Busy Bees Darlington

19 Newton Lane, Darlington DL3 9EX
Review Us
9.3 47 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Darlington, Darlington
Busy Bees at Darlington is a trusted day nursery that takes pride in creating unforgettable memories and empowering young minds to learn, flourish and thrive.

The nursery's tailored rooms are thoughtfully designed with age-appropriate activities and resources, offering a nurturing environment that supports each child's development. With endless opportunities available for every child to explore their imagination, there is never a dull day at Busy Bees Darlington.

Children can continue the fun outdoors, whilst they enjoy the fresh air and enhance their learning journey by taking on safe risks. With the guidance from the highly qualified team, children can freely explore and develop their physical skills, building confidence in their abilities.

Rest assured, the dedicated team goes the extra mile to provide every child with the best start in life. With a keen focus on individual needs and interests, the team carefully curates a range of fun-filled activities that inspire curiosity and support early development.

In addition to providing endless opportunities for play and learning at the nursery, Busy Bees also offers the UP – Unleashing Potential app, which allows parents to continue the fun at home.

Experience the exceptional childcare and early years' education offered at Busy Bees Darlington by booking a visit today!
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Funding & Fees

Contact Busy Bees Darlington to get a personalised quote.

Contact Busy Bees Darlington to get a personalised quote.

Type of Service

  • Day Nursery
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Suzanne Cartwright-Powton (Manager)

Number of Childcare Staff

  • 26

Total Places for Children

  • 89

Age Range

  • from 0 years 2 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

Busy Bees Darlington Reviews (47)

9.3

Busy Bees Darlington has a Review Score of 9.3 (9.304) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Busy Bees Darlington has 47 reviews.

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Review from M B (Father of Child) published on 20 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The busy bee staff are always so lovely from the moment you walk in and get the friendly greeting from the person working reception at the time.
Every time we collect our child they are more than happy to recount highlights from the day and answer any questions or concerns. Very helpful for first
time parents.
As well the drop off and pick up interactions; the app will also be updated throughout the day with activities, pictures and even when they eat and get nappies changed. All of which keeps parents involved.
Very happy we get to let our little one go to busy bees and he always looks forward to busy bee days ^_^
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Review from H S (Mother of Child) published on 11 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We've had both our Children at Busy Bees Nursery from age 9 months (one has gone through all the rooms amd is now at school) and they have both had the best experience. The staff are all really friendly and supportive and our children have always been really happy here!
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Review from Leanne S (Mother of Child) published on 11 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely brilliant nursery always immaculate and colourful. The nursery is a very welcoming place.
Staff are always dressed in uniform and approachable very kind and willing to chat. I love coming in on the morning with my little girl and always being greeted with happiness and smiles.
One of
my favourite things about the nursery is the update via the app. Containing photos, meals, activities and more. I really love to see what she is doing when she's around others. I was always sceptical when first applying for nurseries. I can safely say I was very uneasy about the whole situation to start but busy bees has made this so much more easier for me and my child. I honestly enjoy taking her to nursery because I know she is in a safe, loving, caring environment! My child really enjoys her time there.
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Review from Lilly J (Mother of Child) published on 11 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Can not recommend this nursery enough!
We have one child already there and another going to be attending soon. They have made everything so easy for us and our little ones as they both need additional care from time to time.
Suzanne and the team in all the rooms are fantastic and always put the
care of the children first, they all even know every child by name. It made my child feel right at home and confident enough to go off on their own despite having difficulties adjusting to change.
Best nursery by far!
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Review from Lauren H (Mother of Child) published on 11 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very caring and supportive of my child. I always get a good handover and she comes out very happy, photos are always brilliant and any support I've needed from home to nursery and questions to help are always answered to the best they can!
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Review from E L (Mother of Child) published on 11 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little one absolutely loves nursery and he knows all the staff including the cleaners! Everytime we enter he says hi to Suzanne and everyone else says hello.
We only manage to start him from 9 months so we didnt get to see the baby room but the 2 rooms hes in are absolutely amazing! Being at Busy
bees his confidence has soared and all the staff are lovely and understanding!
I keep telling all my friends and family about getting their children here even parents I seen in work looking for a nursery. My partner when we went to view didnt even think twice and told me this was the place for our son and we love seeing all the updates and recieve so much help from everyone!
There is such diverse and healthy balanced meals ever single day as well!
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Review from Demi T (Mother of Child) published on 11 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy started here in January 2026 and it has been the best decision made! He has settled in so well and everyone is so lovely and accommodating.
I love how they have an app that keeps you updated especially for us mums who are nervous for our children going into nursery. I couldn't of asked
for a better nursery for my little one
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Review from Sahar A (Mother of Child) published on 11 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has recently started attending Busy Bees Darlington two days a week. I have liked this nursery from the beginning. It has a large, bright space with plenty of natural light in the rooms. The staff are kind, caring, and very supportive, and I feel happy and confident leaving my child there.
I feel that my daughter is gradually settling in, feeling happy, and developing a positive feeling about being there. I am really looking forward to seeing all the things she will learn. Thank you to the team for all their care and support.
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Review from E P (Mother of Child) published on 11 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I highly recommend this nursery to everyone!
My daughter loves to be there and after 5 hours of playing she wants to more :) also they helped us with her confidence and helped with potty training ! I am so happy as nurses and director is so helpful and supportive ! Any questions, advice they will
give you all what you want ! 10/10
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Review from A L (Mother of Child) published on 11 February 2026 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has been attending Busy Bees Darlington since she was only 10 months old. I found it extremely difficult returning to work and leaving her but I felt so much more at ease after getting to know the staff at the nursery and just how well she is cared for.
The nursery is very accommodating
to our needs, every room she has progressed through I have really seen such a difference in her development. She is growing into this amazing, clever, funny young girl who is thriving in her nursery setting. She gets on with all the members of staff and always enjoys her time there.
Picking a nursery for me at the beginning was really overwhelming but after our initial visit I just knew this was the setting I wanted my daughter to be at. Its clean, safe, structured routines really put me at ease.
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Review from Marie S (Grandmother of Child) published on 22 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My granddaughter is so happy at Busy Bees. She's only 15 months old, but has developed really well. She's been given many educational opportunities, things we may not have had time to do at home.
The staff are all professional and very friendly. They care about each child. Well worth the money. Thank
you, Busy Bees.
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Review from Tania F (Mother of Child) published on 25 February 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our daughter has been at Busy Bees for 2.5 years and she absolutely loves it. All the staff are friendly and knowledgeable and the manager runs an excellent nursery, leads from the front and we have always found her to be very caring and involved with the children. Wonderful nursery which we will be
very sad to say goodbye to, when our daughter starts school in September.
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Review from Sam C (Mother of Child) published on 25 February 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended here from being a baby. They are a fab team, the food is fab too. My daughter also has T1 diabetes and they look after her medical needs amazingly. I would highly recommend.
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Review from Charlene M (Mother of Child) published on 25 February 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This nursery has been a second home to both of my boys. I have been leaving them here for six years in total now and do not have one fault. The Staff are exceptional and go above and beyond on each occasion to meet the boys needs and interests. Very well organised and merry. He currently loves his routine
with Busy Bees, it's all he talks about! I'll be sad when it comes to leaving in September.
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Review from Jemma G (Mother of Child) published on 25 February 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot thank the entire team enough for all the care they give my little girl. Having her start nursery during the pandemic was hard, but within a matter of weeks, any worry had gone. With regular updates, observations and photos, it is clear to see how happy she is there. The team are a big part
of my little one's life and I couldn't wish for any better people for her. Thank you for being so amazing and caring as much as you do.
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Review from Kate B (Mother of Child) published on 25 February 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I've had my daughter in this nursery now for nearly one year and I am happy with everything, from the food menu, the communication, the child updates and photos, the staff and mostly the progress my daughter is making. I love the way my daughter runs into nursery every time no matter which staff come
to greet us.
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Review from S E (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My second daughter is currently attending and the standards are still just as high as they were when my eldest attended from 2016 to 2018. Always very welcoming when dropping off or picking up. Great communication. Really pleased that I picked Busy Bees again.
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Review from A B (Mother of Child) published on 15 February 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My daughter has a brilliant time at this nursery she is always smiling when collected. I love the updates on her day on the app.
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Review from Elisha W (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter loves going to nursery all the staff are lovely and friendly, my daughter has come along so much by going, she’s been going to this nursery two years in August I'm so glad she’s in this nursery, highly recommend.
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Review from A R (Mother of Child) published on 16 August 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter's experience at Busy Bees has been fantastic. The staff are so friendly and care so much about the kids. My daughter has done so much and learnt so much it's been amazing to see her grow there from a baby to a preschooler.
Thank you.
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Current Review Score: 9.3 (9.304)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.3 (9.304) out of 10 for Busy Bees Darlington 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 4.992 for Busy Bees Darlington is calculated as follows: ( (119 Excellents x 5) + (1 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 120 Ratings = 4.992
  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 4.312 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bees Darlington 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 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 = 3.75
    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 89 number of registered child places is 17.8. 10 Positive Reviews ÷ 17.8 = 0.562
  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

