Busy Bees Nursery

Priory Road, Newton Hall, Durham DH1 5HW
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Top 20 award
10 197 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 (197)

10

Busy Bees Nursery has a Review Score of 10 (9.994) out of 10, based on 39 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Busy Bees Nursery has 197 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Busy Bees Nursery
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Total of 197, showing 161-180
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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Review from Kathy S (Grandmother of Child) published on 4 April 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It's a fantastic place for children. My grandson has come on amazingly - I love picking him up he does lots of fun things and the staff are so welcoming. They tell me all about his day and they do so much. Would highly recommend the nursery.
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Review from Michelle (Mother of Child) published on 3 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very happy to recommend Busy Bees. The staff are friendly and supportive, they have a good range of facilities and always seem to be doing varied and interesting activities with the children. They are flexible and willing to make changes where needed. Both of my children settled in well and
enjoyed/enjoy attending.
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Review from Sophie (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery is a fantastic nursery and creates a home like environment for my child. My child has been given special carers from a very young age but it is clear that all staff play an important role when she is at nursery. My child will often say hello to many staff around the nursery and on an evening
will discuss the different things she has done with different members of staff that day.
Having such a calm environment is great for the children and the structure throughout the day works extremely well. I often plan to stick to the structure this nursery sets (meal times, play times, reading times, etc) and it is a good balance. Especially following the same meal times as this prevents my child having snacks.
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Review from Linda M (Grandmother of Child) published on 19 March 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our Grandson has attended Busy Bees for the last 7 months and we have seen a big difference in his confidence. The Nursery has been very accommodating with his food allergies and has provided meals especially for him. We have access to the parent zone app which is fantastic and gives us the opportunity
to see what activities he has been up to on a daily basis. We are very happy with the support and care given from staff who are always there if you have any concerns. Thank you, Busy Bees!
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Review from Holly S (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees is an absolutely fabulous nursery! Myself and my partner work different days every single week and the nursery has never failed to accommodate neither have they minded us changing our mind last minute.


I feel completely at ease dropping our son every week, he always settles really well

and when he does cry it’s lovely to see the staff comfort and reassure him. They provide us regular updates on the Parent Zone app each day and it’s great to see what he gets up to. Our son has come on so much since being at Busy Bees and I couldn’t recommend them enough! The staff are fabulous and I can’t fault anything they do.


They are always giving the children different activities to do and always supplying fresh healthy food, I can reassure any parent that they wouldn’t regret using this nursery. Can’t praise them enough.

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Review from Natalie S (Mother of Child) published on 19 March 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am a mum of three boys who have all attended Busy Bees over the last six years. Over this time, all three boys have enjoyed their time at Busy Bees and have all made lots of new friends. Staff at Busy Bees really appear to care about the children and are always keen on trying to cater for their individual
needs.I have also always been really impressed with the way in which staff communicate with parents. Management at the nursery have always been available to discuss any issues and are very approachable and willing to help. Overall I am very happy with the care my children receive at Busy Bees nursery.
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Review from Sian S (Mother of Child) published on 16 March 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son started in February and although he only attends one day a week he has settled in well. Staff are friendly and always there to help. I like the blog facility so that I can see what he gets up to whilst I’m at work! The nursery is also good at accommodating my husband’s shift work. Would definitely
recommend!
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Review from Rhiannon S (Mother of Child) published on 26 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees is an absolutely amazing place for young children to grow up in. I have never been worried about leaving my little one in their care and I wish that she could stay forever. The staff are always friendly, welcoming and reassuring. Nothing is too much trouble to make sure that your little one
is getting the best care and that they are happy and safe.
They provide lots of toys and activities to develop curious little minds and allow them to explore the outside whenever the weather permits. I would recommend them to anyone.
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Review from Abigail T (Mother of Child) published on 26 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my children have been to Busy Bees. The staff are great and work hard to make sure that they are happy, settled and thriving. This has been particularly true with my youngest who has special educational needs. Staff have taken on board advice from us and other professionals that have supported
her development and we have in turn benefited from the input of nursery staff. The nursery has a good atmosphere and there is a lovely outdoor space for activities too. Staff are very friendly and approachable.
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Review from Lynsey N (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot rate Busy Bees more highly. My son is now in his 5th room preparing to start school in September and the time he has spent at busy bees has been educational and full of fun.


