Busy Bees Colchester

Phoenix Square, Wyncolls Road, Severalls Industrial Park, Colchester CO4 9AS
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8.9 35 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Colchester, Colchester
Busy Bees Colchester offers Outstanding care as graded by Ofsted in February 2020. The spacious base rooms offer the children stimulating and inspiring environments where staff are passionate about providing exceptional care and learning.

The nursery cares for children from 3 months to 5 years. The Foundation Class is designed to support the children in their final year of nursery, before they head off to Primary School. The children take part in Science experiments, Numbers and Phonics and much more.

Homemade meals are provided to the children and these are cooked freshly onsite by their amazing Chef. Parents are provided with a Parent Zone account where they can see their child's progress and share in their learning using links from home.

The staff team is so passionate and dedicated to their roles and share in the Manager's values and vision for the centre.

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Care Provided by Busy Bees Colchester

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Kate Whitnell (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 27
  • Total Places for Children
  • 84
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 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 Colchester Reviews (35)

Total of 35, showing 1-20
8.9

Busy Bees Colchester has a Review Score of 8.9 (8.929) out of 10, based on 6 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Busy Bees Colchester has 35 reviews.

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Review from Tammy-Marie W (Mother of Child) published on 19 December 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Busy Bees has excellent staff. The management of the team there is just fantastic. I would always recommend anyone with young children to go there. Could not ask for any better. Both my children have gone there.

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Review from Sandra S (Mother of Child) published on 16 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My little boy loves coming to nursery. You get such a warm welcome on arrival and they make my son feel so special. He loves to come in with various toys and wearing fancy dress and it's never an issue, he loves when the staff makes a fuss and allows him to walk in as a lion. We've had no issues in
the two years my son has been attending. They make us feel settled and happy. He is very well looked after.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Colchester

Hello, wow! Thank you for this glowing review. We are delighted your little one is having a good experience at our Colchester nursery.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best beginnings. We’re celebrating our milestone year and we invite you to join us! Visit our Busy Bees website or search for ’40 years Busy Bees’ and find out more and how to take part. We’re grateful for your trust and the opportunity to provide your child with the best start in life. Best wishes, Busy Bees.


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Review from Terri G (Mother of Child) published on 7 July 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my children have attended this nursery. My son has now gone to primary school, but my daughter attends 5 days a week. The nursery staff are all amazing with the children, the nursery is very clean and tidy and has an amazing outdoor play area, as well as different areas of play and learning activities
inside. My daughter looks forward to nursery and always has lots of fun whilst learning at the same time. The nursery also has dress-up days/celebrations/parties. I always have peace of mind whilst my daughter is at Busy Bees, she is in safe hands and always enjoys her time there.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Colchester

Hello, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review! We’re glad you have given your little one's the best start in life with us.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best beginnings. Celebrate our milestone year with us! Visit our Busy Bees website or search for ’40 years Busy Bees’ and find out more and how to join us. We’re grateful for your trust and the opportunity to provide your child with the best start in life. Best wishes, Busy Bees.


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Review from Natasha L (Mother of Child) published on 29 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot recommend Busy Bees enough - in fact, I have recommended a good friend whose son starts in January. My daughter started at 1-year-old full time and is now coming up to 3 years old. One member of staff was particularly amazing as an early years practitioner and sometimes looks after my daughter
in the current room. She is so full of energy I don't know how she does it! All of the staff there are so lovely and caring towards all of the children I never have any hesitation in dropping her off. All of the staff are so friendly, know all the children by name and just generally could not do enough to help. A huge shout-out to the director too. She is so happy and friendly every day. A pleasure to drop off and pick up.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Colchester

Hello, We love reading feedback like this! Thank you for sharing it with us; we will pass on your lovely comments to the team at Colchester.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best beginnings. Join us as we celebrate our milestone year, visit our Busy Bees website or search for ’40 years Busy Bees’ to find out more and how to participate! We’re grateful for your trust and the opportunity to provide your child with the best start in life. Best wishes, Busy Bees


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Review from Rebecca M (Mother of Child) published on 22 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son who is now 6 years old, enjoyed every single day at Busy Bees. My daughter now 1 year old has a hard transition to get into nursery but every single member of staff helped and she is now having the best time. I would recommend Busy Bees to anyone.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Colchester

Hello, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review! We’re glad you have given your little one the best start in life with us.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best beginnings. Join us as we celebrate our milestone year, visit our Busy Bees website or search for ’40 years Busy Bees’ to find out more and how to participate! We’re grateful for your trust and the opportunity to provide your child with the best start in life. Best wishes, Busy Bees.


