Busy Bees Darlington

19 Newton Lane, Darlington DL3 9EX
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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 Jonathan D (Father of Child) published on 27 October 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My child has attended this nursery for over 3 years, they are committed to providing the children with a safe, happy environment whilst developing their motor and communication skills. I particularly like that I am able to use apps to check what my child has been doing at nursery, and apps to continue
the learning at home. When I have needed childcare for unexpected reasons, they have accommodated where possible. Overall, a great team, and will recommend to others. Thank you.
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Review from G B (Father of Child) published on 6 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Our son really enjoys coming to Busy Bees. Everyone there is friendly and he's made lots of friends. He was given a cuddly bumble bee which has become his treasured item and something he'll have to remember his time there in the future. All in all, he is very happy here.
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Review from Charlotte (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees at Darlington has a very nurturing environment in which our little boy has made excellent progress. His key worker has consolidated learning he's started at home and has taught him many key skills. All staff strive to ensure children are safe and secure in their learning environment. They
allow children's personalities to shine through. An amazing place!
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Review from E G (Grandmother of Child) published on 6 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
As a grandparent and childminder (of over 30 years) I think Busy Bees Darlington is the best nursery I have ever used. The staff and management are friendly, caring and very knowledgeable. They welcome every child as they enter and I feel that the children are very safe and well cared for. All the children
that have attended have been happy and really enjoyed their time with the nursery. Fab nursery.
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Review from Janet (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has attended over two different classrooms now and I can't recommend the nursery enough. It became clear that he has need of extra support and they are over and above in their help, even as we pursue a diagnosis. Always supportive and positive, always doing fun learning activities. Fantastic
organisational skills and facilities are always clean. Their kitchen staff are as good and friendly as everyone else. My daughter came here 12 years ago and many of the staff are still here now, which says a lot about how dedicated they are. I can't recommend them enough or thank them enough for their support with my son. They really listen.
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Review from O R (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Since joining this nursery, I can confidently say our son is having an amazing time here, growing into a strong, independent and free-thinking child and enjoying the lots of fun and learning in the nursery.
The environment is conducive for learning and development and our son always looks forward to
spending time daily at the creche and always looks happy there.
We are pleased with the nursery and would recommend it to others.
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Review from Katie L (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Amazing nursery. Caring staff. My son has thrived since starting and staff are always kind and patient with him and always welcoming. Cannot recommend the nursery enough.
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Review from Laura C (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son recently moved to Busy Bees from another nursery. He has developed so much in a short space of time. He's coming home happy and full of stories of what he has been doing. The communication between staff and parents is excellent along with the app. It's lovely to receive updates and pictures showing
how happy he is. I can't fault Busy Bees at all.
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Review from C M (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent nursery! Staff are always very friendly and great with the children. My little girl has come on so much since coming here (2018) and she enjoys nursery that much that she never wants to leave at the end of the day. I would definitely recommend to anyone that wanted a great nursery.
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Review from Lucy M (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Busy Bees have been extremely helpful in settling in our 3-year-old who at first didn't want to go at all and would cry a lot. Thanks to Busy Bees for being a safe, fun environment, our daughter soon settled and is very comfortable with the staff.
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Review from Lois C (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been very happy with the care my daughter receives ay Busy Bees Darlington. My daughter goes in now no problem having got used to the routines of the nursery. The staff are very approachable and willing to help with anything, they always communicate well, inform me of how my daughter has been
throughout the day and seem to really care about her. They update the app parent zone regularly also give regular observations of development. My daughter loves attending room 2 and always seems happy when we collect her.
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Review from Helen D (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has attended this nursery since 9 months old and is now in her last year at 4 years old. The nursery has been fantastic for her confidence and development. All the staff are welcoming and attentive and really take the time getting to know each child. My daughter really enjoys her time at
nursery and is always telling us about her day and how the staff have helped her make something or learn new skills. Overall this nursery is fantastic.
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Review from Holly M (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My little boy loves Busy Bees he recently moved up a class and has settled brilliantly. All his teachers are lovely, keep me up to date with his progress and are excellent at encouraging him. The Xmas nativity was fantastic, it was a credit to the team and really showed how much effort went into it.
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Review from Maxine F (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter has only started in January but has really settled in well, the staff are so friendly towards her and she loves going every day. My daughter is always keen to show me what she has been doing and staff are supportive of like potty training and naps. It's a relief knowing she's in such great
hands.
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Review from Cheryl Y (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I enrolled my daughter to Busy Beed when she was only 6 months old and as a first-time mum, choosing somewhere to take care of her was a daunting prospect. My concerns were very quickly put to bed upon meeting with the staff in Darlington. From my initial contact to my little one now being 19 months
old everything has been exceptional. They have taken time to get to know my little one in every way possible and I am incredibly confident that she gets all the learning that she needs along with genuine care from the friendliest most conscientious staff. Busy Bees nursery have not only looked after my little girl they have been super accommodating with my working mum needs and I wouldn't change nursery if you paid me! Incredibly grateful for everything.
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Review from Elizabeth A (Mother of Child) published on 28 February 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Choosing a nursery to send our little one to felt like a full-time job itself, we both really struggled with where she would be full time as I returned to work early and she was only 6-months-old. We viewed multiple nurseries but it was only Busy Bees where we felt welcomed and as if we were really
encouraged to see what the other children were doing, not just a quick rush around.
We couldn't have chosen a better setting though, she has thrived in the baby room. All of the staff have been fantastic and she really enjoys her days coming to nursery. The range of activities that are available to her are far more than we could offer at home and tailored to her likes and interests.
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Review from D H (Mother of Child) published on 1 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My two girls have been at Busy Bees Darlington from a young age, they are full-timers and absolutely love it, they skip in through the doors every day. The staff are excellent and clearly care a lot about the kids. The food is healthy and diverse. The girls have learnt so much and are always coming
home having learnt something new. I would recommend this nursery every time. Thank you Busy Bees Darlington!
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Review from Katy M (Mother of Child) published on 6 August 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
In the time my son has been at Busy Bees the care he has experienced has been fantastic. The staff are very knowledgeable and they ensure the activities are fun and educational. All staff ensure a high level of safety and have been fantastic when dealing with my son's food allergy. My son has thoroughly
enjoyed his time here and his key worker, along with the team, have ensured he is ready and prepared for starting school.
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Review from Amy S (Mother of Child) published on 14 June 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A very bright clean and well-maintained place, lots of toy selection. Differently daily toys/activities even for younger children. Staff are professional. knowledgable and build a strong relationship with the children knowing their ways and needs.
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Review from Vicky R (Mother of Child) published on 25 December 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I found all members of staff helpful, friendly and supportive with myself, partner and son.
My son enjoyed going to Busy Bees and was always happy when we went to collect him.
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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

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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.

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.