Busy Bees Nursery

Priory Road, Newton Hall, Durham DH1 5HW
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10 193 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 (193)

10

Busy Bees Nursery has a Review Score of 10 (9.996) out of 10, based on 39 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Busy Bees Nursery has 193 reviews.

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Review from Janine D (Mother of Child) published on 12 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Coming towards the end of my maternity leave, I viewed a number of different nurseries and Busy Bees was by far the most inviting and well-resourced one that I looked at. I knew straight away that I wanted my daughter to attend, and she started in September 2023. Since then, she has come on leaps and
bounds. The children are given lots of opportunities, indoors and outdoors and the bonds that the staff seem to have with the children are amazing. The staff are so accommodating, and they always try to sort out any issue or problem straight away. My daughter is so settled and goes in without a backward glance, which makes drop-offs so much better. I would recommend the nursery to anyone, it is brilliant!
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Review from Sophie B (Mother of Child) published on 2 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Letting go of your babies after maternity leave is always daunting. However, all the lovely staff at Busy Bees Nursery put my mind at rest straight away. In 2018, my daughter started nursery at 11 months old and she absolutely loved it. She came on leaps and bounds. She created such amazing bonds with
many of the staff and I was sad to see her leave to go to school. Luckily for me, my son is now at Busy Bees and he also loves going to nursery. I couldn’t be more thankful for how amazing the staff have been!
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Review from Stephanie H (Mother of Child) published on 2 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was very sad about my child starting nursery but once I stepped in the door of Busy Bees Nursery, I fell in love and knew my son would be in the best hands.
The staff are absolutely amazing, they are all so kind and tend to your child's needs 110%. I absolutely love the place and so does my son.
We
have found our second family, they also made the transition for me so much easier as a mother who was very emotional, they were extremely kind and kept me at ease with the whole process.
And the best part is, they don't miss a thing with any child. They see the potential in each individual child and help them all grow in their own unique way. It's absolutely amazing, the work they do.
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Review from Laura S (Mother of Child) published on 23 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It can often be a difficult decision choosing a nursery for your child, however choosing Busy Bees was easy. As soon as we visited we sensed a lovely atmosphere and it was apparent immediately that it was the right nursery for our daughter. As a nursery, the staff go above and beyond to ensure children
are safe, well looked after, and have lots of fun!
My daughter attended Busy Bees from being 9 months old and has only recently left to start her school journey, throughout her time at Busy Bees, I always found staff to be very approachable, knowledgeable, and reassuring but even more importantly they genuinely cared and made sure every child felt special, this resulted in my daughter feeling very happy and content during her time there, she formed some fantastic relationships with staff and other children that have now become friends.
Overall I would highly recommend Busy Bees to any parent currently deciding on a nursery - it was the best decision we made!
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Review from C M (Mother of Child) published on 23 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended since February 2023 age 11 months. She has settled in really well, the staff are friendly and have got to know her. Staff are interested in what the children like and what they are learning at home.
The nursery has ensured that they know all about her health needs and allergies.
Despite multiple food allergies they provide the same or very similar meals to the other children. Nursery have taken the time to understand her allergies and it’s been no problem for them to adapt the food offered. They have excellent procedures in place to ensure food is checked during and after preparation in the kitchen and again before served in the nursery room.
There are lots of daily activities on offer for the children to play and learn.
The outdoor area is amazing, the best nursery garden I have seen with lots to do and explore. The baby area outside is a great opportunity for all babies to get some fresh air in all weathers.
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Review from Ashleigh P (Mother of Child) published on 26 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended this nursery since she was 10 months old, she is now nearly 4 and leaving to start school. My son also attended since he was 10 months old. I can't recommend this nursery enough, all of the people who work here are so kind and friendly. Considering how many children attend,
they always know your child's name and welcome them every morning, making drop offs so easy. You can drop your children off safe in the knowledge that they are treated with the same love and affection a parent would give. Busy Bees will always hold a special place in our hearts. Thank you for everything.
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Review from Laurie D (Mother of Child) published on 2 July 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our little boy is 12 months old and has been attending Busy Bees since he was 9 months old. He has settled into nursery so well and we couldn’t be happier. It is so reassuring knowing how well he is taken care of and how content he is whilst there.
