Busy Bees Lancaster

Ovangle Road, Lancaster LA1 5JR
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9.1 78 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Lancaster, Lancaster
If you are in search of excellent and reliable childcare in Lancaster, Busy Bees Lancaster offers a wide range of opportunities for children to learn, grow and flourish during their time at the nursery.

Recognising the significance of outdoor play and fresh air, Busy Bees Lancaster has recently renovated their outdoor garden play area, carefully segmented by age groups. This allows children to engage in outdoor learning and explore their imagination, with the team always on hand to allow the opportunity for children to take risks with their support.

To provide mental and physical stimulation, the nursery provides an Unleashing Potential room where children can actively participate in yoga sessions and dance classes. For continued engagement at home, Busy Bees offers the UP learning and development app, which provides a variety of activities.

Parents can rest assured knowing that their child will receive comprehensive support from the friendly team at Busy Bees Lancaster. Whether your child requires extra care and attention or is preparing for their educational journey ahead, they will receive the highest quality start in life at the Lancaster nursery.

The highly qualified and experienced team value the bonds and connections they establish with parents and families. They genuinely care about feedback and organise parent partnership group sessions to discuss innovative ideas for improving their services. Additionally, play day sessions are arranged, inviting parents to partake in the excitement.
Show Busy Bees Lancaster on the Map

Type of Service

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

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Emma Spindley (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 25

Total Places for Children

  • 204

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 & Christmas

Busy Bees Lancaster Reviews (78)

9.1

Busy Bees Lancaster has a Review Score of 9.1 (9.112) out of 10, based on 12 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Busy Bees Lancaster has 78 reviews.

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Date Published
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Review from J H (Mother of Child) published on 22 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl has just left busy bees to start primary school. She loved her time at Busy bees, making friendships and developing all the essential skills. Busy bees has ensured that she is now ready to embark on this new chapter. Thankyou!
Our little boy is also at Busy Bees were he is offered a
wide variety of meals, which he loves! He has recently transitioned into a new class room which was made easy by staff, providing updates and clear communication. Staff know each individual childs interests and engage them in a variety of activities, including messy play! At all times we are kept up to date on what new skills they are working on with my child.
A fab place to learn and play!
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Review from S D (Mother of Child) published on 4 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees has been an excellent starting point for my daughter. The organisation and management is fantastic. The staff are really approachable and friendly. The communication and online updates are all excellent. A particular mention to a couple of staff members who have taken really good care of of
our daughter and have made it hard for her to leave! Thank you Busy Bees.
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Review from M R (Mother of Child) published on 29 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees at Lancaster is an outstanding nursery!


Every parent will have different needs.


For us going out to fresh air and healthy menus was one of the reasons we moved our child to Busy Bees from another nursery.


Later, we discovered the Ethos of Busy Bees, the truly hollistic approach to

children and families emphasising British values.


The security measures are high. People who collect have to be approved first. I find this nursery super safe.


Emergencies are managed by protocols and prevent anything serious happening to my children.
Their infective disease prevention is really good.


All staff are wonderful caring and patient. They know all children really well and parents can interact via an app too. Potty training was spot on. Activities are fun!


My children love Busy Bees and made friends for life here. All cultures are included and welcome and their special days celebrated from Christmas to Eid.


Toys are good quality and safe.
Absolutely recommend!