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (1)

Meet the Team (1)

Suzanne

Suzanne Cartwright- Powton

Job Title: Centre Director Joined: 2000

My name is Suzanne Cartwright-Powton and I am the Nursery Manager for Busy Bees Nursery in Darlington.
I started working in the nursery in August 2000 as a nursery officer and in October 2005 I was promoted to Nursery Manager. I have seen the nursery grow and become an established nursery which offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere to the children's parents/ carers and staff.


I qualified as a nursery nurse in 1992 and in 2011 I graduated from Northumbria University with a BA (Hons) in Early Years Practice. I am also Portage trained and have Early Years Teaching Status. I enjoy studying and finding out about new research and studies that will extend my knowledge of the childcare field.


The nursery team is like a big family, many of the staff team have achieved long service awards for continued service; five-year, ten-year and fifteen-year awards. Having such dedicated staff shows that they are committed to their work and are professional caring people. I am very proud to be part of this team and thoroughly enjoy my role in the nursery, watching children grow and achieve and develop their own personalities.


We have an open-door policy so that existing parents can pop in for a chat at any time. We welcome visits for prospective parents and children, no appointment is necessary, just come along and find out about all the exciting things we do.

Frequently Asked Questions about Busy Bees Darlington

What is the Age Range of Children that Busy Bees Darlington accepts?

Busy Bees Darlington accepts Children aged from 0 years 2 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Busy Bees Darlington Open?

Busy Bees Darlington 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 Bees Darlington have capacity for?

Busy Bees Darlington has capacity for a total of 89 Children.

How far is Busy Bees Darlington to the centre of Darlington?

1.4 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 Bees Darlington to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Busy Bees Darlington has an Enhanced Service - more info.