Busy Bees Northampton, Spinney Hill

Kettering Road, Northampton NN3 6AA
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8.6 53 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Northampton, Spinney Hill, Northampton
Busy Bees Northampton, Spinney Hill, is a purpose-built nursery with both indoor and outdoor play areas, six rooms that are suited to different age ranges, including a baby room, rooms for 1-2 year olds and 2-3 year olds, as well as a pre-school room.

The aim of carers is to help prepare children for the challenges of full-time education, while safeguarding all areas of health and security, helping parents to support a balanced diet and keeping up-to-date with regulatory requirements.
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Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Beth Merriman (Centre Director)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 45

Total Places for Children

  • 111

Age Range

  • from 0 years 6 months
  • to 5 years 0 months

Funding & Fees

  • Sessions start from £36

  • Terms and Conditions apply

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

Busy Bees Northampton, Spinney Hill Reviews (53)

8.6

Busy Bees Northampton, Spinney Hill has a Review Score of 8.6 (8.555) out of 10, based on 4 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Busy Bees Northampton, Spinney Hill has 53 reviews.

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Review from N D (Mother of Child) published on 8 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our time with Busy Bees has now come to an end over a period of almost 10 years, starting with my son and now daughter, with her having finished her last day today.
The staff members there are so dedicated and kind, many of whom remain to this day from the day we started there with my son (which speaks
volumes).
My daughter has thrived here and speaks so fondly of the staff and her key worker.
I briefly started my daughter at an alternative nursery based on location convenience but I had an uncomfortable niggling feeling when dropping off and picking up. Worried about transferring and causing my daughter to be unsettled, I eventually made the decision to move back to Busy Bees Spinney Hill and immediately felt like I'd made the right decision. I saw a noticeable positive change in my daughter's mood and her confidence grew.
She became so interested in nursery and always spoke of how much she loved the staff.
They've all been amazing and I'm sad our time there has come to an end
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Review from L S (Mother of Child) published on 25 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended this nursery since she was 11 months old and is now due to leave for school.
Throughout these 4+ years I do not have a single complaint. My daughter has excelled in all areas such as communication, confidence, education and so on.
My favourite thing about this nursery is
how genuine the staff are. When picking up my child I can really see that they genuinely care for her and her development.
Another plus is the app updates, this nursery are super on top of updating the app and we get multiple daily updates / pictures which is lovely.
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Review from A S (Mother of Child) published on 22 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy bees Spinney hill has been a great nursery setting for my son. He joined when he was just turned 3 and they helped settle him in and build friendship really well. My son has come on in confidence and learnt new daily life skills from being at this setting. He always comes home happy and has lots
of fun stories about his day. The staff are so kind and caring and really do want the best for your child. They are very supportive and always on hand to offer help or advise.
The setting is always clean, safe and happy.
The kids get to interact with the chef and my son finds that really fun and always tell me what he has had for his meals.
My son loves this nursery and for me that is the most important thing.
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Review from Lex S (Mother of Child) published on 18 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been going here since she was 11 months old, she's now nearly 19 months old. The girls have been absolutely fabulous and I can't thank them enough for the care they provide. It's a tough job and they all do it brilliantly. You always get a warm welcome on arrival. As we walk down the
corridor the staff we bump into are always really cheerful and chatty. They always say morning and know my little one by name, even if they're not from her room. She comes home with loads of artwork, which we absolutely love and we keep every single piece! They do lovely activities, they go outside, and they upload lovely pictures to the app. It's so reassuring to know that if my daughter is sad or having a bad day, she trusts the staff enough to be consoled and have a cuddle, and that speaks volumes. I am genuinely so thankful for the whole team and wouldn't dream of taking my daughter anywhere else. Keep up the fabulous work everyone.
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Review from Jenny M (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Staff are extremely friendly and communication has been excellent for the most part. If there are any problems the staff inform you promptly and give necessary advice. The only thing I would say is the child seems to do the same things day in day out. Maybe a little more variety would be good.
