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.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
  • 185
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Reviewer Connection to Busy Bees Nursery
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Total of 185, showing 121-140
Review from Felicity D (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Brilliant nursery and would recommend.


Both my kids are here and I feel they have come on leaps and bounds and have made great friends.

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Review from Sarah P (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It is a lovely friendly nursery with fantastic staff who would do anything to help you!! The way they communicate with parents via the app about activities, meals, nappy changes is brilliant and reassures parents throughout the day.
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Review from Victoria (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have found the staff and management at the nursery extremely friendly, helpful and caring. They go the extra mile and make you feel they really care for and know your child. I feel like my daughter is cared for in a safe but fun and educational environment, she loves to go to nursery and I would highly
recommend this nursery.
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Review from Stef C (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves attending Busy Bees and we can tell that she's enjoyed herself every day when we pick her up. The staff are really supportive and there to provide advice when needed, sometimes even just to reaffirm you're doing the right thing! It's clear that everyone that works there really cares
about the children, from the range of activities that they run each day to the little details they share. It's really comforting to know how well looked after our little girl is, we really love the fact that they get outside whatever the weather and regularly go on day trips out into the community - it's all been really clear in the way she behaves at home. We had a lovely feeling when we first visited the nursery, everyone was so friendly and welcoming. It's now like an extension of home and we wouldn't want our daughter to be anywhere else!
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Review from Rebecca M (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees is a fantastic nursery with staff who care for and support the children. My little boy has been in this nursery since he was 10 months old (now over 2) and all the staff involved in his care have been fantastic. They have a wide range of activities, both indoor and outside, that they do with
the children and it's great being notified of their daily activities via Parentzone. I was recommended this nursery by a number of friends and would agree that it is a fantastic place to send your kids to.
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Review from Victoria C (Mother of Child) published on 11 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter started Busy Bees just before Christmas, having previously attended daycare and not settling at all even after a year I was very apprehensive. I had no need to be this nursery is the best I have dealt with having experience with having 4 children aged between 20 and 3, I have dealt with
a few but not as good as this one. My little one has settled within weeks and speaks highly of the staff who care for her and she spends time having fun with. I love the parent app so I know what fun my daughter has and the food she eats or the little accidents she has whilst potty training. I would highly recommend this nursery and don't think it is over-priced at all you get what you pay for and in my eyes that is good quality childcare from people who care about the children they look after and love the job they do. Each member of staff is fully trained first aiders which great knowing that your little one is in safe hands.
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Review from Louise (Mother of Child) published on 11 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am a mum with a two year old attending Busy Bees and all staff are warm, welcoming and supportive. Leaving my son is always difficult but Busy Bees encourage me to ring if I feel I want to and I know that my child will be looked after in a fun and nurturing environment. Just this week I was truly
blown away by the support Busy Bees gave me, during a time that my son was at home after attending nursery in the morning, I rang them for advice. My son had a small spot on his lip and when he woke from a sleep his top lip was hugely swollen. As I was waiting for the doctor's advice, I felt very comfortable ringing Busy Bees and asking for their advice. I was put through to the manager who advised me and even offered for us to come into the nursery and provide medicine that he needed whilst we were at home. It was extremely comfortingly to have this support. The following day my son's named carer rang me to ask how he was and gave me continued support and care. Thank you so much Busy Bees.
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Review from Claire E (Mother of Child) published on 1 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Not only have they supported my little boy every day with his needs throughout nursery but they have picked up development delays early and gave extra support to him and us as a family. As a parent, it's never nice to hear but the manager and the team have approached the situation with empathy and compassion
and made the whole situation bearable for us. They are with us every step of the way in supporting and helping him develop and maintain the skills he needs to be ready for school. I couldn't ask for anything more and our boy loves it there. He has a very strong bond with his special carer and other members of the team. Fantastic nursery!
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Review from Melanie O’B (Mother of Child) published on 28 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic Nursery with fantastic Staff.
My daughter loves attending Busy Bees.
Nothing is a problem To the staff who are always willing to help to make it such an enjoyable and relaxed environment for both me and my daughter.
They always keep me up to date with my daughter's progress and what she
is doing.
I never feel I can’t approach the staff.
My daughter loves being part of this nursery and so do I.
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Review from C A A (Mother of Child) published on 14 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both children have attended this nursery and we have always been happy with the care and opportunities given to them, and the approachability of the staff and individualised care plans put in place. We love the use of outside space too! Friendly and caring, would definitely recommend.
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Review from Annie S (Mother of Child) published on 3 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It’s just been 3 months however it feels like it’s been forever.
Every morning when we enter the nursery, the happy and the energetic faces of the staff gives a very warm welcome and gives an assurance that the day is sorted.
And when I pick my little one in the evening, his happy face speaks loud
that he had a great day.
I am very happy with all that my little one has learned in last three months, he is growing as a confident little Boy.
Thanks for everything that you do to look after my son.
I get tired of looking after one. Hats off to you for looking after a bunch of them everyday. 
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Review from Ashleigh W (Mother of Child) published on 6 December 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The nursery is wonderful, my son loves going. The staff have made the transition of him joining so easy, and they are so lovely.
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Review from L M (Mother of Child) published on 16 November 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent facilities and friendly staff.
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Review from Whitney (Mother of Child) published on 5 November 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our son has attended Busy Bees since he was 5 months old, and we couldn't be happier. For the past 22 months, Busy Bees has been his home away from home. He loves going and spending his time there. The staff are wonderful, nurturing, caring, and helpful. They greet him each morning and say bye to
him each evening, which he loves. They have gotten to know his personality and interests. The activities that have been planned in each of the rooms he has been in have been appropriate for his development as well as encouraged his growth in skills.
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Review from Clare S (Mother of Child) published on 11 October 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my children have attended Busy Bees! It’s a home away from home for them! I couldn’t be happier- the staff are friendly and caring and treat my children and I as family! My children have had fantastic experiences at Busy Bees and always come away bursting with happiness and excitement. My daughter’s
health problems and strict dietary requirements have been handled excellently and I am so grateful! An amazing nursery and I will be sad when they have outgrown it!
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Review from Denise (Mother of Child) published on 9 October 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 3 year old has been coming here since she was 9 months old and she loves it. The staff are all very friendly and supportive, the meals are varied and the activities on offer are all very good.
She has learnt so much in her time here and her speech is very well developed.
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Review from Cathy M (Mother of Child) published on 11 September 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended Busy Bees for over 2 years and our daughter will be starting there next year. All of the staff are so friendly and supportive and nothing is too much trouble for them. Our son has really grown in confidence during his time at Busy Bees and I feel that he will be well prepared for
starting school next year.


