Busy Bees Nursery

Priory Road, Newton Hall, Durham DH1 5HW
Review Us
10 185 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Nursery, Durham
Busy Bees Day Nursery provides quality and inspirational learning for children up to eleven years old.

They provide a nurturing and caring environment where everyone feels welcome and valued in their own right. They have established an enviable reputation for delivering a high-quality childcare service and this is recognised by both parents and Ofsted.

The children are cared for in a stimulating environment where each child can reach their full potential. Children are actively encouraged to explore, learn, communicate and interact with one another.

Busy Bees is very proud of its staff who you will find are enthusiastic, dedicated and highly qualified and this is what makes the nursery so special.

There are extensive separate gardens where the babies and children can explore and feel safe, but most of all have fun.

There is an open door policy to ensure there is effective communication at all times between the nursery and parents/carers.

The staff would love to show you around their wonderful nursery.
Show Busy Bees Nursery on the Map

Type of Service

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

Owner

  • Busy Bees (Durham) Ltd
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Carey-Anne Bonser (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 64

Total Places for Children

  • 170

Age Range

  • from 0 years 0 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 & 1 week at Christmas

Busy Bees Nursery Reviews (185)

10

Busy Bees Nursery has a Review Score of 10 (9.966) out of 10, based on 33 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Busy Bees Nursery has 185 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 183
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 185
  • 14
  • 22
  • 33
  • 152
Reviewer Connection to Busy Bees Nursery
  • 149
  • 25
  • 8
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 185, showing 1-20
Review from Emma-Louise D (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended this nursery since last 2023. They have been nothing short of excellent. Every staff member has always treated my daughter with kindness and genuine joy when greeting her at the front door or saying goodbye for the evening.
She has learnt so much and with the team always
giving suggestions of home learnings.
The platform used to see her daily activities is reassuring; to be able to see what she has eaten (which is always home prepared), how long she has slept and the learning activities she has taken part in that day.
The learning objectives always change depending on age group and season and I love that they encourage outdoor play.
I would highly recommend Busy Bees nursery, my daughter has learnt so much.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Kay C (Mother of Child) published on 17 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy started at Busy Bees in July 2025 and I have been so impressed with the way they have ensured he is happy and thriving at nursery.


He started in the Caterpillar room and the process was thorough and reassuring that he would be well cared for on an individual basis, they asked lots of

questions about his likes and dislikes to ensure his care plan was tailored to him. We received lots of feedback and lovely photos showing his progress which was so reassuring to see ow happy he is at nursery.


He has recently moved into the next room and I was initially worried that there was no way it could live up the the expectations that had been set in the Caterpillar room but it is just as good! My little boy is loving the new environment and activities in the new room and they constantly work on things to help his individual development.


We receive great communications from the nursery on a weekly basis with lots of relevant information.


Would not hesitate to recommend.

