely trust them and feel confident that they make
the right judgement calls, especially if our daughter is unwell.
The nursery provides a fantastic variety of meals, and it's so reassuring to know she's being encouraged to try lots of different foods. It's lovely to see how many staff members have been there long-term - it says so much about the nursery.
Kim, the manager, is amazing. If any issues arise, she takes them seriously, makes sure we feel heard as parents, and acts immediately. All of the staff are incredibly friendly, and every time we're at nursery, anyone we pass says hello - it's such a welcoming environment and makes it easy to get to know everyone. A special mention to Holly, Kelly, Caitlin's (x2), Katie, Gemma & Dani
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Review from Kirsty C (Mother of Child) published on 20 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I would highly recommend busy bees! All of the staff have been so welcoming and lovely to us, even those that do not work closely with my little one, we always get a smile and a hello from everyone we see.
Starting nursery was tricky for us as we were in and out of hospital for the first year from
birth due to health issues at the time but staff made us feel safe when leaving our son in their care, always in contact and updating each other, staff will always welcome a conversation on collection and drop off and you never feel rushed to get out of their way when you are in their setting. The nursery is very clean and spacious. Their food choices are brilliant (sometimes wish I had their menu choice for myself!).
We have always been happy with how we have been able to keep the same routine for our boy when he is at nursery, especially when he was under 1 years old, bottle times and nap times were always mirrored to the routine we had at home.
Very happy with the care our boy receives!
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Review from A S (Mother of Child) published on 20 January 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I've had two children in the nursery now my eldest left in the summer and youngest is now in the baby room and to date we have loved this nursery. The staff are amazing and so kind! Both children settled in quick and haven't had any issues. Staff are quick to let us know if our child has had an accident
or feeling unwell. Both children love attending the nursery and my eldest is always asking if he can go back to see his 'teachers' as he misses them.
I'll always recommend Busy Bees to family and friends and I feel my children are safe and happy being left here.
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Review from E G (Mother of Child) published on 30 November 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Our youngest attends Busy Bees Nursery. He is always happy to go and is greeted cheerfully by all members of staff. Staff give good feedback at the end of each day, and the app keeps parents up to date with meals, etc. The nursery holds regular parent evenings so we can keep updated about our child's
progress, but they are happy to talk with us at any time. The nursery has great facilities and a wide range of resources, and learning is linked well to our children's interests; they like it when we let them know about our weekend or if we have days out/holidays so they can extend learning further. Our child enjoys the food that they provide, and we know as parents what and how much has been eaten each day.
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Review from Sophie S (Mother of Child) published on 22 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has just finished Busy Bees ready to start school and we can’t thank Busy Bees enough for all of the help and support they have given us, my son has learnt so much and become so confident preparing him for school. My daughter also attends and loves the staff who look after her. They are so friendly
and supportive of whatever we need, they also have a huge garden which is great for my children who love being outdoors and always new fun activities to keep them entertained. The manager is very helpful and will do her best to accommodate, couldn’t recommend the nursery enough.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees StowmarketHello, 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
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Review from C L (Mother of Child) published on 18 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my children have attended Busy Bees. It is warm and friendly, both of my children loved going to Busy Bees and thrived within the setting. The were engaged and active, they had loads of opportunities to learn new things and skills. I would recommend Busy Bees.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees StowmarketHello, 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. Best wishes, Busy Bees
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Review from Rachael W (Mother of Child) published on 5 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees have been fantastic the whole time my son has been attending and have especially risen to the challenges the past year or so have given us all. He loves going and has never once said he doesn’t want to go. The activities they do are great fun, help him to engage and learn. He always eats pretty
much everything as well. I would recommend them to anyone.
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Review from Erin H (Mother of Child) published on 4 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We love Busy Bees. They are so caring and educational. They provide feedback and ideas on how to help children flourish. I could not be happier to have our son go there and highly recommend sending yours as well.
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Review from A B (Mother of Child) published on 6 August 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started nursery in June he is one year old and his key person has gone beyond my expectations in caring for him. She is kind and caring and really knows his personality. My son loves nursery and I know I have made the best decision in choosing Busy Bees.
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Review from G S (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I am very happy with the care my child has been given since starting in November 2019. The girls who look after him have been excellent. They are all very nurturing and always take time to feedback at the end of the day. He is very happy in his room, feels cared for and safe.
On a different note,
I am not finding the app very good since the update.
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Review from I C (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves her nursery and bonds really well with all the staff. All staff are welcoming and friendly. The office staff are always helpful if you need anything. The chefs are always trying new dishes that include a wide variety of healthy foods. I am really glad I chose this nursery as watching
my daughter being happy and excited to go in fills my confidence and trust to leave her there whilst I go to work.
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Review from Stacey W (Mother of Child) published on 31 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I love bringing my daughter to Busy Bees as it has benefitted both of us massively and she loves coming. The staff are all amazing and really put in the time to get to know you and your child. My daughter is always happy when I pick her up and she's had lots of fun all day. The staff are great at following
her routine and adapting it when it has changed at home. The management is excellent and all the staff are very approachable and understanding.
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Review from Samantha W (Mother of Child) published on 20 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been been attending Busy Bees at Stowmarket since October last year and I really can’t fault the nursery. The staff are great, they really care about the children who go there and the facilities are really good for each age group. My daughter is about to move up to Toddlers and the plan
in place to transition to the next room has been really good for her with her old and new key worker talking to me about how she has been doing with the move.
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Review from Thiloka M (Mother of Child) published on 20 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been extremely impressed with the way all the staff in Busy Bees Stowmarket look after my son and genuinely care. His key worker has taken a real interest in helping him develop various skills, and I was so happy to see how quickly she connected with him. Due to this close relationship that the
nursery staff have with my son, I totally trust their instincts about when he might be unwell and need time at home. You can tell as soon as you walk in, how committed to their roles and how much passion these ladies all have, I have a lot of respect for them and we are grateful for the care they provide our child.
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Review from H G (Mother of Child) published on 24 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has grown and developed so well under the guidance of the staff at Busy Bees. The balance of activities between play, play whilst learning and learning has been set perfectly.


