Busy Bees Harlow

The Greenway, Harlow Business Park, Harlow CM19 5QE
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9.5 80 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Harlow, Harlow
Busy Bees Harlow is a purpose-built, single-storey nursery, designed with endless learning opportunities for children. The children can access the spacious and well-equipped garden areas where they are encouraged to explore their imagination. The nursery also provides a ‘Grow Your Own’ project, in which the children can get involved in digging and caring for fruit and veg.

The experienced and qualified staff are committed to giving children the best start in life and providing excellent care for all children, so they are supported, safe and well looked after whilst at the nursery. With secure key fob access and onsite CCTV, you can be rest assured your child is safe and supported.

To ensure that your child has the best time at nursery, there are a wide variety of fun filled activities and excellent learning resources available to cater for every child’s needs and interests. The nursery team plans and prepares activities in line with the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) curriculum so that your little one can learn whilst having fun during their stay at nursery. Following the EYFS curriculum will help support your child to prepare for the next key stage.

The nursery has a talented Chef who not only prepares delicious and nutritious food in line with the NHS-accredited menus and individual dietary requirements, but also cooks with seasonal produce to give children the opportunity to experience different colours, textures and tastes.

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Care Provided by Busy Bees Harlow

  • Type of Service
  • Day Nursery – Privately Owned
  • Open all year
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Kim Shinn and Louise Christie (Centre Directors)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 25
  • Total Places for Children
  • 121
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays

Busy Bees Harlow Reviews (80)

Total of 80, showing 41-60
9.5

Busy Bees Harlow has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.531) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Busy Bees Harlow has 80 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Date Published

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14
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Review from Kayah O (Mother of Child) published on 1 August 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since starting with Busy Bees Harlow my son has built a real sense of confidence, he has excelled in his speech and his communication skills have improved. He has learnt at a comfortable pace and believe he is ready to go to school. The staff have been very supportive and hands-on.

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Review from Rebecca T (Mother of Child) published on 1 August 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I knew this nursery was fantastic already as my niece attended for several years and absolutely loved her time there but it wasn't until my daughter started going in January that I realised just how wonderful all the staff were. My daughter has come on in leaps and bounds in physical, mental and emotional
milestones and I know that's down the amazing work of the staff at the nursery. 2 members of staff, in particular, have been so caring and loving which is so reassuring to me as a first time mum knowing that my daughter is in the best hands. I couldn't recommend this nursery more highly.

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Review from Claire W (Mother of Child) published on 1 August 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been at Busy Bees Harlow since he was 2. He has always loved going, never had an issue when dropping him off, he gets excited as we pull into the car park and runs in the door without looking back. All the staff are lovely and so helpful and make you feel welcome from the first moment. 2
members of staff, in particular, have been amazing with my son as he is currently going through assessments and diagnosis of autism, both have helped my husband and myself secure an EHCP for our son and one of them has been working with him on a 1 to 1 basis for the past year and he has definitely come on a lot since then. I would definitely recommend Busy Bees to all my family and friends. Thank you for everything.

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Review from Vickie C (Mother of Child) published on 29 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son always enjoys his day at Busy Bees and looks forward to going, I cannot praise this nursery enough, all staff are so helpful, polite and supportive.
He has been learning to write his name and is doing so well as staff work hard to help support him.
I was so nervous with my son starting nursery
but soon felt at ease that he would be well looked after.
Thank you Busy Bees.

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Review from Liam D (Father of Child) published on 29 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending Busy Bees nursery in Harlow since the age of two and his learning and development has come on leaps and bounds since then. He very often comes home excited to tell me about what his teachers have set up for them to do throughout the day and what he and his friends have been
doing. I have never had a single issue with Busy Bees, regular updates are posted along with pictures and write-ups of my son's progression and activities on a hand mobile phone app, which I find is a lovely touch. On days when I’m particularly stressed at work or needing a bit of a pick me up, it’s like Busy Bees can sense it and I’ll get an update of my son racing around the garden on his favourite bike or a review of something new he has learned from one of the teachers at Busy Bees. Fantastic place to send your children, for the best start to their young lives. Special mention to my son's key worker currently, she does an amazing job with him. Thank you so much!

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Review from E S (Mother of Child) published on 23 October 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been going to Busy Bees since he was 15 months old. He feels so at home with the staff and nursery. The staff go above and beyond looking after the children, especially if they feel unwell. I feel very lucky to send my son to an outstanding nursery and who shape him into a lovely young man.

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Review from N R (Father of Child) published on 23 October 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has been at Busy Bees since a baby and his care and wellbeing has been of a high standard. He has learnt so much in his first two years and his integration into his next room has been dealt with so well, he loves it with the bigger children out of the baby room. Although he was very clingy at
first, the love and attention he gets, makes him relaxed within a minute and always comes home happy, showing us all he has done. We can't wait to see him progress in his final three years and look forward to introducing our new baby to nursery.

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Review from D A (Father of Child) published on 22 October 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery is very good at helping my child learn and interact with the environment. The outdoor facilities are very good and they spend a lot of time out there. The staff are all very approachable and friendly.

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Review from Louise P (Mother of Child) published on 26 June 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been going to Busy Bees for 4 months and absolutely loves it. So far we have found all the staff members to be very friendly and helpful. She always has a great day doing various activities, all of which are fed back to us daily. I'm very happy we sent our daughter to Busy Bees.

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Review from Lucy MD (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter (3) and son (1) both attend this nursery and I could not recommend enough. The staff care about the children like they were their own, they plan the day with so many fun activities and they have both never come home hungry with such a full and nutritious menu. They were totally on board
to help me with big transitions in my daughter's life including the birth of her baby brother and potty training. Both of their faces light up when they walk through the door each morning at nursery, so that speaks volumes for me!