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Review from Lucy M (Mother of Child) published on 21 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I now have two children at Busy Bees Lancaster and the care, support and lovely friendly/family feel continues to be brilliant. My eldest runs into his room and adores nursery and the adults in his room. Genuine care and knowledge of exactly what they've done that day at handover is brilliant. They
are very supportive of things going on outside of nursery such as my partner working away and my eldest being sad his daddy isn't home. My youngest has settled perfectly and they're really supporting his transition through eating stages etc.
I have recommended their nursery time and time again to friends. I would not dream of sending my children anywhere else!
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Review from Emma N (Mother of Child) published on 20 March 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Love the nursery, my son loves going. The centre manager knows everyones name which I think is fab.
The staff have shown great care to my son, they do such lovely activities with him.
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Review from Jessica S (Mother of Child) published on 24 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Our little boy is doing great at the nursery and I have found that the key workers are going above and beyond. Even after a long day, they always have time to update us on our boy's day and his progress.
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Review from Tamsin K (Mother of Child) published on 5 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our experience with Busy Bees Lancaster has always been fantastic. Our first child had a wonderful experience here and we had no doubt that we'd be sending our second here too. The staff have been so helpful during the registration and settling in progress. They're always on hand to answer our questions
and provide information.
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Review from Leanne H (Mother of Child) published on 30 October 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child loves nursery, the staff are kind and informative.
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Review from L B (Mother of Child) published on 29 October 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees Lancaster is a safe and very friendly place. My son runs in, he absolutely loves it.
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Review from T A (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Starting my Daughter in nursery was a very anxious time for us both however with the support provided by the staff and manager here at Busy Bees Lancaster this transition was made easier. The trusting relationship that has been built with the manager and her key person has made our experience something
we could have only wished for. Our daughter's speech and confidence have improved immensely and we look forward to seeing what she’s done every day. She always comes home happy. With our second child, we wouldn’t even consider a different nursery and I would recommend Busy Bees Lancaster to anyone. Her key worker is a credit to the place and we can’t show our appreciation enough to her and the management.
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Review from C G (Mother of Child) published on 15 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Brilliant experience from my son starting at 3 months old to the present ( being nearly two years old). All staff are kind, professional and really make the nursery feel like home for the children and also feel like a big family. I always recommend this nursery to anyone looking and I am extremely thankful
for how well they care for my son. Cannot fault any part of this establishment or its staff members.
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Review from H B (Mother of Child) published on 7 December 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful nursery, fantastic opportunities and support. Every need is met and staff go above and beyond to accommodate additional needs. Feels like family.
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Review from Rachel H (Mother of Child) published on 17 November 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wouldn't send him anywhere else. We love all the staff and he couldn't be happier.
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Review from Claudia F (Mother of Child) published on 9 June 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees Lancaster has been a wonderful experience. My baby has been welcomed and treated as a real princess! The team is kind and patient with both children and parents. You can really see and feel the care in the way they look at your child. It's an extension of our home.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Lancaster
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
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Review from Maria M (Mother of Child) published on 9 June 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Our two boys got to Busy Bees three days a week. Our eldest is nearly 4 years old and always went into nursery happy. This means the world to us. He created lovely relations with all staff. This was during covid and still we got great feedback after picking up at the door. Our youngest is only 1 year
old and again is thriving and loving nursery and their carers. They are all very caring and loving and are always happy to listen. Thank you all.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Lancaster
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
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Review from V H (Grandfather of Child) published on 24 May 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
We pick up and drop my grandson at school several times a week. He is always keen to get to play school and talks to us all about what he has done when he gets home. He is always happy at school, which is a good sign for us. Apart from football, his numeracy and literacy skills are developing rapidly.
We have been impressed by the level of care shown during his ad hoc illness and the activation of 'triggers' along the care pathway.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Lancaster
Hello, wow! Thank you for this glowing review! We are delighted your little one is having a good experience at our Lancaster nursery.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best beginnings. We’re…read more
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Review from Matt F (Father of Child) published on 4 May 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Highly professional, excellent quality childcare. We couldn't be happier.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Lancaster
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
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Review from C C (Mother of Child) published on 2 May 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son joined Busy Bees, Lancaster in January 2023 and they have been wonderful. All staff have been friendly and welcoming. The provisions at the nursery are great and our son loves all the fun, love and adventures.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Lancaster
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
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Review from Maria K (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have had a great experience at Busy Bees so far. The staff have been extremely welcoming and supportive. They have made the transition back to work easier and we feel reassured knowing our boy is in a safe environment. The app has also been a big hit at home! Thank you!
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Lancaster
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
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Review from L H (Grandmother of Child) published on 28 March 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As a nanny, I love picking my grandson up from nursery as he is always happy and tells me about his day. The nursery will bend over backwards for the children to make sure they have lots of fun. Great, healthy and homecooked meals. On World Book Day the staff will make sure all children are in fancy
dress, even if someone forgets. July is when my grandson leaves for big school and we will miss everyone.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Lancaster
Hello, Wow! Thank you for this glowing review! We are delighted your little one is having a good experience at our Lancaster nursery.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best beginnings. Celebrate…read more
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Current Review Score: 9.1 (9.112)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.1 (9.112) out of 10 for Busy Bees Lancaster 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 12 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.3 out of 5 from 12 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 4.818 for Busy Bees Lancaster is calculated as follows: ( (120 Excellents x 5) + (21 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 143 Ratings = 4.818
  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 4.294 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bees Lancaster is based on 12 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 204 number of registered child places is 40.8. 12 Positive Reviews ÷ 40.8 = 0.294
  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)

Emma

Emma Spindley

Job Title: Centre Director Joined: 2002

I have been working with Busy Bees since September 2002. I have worked as an Assistant Manager and I became the Nursery Manager in 2018. During my time with Busy Bees, I have completed NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and NVQ Level 3 in Management. I have an additional role within the setting that supports all aspects of Health & Safety in the nursery which I have sound knowledge of and enjoy. I am married to Richard and we have two daughters. During my spare time, I like to spend time with my family.

Frequently Asked Questions about Busy Bees Lancaster

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

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

What Days & Hours is Busy Bees Lancaster Open?

Busy Bees Lancaster 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 Lancaster have capacity for?

Busy Bees Lancaster has capacity for a total of 204 Children.

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

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