Busy Bears Day Nursery

Field View, Auton Stile, Bearpark, Durham DH7 7AA
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9.3 91 Reviews
  • Busy Bears Day Nursery, Durham
Busy Bears Day Nursery provides quality and inspirational learning for children up to eleven years old.

It offers a nurturing and caring environment where everyone feels welcome and valued in their own right.

It provides a high-quality childcare service and this is recognised by 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 Bears are very proud of their 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.

Busy Bears has an open door policy to ensure there is effective communication at all times between the nursery and parents/carers.

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 Bears (Durham) Ltd
  • Privately Owned

Person in Charge

  • Emma Ellison (Nursery Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 50

Total Places for Children

  • 169

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 Bears Day Nursery Reviews (91)

9.3

Busy Bears Day Nursery has a Review Score of 9.3 (9.271) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Busy Bears Day Nursery has 91 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Busy Bears Day Nursery
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Total of 91, showing 1-20
Review from Melanie H (Mother of Child) published on 21 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery is fantastic and they go above and beyond anything I would expect for their clients. Firstly, let's start with my son's care. He is so happy to be dropped off at the nursery and loves the staff. They have so many great things there like the sensory room, scenario play, books, singing to
name a few. He's always eating amazing meals I wouldn't cook at home and he comes home exhausted in the best way possible. They also have a fantastic management team. That's where I think they set themselves apart. I work part time so I have a payment scheme pay 85 percent of my costs back and the staff have helped me to get the money back, their manager and deputy manager are great at accessing support and coming up with solutions to help. The best thing is I have so many questions as a first time mum, they don't mind me asking and are more than happy to help! When I drop off and collect, the room is full of happy smiling babies. I think that says it all! Great place!
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Review from A O (Father of Child) published on 10 November 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Busy Bears for a few months and absolutely loves it. The staff are friendly, professional and caring - it's clear that there's a lot of attention to detail throughout the whole nursery. I highly recommend Busy Bears to anyone looking for child daycare and would like to
thank the staff for their efforts.
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Review from R H (Mother of Child) published on 10 October 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter attended from 14 months old until 4 years. Each room transition was very smooth, we were well informed of how transitions would work and had the opportunity to meet all staff. There appeared to be lots of different opportunities to take part in through the day, messy play, books, jigsaws,
outside play and outings in the community. We feel nursery really supported our daughter's social skills as she made lots of friends and has great speech and language. Our daughter was always happy to go to nursery (it was often a challenge to get her out) the staffs communication was always excellent, so friendly and warm. All management staff were very approachable, we always felt staff made an effort to know us as a family and not just our child. We always felt assured our daughter was safe and well cared for and we liked receiving up to date info about her day on the app. We had a really positive experience with this nursery and would certainly recommend to other parents
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Review from Holly L (Mother of Child) published on 4 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am incredibly thankful for the care and support my 2-year-old daughter receives at Busy Bears Day Nursery. From the moment she started, I have seen her flourish, growing in confidence, developing new skills, and most importantly, being happy and excited to attend. I would like to give a special thank
you to some of the ladies for their dedication and kindness. They treat my daughter as if their own, and that level of care and attention means the world to me. It's clear that they truly care and the nurturing environment they have created is something you don't always see. I wholeheartedly recommend Busy Bears Nursery.
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Review from A L (Mother of Child) published on 31 March 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have had such a positive experience with busy bears and would recommend it to others. The staff are so patient and it's great to be greeted personally each morning and receive an update at the end of the day on how your child has been. Such a wonderful nursery!
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Review from J L (Mother of Child) published on 22 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Everyone is always enthusiastic on arrival and collection, lots of activities throughout the day for children to enjoy. Regular updates on the app throughout the day regarding eating, toilet, special moments. No concerns. Daughter always excited to attend nursery and tells stories about her day.
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Review from L L (Mother of Child) published on 7 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can't express how grateful I am to Busy Bears Nursery! Like most people, I was very nervous to leave my daughter in a nursery setting for the first time at 14 months old!
I couldn't have been put more at ease, each and every staff member put my mind to rest and was so friendly and approachable.
Each of the 3 rooms we have been through have been fantastic. The care has been second to none and my daughter and us as parents are so happy with the care she receives.
The updates on the app are so welcomed, this allows me to see what has been going on day to day and the 'moments' and 'snapshots' are excellent and I appreciate the time and effort put into these as a parent when the carers are running round after toddlers all day!
Any enquiry is answered immediately and that is really reassuring, nothing seems to be any trouble.
Fantastic care, fantastic staff!
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Review from Alex M (Mother of Child) published on 26 July 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy has been with Busy Bears from around 18 months old and he starts school this coming September. I am over the moon with the care he has received during this time and the wonderful learning opportunities the nursery has provided.
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Review from Faye S (Mother of Child) published on 25 July 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Honey Room - my son has absolutely loved being in this room and has run into the nursery every morning! As a working parent, this has been so important knowing he enjoys it.
Staff are friendly, informative and very supportive, and it's been a real pleasure to get to know them over the months.
The
staff shown genuine care for my son, and it's evident in how he talks about his fay and how he asks for them individually.
We couldn't have asked for more from the staff in regard to supporting his development, and we have seen his progress alongside his personality developing. Thank you!