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Review from Georgia B (Mother of Child) published on 22 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My two children are in attendance full-time and could not be happier during their time. My baby has an amazing bond with her key person and has continued to thrive in her development. My 2-year-old is learning new language and her key worker is enabling us to promote her language skills, building her
confidence.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Colchester

Hello, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review! We’re glad you’re giving your little one the best start in life with us.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best beginnings. Join us as we celebrate our milestone year, visit our Busy Bees website or search for ’40 years Busy Bees’ to find out more and how to participate! We’re grateful for your trust and the opportunity to provide your child with the best start in life. Best wishes, Busy Bees.


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Review from Becky C (Mother of Child) published on 2 July 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would 100% recommend Busy Bees at Colchester. My Daughter has been at Busy Bee's since she was 10months old and will be starting school in September and although she is excited to start school she is so sad to leave Busy Bees. My Daughter is always greeted with smiles and asked how she is and if she
is ready for some Breakfast and this is every morning that she attends without fail. This also includes the Manager which I think makes the service even more personable, she too will greet the children to take them to their room and at pick up will bring the Children out, knows all the Children by name and who their parents are and it's clear that all the Staff and Children think the world of her.
It is just all in all a very happy, friendly, safe place and I always feel comfortable and at ease when my daughter attends. So much so that I am due a baby in July and have already applied for my Baby to attend Busy Bees.

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Review from J C (Father of Child) published on 27 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From our daughter's first day at nursery, the staff have been very caring and professional. Communication during drop-off and pick-up is very detailed and you are given lots of detail about what your child has done during the day. The baby room is well resourced with lots of different activities and
our daughter is very comfortable with her key workers. We are very pleased with the amount of time provided outdoors in the modern play area too. It is great that all staff members know our daughter's name even though they may not be directly involved with looking after her. Updates are regularly given on the parents' app with photos and lots of detail. The food menu is varied and it's good to know our daughter is getting nutritious meals every day. The nursery is always spotlessly clean when you go in and it has a lovely atmosphere to it. We would highly recommend this nursery to anyone.

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Review from Anna R (Mother of Child) published on 27 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since my daughter has been attending nursery she has absolutely thrived. Every day she comes home full of happiness and telling me about how her day has been. She’s always singing new songs and telling me the activities she’s done from rolling hula hoops in the garden and building bricks with her key
person. She has an incredible key person and I’m more than happy taking my daughter to nursery. It’s like a second home to her, she goes off happily with whoever it is taking her off me when I drop her off and is full of smiles and laughter when her daddy picks her up. Couldn’t thank this amazing nursery enough for everything they’ve done for our daughter, since she’s been attending it’s so outstanding. Thank you so much.

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Review from Melissa J (Mother of Child) published on 26 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has attended Busy Bees for 3.5 years, and my daughter for the last 8 months.
I cannot recommend this nursery highly enough. Seeing my son flourish so much over these last few years has been wonderful, and that, without a doubt, is down to the knowledgeable staff at Busy Bees who are also truly
caring and attentive.
They come home well fed with a varied menu, and having food cooked on-site is one of the reasons I picked this nursery.
Activities are varied, and the nursery make the effort to celebrate a variety of days from Mother's Day to Chinese New Year with either food, artwork or another related activity.
I really am very grateful for Busy Bees Colchester and their staff and they've only proven themselves further by being a rock during Covid19.
While I'm not ready for my little boy to start school in September, thanks to Busy Bees, he certainly is. Thank you!

Reply from Lindsey Doughty, Marketing Manager at Busy Bees Colchester

Thank you so much for your lovely comments and for taking the time to leave us a review. We are thrilled to hear your comments, and we're really pleased to hear about your positive experience at nursery and very much appreciate having you as part of the Busy Bees family. Your comments will be passed on to our team at nursery, who will be delighted to receive your excellent feedback.


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Review from Heidi T (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has attended Busy Bees at Colchester since April 2020, he started just as lockdown started and he has thrived. He has grown and learnt so much with the help of nursery. The ladies treat him as one of their own. Whilst nursery isn’t the cheapest, it’s most definitely worth every penny for helping
shape my son and others, also there is content available to help parents at home which is brilliant as a first-time parent. The ladies at nursery are always happy to help with any advice around dealing with issues like biting and are happy to explain how it’s dealt with, nothing is too much trouble. My son absolutely loves nursery and so do my husband and I. The ladies have done a wonderful job and continue to do so.

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Review from L L (Grandmother of Child) published on 9 April 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My grandson was at another nursery before coming to Busy Bees. The difference in care is off the scale. My grandson has turned into a happy and confident little boy thanks to the care given to him. I cannot thank them enough.

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Review from P C (Mother of Child) published on 12 November 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely amazing, the staff are brilliant. My son has special needs and I 100% trust everyone with my boy. They know how to support his needs and have helped so much with getting funding and I. He has grown so much and learning new things all the time.

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Review from Janique L-B (Mother of Child) published on 13 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since moving here in August last year, we have seen a huge change in our son. He has become more confident in himself and his surroundings. This is due to all the amazing staff that work with him each day. We are so glad we made the switch to Busy Bees, Colchester and cannot thank you all enough. Fantastic
nursery and fantastic staff who are a credit to the company.

