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 21-40
Review from Abigail D (Mother of Child) published on 10 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bears Day Nursery is a wonderful nursery who care so much for my son. The volume of activities and outdoor time is excellent. They work with the parents to ensure all needs are met and provide excellent communication and feedback. The nursery stands out for me because of the passion the staff have
for the children.
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Review from Lauren S (Mother of Child) published on 5 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I couldn’t fault the nursery at all, every single member of staff are amazing with my daughter. She is 20 months old now and started when she was only 5 months old in the caterpillar room. I was so wary of leaving her with her being so young but as I needed to start a new job we choose Busy Bears. She
is so happy, content and eager to go in every day. My older children also used the dragonfly holiday club which they also loved & felt so safe in. Thank you for everything, we can’t wait for even more time with you all.
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Review from Siobahn L (Mother of Child) published on 5 November 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have had three children attend busy bears nursery over the last eight years and have throughout found their delivery of childcare exceptional. The staff are all extremely friendly and all three of my children have loved nursery. I feel the learning style is great and the enthusiasm of the staff is
evident. With regards to food, I have always found the meals to be of high quality and strangely my children would eat a variety of foods at nursery they wouldn't at home. The nursery presents as very colorful with lots of clean and appropriate toys. With that said they did a lot of learning through exploring outside regardless of the weather which my children loved. She loved the play area outside with the water features and having picnics nearby exploring the wildlife and nature. My youngest left in the middle of the covid-19 pandemic and I feel the nursery were very organised and were taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the children.
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Review from Sophie H (Mother of Child) published on 30 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing, can't fault the girls. My little girl suffered from terrible separation anxiety and the girls made me and my daughter at ease, within a few weeks my daughter was running through the door and I was lucky if I would get a kiss goodbye.
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Review from Becky M (Mother of Child) published on 15 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As most parents are, I was anxious putting my 9-month old into nursery, especially during such uncertain times. We joined Busy Bears just after lockdown and amidst the coronavirus pandemic and because of this I’ve only actually been inside the nursery once on my initial look around. Although parents/carers
can’t actually go inside the nursery right now, I couldn’t be more confident that behind those doors the staff do a fab job of ensuring the children are safe and happy. Having looked around 4 different nurseries (and given up hope!) I was relieved to find Busy Bears. As soon as you chat to the girls or see the children play you know you’ve picked the right place! As her special carer goes above and beyond for my daughter but all the girls are very friendly and thorough! I can’t wait to see my little girl grow up here, in 3 short months she’s already walking and talking and I’m sure it’s got a lot to do with this place!
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Review from Sophie W (Mother of Child) published on 13 October 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have used Busy Bears for the last 7-years for childcare for both of my boys which have only ended as they are now both at school. The team at Busy Bears have never been anything less than fantastic. All the staff go out of their way to make your children feel safe and happy. Nothing ever seems too
much trouble, e.g. if you need extra days etc, and staff are always on hand to answer any questions.
They have also handled the new challenges brought by Covid-19 really well. Sensible measures put in place without making the children anxious or unsure of what is going on.
If you are looking for professional, friendly and caring childcare, you won't find many places better than Busy Bears.
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Review from Kola (Father of Child) published on 21 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been very impressed with the support, guidance and assistance provided to our kids during the Covid-19 pandemic. The comprehensive health and safety procedures and policy the nursery implemented for the successful re-opening of the nursery. We have absolute confidence in the professionalism
of the leadership and management team and the entire staff of the nursery, for the excellent quality of provision for our kids, and the services they are providing in the community. Our kids continue to thrive, they are extremely happy and continue to develop in terms of their personal development, wellbeing, socially and educationally. We are very grateful to the entire staff team for the continued and ongoing support they are providing for our kids.
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Review from Tj D (Mother of Child) published on 29 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Over the past 2 and a half years at Busy Bears we have always felt there is no safer and caring environment for our 2 children. Since the boys return in June following the COVID-19 outbreak I have no doubt that Busy Bears are taking every precaution possible, in an early years setting, to keep all children
safe.
There has been exceptionally clear communication and implementation of measures such as social distancing required at drop off/collection, children have been grouped into “bubbles” as well as temperature checks for children and staff carried being out. These and other important changes, though different to our previous experience, have not changed the warm and caring nature of this unique and outstanding nursery. My children have settled straight back in, enjoying the friendships and activities they missed so very much during the nursery’s closure. I am able to leave my boys in their care knowing that their safety, happiness and wellbeing is central to everything they do.