Having recently visited the nursery for their ‘stay
and play’ session, it was very clear and lovely to learn that he is not the only child who obviously feels the same way. As when other parents/carers left their children not one child (to my knowledge) was upset - which I feel speaks volumes of how content they all are whilst under the supervision of staff there. All staff myself and husband have come into contact with from reception to the classroom have been amazing and are truly a credit to the nursery. We can’t wait to see how our little boy is going to learn and grow with the amazing support he is given from the nursery, we couldn’t ask for more from them!
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Review from R G (Mother of Child) published on 21 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband and I couldn’t be happier with Busy Bees Nursery and would recommend it without hesitation to anyone looking for a nursery in the area. Our little boy has attended since he was 12 months old. From day one, it was clear that the staff work enormously hard to make the children’s nursery experience
as fun, stimulating and reassuring as possible - activities are creative and always related to what is going on in the ‘wider world’. The indoor and outdoor space is brilliant - designed to encourage independent and imaginative play, and the children spend a good amount of time outside most days. The team know that communication with parents and carers is vital to a trusting relationship, and they go out of their way to make sure that communications are regular, relevant and honest, from daily updates via the app to weekly newsletters and always making time for the all-important chat at pick up time. We couldn’t have asked for a better start to our nursery journey. Thank you, Busy Bees Nursery!
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Review from Jason M (Father of Child) published on 28 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since my daughter has started at Busy Bees her confidence has grown so much, it has been amazing to see how much she enjoys going to nursery and the genuine friendships she has made with not only the other children but the staff. The staff always provide me lots of updates and pictures of her time and
her development has come along so much.
I would recommend this nursery to everyone.
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Review from S A (Mother of Child) published on 28 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Busy Bees Nursery for over a year now. She has developed amazingly and now knows sign. Majority of the staff are amazing and show kindness and care to all children, as observed during a couple of stay and plays. Parents are greeted with a smile and a warm welcome whenever
you are dropping off/picking up your child. The nursery has an app which keeps parents updated on the activities/meals/nappy changes/naps throughout the days and often post pictures of your child taking part in some of the activities which is lovely to see. Highly recommend this nursery to anyone thinking of putting their child into it
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Review from Laura C (Mother of Child) published on 29 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter attended this nursery for around 18 months. She absolutely loved it, the staff were consistently caring and she had so much fun! We will be returning to Busy Bees for holiday care and I know she'll be thrilled to go back!
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Review from Gemma C (Mother of Child) published on 17 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I love this nursery the staff have always been so helpful, approachable and supportive. My son loves going in and has so many different messy play and adventures that he wouldn’t of normally had at home, the nursery has a great app so I see what he’s been up to and what he’s eaten etc highly recommended
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Review from N G (Mother of Child) published on 16 March 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy has attended Busy Bees since he was five months old. He has developed amazingly throughout his time here. All the separate rooms are age-related, and the activities suit their abilities. In each room he has attended, I have seen a difference and his confidence growing. When he got a bit
older after Covid, he became apprehensive and didn't want to attend, this was dealt with, with compassion and care by the staff, and it soon passed. He will be leaving in September to start school, and I know he will miss the staff and the nursery as he enjoys it. I have especially seen a massive difference, and he has come on leaps and bounds in the last couple of months. I definitely think he is school ready, and this is down to the brilliant staff at Busy Bees.
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Review from Lyndsey E (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Just amazing! Both my sons have attended Busy Bees and have loved their time at the nursery. The staff are amazing and provide an exceptional level of care. In addition to my sons being so well looked after, they have had such a fun time and have had lots of lovely adventures!
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Review from H P (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have two children at Busy Bees and one attended during Covid etc, which was dealt with exceptionally well. The staff are absolutely wonderful, both my children have thrived in their care. I observed staff at several stay-and-play days and during pick-up - I was taken back at how nurturing, patient
