Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive

31 South Drive, Harrogate HG2 8AT
Review Us
9.9 66 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive, Harrogate
Busy Bees Harrogate, South Drive offers the ideal nursery environment for children to play, learn and explore whilst being provided the best start in life. From a well designed array of activities to the experienced and welcoming team, Busy Bees Harrogate is a great option for families in the local community.

The enthusiastic team ensures that every child’s nursery experience is fun, enjoyable, and safe with a range of fun-filled activities tailored to suit every child’s interest’s and needs. The fun does not stop inside, with a refreshing outdoor area where your child can explore and take safe risks whilst supervised by staff. So, whether your child enjoys the indoors or outdoors, be rest assured they will enjoy every moment during their stay at nursery.

Busy Bees follow the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) framework to help support your child so that they are prepared when making the leap to school. The experienced team select resources and activities in line with the EYFS framework, aimed to engage your child and promote development in all areas.   

You can continue the fun at home by using the ‘UP!’ App. The app is especially for parents of Busy Bees and holds an extensive amount of activity inspiration, experiences or advice and information for you and your child to enjoy.
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Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Samantha Crichton (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 15

Total Places for Children

  • 52

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 Harrogate South Drive Reviews (66)

9.9

Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.892) out of 10, based on 17 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive has 66 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive
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Total of 66, showing 21-40
Review from Alana S (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive is a fantastic nursery; the staff are incredible, they nurture, support and challenge my little boy daily. My son absolutely loves nursery, he talks fondly of the staff, his friends and the activities he has completed throughout the day. The provision caters to the children's
interests as well as ensuring that they develop in all other crucial areas in their early years. The manager leads the team very well, the communication is excellent, we get daily updates and the personal anecdotes on pick up and drop off really assure you that your child has had a good day and how well the staff know each child personally. My second child is due to start soon and I know she will be well looked after and make lots of progress (just as her brother has done!).
I would 100% recommend South Drive, you know your child is in safe hands in a nurturing and engaging environment.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive
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.
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Review from G E (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive is an excellent nursery. Staff are caring and very supportive.
Busy Bees South Drive recently received the highly commended award for favourite day nursery at the Harrogate Mumbler Awards 2022.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive
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 Harrogate South Drive. Best wishes, Busy Bees.
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Review from Susannah R (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A fabulous nursery. Staff are committed and caring and I feel lucky my child gets to spend their days doing plenty of engaging activities here. Although it is a part of a larger organisation, I have never felt that it is, as it is so friendly.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive
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.
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Review from S Y (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful nursery with fantastic staff. They are all so caring and go above and beyond to ensure both you and your child are having the optimal experience with the nursery. Our child is thriving and skips into Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive every day. We would highly recommend.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive
Hello, wow! Thank you for this glowing review! We are delighted your little one is having a good experience at our Harrogate South Drive nursery. Best wishes, Busy Bees.
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Review from Alanna M (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
We relocated to the area recently and I was very anxious about my daughter settling into a new nursery environment, I had nothing to worry about at all! The whole team have been nothing but warm and welcoming to myself and my daughter. She loves going to nursery and has so much to tell me about her
day! The team communicate well via email and the parent app so I can keep up to date with the day-to-day goings on. A really great nursery!
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive
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.
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Review from K G (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery, my daughter has had outstanding care from the baby room through to pre-school. The manager is extremely kind and approachable (to all ages!) with vast experience in this industry, they have the nursery running flawlessly and have matched up each member of staff to the relevant age
group perfectly! I have had no issues leaving my child in their care from day one, we all know how hard the first day is and the staff were brilliant at reassuring myself and ensuring my child was settled and happy.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive
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 Harrogate South Drive. Best wishes, Busy Bees.
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Review from Emma N (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our youngest daughter started at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive in the summer, following in her sister's footsteps and we are once again thrilled with how she has settled and how well she is cared for.
The staff team have been wonderful and have gone above and beyond to ensure she is safe and happy
and her routine is followed as closely as possible. Attention to detail, caring attitudes and lovely activities really do make this such a special nursery.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive
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.
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Review from Rachel E (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been attending Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive Nursery for nearly two years and we can't speak highly enough of the nursery. The atmosphere created is caring and nurturing, ensuring the children feel safe and can thrive as they develop. It's been fabulous to see her develop her social
skills and grow in confidence thanks to the safe environment they have created. When I was looking for a nursery, my only criteria was that my daughter was happy to go and felt loved whilst there - we definitely have this with South Drive. My son is also due to start here this year. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending this nursery.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive
Hello, wow! Thank you for this glowing review! We are delighted your little one is having a good experience at our Harrogate South Drive nursery. Best wishes, Busy Bees.
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Review from B G (Father of Child) published on 2 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive for over two years now.
She has made lots of friends and will always come home with stories of what she has been doing that day.
There is always a wide variety of activities going on so the kids are never bored. It's great to see all the
photos going up of the fun things the kids have been up to.
The staff are excellent, it's very clear they all care greatly for the kids and want to ensure they have the best possible experience.
They take the time to tell me what my daughter has been doing that day, always ask how they are in a morning and if they need breakfast.
I would happily recommend South Drive to anyone.
Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive
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.
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Review from Tom G (Father of Child) published on 13 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our two daughters have had a fabulous experience during their time at Busy Bees South Drive. We've been so pleased with the way they have developed both socially and mentally, with much of this due to the excellent environment that the manager and her team have created. We’ve been part of the community