Every member of staff is friendly, approachable and they are all clearly adored by the children.


The transition

from Busy Bees to primary school is being made very easy.


I shall be so sad when my daughter leaves and cannot rate this nursery highly enough.

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Review from Josie G (Mother of Child) published on 17 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter attends nursery on a full-time basis, she is currently part of the Toddler Room. We have had some recent separation anxiety issues when dropping her off in the morning and have needed to try and make some changes to her daytime routine to improve her sleep at night. The staff have been
excellent in helping to overcome these difficulties, offering some different distractions and a new morning regime to help with settling in and reducing the afternoon sleep on a permanent basis. Nothing has been too much trouble at all.


It can be an emotional challenge, for me in particular, having our daughter in nursery for so many hours every week, but we know she thoroughly enjoys being there, has lots of friends to play with and has good relationships with adults she trusts. I was recommended by several parents to consider Busy Bees as our nursery and now I do the same and refer people on myself, cannot recommend highly enough for everything they do for our daughter.

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Review from Nicola C (Mother of Child) published on 17 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Due to medical treatment, we couldn’t get a clear answer from my son's consultants if he could attend nursery. We were left to make that decision. We were recently told by one of the top hospital consultants that we should think about taking him to toddler groups and maybe start to think about nursery.
He’s been attending for 18 months now, 4 days a week! In that time he has been fully supported with his development and social skills. Any suggestions from his medical team are always embraced. My son has a lot of time at hospital and away from nursery but he is very well adjusted. He is thriving at Busy Bees. We all receive great support. His social development is not behind as it is normally for children that are in hospital a lot. This is all down to the Busy Bees team. I love seeing him do things that he has learned at nursery. It’s hard to see the difference between my son and any other child. This is down to the great care, help and support he’s received. No one is left behind.
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Current Review Score: 8.7 (8.693)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.7 (8.693) out of 10 for Busy Bees Stowmarket 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 6 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.8 out of 5 from 6 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 4.875 for Busy Bees Stowmarket is calculated as follows: ( (63 Excellents x 5) + (9 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 72 Ratings = 4.875
  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 3.818 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bees Stowmarket is based on 6 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 = 3.55
    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 112 number of registered child places is 22.4. 6 Positive Reviews ÷ 22.4 = 0.268
  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)

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Kim Eve-Pettit

Job Title: Centre Director

Hello, my name is Kim and I am the Centre Director here at Busy Bees Stowmarket.


I have worked at the nursery for 11 years, progressing my way up to my current role. I have just returned from maternity leave for my first child. I lead a highly motivated and passionate team, who are eager to truly give the children in our care the Best Start in Life.


I look forward to meeting new families and showing them around our fantastic.

Frequently Asked Questions about Busy Bees Stowmarket

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

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

What Days & Hours is Busy Bees Stowmarket Open?

Busy Bees Stowmarket 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 Stowmarket have capacity for?

Busy Bees Stowmarket has capacity for a total of 112 Children.

How far is Busy Bees Stowmarket to the centre of Stowmarket?

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