The staff are very approachable and friendly with a great wealth of knowledge and I have never thought he was in

anything but the safest of hands.
All staff greet my son and family by name on arrival and when leaving and will go above and beyond to help with any queries or questions at any time.


Key workers have a personal relationship with each child which ensures they receive differentiated activities and the nursery experience is tailored to them and their development.


My son has loved his time at Busy Bees!

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Review from Elly N (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I’ve found the nursery environment and staff very inviting and supportive. We are always welcomed at the door by the staff, they are helpful in answering queries and I know I can speak to the Nursery Manager about anything in complete confidence. My little girl settled quickly into the nursery routine
and has come along leaps and bounds in the year that she has been there.
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Review from Lucy B (Mother of Child) published on 5 February 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I really can’t rate Busy Bees highly enough.
The staff are fabulous. So caring and yet very professional at the same time. Nothing is too much trouble. The facilities, food, activities, curriculum and overall environment are first class.
My son absolutely loves coming here and my daughter will hopefully
be starting soon. I’m sure she will thrive and flourish here as he has. I feel very lucky to have such a great place on my doorstep for my children to be a part of as they learn and develop.
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Review from Andrea S (Mother of Child) published on 19 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees is an excellent nursery with very caring and helpful staff. The is a real emphasis on your child's education and natural development. From the manager to the cleaner all member of staff has your child's best interests at heart. Can't fault this place.
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Review from Nicky N (Father of Child) published on 8 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended Busy Bees for the last eight months and has spent time in two different rooms. She has really enjoyed her time in both the rooms and I am pleased to see her developing new skills. There are lots of opportunities to gain an insight into her day with ‘Stay and Play’ sessions organised,
as well as lots of information being shared on the Parentzone app.


My daughter enjoys playing outside and there are opportunities for her to do this. She has enjoyed walks around the local community as well as visits to the pet shop.


The staff are all warm and friendly and I have always felt at ease approaching them with any queries. The manager is always present in the nursery and it is lovely that she greets lots of the children as well as spending time talking to families.


Thank you to all of the staff at Busy Bees!

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Review from Chloe M (Mother of Child) published on 5 January 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son attended Busy Bees in 2017 and we found it a fantastic nursery. The staff were great - very knowledgeable, warm, professional and energetic. They were attuned to my son's individual needs and supported us whenever needed. The centre has a fantastic outdoor area and puts emphasis on spending time
outdoors, which I really liked, particularly as my son is very active. The centre also always provided lots of stimulating indoor play activities, with a lot of thought and innovation from the teachers.


The centre as a whole had a great 'family' vibe and there were always lots of thoughtful touches and child-focused additions such as a doorbell at child height and healthy snacks that the kids could collect to eat on the way home. These are only a couple of examples but there were many such things that have clearly been developed over time by staff who are continually reflective and attuned to the needs of the children and their families, in a centre that values and promotes excellent early childhood care.

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Review from Emma S (Mother of Child) published on 7 December 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As a working mum, I have always felt at ease leaving all three of my children in the care of the staff at Busy Bees Nursery. The staff have always catered to each child's needs as they have gone through each of the rooms within the nursery.


The nursery has a fantastic outdoor area which stood out

from any other nursery we had been to look around. It is just amazing!


All three children have since left to go to school, my youngest most recently leaving in August 2017. However, we returned in the October half term to use the holiday care.


The nursery has certainly helped them all prepare for the transition from nursery to school. I would highly recommend Busy Bees Nursery to any parent looking for high standards of care and learning.

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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.994)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.994) 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 4.994 for Busy Bees Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (464 Excellents x 5) + (3 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 467 Ratings = 4.994
  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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Awards / Recognitions (6)

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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.