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.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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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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Review from Rebecca R (Mother of Child) published on 18 July 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended this nursery for three years and I do not have a bad word to say. The staff in each room are lovely and always willing to offer advice should you need it. My daughter has been settled throughout her stay there and we will both be sad when she leaves to go to school. The leaver's
concert that was performed by the children was exceptional.
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Review from Samantha (Mother of Child) published on 9 July 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has been in Busy Bees since they were 9 months old. The nursery has been nothing but exceptional the entire time. They are friendly, caring, willing to give advice, will take time to speak to you about your child's progress and most of all my child loves being there and loves the staff.
The
parent zone app that they use allows you to see your child's progress during the day and also see photos of your child doing the activities during the day. Would recommend this nursery to anyone.
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Review from Dave E (Father of Child) published on 9 July 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Been really great for our two girls; really helped them socialize and learn ahead of going to school, and helped them grow in confidence. Recommended!
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Review from Nichola B (Mother of Child) published on 14 June 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been in Busy Bees Nursery for the last 18 months and the care she has received has been excellent. The facilities and the staff are brilliant and I am always impressed by the variety of the meals provided. My daughter really enjoys going to nursery, she always states she has fun and
her development has been excellent. Thank you Busy Bees Nursery.
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Review from Bernice B (Mother of Child) published on 8 June 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees Durham has been a great nursery choice for my older son since he was 8 months old. I have been impressed with the staff friendliness, professionalism, care and family attributes.
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Review from Kathrine B (Mother of Child) published on 4 June 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff and facilities at Busy Bees are excellent, staff are very welcoming and they really do care about the children.... the key worker for my child has been superb and she has been a big support for us. Thank you
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Review from Helen K (Mother of Child) published on 4 June 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees have looked after 2 of my children and I cannot fault the service. The children have access to lots of meaningful activities, outdoor play with lots of opportunity for social interaction. They offer a fabulous menu and also are extremely flexible to the needs of both parents and children.
All round superb service.
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Review from Alison H (Mother of Child) published on 21 May 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees is a fantastic nursery, all the staff are extremely, friendly, helpful and caring. I am yet to meet a member of the team that does not greet you with a smile.
I would highly recommend this nursery to anyone. The staff exhibit high levels of attentiveness, commitment and dedication, treating
each child as an individual, helping them develop and learn while having fun in a safe, relaxed and caring environment.
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Review from Michala S (Mother of Child) published on 2 May 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My eldest daughter attended Busy Bees from 6 months to 4 years old and the youngest is currently placed there (aged 2.5) and has been since 6 months old. I could not recommend this nursery more. My children have developed, thrived and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of their time there. My youngest
bounces into her room every time we take her and she regularly tells me how much she loves her special carer. The carers are beyond amazing, the facilities outstanding and I feel so happy leaving my children here.
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Review from Jo W (Mother of Child) published on 2 May 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been using Busy Bees for both our children since mid-2013, we have always had exceptional service and our children have both been very happy there. The nursery has taken great care to meet our children's individual needs, our daughter had mild sensory issues and they worked closely with her
to encourage her to explore messy/tactile play. Despite being a larger nursery we have always felt our children's individual needs were being met, they have both been exposed to some amazing experiences including Yoga and extra activity sessions.
We are very happy with Busy Bees and would happily recommend.
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Review from Demelza L (Mother of Child) published on 30 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended Busy Bees since the age of one. The staff are professional, consistent and caring. His special carer at the moment has been immensely important in bringing on my son's development and his speech.
The nursery nurses at Busy Bees are absolutely brilliant. My son loves Busy Bees and
I simply couldn’t fault the nursery.
I would highly recommend Busy Bees, it’s given my son the pre-school confidence he needs to make the transition to primary education.
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Review from Andrea M (Mother of Child) published on 5 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees is a truly wonderful nursery! The commitment and care the staff give to my little girl (and to me as a parent) is fabulous and
I leave every session knowing she will have a fantastic day. The staff are passionate about their jobs and really care about each of the children they care for.
I love the family feel of the nursery and the warm and welcoming feeling right from the minute you walk in the door. Yes, private nurseries are expensive but they are an investment in your child's future and choosing this nursery was the best decision I made for her future. Her development from attending from a young age has been fantastic. Busy Bees is a hidden gem. Thank you for being wonderful!
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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.