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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Date Published
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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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Review from Anna F (Mother of Child) published on 17 December 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Sending our daughter to Busy Bees is one of the best decisions we have made. Staff are extremely professional whilst also caring and knowledgeable about early years child care. Our daughter is a much happier little girl since moving to Busy Bees.
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Review from Julie C (Grandmother of Child) published on 11 November 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic nursery. My granddaughter has been attending Busy Bees since September 2019 and she loves it. There is fantastic outdoor space and caring staff who go the extra mile.
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Review from David M (Grandfather of Child) published on 11 November 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My grandson has attended Busy Bees now for 2 years and he is always excited to tell me about his day. I regularly use the ParentZone app to keep updated with his development. You can clearly see the staff are professional and make every day enjoyable.
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Review from Joanne K (Foster Parent of Child) published on 14 October 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely love this Nursery, they have welcomed my child into their family, their care is absolutely genuine and they manage all this with a professional attitude and service.
I know that they work really hard to promote development in a fun environment and my child loves attending. All the staff
are friendly and happy to talk about my child or any concerns I have, I know I can pop in anytime and be welcomed. Busy Bees was my first choice of Nursery and I have not been disappointed.
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Review from Lauren D (Mother of Child) published on 14 October 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing teachers, my daughter is learning more and more every day and her speech is coming on amazing. They do different activities and she enjoys every day she goes.
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Review from Flo (Mother of Child) published on 30 September 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We love Busy Bees, not only because of the very helpful, friendly and supportive staff but because our daughter absolutely loves it! Her relationship with the nurses is incredible, and we can see they genuinely care about her - and all the other kids. We love how much our daughter has grown and how
much she has learned in the one year she has been a 'busy bee', and we enjoy watching her develop into a very clever, skilled and independent little girl. She really enjoys her daily activities and wakes up in the morning asking to go to Busy Bees. I think that speaks volumes about the quality of care children receive at this place. We would recommend it 100%!
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Review from Oasis A (Mother of Child) published on 27 September 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter joined the nursery in May 2019 and absolutely loves it! The choice of food is amazing and she especially likes the outdoor area which gives her the opportunity to explore. Highly recommend Busy Bees!
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Review from Rebecca S (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful nursery with truly amazing staff, they go above and beyond expectations when caring for the children.
I can’t rate the nursery highly enough, I would recommend 100%.
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Review from Hannah (Mother of Child) published on 5 August 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees is an excellent nursery. My daughter has learnt so much in the 3 and a half years she has been there. The staff are friendly, kind and caring.
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Review from Eve G (Mother of Child) published on 1 August 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We love Busy Bees so much! My daughter looks forward to coming every week! She mostly enjoys the amazing outdoor space the nursery has. The difference in her is massively noticed. Her talking and interactive skills have come on a lot since starting. The staff are always straight over to welcome her
and always give good feedback. And sometimes more as I ask a lot of questions. I would, and do, recommend this nursery to everyone I talk too.
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Review from Shelley S (Mother of Child) published on 31 July 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My eldest child had previously attended Busy Bees and it was a no brainer to use them again when my youngest child came along. Both children settled very happily into Busy Bees due to the exceptional care received from the staff who work there. They really do care about the children and the parents/carers.
They have been invaluable in helping my children learn, communicate with others, make friends and gain independence. The nursery environment has been enriching, positive, enjoyable and stimulating for my children and I would highly recommend it to other parents/carers!
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Review from Kaye H (Mother of Child) published on 27 June 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery has gone above and beyond time and time again to help me and my daughter. From her initial settling in at 9 months old, to becoming a very inquisitive, active and playful 2 and a half year old. Each member of staff takes their time to get to know each child and their family. Individual
assessments are regularly carried out with detailed support plans and next steps for both within nursery and at home. The outside space was a huge attraction when looking for a nursery for our daughter. It has such a wide variety of areas to explore and children access it in all weathers which is something very important to us. Other huge appeals to us are the food, flexibility of hours and the communication of all events, progress and observations of our child on the Parentzone app. I cannot recommend this nursery enough. For any parents out there looking for 5* outstanding childcare - look no further.
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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.