Busy Bees Nursery

Priory Road, Newton Hall, Durham DH1 5HW
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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.
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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.

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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Busy Bees Nursery
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Total of 185, showing 81-100
Review from Kimberley C (Mother of Child) published on 13 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Outstanding nursery for all ages, from baby to school. I have used the nursery for 5 years for 3 children who all attend still, the nursery itself and the breakfast and after school. I can honestly say all the staff go above and beyond not only for the children but also the parents. They become an extended
part of the family for the children and care for them in that way. I have moved to different areas but could never imagine them being in any other nursery. I checked out a few before my first started but all their facilities beat everyone I looked at, the outdoor area is outstanding.
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Review from Stefanie K (Mother of Child) published on 12 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are genuinely happy that we chose Busy Bees for our daughter. She started going at one year old and we were nervous about how she would settle in after having spent the months before starting nursery just with us due to the pandemic. However, everything has been going extremely well and we love how
the staff treat the children with warmth and care. She absolutely loves going to nursery and we feel that she is thriving in the environment. The staff are always happy to take into account her needs (how and when she goes to sleep, her dietary requirements, the kinds of activities she enjoys). Busy Bees has been forthcoming when we needed to make a change to our bookings. We also very much appreciate all the steps taken to ensure everyone's safety in times of Covid-19. We would definitely recommend Busy Bees!
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Review from Alison W (Mother of Child) published on 19 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been going to Busy Bees since December 2019. He is just about to change to the Butterfly room. All of the carers in the nursery are lovely, so informative and caring. My son took a while to get used to going and cried every time he went, it wasn’t a problem at all, the carers were so loving
to him, settled him and I never had to worry how he was, as I got regular updates on the ParentZone app. He now loves going, gets excited when he sees the building. The attention to detail over the Covid virus and the actions they have in place to protect the children, themselves and parents are amazing. First-rate care for all children, I highly recommend Busy Bees.
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Review from Laura G (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl has been going to Busy Bees for only three months but I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a nursery.
They have been so attentive and helpful throughout and made me feel at ease.
I know that my little girl is being well looked after and I get updates throughout the
day.
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Review from Georgia R (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started this nursery after six months of lockdown, so I was very worried about how he would settle. However, Busy Bees were great at making my son feel welcome and adapting to his needs during such a hard time. The communication from the staff has been amazing and helped to also put my worries
as a mother at ease. Thank you so much Busy Bees for helping my son grow in confidence and independence. I would highly recommend.
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Review from Eleanor M (Mother of Child) published on 16 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son's first visit to Busy Bees reassured me we had chosen the right place. Every member of staff is so caring which is the reason he settled so quickly. He lights up when he arrives on a morning and we feel totally reassured he is in the best hands. We feel the staff genuinely care about him and
his well being. They have been incredibly accomodating with changing some of his days at very little notice. We are constantly informed of his day and love seeing pictures and details of activities. They always take the time out at the end of the day to give such detailed feedback about his day. Definitely the best place for our son.
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Review from Catharine M (Mother of Child) published on 8 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees is a fantastic nursery. I have always been very pleased with the standard of care, the activities offered and especially impressed with the dedication, friendliness and care of the staff. I have been very impressed with the way they have handled reopening the nursery since the pandemic and
providing some much-needed normality for the children, while implementing all the necessary saftey measures. My son is very happy there and his older siblings also loved their time at the nursery. I would highly recommend Busy Bees.
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Review from Celia O (Mother of Child) published on 3 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Busy Bees Nursery is amazing. I was nervous to leave my 6 months old at first but within a couple of days, my little girl shone with happiness. The entire staff from the reception, to the kitchen and obviously all the childminders always have a smile on. They have an amazing rapport with the children.
I can't thank them enough for all their care and not to forget their adaptability.
Also, we receive a daily report of all activities and meals, and a precise summary of the routine of our child (naps, nappies, overall well-being, etc.). We receive photos from time to time of special moments in the life of our little one. We have been reassured from day 1 that she would be well taken care of and that we would be made aware of any noticeable event.
My girl is excited to go there every day; she throws herself into the arms of all her adult friends. She is smiling and laughing when she sees them: that in itself is the true and best review that can be given to the Busy Bees staff!
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Review from Magg B (Mother of Child) published on 3 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Before having my baby, I knew I wanted her to attend Busy Bees, because of the happy kids I would see leaving the nursery daily and I’ve not been disappointed!
Our little girl loves it here and her excitement at going to nursery, coupled with her development reflects the outstanding nature of the
staff, service and facilities at Busy Bees!
The dedication of the staff and their commitment to ensuring the children's development, care and safety is second to none.
As key workers, we (my husband and I) would not have been able to care for others without you all. Thank you for your support through this period and for caring for my baby so well over the last 11months.
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Review from June B (Mother of Child) published on 2 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
From the start of the lockdown, my little boy had only been attending the nursery since January 2020, so he only had limited experience of the environment. When he started back in July I was a little apprehensive as to how he would be but after the first week when I dropped him off he didn’t cry and
was happy to be there and climbed in through the door himself. When I pick him up he’s always full of smiles and laughing, he has settled in so well after his period of absence. All of the staff are lovely and greet you with a smile and always know who you are. They all say how much he has come on and that’s thanks to them.
