Busy Bees Ashbourne

13 Derby Road, Ashbourne DE6 1BE
Review Us
8.5 94 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Ashbourne, Ashbourne
Busy Bees Ashbourne offers many fantastic facilities for the children in its care.

There is a gorgeous, homely baby room complete with sofa, chandelier and fireplace, where staff are trained by award-winning expert trainer Mary Barlow, from Totem Pole.

The nursery offers a large hall with a free flow system into the garden for children to explore freely. The unique and spacious garden with its own growing area is specially designed to enhance children's learning.

A self-serve dining hall allows children to develop self-help skills. Meals and snacks are home cooked and prepared onsite using fresh produce.
Show Busy Bees Ashbourne on the Map

Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Kelly Lambert (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 18

Total Places for Children

  • 81

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

  • There is parking directly outside the nursery on the road and the nursery has a car park to the rear of the nursery.

Busy Bees Ashbourne Reviews (94)

8.5

Busy Bees Ashbourne has a Review Score of 8.5 (8.497) out of 10, based on 4 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Busy Bees Ashbourne has 94 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 82
  • 12
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 94
  • 3
  • 3
  • 4
  • 90
Reviewer Connection to Busy Bees Ashbourne
  • 78
  • 10
  • 3
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 94, showing 1-20
Review from Kathryn G (Mother of Child) published on 30 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy has been going to Busy Bees Ashbourne for just over 6 months and we've had a fantastic experience. The staff are all lovely and attentive, they have really got to know our boy and he's very well cared for. They spend lots of time outside and doing activities. The food is also great, with
loads of variety! We have never had any issues and our little one seems very content and happy there.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Lauren S (Mother of Child) published on 14 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Friendly staff, great food, always willing to answer questions. Great activities for the kids
Great size rooms with good selection of toys
Both my children always seem happy to be there and enjoy going
I feel nursery is expensive, the funded hours help but it expensive for families however I think
Busy Bees prices are about standard for the area
The hours offered are great and cover what we need as a family
Management are very friendly
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Emma C (Mother of Child) published on 7 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has been attending Busy Bees Ashbourne since he was 11 months old. He's now 17 months and is really thriving there. The staff are always so positive, friendly and kind, and it really shows in the care and support he receives. He's settled really well and is learning and exploring new things
every day. Much more than I'd be able to do with him at home. We feel really happy that he's safe and content while at nursery and love seeing the updates on the app. We couldn't recommend the team and setup at Busy Bees Ashbourne highly enough.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Helen D (Mother of Child) published on 20 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A great nursery that my daughter absolutely loves attending. It’s been fantastic to see how much she’s learnt and developed over the 2.5 years she has been there. The management and all the staff are amazing and it’s a really friendly and welcoming environment for the children and parents/carers alike.
Good range and balance of activities to ensure the children both have lots of fun and learn new skills. It’s great to have somewhere that we know our daughter is happy, safe, well fed and well cared for and we couldn’t be happier with our choice of nursery.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Melissa H (Mother of Child) published on 5 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We couldn't be happier with Busy Bees Nursery in Ashbourne. Our little boy absolutely loves it and has come on leaps and bounds since starting with them in February. Absolutely amazing team and management.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Ashbourne
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. Best wishes, Busy Bees
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Jessica B (Mother of Child) published on 24 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We moved to the area after living in the US and my daughter was welcomed with open arms. Busy Bees has been fundamental in her settling in here and she speaks so fondly of all the staff and team. She is learning, more and more social, experimenting with new foods and comes home happy and full of lovely
stories from the day.
We can’t thank Busy Bees enough for their involvement in helping us make here our new home.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Ashbourne
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 Charlotte S (Mother of Child) published on 20 July 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot rate Busy Bees, Ashbourne Day Nursery highly enough. All the staff are kind, friendly and very caring. I love the app, it's great to know what they are doing each day and getting photos. The variety of food is excellent and really gets the kids trying new things. The staff are very thoughtful
when it comes to special dates, making cards and other crafts. I would recommend Busy Bees to any of my friends and family.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Ashbourne
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 K D (Mother of Child) published on 18 July 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff are very caring and will pass any update if any concerns or upset at drop off, which is appreciated. My child really enjoys nursery and is learning lots and developing new words and skills as a result of time there.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Ashbourne
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 M P (Mother of Child) published on 30 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Warm, welcoming and friendly staff makes the whole experience feel more comfortable and relaxed! The children’s activities are all based on the development of them according to age! Would highly recommend this nursery as it has made it so much easier returning to work knowing my child is here.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Ashbourne
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 Allysha R (Mother of Child) published on 28 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been very happy with the care received from Treetops Ashbourne over the years. We have used them to care for our daughters continuously from 2020 and have never had any issues. All of the staff are very helpful and friendly and understanding. I would highly recommend.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Ashbourne
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 M N (Father of Child) published on 20 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A very safe and friendly nursery I couldn't recommend more! There is nowhere else we would choose.