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Review from Lindsay B (Mother of Child) published on 29 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been going to this nursery since she was 2. She started in the Honeys Room and is now in the Little Bumbles Room. I couldn’t fault this nursery, it has brought my daughter on so much. All the girls are absolutely great and welcoming us into the nursery. They keep us updated with everything
that’s going on during the pandemic. I get sent moments and my daughter's daily life at the nursery. Lovely to see! She will move up to Big Bumbles, then off to school she goes. Overall fab nursery. I can’t thank them enough for how they’ve helped my little girl evolve.
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Review from Kate K (Mother of Child) published on 25 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son had not long moved up to Butterflies before lockdown began. As time approached for nursery to reopen, we were obviously anxious about sending him back; how would he adjust to going back with a different routine? Would it be safe - for both him and us? Throughout its closure, we were regularly
informed of what preparations were being made in order to ensure a safe and smooth return. Comprehensive guidelines for parents were issued which assured us that everything that could be done, was being done to ensure that the children, staff and parents would be as safe as possible. We originally sent our son to Busy Bears as we were temporarily living in Langley Park. We had considered moving him to a nursery in Durham city because in rush hour it can take us an hour to take him to and from our home in the centre of the city. It is testament to the amazing staff and the care that he receives that we decided against it. He loves it there and so do we!
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Review from Nicola M (Mother of Child) published on 25 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was nervous about my children going back to nursey due to COVID-19 but felt they needed to for their education and to prepare my eldest for school. I couldn’t be happier with the process at Busy Bears, it is relax, easy with safety measures clearly in place. The girls are so excited and have settled
back in nursey really well. They come home happy and are excited to go back. Thank you Busy Bears!
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Review from Mhorag L (Mother of Child) published on 25 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have always been over the moon with the care Busy Bears Nursery provides, and upon his return in June 2020 after the COVID-19 outbreak, my mind was immediately put at rest when realising the safety measures the staff have provided within the setting which included a well organised socially distant
system when dropping off and picking up my son. On drop off the practitioners meet my son at the entrance, always with a warm welcome, and bring him down again when I collect him, I always receive detailed feedback about his day. I was extremely happy to learn the staff had organised small groups that children stay in during the day and ensure these groups did not mix with other groups which includes mealtimes and time in the garden. My son is ecstatic to be back at nursery as he has missed his fun-filled days with his friends. I was more than happy for my son to return to Busy Bear's Nursery as I know keeping the children safe and happy is paramount to them.
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Review from C W (Mother of Child) published on 12 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have used Busy Bears for eight years now, and I have always recommended it to family, friends and colleagues. Nothing is a problem for the staff, they bend over backwards to help you, they are very understanding and the nursery provides excellent care and activities for children.
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Review from R S (Mother of Child) published on 10 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have always been happy with the care my child has received from Busy Bears.
He has always loved the planned activities they do within the rooms. We are also very happy with the wide selection of meals on offer.
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Review from C N (Grandmother of Child) published on 3 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As soon as my grandson walked in Busy Bears doors he was welcomed with smiles and lovely staff that made him feel so at ease. They took him to his room and showed him around. From that day, he has never looked back and loves arriving. The care and learning he receives is absolutely brilliant. He has
come on leaps and bounds since the day he started. The staff encourage his imagination to grow and is great to see the bond he has made with his special carer.
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Review from Lauren O (Mother of Child) published on 19 December 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my little ones go to Busy Bears and they love it. My youngest would definitely recommend the food, he reckons it’s top-notch. All the staff have been brilliant. My eldest had gone backwards with potty training before she started nursery but now she’s fully trained and dry and she’s even dry most
nights. So all in all one happy mammy and two happy babies.
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Review from Leanne M (Mother of Child) published on 26 November 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both of my children have/is attended/attending this nursery and I wouldn't go anywhere else. All of the staff are amazing and I'm content knowing my children have been cared for exceptionally.
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Review from Emily T (Mother of Child) published on 5 November 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely nursery, staff are fantastic with both me and my daughter. My youngest will be starting here too in January.
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Review from Nicolle D (Mother of Child) published on 31 October 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very pleased with this nursery, my little girl is in the caterpillar room and really does love it. Some mornings she is so excited to go, she runs in with a smile on her face which makes it so much easier as a parent. They always give me a full update when I go to collect her as well as the parent app
throughout the day which is lovely to see. Always helpful and accommodating which is appreciated as my husband is a shift worker so we require different hours each week. A lovely bunch of ladies.
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Review from Kate S (Mother of Child) published on 23 September 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What a wonderful place! I can honestly say that we are delighted that we chose to put our little girl at Busy Bears. She’s been going there since she was six months old and the care, attention, activities and food (definitely the food!!) is second to none. She loves the staff and they come up with some
brilliant and innovative games to help support her development. They are super flexible and having to return to work full time has been made so much easier by Busy Bears. Thank you all.
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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.

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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 Bears Day Nursery to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Busy Bears Day Nursery has an Enhanced Service - more info.