The range of indoor and outdoor activities is excellent and he always has fun at nursery, while learning lots at the same time.


Busy Bees are very good at involving parents with stay and play sessions and parents evenings and the Parent Zone app they use is very useful for seeing what your child has been up to during the day!
The nursery is very flexible when it comes to booking additional sessions and swapping days when needed. Busy Bees is an excellent nursery with a friendly, family atmosphere and I can't recommend it highly enough!

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Review from Helen W (Grandmother of Child) published on 20 August 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My grandchildren are about to leave Busy Bees Nursery in Durham. Over the years and months, I have been involved in picking up the children and attending events. I have been privileged to be part of this little gem of childcare provision. Once the grandchildren have walked through the door into their
rooms they have been welcomed and engulfed by the care and attention given to them by the dedicated staff. Looking at what is expected from the Early Years provision, this place ticks the boxes most of the time, something not only reassuring and exceptional but also hard to achieve. Communication from the nursery has ensured we are able to respond to the children’s experiences. Safeguarding was discreet but secure. The staff sensitivity to the needs of the children is paramount but not just the children; the staff also looked to the needs of the carers too. I am sorry my grandchildren are leaving such a caring and happy environment, but I know they have been well prepared for the next stage in their lives.
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Review from Lynda M (Mother of Child) published on 13 August 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery is everything we could have hoped for for our daughter and we have watched her develop into a fully rounded little person during her time at Busy Bees.
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Review from Andrea B (Mother of Child) published on 13 August 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been at Busy Bees for almost two years, and we love it! The environment is bright and cheerful and full of activities and things to play with and learn from. The outdoor space is also wonderful, quite large but divided up into sections by age so that the littlest ones have a space more suited
to their abilities. The staff are all very friendly and energetic and are always happy to provide a lot of detail on my son's day. Also, the meals provided seem quite nutritious and appealing, and our son usually eats everything on his plate — it's so nice to know he's getting a balanced diet while at nursery, and it's convenient to not have to pack meals every day. He is also currently taking part in an extra football program to help develop his physical and social skills, which is a nice extra to add on. Overall we're very happy with the nursery, and will also be sending our new daughter there when we're done with family leave.
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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.

Child Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (5)

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