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Review from Simona F (Mother of Child) published on 19 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I came in for the first settle-in session on the 30th March 2022 and everyone from the centre director to key persons and admin were amazing and it was such a calm environment. I know for sure that my daughter is in good hands. Thank you.
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Review from Simone S (Mother of Child) published on 14 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started at Busy Bees around a month ago and I can honestly say, the whole experience has been outstanding. From an initial phone call, to looking around at nursery, to my son's settling in days, to his first full day. The team have always been welcoming, friendly and happy to answer any questions
you may have. Would definitely recommend and feel the manager and one other member of staff, in particular, are a credit to the company.
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Review from M B (Mother of Child) published on 14 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Would recommend this nursery. My child has come on leaps and bounds and always comes home saying what a good day one has had with all the fun learning activities. I have seen their confidence grow. The staff are always willing to sort out any issues that may arise and I am always kept up to date with
any changes, through a monthly update.
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Review from Tim H (Father of Child) published on 10 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started here in September 2021, while Covid restrictions were still in place. My 2-year-old son attends every day, all day and seems to love it. We never have any issues with him at drop off or pick up and he really seems to like the friendly staff. They are always doing things, from celebrating
the festival of light to Christmas cards and things and more recently, mothers day cards. They have a lovely garden out back, for the children to play in. Even through the tough times of Covid, the staff always have a smile on their face and take time to talk to you about your child. I also love that they have an app that bleeps on my phone, to say my son has eaten or slept or gone to the toilet. I feel my son is in a great place, where he will now stay until he starts school.
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Review from M H (Mother of Child) published on 7 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The ladies in the baby room are so lovely and really helped my daughter settle in. She was always coming home with artwork and they really cared for her during the tough covid times! Now my daughter has moved to the toddler room, her speech has come on so much as well as her confidence. The staff are
really lovely and my daughter smiles when she sees them. It has a car park so really easy for drop off and pick up. It has a big garden which has dedicated areas for each age group. Hopefully, with covid measures relaxing, parents will get to go inside a bit more. Also, love the app and getting updates through the day.
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Review from Adela F (Mother of Child) published on 24 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very pleased with Busy Bees, Spinney Hill Nursery. My daughter has been attending the nursery for about a year now and she is very happy. She loves all the activities they do every day. Her confidence has improved so much in the last few months. I highly recommend Busy Bees, Spinney Hill!
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Review from S U (Mother of Child) published on 23 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been attending this nursery since 2019 so just before he turned 1 year old. The staff have been amazing with him throughout and he loves going there. They have been especially good with helping him with his development, due to having hearing issues, but watching him and how much he has come
along with his speech, has been so emotional! He started pre-school from the beginning of this year and has suddenly grown up so fast in his uniform, telling everyone he is going to school already! I love receiving his photos via the app and all his artwork that he brings home!
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Review from Ellen H (Mother of Child) published on 23 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been going to Busy Bees, Spinney Hill for 14 months and has so much going on every day, he gets very excited when he pulls up outside nursery. The manager and the team have been great, supporting my son with his additional needs and helping us put referrals into place. They are always there
to answer any questions we have and will always help us the best they can. I cannot fault this nursery!
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Review from Sophie N (Mother of Child) published on 23 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Simply amazing! My daughter started with Busy Bees in October last year and she has come on leaps and bounds since starting! The staff are so lovely and are always updating the app for me to see all the lovely photos they have taken. They always update me when I come to pick my daughter up and tell
me what she’s been up to. I love it when she comes home with the amazing things she has made, the latest was a glittery mask that she was so proud of! Thanks, team Spinney!
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Review from Amaniel G (Father of Child) published on 27 January 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son is in the baby room, I know he is settled and happy, I can see on the app how he is through the day. The staff genuinely care and he beams when he sees them in the morning. I love receiving the pictures on the app during the day, so I can see what he has been up to.