at South Drive for the best part of five years and have only had positive experiences, which considering what we’ve all faced over the past couple of years is no mean feat. The learning that’s put in place, the play time the children get to enjoy and the fresh meals that are prepared each day are of the highest quality, and moreover, the genuine care that’s provided is top-notch. I would fully recommend this nursery to any parents looking for a place for their child in the area as it’s excellent.
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Review from J M (Father of Child) published on 13 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Great nursery! My son has attended for two years and he absolutely loves going. The environment is superb, he is engaged, happy and has developed his learning and specifically his social skills, through his time there. The staff are superb, really engaged with us as parents and of course the kids. Strong
management and great communication is offered by those that run the nursery.
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Review from K B (Mother of Child) published on 13 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
my son has been two years in this nursery and I'm very happy with the staff and how much he is learning. The staff are ready always to help us and treat us, every time by my side if we need something. Soon I will send my other child. Friendly environment, clean space, good food for children. Lots of
activities and they learn many things there. I recommend to every parent if they want a safe place to leave their children. For me, it is the best nursery in Harrogate.
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Review from C S (Mother of Child) published on 25 August 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery and staff are fantastic and my little girl loves going to nursery! She loves the activities and comes home so excited. Learning, development and exploration are highly encouraged and the nursery is extremely inclusive of varying celebrations. They have proactively looked into upcoming celebrations
that we take part in, and have worked with me to include activities at nursery to celebrate. The staff are so kind, attentive and caring and makes us feel confident leaving our little girl in their care. Highly recommend and we'll be sending our second child to this nursery too.
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Review from Liz E (Mother of Child) published on 17 August 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Brilliant nursery - my little girl settled there immediately, she loves all the staff and gives them a big hug when she arrives. We get great updates and photos through the day via the app and she really seems to get to play with a huge variety of activities! The food selection is varied and healthy,
she always eats well and has started trying different things at home since starting there. The staff all really care and encourage her lots, and bonus points for the baby ducks which my little girl adored.
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Review from Caitlin S (Mother of Child) published on 13 August 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my sons have been at South Drive, so that’s a combined 7 years. The nursery has a lovely, warm, family feel as it is small and the staff are very welcoming and close knit. The manager is excellent and there is a good combination of long serving and newer staff. Both of my sons have been very
happy and settled and we will miss the South Drive team very much. It’s a very special setting.
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Review from D W (Mother of Child) published on 29 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The team at South Drive provide a fantastic environment for little ones to learn, develop and grow. There is always a new activity to try, a game to play and they have helped both my children to have a healthy relationship with food thanks to the creative menus. My children have absolutely loved being
at South Drive, literally running in every morning as they know they are going to have fun. The nursery is small enough to ensure that no one is forgotten about or left, yet big enough to allow the children to become independent whilst in a regulated, and secure, environment. From beach days to Halloween to football classes to special visits from someone at Christmas, South Drive gives children such a diverse and inclusive experience that it isn't surprising my children don't want to come home!
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Review from Mike M (Father of Child) published on 29 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff and the manager of our nursery have been amazing - our wee one is transitioning between babies and toddlers, and we have been kept updated with progress and informed as to transition days and a programme of progress. This is our third child through this nursery and they have been amazing right
though, can’t recommend enough!
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Review from R P (Father of Child) published on 28 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A great nursery. Our daughter started at South Drive when she was 9 months old and settled in straight away. She enjoys nursery and looks forward to going. Friendly professional staff and a good environment for the children to play and learn.
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Review from Sam P (Mother of Child) published on 26 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
After having my little girl in the pandemic I was really worried about her settling at nursery as she has never been looked after or barely seen anyone throughout 2020. I never needed to worry, after two weeks at Busy Bees at Harrogate South Drive she was completely settled and loves her days at nursery.
The homely feel of the nursery is great and is probably what helped her settle quickly as it’s not too overbearing and the girls are fantastic and really do care for the children. I am thankful for the experiences my little girl is getting whilst at South Drive as in the current climate there are limited things I can do with her on top of working.
Reply from Lindsey Doughty, Marketing Manager at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive
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.
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Review from C H (Mother of Child) published on 20 April 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing nursery. My son settled so well and loved going. Always doing something new, nice and friendly staff. He loves the variety of food and gets to try something new often.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.892)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.892) out of 10 for Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive 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 17 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 17 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 4.892 for Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive is calculated as follows: ( (181 Excellents x 5) + (22 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 203 Ratings = 4.892
  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 Harrogate South Drive is based on 17 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 52 number of registered child places is 10.4, which has been reached with 17 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

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (1)

Meet the Team (1)

Samantha

Samantha Crichton

Job Title: Centre Director Joined: 2012

I started working at Busy Bees in 2009, completing my NVQ, in 2010 I started my family and re-joined after my maternity leave at Busy Bees South Drive. I worked hard to develop my career here progressing to Room Lead, Senior Room Lead then Assistant Centre Director. I was asked to step into the Centre Director role in February 2025 officially securing the role in March 2025. I have a strong passion in providing a safe, homely feeling nursery whilst still offering the best opportunities for children in our care. After spending many years as support SEND I have a big interest in supporting families and children that have SEND needs and thoroughly enjoy watching all children develop and grow into young children ready for their big move to school.
Having my own family really allows me to ensure the care provided is what you would look for as a parent and really understand and support families to settle into nursery life. Having worked with Under 5's for over 15 years I have a great knowledge of child development and love that Busy Bees gives me the opportunities and support to enable great outcomes for all children

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