and kind they all were, with all of the children. They have also made time to ensure my child - one of the oldest in his year - is learning at the right level, inviting him to sessions in the year above etc. They also encourage both children in anything they have taken a special interest in - going home to learn more about it just so they can connect with them. They greet my children with smiles and cuddles. Such a special place!
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Review from Hannah G (Mother of Child) published on 6 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have had an extremely positive experience with Busy Bees since our daughter started back in August 2019, which has continued with our second child who joined in 2022. The staff are so friendly from the moment you arrive in the morning, right through till pick up. You can tell they really get to know
the children by the feedback they give you, with regular updates/pictures via the app and verbally at the end of the day. My daughter who is now in reception still talks about her time there and has settled so well into school, thanks to all the preparation nursery did to support this. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this nursery to any families in the area!
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Review from Kayleigh T (Mother of Child) published on 13 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our twins currently attend Busy Bees and have done since April 2022 when they turned three years old. They attended a small childminder setting prior to this so they were very overwhelmed and shy when they first started, but I cannot praise the staff enough for how patient and caring they were with
them until they came out of their shell. In September 2022 they moved up to big bumbles and they absolutely love it! They have little friends and play separately with them, have lots to tell me about their fun-filled days. Daily updates on activities and meals on the app always makes my day, to see they will be busy learning and eating delicious, varied, healthy meals, that they really enjoy. Learning/play time is excellent, there is always outdoor play when the weather permits and always lots going on for them to take part in and enjoy. All the staff are so friendly, from kitchen and cleaning staff to admin and nursery practitioners. It is just an all round, lovely nursery.
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Review from Christy F (Mother of Child) published on 12 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I always knew I would send my son here. The relationship that the staff or should I say special carers have with each child, is amazing. Everyone is so welcoming and really take the time to know each child and parent. It has a second-home environment feel and that's what you want and need when choosing
where to send your child. My son loves it here and has now been in pretty much every room. We love it and would recommend to anyone!
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Review from Moranda M (Mother of Child) published on 7 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My twin sons has been in attendance at Busy Bees Nursery since August 2021. It was the best care and educational choice I could've made for them. They are non-identical. Both have thrived since being in attendance. I'd had concerns that one of my sons had autism. I was very unprepared and unaware of
how to get access to diagnostic assessments and speech and language assessments. For a long time, my concerns have been put down to the effects of a pandemic. The manager has a wealth of experience in SEN, other staff members also went above and beyond but the whole team are amazing and facilitated getting an early diagnosis and an Education and Health Care Plan. Arranging meetings, referring to appropriate services, checking in on how we as a family were doing. Constantly working with my son to accommodate his extra needs, being inclusive, adaptive and responsive. This went beyond just being an outstanding nursery. I truly believe that because we attended this nursery it has had a lifelong impact on both my sons' development. They are happy and working towards their potential. They are helping us transition to a mainstream school. Both my sons feel very comfortable. I fully trust that they are in the safest environment for their specific needs with experienced staff. They are always happy to attend. As I work in the NHS and have shifts, they are constantly trying to accommodate extra days and through the nursery I have made friends with other parents. For all this I am truly grateful and would recommend this nursery to any parent with a child with a special educational need.
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Review from Beth M (Mother of Child) published on 7 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff at Busy bees nursery have gone above and beyond for my son and I couldn't be more grateful, he loves the place. My second son started a few months back and again absolutely loves it. They really do care about every single child that attends and their needs. The meals, activities and rooms
are very well thought out. I would recommend any parent/caregiver to without a doubt be happy to put their children into this nursery.
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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.996)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.996) 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 4.996 for Busy Bees Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (465 Excellents x 5) + (2 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 467 Ratings = 4.996
  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.

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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.