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Review from B M (Mother of Child) published on 25 January 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has just settled in the baby room. He is eight months old and he attends full time. This was a really difficult transition for us both but the staff made sure he was settled and they kept me updated throughout. He smiles when I hand him over to his key person and I know he is sleeping and eating
well. I highly recommend the nursery.
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Review from Daniela S (Mother of Child) published on 27 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son, at age of 1 year and 2 months he started to play more and more and in that moment I say you need to play with other children and, I and my husband, we chose Busy Bees, from that moment my son was so happy, they are so careful with children, they pay attention, they do everything.
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Review from Michael A (Father of Child) published on 26 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees is a great nursery with professional and friendly staff who look after the children and support their development ahead of primary school. We have had three children attend the Spinney Hill nursery now and they have all loved it, including the themed fancy dress days, arts and crafts and play.
Reply from Lindsey Doughty, Marketing Manager at Busy Bees Northampton, Spinney Hill
We are thrilled to hear your comments. We are really pleased to hear about your positive experience at nursery and very much appreciate having you as part of the Busy Bees family. Your comments will…read more
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Review from Luisa P (Mother of Child) published on 2 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl started attending Busy Bees two years ago and she has now started Pre-School there. She has been very happy there from day one, she loves the staff and the activities, which are varied and she particularly loves the messy play. The nursery has been brilliant through the pandemic and still
is doing great, and when I have had to change my working hours they were super flexible with trying to contain the costs for us, and I think that is not something which happens often with nurseries. Another great thing is that at least some of the staff have been moving up to the next room with the children, thus assuring continuity and stability for them. I couldn't fault this nursery, and even if a change in working locations could have made us think to move our daughter elsewhere, I wouldn't because I know that it is the perfect nursery for her.
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Review from Elena G (Mother of Child) published on 14 August 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great staff and support at all times. Excellent learning place for kids as the staff are professional and knowledgeable. Super facilities and all just have been refurbished, so it's very high standards and always clean and tidy. My little one loves this place and is happy after her session there. She
learns every day something new, and we can see how fast she is developing. Staff and director are always polite and happy to share all information about the child's routine and progress. Always highly recommend this place to all.
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Current Review Score: 8.6 (8.555)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.6 (8.555) out of 10 for Busy Bees Northampton, Spinney Hill is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 5.0 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 5.000 for Busy Bees Northampton, Spinney Hill is calculated as follows: ( (48 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 48 Ratings = 5
  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 3.555 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bees Northampton, Spinney Hill 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 111 number of registered child places is 22.2. 4 Positive Reviews ÷ 22.2 = 0.18
  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)

Beth

Beth Merriman

Job Title: Centre Director Joined: 2017

Hello, my name is Beth Merriman and I am the Centre Director here at Spinney Hill. I have worked for Busy Bees for five years. I love working closely with my team to enhance children's opportunities and help them grow and learn during their time with us. 


Our nursery has a strong, long standing staff team who are incredibly passionate about their roles. We work together to create an exciting, engaging atmosphere for the children.


We hope you visit us soon to show you our nursery and meet the team! 

Frequently Asked Questions about Busy Bees Northampton, Spinney Hill

What is the Age Range of Children that Busy Bees Northampton, Spinney Hill accepts?

Busy Bees Northampton, Spinney Hill accepts Children aged from 0 years 6 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Busy Bees Northampton, Spinney Hill Open?

Busy Bees Northampton, Spinney Hill is open: 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.

How many Children does Busy Bees Northampton, Spinney Hill have capacity for?

Busy Bees Northampton, Spinney Hill has capacity for a total of 111 Children.

How far is Busy Bees Northampton, Spinney Hill to the centre of Northampton?

1.8 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 Northampton, Spinney Hill to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Busy Bees Northampton, Spinney Hill has an Enhanced Service - more info.