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Review from S C (Father of Child) published on 21 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Impressive nursery with a lovely, homely environment. Staff are all amazing and the care has been wonderful for my little girl. I can tell the staff really care and enjoy being with the children. Lots of great experiences and opportunities provided. Love having access to the app to see what little one
has been up to each day.
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Review from Bill P (Grandfather of Child) published on 30 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I highly recommend Busy Bears Day Nursery as since starting there our grandaughter has come on in leaps and bounds, experiencing a range of activities associated with learning, playing and gaining confidence and social skills. The staff are lovely and caring and attentive to her needs.
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Review from Amy B (Mother of Child) published on 23 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Parents' evening was a great experience, speaking to staff without the children. Got such a lovely feeling and when we left both said we were pleased we went. Also, there was wine! Thank you to all the staff, especially staff in Honeyz keeping me up to date, and taking excellent care of my little boy.
I also love the parent app!
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Review from Anthony E (Father of Child) published on 10 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little girl has recently joined Busy Bears in the caterpillar room, and she has settled in so well. The staff are all so friendly and have welcomed us into the nursery, putting my mind at ease that she is being well looked after. She has lots of new toys and activities to play with, and we get updates
each day on the app so we know exactly what she's been up to and photos too. The nursery menu is great and all her meals are provided across the day - she has tried lots of new things since joining. Thank you all so much for taking such good care of her - you all do a fantastic job!
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Review from Barbara P (Grandmother of Child) published on 10 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My granddaughter attends Busy Bears, and she absolutely loves it! The staff are lovely and caring and give us lovely informative updates when I collect her. She's trying lots of tasty home-cooked food and making many new friends. I'm really happy she attends the nursery!
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Review from Paige T (Mother of Child) published on 21 July 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am really happy with the care my son receives at nursery and pleased with the amount of feedback given.
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Review from S C (Mother of Child) published on 15 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been at Busy Bears Day Nursery for nearly a year now and she has come on so much! The care is amazing and child centred and nothing is too much bother. Staff encourage you to call the nursery to check in on how your child is doing and also have a fab app that staff update during the
day that parents can view in their own time! Management are vigilant and hands on and takes complaints seriously and act upon them! Cannot fault the care, and 100% recommended.
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Review from K T (Mother of Child) published on 25 November 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely nursery, always lots of activities and children are always busy and learning new things. Very well looked after.
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Review from Declen A (Father of Child) published on 29 July 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I couldn’t recommend Busy Bears nursery enough, our little boy has come on leaps and bounds since he started and enjoys coming home and telling us about his day, his communication, understanding, social play and even eating has improved so much in the last few months and we are very grateful for the
nursery and all of the staff! We have had no problems at all so far and every single one of the staff members goes out of their way to make sure everything is fine and that our little boy has the best day he can. I am looking forward to seeing him continue on his journey throughout nursery!
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Review from Emma P (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I literally couldn't be happier I choose this nursery!
After putting my little boy into another nursery for only two weeks I knew something wasn't right so had a visit with the senior practitioner. Straight away she put my mind at ease. Everyone is so lovely and friendly and it's like my son has always
been here!
He gets so excited when I tell him he's going to nursery and then walks in so confidently. I can see such a massive difference and it's only been a few months, I generally love the fact he is having so much fun and always looking forward to my daily updates whilst I'm at work.
Thank you so much to all the girls!
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Review from Heather A-F (Mother of Child) published on 10 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy started in September following a visit in March prior to lockdown. They understood my concerns about settling in due to restrictions and not being apart from me very often and he completed an additional settling in day. He started and they kept me thoroughly updated for the first few weeks,
to support the transition and have continued this through the parent app since. My little boy has since learnt to walk and now runs down the path to the nursery and to the staff waiting. He loves going and seeing the other children and staff. They are kind, caring, flexible and adaptable in the current circumstances. My little boy absolutely loves nursery and it is no doubt due to the staff, the lovely activities they provide and also the lovely dinners. I and my partner joke that we would go to nursery for the food, it's fantastic. My little boy is very active and enjoys being busy, the staff are very flexible and adaptive to his needs. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the nursery to anyone who asks!
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Current Review Score: 9.3 (9.271)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.3 (9.271) out of 10 for Busy Bears Day 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 10 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.3 out of 5 from 10 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 4.975 for Busy Bears Day Nursery is calculated as follows: ( (117 Excellents x 5) + (3 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 120 Ratings = 4.975
  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 4.296 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bears Day Nursery is based on 10 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 169 number of registered child places is 33.8. 10 Positive Reviews ÷ 33.8 = 0.296
  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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Frequently Asked Questions about Busy Bears Day Nursery

What is the Age Range of Children that Busy Bears Day Nursery accepts?

Busy Bears Day Nursery accepts Children aged from 0 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Busy Bears Day Nursery Open?

Busy Bears Day Nursery is open: 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.

How many Children does Busy Bears Day Nursery have capacity for?

Busy Bears Day Nursery has capacity for a total of 169 Children.

How far is Busy Bears Day Nursery to the centre of Durham?

2.2 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of daynurseries.co.uk. Please contact Busy Bears Day Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Busy Bears Day Nursery has an Enhanced Service - more info.