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Review from Angela H (Mother of Child) published on 4 March 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our child has been attending for 6 months and settled really quickly. They plan lots of activities and he has developed really well during this time. Staff are friendly and communicate well through updates on Parentzone and newsletters and managers are keen to engage with parents. The menu is brilliant
and we have confidence that allergies are catered for. Would recommend this nursery to other parents.

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Review from A J (Mother of Child) published on 17 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my children attend Busy Bees, Harlow and both love their time there. They are so clearly well looked after, engaged and treated as individuals. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this nursery. My son starts school in September 2018 and I know that he will miss some of the friends he
has made there and will hopefully reflect on his time there as fondly as I will.

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Review from N P (Mother of Child) published on 9 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I am generally happy with the nursery. There is enough qualified staff and the environment is clean. The activities provided are interesting and keep the children occupied. The food menu is good and varied. I would like the staff to provide more assistance with the children's visits to the toilet. During
cold weather, the children should not be allowed to play with cold water outside. During winter the staff should assist the children to change indoor shoes to warmer boots when they go in the garden.

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Review from Helen K (Mother of Child) published on 8 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I put my baby into Busy Bees at 5 months as I had to go back to work. I was so nervous as he was so young and he had been with me all the time. But since he has been there, his progress is amazing. He loves going and always smiles when he gets there. Also, I couldn't speak more highly of the staff,
they are fantastic. I would highly recommend this nursery to anyone. Brilliant.

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Review from D A (Mother of Child) published on 25 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have 2 children at Busy Bees Harlow, 1 in the baby room and 1 in pre-school. We are super happy with all staff and the rooms and the gardens are great.
My boys learn all the time and both love it there. Also the food choices are great.
WE LOVE THE NURSERY!

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Review from Mark E (Father of Child) published on 20 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

All three of my children have gone to Busy Bees and loved going. My three year old still goes and the change in her from when she first went and now is so different, more outgoing and not shy. When it's time to go to nursery she gets really excited about going. The staff are really friendly and easy
to talk to.

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Review from Emily G (Mother of Child) published on 19 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Busy Bees in Harlow has been a brilliant nursery for my daughter, she has grown up with the children since she was a little baby and now in pre-school. All of the staff are very helpful, attentive and friendly couldn't recommend this nursery enough! I feel that my daughter is very well looked after
and happy every day.

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Review from Charlotte T (Mother of Child) published on 19 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We are very happy with our daughter being at Busy Bees Nursery. The staff are so friendly, the app and updates are great and facilities are perfect. Our two-year-old is progressing well and above her age for most things and we believe Busy Bees has played a huge part in that!

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Review from Lisa J (Mother of Child) published on 19 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We love the nursery and find the staff very helpful and supportive.
They are always happy to see us in the morning and very welcoming, the room always looks nice and ready for the day with a different selection of activities.
My daughter has lots of fun and likes to get messy! She’s always doing
something different and things we most likely wouldn’t do at home.
I can check on the app but the staff always take the time to give me an update at pick up.
We are really pleased we found this nursery.

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Review from Stacey (Mother of Child) published on 18 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Very good nursery, one of the best in Harlow. Any complaints we have had, have been dealt with immediately and efficiently. Outdoor space is good and made excellent use of what space there is. The online portal introduced is a good way to keep up to date with my son's progress. Safeguarding is excellent,
it was a key point for me when choosing a nursery. The food menu is varied, fresh and locally sourced.

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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.531)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.531) out of 10 for Busy Bees Harlow is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 14 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.6 out of 5 from 14 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.952 for Busy Bees Harlow is calculated as follows: ( (159 Excellents x 5) + (6 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 166 Ratings = 4.952

  • b) 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 4.579 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bees Harlow is based on 14 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 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

    • ii) 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 121 number of registered child places is 24.2. 14 Positive Reviews ÷ 24.2 = 0.579

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • 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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Meet the Team (2)

Kim And Louise

Kim And Louise

Job Title: Centre Manager

Joined: 1996

Hi,
We are Kim and Louise, Joint Managers here at Busy bees Harlow and between us we have over a whopping 40 years experience in childcare, NNEB and NVQ Level 3 qualifications and are both NVQ assessors. We have been at Harlow since 1996.
During this time we have enjoyed working with every age group of children as nursery nurses and deputy managers, and we now job share the role of Manager, enjoying working alongside the most amazing, caring and educated staff we can find.
Our specialist skills include child protection training, mentoring our team and our Busy bees initiatives, Wake & Shake (Kim’s fav), Grow your Own(Louise’s fav) Busy Babies, Babble to Chatter, Imagination Station and completing our NDNA Quality Assurance award.
Our own 4 children have attended Busy Bees Harlow and experience of the wonders of Busy Bees and nursery life just like your child can.
So why not come and meet us and see how much fun your child could have here at Harlow.


Hayley

Hayley

Job Title: Assistant Manager

Joined: 2014

Hi my name is Hayley, I joined Busy Bees in 2014. After completing Level 3 in childcare, I worked as a childminding assistant. Alongside this, I attended Anglia Ruskin University, where I graduated with a BA Hons in Education and Childhood Studies (Level 6). I have 11 years’ experience working within childcare, I am first aid at work and paediatric first aid trained. I am based in our 3-5 year old rooms, I love watching the children's personalities grow and helping to support and prepare the children for their transitions into school. Alongside this I am the nurseries EYFS representative, helping to support and monitor the education and planning in each age group. I am also the nursery SENCo and help support the children, staff and parents where required.


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