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Review from David A (Father of Child) published on 19 August 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter (3) has been in the Little Bumbles room for one year now. The location of the nursery is extremely convenient for us, as our son attends the primary school just down the street, so that was a prime consideration in sending our daughter here. We have found the care at Busy Bees to be excellent
and our daughter looks forward to going to nursery every day. After a year of sending her five-days a week, we don't have a single complaint. All the staff are wonderful and cheerful, the facilities are excellent for children and everything we have noticed has been very well thought out and managed. This really is an outstanding nursery.
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Review from Beth C (Mother of Child) published on 30 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
After being a little nervous to re-introduce my son after a period of time away from the nursery, my fears were soon allayed upon arrival. I actually found it easier leaving him at the door, and every single member of staff was so supportive of ensuring he was as settled as possible. After a few weeks
of minimal eating and being teary throughout the day, he is now like a different child. The daily feedback is that he is a happy little boy who gives the best hugs. I now never worry about him during my day at work, as I know he’s in the safest hands. The whole team are superb. Thank you.
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Review from Jamie E (Father of Child) published on 30 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
With the recent COVID19 pandemic going on, it is understandable parents being cautious about sending their children back to the nursery. However, when I learnt the nursery was reopening and read the strategies they had put in place to keep the children and staff safe, I did not hesitate in sending my
daughter back to Busy Bees. Since being back, she has thrived, enjoying everything she participates in, which is a wide variety of activities. The food menu is varied and healthy. My daughter since starting back at nursery has flourished with social skills and gained more confidence. Staff are professional, attentive, friendly. Any reasonable request is accommodated.
Would not hesitate in recommending Busy Bees.
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Review from Yvonne P (Mother of Child) published on 23 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees Nursery have done a fantastic job settling my little boy into nursery, I was so nervous about leaving him at first as he didn’t really settle with new people and surroundings, he was very “clingy” but the staff settled him into nursery so well. I love how you get pictures and updates notes
ect on the app letting you know how he’s doing, it really does put your mind at rest. He loves going to nursery now and has settled so well. Well done for the big efforts you all have done to help keep our children safe throughout all that’s going on at the minute and thank you to all the staff for taking good care of my little boy.
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Review from Heather L (Mother of Child) published on 19 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My eldest has been at Busy Bees for nearly 4-years and my youngest for 2-years so far. They have recently returned following the Coronavirus closures, and I have been very impressed with how well the nursery has handled the new measures they've needed to put in place. Both kids have settled back in
very well, and I'm grateful to the staff at Busy Bees for providing a safe environment that is still as fun, comforting and stimulating as it was before. One of the things we like best about this nursery is their pragmatic and holistic approach to balancing the risks and benefits of all sorts of activities. This means that children can challenge themselves and learn to take appropriate risks in a supported way.
The outdoor space is particularly good, giving children the chance to explore nature and enjoy being outside at all times of the year. There is a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and staff know the children in their care well.
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Review from Joanne (Mother of Child) published on 2 March 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl attended this nursery for 4 years and my little boy is now into his second year. There is an excellent range of facilities and activities to stimulate and encourage development, the staff are very friendly and caring and have taken a personal interest in the needs of my children. Both
of my children have enjoyed their time at this nursery and have created some wonderful memories.
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Review from Gemma (Mother of Child) published on 2 March 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can't praise the staff at Busy Bees enough. My son loves his nursery days. All the staff have taken time to really get to know him and to understand our parenting approach so we all work together. The kitchen are fab at attending to his allergies. We are kept up to date on his progress which helps
me feel involved in his days when I can't be with him. The nursery has a lovely homely feel, it's so welcoming and the staff take a genuine interest in my son. I'm so pleased we chose this nursery, I can't imagine leaving him anywhere else.
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Review from Charlotte B (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of our little ones go to Busy Bees. I can not thank the staff enough for all of the care and support they have shown over the two years we’ve been there. They are professional, friendly and helpful. My mind really is at ease when I’m at work, knowing my little ones are in the best hands. I wouldn’t
go or recommend anywhere else. They are fabulous.
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Review from Emma S (Mother of Child) published on 1 January 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Choosing a nursery for our little boy when he was 9 months old was the hardest decision we have had to make as parents. He is now 3 1/2 and choosing Busy Bees was the best decision. From his very first room, the staff made it their job to get to know him and us as a family. All staff members have taken
the time to understand his likes and dislikes so that we know that he will always have a lovely day doing things that he enjoys. The nursery is friendly and flexible, opens 7.30 until 6, which has made being a working parent so much easier! The food cooked by the kitchen staff is so varied and amazing, and the additional sessions for parents to learn about communication skills and starting school have been informative and very welcome.
The staff at Busy Bees take their job in their stride, but they play such a special and crucial role in the life of our little boy - we cannot thank them enough. We will be very sad when his time at Busy Bees comes to an end in July.
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Review from Samantha H (Mother of Child) published on 1 January 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees has been a wonderful nursery for our little one. Excellent, professional, hardworking staff who have built up an amazing relationship with my daughter. The rooms are always full of different things each week which keeps the environment new and exciting for the children. The staff are kind
and caring and always happy to help. I always felt happy and confident knowing she was in safe care. We are leaving Busy Bees due to the travel, however, if this wasn't an issue we would happily keep her in Busy Bees care. I would highly recommend this nursery and we are very grateful for all the nursery has done to help our daughter learn and develop.
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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.

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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.