  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Melissa W (Mother of Child) published on 29 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter attends busy bees, she started in September 2025, we are really impressed with the nursery. All of the ladies who work there are lovely and friendly. I was nervous for my daughter to go because she hasn't been away from my side for more than an hour, and it was stressful. Busybees were excellent,
on her first day they were excellent with communication, I wasn't made to feel bad for ringing multiple times to check how she was doing, they really reassured me and put my mind at ease. My daughter has come on in leaps and bounds since she started, her confidence is so much better and she really enjoys going to nursery, she is excited to go, and the busybees ladies send me photos of her day and what she's been up to, what's she's eaten, nappy changes etc. They genuinely treat your child like their own, and it's very lovely to see. My second daughter will be attending here next year, and I would recommend this nursery to anyone.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Lara G (Grandmother of Child) published on 19 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Grandson was full time at Busy Bees, from a few months old, to starting school. The staff are absolutely brilliant, so enthusiastic and passionate, you know your child is safe and being very well cared for. The activities they do and the skills they teach are extremely well structured. Each day Staff
discuss your child's progress, and are very helpful if you have a specific area you want to work together on with your child.
I really can't praise Busy Bees highly enough, my 2 children also went there, and their teachers said that they could always tell the children who attended Busy Bees, as they were noticeably further ahead than the rest of the children in the class. Thank you so much for everything, my Grandson is looking forward to coming to the holiday clubs next!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Alastair K (Father of Child) published on 15 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have had the best experience we could've asked for with Busy Bees; they have cared and nurtured our son in a way that has helped his development, and allowed him to thrive. We couldn't recommend this nursery more!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from S C (Mother of Child) published on 4 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has attended Busy Bees for the last 3 years. Busy Bees staff have been nothing short of fantastic throughout her journey. From advising and helping with naps at the start, to getting her school ready. The staff are caring and would do anything to ensure your child is safe, well and most
importantly having the best time they can while they are with them.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from S S (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees were absolutely amazing with my autistic son. He made fantastic progress in the time he spent at Busy Bees. All the ladies were great and gave lots of support to myself and my son. He couldn't have asked for a better start to his educational journey. I highly recommend them.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Jessica P (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We love Busy Bees! Our one-year-old son is so happy to be dropped off there, and when we get him we can tell he's had such a great time. He's learning so much. Every day the staff talk to us about his day. They have such a warm presence and I can tell they really care and nurture the children. I can't
recommend Busy Bees enough.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Samantha W (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our oldest daughter has jusy finished her last day in Nursery prior to starting School. What can I say - she has absolutely loved her time at Busy Bees. She started nursery at 9months and during that time she has grown and developed into a lovely little pre schooler, I cant thank the staff enough. The
staff have been incredible. They're so friendly and welcoming. Everyone will bend over backwards to assist, they are flexible and accommodating. Thank you again for all your hard work.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Sarah G (Mother of Child) published on 1 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My children have attended for a year, since we moved close by. My son 4, is about to start school; my daughter is 2. From the moment we had our first visit they felt positive about going and have been made to feel so welcome- as have we.
My daughter is progressing really well and loves every room
she's been in. My son is so confident and all set for school with the experience he's had there. He's less confident about trying new skills and they've worked so well with him and done it all in his own time.
One of the great things is the garden space. My children love being outside so having such a great area with trees, grass and so many parts to explore is so important.
The staff are all great. The communication is too, so I always know what is going on. They have loads of fun activities that promote learning; and home kits too.
They love meals there too!
I know they are in safe hands so never have a worry about their wellbeing, safety or happiness.
Highly recommended!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Sue W (Grandmother of Child) published on 21 July 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees Nursery staff have cared for and nurtured our two grandchildren over the past few years, one already in school and one due to start Reception in September. We cannot praise them enough for their professionalism and dedication in creating such a warm and welcoming environment for children to
flourish emotionally, physically and mentally.
We have enjoyed hearing about all the exciting experiences and activities the children have been involved in and have loved taking part in the Stay and Play afternoons, working alongside our grandson and chatting with parents, carers and members of staff.
We would highly recommend Busy Bees to prospective parents/carers. Our grandchildren have loved every minute in the excellent care provided by all the wonderful staff at the Nursery. Thank you all so much!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Stacey C (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Before I even became a mother, I knew Busy Bees would be the nursery where I sent my child. As a reception teacher, I would visit the nursery, among others, to do nursery to school transition. I fell in love with Busy Bees straight away! You can feel the warm and happy ethos as soon as you walk through
the door. It is evident how well planned the provision is, due to the progression in each room. The resources they have are lovely and as a teacher, I see how ready the children are for school.
As a mother, I'm thrilled that my little boy got a place at Busy Bees. It is such a well managed nursery with great opportunities. The staff have worked closely with me to ensure they know my little boy's routine and I'm so confident leaving him in their care. Whenever I have had any queries, they have been answered immediately. Being my first child, that reassurance means so much as it's huge deal for me to leave him.
I'll be forever grateful that Busy Bees has been a part of my child's journey!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from K P (Mother of Child) published on 13 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy attends Busy Bees nursery and has done since he was 10 months. I can honestly say I would recommend this nursery to anyone! The nursery is truly child centred, with the child being at the heart of everything they do and organise. My little boy is very happy there and I trust the staff
