Busy Bees Nursery

Priory Road, Newton Hall, Durham DH1 5HW
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Top 20 award
10 197 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.
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Funding & Fees

Contact Busy Bees Nursery to get a personalised quote.

Contact Busy Bees Nursery to get a personalised quote.

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 (197)

10

Busy Bees Nursery has a Review Score of 10 (9.994) out of 10, based on 39 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Busy Bees Nursery has 197 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Busy Bees Nursery
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Total of 197, showing 21-40
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.
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Review from Sally R (Mother of Child) published on 6 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees is an amazing nursery with staff that go above and beyond for the children and parents. They follow all of their policies to ensure the safety of children. My daughter started in September 2024 when I returned to work after maternity leave, I was feeling anxious about leaving her but the staff
made me feel completely at ease which made my return to work much smoother. My daughter has settled in brilliantly and her development has thrived since starting Busy Bees. She enjoys going every morning and she comes out every day happy. The staff ensure there are engaging activities to support their development and offer a continuous range of activities on a daily basis. I couldn't recommend the nursery enough, the staff are amazing and should all be very proud of the fantastic job they do.
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Review from Alexandra J (Mother of Child) published on 6 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery is so kind and caring. The hard work the staff put in every day to care for each individual child is incredible.
They work alongside parents to create a bespoke care plan for each child to help create a journey through nursery that they will thrive upon!
My child is safe and happy here
and has so much fun.
I love how they communicate with parents about their meals etc. throughout the day so I can see what my daughter is up to and how her day is going!
I would strongly recommend.
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Review from M G (Mother of Child) published on 3 September 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child is leaving this nursery after four lovely years of attending part-time.
It's full of amazing staff and nothing is ever too much trouble. All very approachable. The rooms are well laid out, full of open-ended opportunities for play. Lovely outside area and each room is well thought out. Carers
follow the child's interests and I've always got a happy child on collection.
Thank you for the last four years.
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Review from Laura A (Mother of Child) published on 13 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Just about to come to the end of nine years of sending my two children to Busy Bees. It's a fantastic nursery with great staff and wonderful facilities. After nine years, Busy Bees feels like family to us. We're so sad our youngest child is ready to start reception and they'll definitely be tears on
her final day! Wouldn't hesitate to recommend the nursery to any other parents.
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Review from Manu S (Father of Child) published on 8 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We couldn't be happier with our experience at Busy Bees. The staff are incredibly caring and attentive, creating a warm and nurturing environment for my daughter. She looks forward to attending each day and has made wonderful progress. Highly recommend this nursery to any parent!
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Review from Iain T (Father of Child) published on 1 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We looked around at a few Nurseries before we settled in Busy Bees but we just had a great feeling about it. I am so delighted that we were proven right as our little boy has been so happy and engaged throughout his time there. The staff have been so caring, considerate, friendly and professional throughout.
The Nursery Manager actually went above and beyond so often in supporting us with great advice around applications and paperwork when we were struggling to get our heads around it all. What an amazing nursery. We are actually sad our son is now leaving for School but we will definitely be back for School Holiday Clubs between School terms. I cannot recommend Busy Bees enough and it deserves so much more than just a 5-star rating. Ofsteds exceptionally high scores for Busy Bees are not wrong.
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Review from N J (Father of Child) published on 1 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have had both of our children attend Busy Bees Nursery and they have received excellent care during their time there. They have developed their educational and personal skills which has prepared them well for transition to primary. The staff are very kind and caring and have taken excellent care
of them both at all times. Our little boy has loved his visits to the local care home, singing and dancing for the residents. The garden is great for the children to play in and has plenty of activities for them to do. The food provided has always been of an excellent standard and if you arrive to collect during tea, they have always provided a takeaway container to have at home. We would highly recommend this nursery to anyone considering it for their child.
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Review from S H (Mother of Child) published on 1 May 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My eldest attended Busy Bees Nursery a few years ago and it was an obvious choice for my youngest. His development has come on immensely since attending and even with his recent health issues, the staff have been outstanding with the help and support they have given him and us during a very difficult
time. The staff are all so kind and caring and our son looks forwards to going each morning. I would highly recommend Busy Bees to any parent looking for a nursery.
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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.994)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.994) 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 39 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 39 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 4.994 for Busy Bees Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (464 Excellents x 5) + (3 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 467 Ratings = 4.994
  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 Nursery is based on 39 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 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 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, which has been reached with 39 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

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Awards / Recognitions (6)

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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.