We have sent both our children there and both settled into nursery life perfectly thanks to them! Our first child loved her time there and it set her up perfectly for school.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Ashbourne
Hello, wow! Thank you for this glowing review! We are delighted your little one's have had a good experience at our Ashbourne nursery.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best beginnings. Celebrate…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Lucy H (Mother of Child) published on 20 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter joined preschool in October after we relocated to Ashbourne and she enjoys going in to learn and play with her friends. The staff have been amazing, they are always there if I need any advice or guidance whether that be face-to-face or via email. The manager has made us feel extremely welcome
ever since our first visit to the setting. She and her staff have gone out of their way to ensure we have settled in. The preschool staff always take the time to talk on pick up to run through my daughter's day. My daughter's key person has been an instrumental part of her settling into her new class and talks about her regularly. I have attended a number of stay-and-play sessions, these are great and a wonderful opportunity to see what my daughter does on a daily bases. As a parent, it’s comforting to know that my daughter is happy, safe, well fed and well looked after when I leave her in the morning.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Ashbourne
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 T R (Father of Child) published on 20 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent nursery. My son loves going there. Always smiles when he’s dropped off and always looks happy and content when collected. The staff are excellent with him and always very informative and helpful whenever asked. They are very accommodating towards any change of circumstances that we have.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Ashbourne
Hello, wow! Thank you for this glowing review! We are delighted your little one is having a good experience at our Ashbourne nursery.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best beginnings. We’re…read more
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Joanna T (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great stay and play. Great to see the nursery environment.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Ashbourne
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 Lisa T (Mother of Child) published on 12 January 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We had a lovely afternoon at stay and play. The staff were all really friendly, setting up different activities for us to take part in with our child. It was great to see how the children are taught and the types of activities they are involved in. This was our first opportunity since COVID and we absolutely
loved it. My daughter was so excited to see us, showing us all around her areas. The staff were giving us updates while we were there as well so we got to hear more about how she is getting on. Looking forward to our next opportunity to visit.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Ashbourne
Hello, we love reading feedback like this! Thank you for sharing it with us; we will pass on your lovely comments to the team at Ashbourne. Best wishes, Busy Bees
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Nicola T (Mother of Child) published on 28 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
All carers know the child personally and have a genuine connection and understanding of needs/wants/preferences. All carers take time to debrief with the parents at the end of the day and keep details updated on the app.
Reply from Evleen Price, Senior Digital Manager at Busy Bees Ashbourne
Hello, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this lovely review! We're delighted that you're giving 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 Dani M (Mother of Child) published on 24 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at Busy Bees Ashbourne are amazing - the standard of care for the children can not be beaten. All staff are friendly, welcoming and no question goes unanswered - always being kept up to date and my child loves spending their day at the nursery. It has helped grow her confidence massively.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Emma H (Mother of Child) published on 19 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started nursery in January 2022 when she was 10 months old and instantly settled into the baby room. She loves every second of being there. The staff are brilliant and always answer any questions I have. They made me feel really relaxed when dropping her off and leaving her. I have recommended
the nursery to plenty of my friends.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Emma H (Mother of Child) published on 8 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are very friendly. My daughter loves going to nursery. Very helpful with potty training, cracked it in a week. Not overly happy that they give vegetarian sausages for lunch, what's wrong with normal ones!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from J L (Father of Child) published on 29 April 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have sent all three of my children to Busy Bees in Ashbourne, starting in 2009. The management has changed, as has ownership, but what hasn't changed is the dedication, happy and smiling faces and high standards that the evolving staff have displayed throughout. Not that I have a fourth child, but
if I did, I would happily send them there.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 8.5 (8.497)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.5 (8.497) out of 10 for Busy Bees Ashbourne 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 4 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.6 out of 5 from 4 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 Ashbourne is calculated as follows: ( (43 Excellents x 5) + (4 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 48 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 3.622 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bees Ashbourne is based on 4 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 = 3.375
    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 81 number of registered child places is 16.2. 4 Positive Reviews ÷ 16.2 = 0.247
  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 (1)

Meet the Team (1)

Kelly

Kelly Lambert

Job Title: Centre Director Joined: 2016

Hi, my name is Kelly Lambert and I am the Centre Director here at Busy Bees Ashbourne.


I look forward to showing you around our beautiful nursery in Ashbourne.

Frequently Asked Questions about Busy Bees Ashbourne

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

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

What Days & Hours is Busy Bees Ashbourne Open?

Busy Bees Ashbourne 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 Ashbourne have capacity for?

Busy Bees Ashbourne has capacity for a total of 81 Children.

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

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