wholeheartedly with his care. Everyone is so friendly and the staff in my little boy's room know him very well, down to his individual needs and his little quirks. I have been able to ask the staff for support with my little one's eating and speech, both of which I have seen notable improvements with since, after being listened to carefully. Handovers are so informative and I love hearing about what my little one has been up to. I also love the updates via the app what the focus has been that week, and the weekly newsletters keeping parents up to date. After being nervous about returning to work and leaving my little boy, I truly couldn't have hoped for a better experience for us both!
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Aimee V (Mother of Child) published on 13 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has now been at Busy Bees for ten months and honestly putting him in nursery and choosing Busy Bees was the best decision. I got that 'yes' feeling when we walked in whilst looking to find a place and haven't looked back.
The team are very helpful and supportive and always greet the children
with great smiles and enthusiasm, my little one loves going in.
There are also little attention to detail factors that make a wanna be type A mom (but realistically not) really happy. Like themed take home bags if you want, a weekly newsletter, a good app and additional emails ranging from health updates to general hints and tips and themed events. A very cute recent example was the extra care the team put in place when I mentioned we were struggling with teeth brushing. The following week they had a pretend dentist session and learnt all about teeth brushing and I got a little reward chart with stickers. it really helped. We love being part of the busy bee family x
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Mary H (Mother of Child) published on 12 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy attended Busy Bees before starting school and my little girl (16 months) started a few months ago. I cannot say enough in praise of this nursery. When we returned with my little girl it was like coming back to family. The staff are exceptional - expert in the care they give, kind, warm,
friendly and so attentive to the children. The programme for learning is expertly tailored to individual children- my little girl has blossomed already. The physical setting is maximised so children have varied and interesting learning experiences - my little girl just loves going to nursery where she has such a choice and variety of different learning experiences every day. The thing that gives me most confidence is that I know that anyone who has looked after my children really knows them - the feedback I get at pick-up is so true to my kids that I am totally reassured that the carers know them and have really looked after them. And both my kids are so happy at Busy Bees.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from S D (Aunt of Child) published on 3 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I really love the atmosphere of the nursery and the friendliness of the staff. Feel happy in the knowledge that my nephew is in safe hands when at nursery. He is always telling me about the things he's learnt and done.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Kate H (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We love Busy Bees! The staff are so welcoming and friendly, making us all feel comfortable about leaving our little one in their care. Our little girl has so much fun and she loves the food! Mighty monsters and trips out on local walks are a hit with her. Little lovely extras at Christmas time like
cards and homemade decorations are lovely too as well as the bacon sarnies for Father's Day! We can't thank Busy Bees enough for looking after our little one.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from E D (Father of Child) published on 18 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been at Busy Bees Nursery for 3 and half years and has happily moved through all of the nursery rooms. We are very happy with the service provided and feel that the progress she has made in her development has been supported by Busy Bees Nursery. Staff are friendly and take the time
to get to know the children and their families. The provision provided is stage appropriate and lots of home learning ideas are provided to support families. Children are encouraged to be independent learners and encouraged to ask questions in order to learn more. The children are regularly taken for learning opportunities outside of the nursery, including walks to the nature reserve, library visits and trips to the care home all of which our daughter loves. The meals are healthy and well balanced and children are encouraged to try new foods. Communication is very good and we have always felt well informed of our daughter's day.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Connor M (Father of Child) published on 17 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery is very informative through the app and on pick up about my daughter's day. The staff are so friendly, loving and caring from those who are on the front desk, to the girls in the room, and especially my daughter's special carer. The nursery go above and beyond to provide my daughter with
the best care and learning journey.
My daughter loves nursery, smiles on drop off and when we pick her up she is full of smiles too.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Review from Michael P (Father of Child) published on 5 February 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees is an incredible nursery with the kindest staff that put everything into making sure the children are happy and safe. We have seen huge progression in our daughter's development since starting at the nursery and I feel this is because of the fantastic activities that the nursery provide for
the children every day. I feel very involved in everything because of the regular updates on the app and the thorough communication at the end of the day from the members of staff. Most importantly, my daughter is happy after every day spent at Busy Bees and as a parent that is all I can ask for, I would highly recommend the nursery to anyone who asks and can't thank the staff enough for all they do for the children.
  • Facilities / Outside Space
  • Learning
  • Resources / Equipment / ICT
  • Care
  • Activities
  • Staff
  • Food / Nutrition
  • Management
  • Cleanliness
  • Safeguarding
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.966)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.966) out of 10 for Busy Bees Nursery 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 33 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 33 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 4.995 for Busy Bees Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (393 Excellents x 5) + (2 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 395 Ratings = 4.995
  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 4.971 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bees Nursery is based on 33 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 170 number of registered child places is 34. 33 Positive Reviews ÷ 34 = 0.971
  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 (5)

Meet the Team (0)

There are no team members posted.

Frequently Asked Questions about Busy Bees Nursery

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

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

What Days & Hours is Busy Bees Nursery Open?

Busy Bees Nursery 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 Nursery have capacity for?

Busy Bees Nursery has capacity for a total of 170 Children.

How far is Busy Bees Nursery to the centre of Durham?

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