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Review from R L (Mother of Child) published on 9 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has recently left Busy Bees for school after 2 years of outstanding care and learning. To see her confidence grow from a shy little girl worried to leave her Mum's side to seeing her bounding through the doors of the nursery excited to spend the day learning with her peers is amazing and
we now have the pleasure of seeing our son enjoying this incredible setting for the next 2 years. The level of care and attention that is given by the staff is second to none. Nothing is too much trouble when settling the children in initially and the bonds that the children form with the staff is so reassuring as a parent.
We have always been made to feel extremely welcome by the management and staff and are constantly kept up to date with any achievements or progress our children have made. There's nothing quite like receiving a notification by way of a picture of your child with the biggest grin on his face enjoying his time at nursery. Worth every penny to know they are safe and happy.

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Review from Dawn M (Mother of Child) published on 7 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Busy Bees at Colchester isn't just another nursery, it's the most amazing safe haven for my 2 year old daughter to attend.
My daughter only goes once a week but I know that she has the most fulfilled day from the minute she arrives to when she is picked up.
Every member of staff within the nursery
(even those not within her room), treats my daughter like one of their own - they all know her name and in turn my daughter is confident with them all and I can relax knowing she's in the best hands.
The manager has always been a massive support to me personally and someone I'm now so lucky to call a friend. When I started my day childcare journey I never thought that I would feel the way I do - Busy Bees are my extended family and there is nowhere else I would choose to care for my daughter.
Just to say, attending nursery with all the new COVID safe restrictions in place has been seamless every time - another example of just how professional the staff are.
Busy Bees at Colchester - you are FAB!

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Review from O F (Mother of Child) published on 6 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Cannot fault this nursery. My little boy has been at the nursery since he was 7 months old and they always go above and beyond for him and for anything I have to query. The girls always give me really good feedback about what he has been doing/eaten etc when I come to pick him up. He always has something
to bring home from nursery such as paintings, drawings or arts and crafts which is really nice. The management and staff are always really quick to help with anything and are really lovely. My son is very happy at Busy Bees and really enjoys going straight in!

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Review from Claire S (Mother of Child) published on 5 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has attended Busy Bees at Colchester, full time, since he was 8 months old and is now nearly 3 years and 8 months. It is like a second home to him and us. Everyone who works there really goes the extra mile for the children, even on a Friday night running back to the nursery to rescue the favourite
bedtime bear! He has thrived there. I cannot have asked for anything more or a better start for my little boy. He is always so excited each morning to go to Bees. They keep the children interested and engaged with so many varied and exciting activities. From the first settling in session until today, everyone at Busy Bees do everything to make parents feel at ease and give the best experience to the children in their care. I will be sad to say goodbye once primary school starts, but I know my son will be well prepared for his next steps when that time comes.

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Review from H C (Mother of Child) published on 14 April 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I could not be any happier with a nursery for my son. My son has been attending Busy Bees for over a year now and attends on a full time basis. The staff are so genuine and friendly and look after him so well. The level of care is outstanding, and he is learning so much. My son was once read 24 books
in a row by one of the lovely staff members. I could not be happier, and I am so grateful that I chose Busy Bees on Severrals Landas my sons childcare provider.

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Review from H A (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my boys have attended Busy Bees at Colchester, from the moment they started attending I was extremely happy with my choice of nursery. My boys have always had a lovely welcome from all staff which made me feel so at ease.
Not once throughout my three years of using Busy Bees have I had anything
to be disappointed about. The manager is brilliant and all the staff are friendly, approachable, kind, caring and my boys have loved them. Thank you Busy Bees for making our journey as parents in using a nursery as easy and relaxing as possible.

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Current Review Score: 8.9 (8.929)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.9 (8.929) out of 10 for Busy Bees Colchester 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 6 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.0 out of 5 from 6 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 4.972 for Busy Bees Colchester is calculated as follows: ( (70 Excellents x 5) + (2 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 72 Ratings = 4.972

  • 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 3.957 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bees Colchester is based on 6 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 = 3.6

    • 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 84 number of registered child places is 16.8. 6 Positive Reviews ÷ 16.8 = 0.357

  • 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.

Child Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (2)

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Meet the Team (1)

Kate

Kate Whitnell

Job Title: Centre Director

Joined: 2008

My name is Kate Whitnell and I am the Manager here at Busy Bees Colchester. I work full time and I have been with the nursery for 16 years.


I am married to Matthew and we have two wonderful boys, Lewis and Owen who attended the nursery for 2 years and 15 months. They have now both left school and I truly feel that Busy Bees gave them the best start in their early years of education.


I started as a part-time qualified nursery nurse in 2008 where I worked in the Pre School. I soon progressed into the management team firstly as a Room Leader, then to Third in Charge before becoming the Assistant Manager in 2011. I was delighted to become a joint manager in 2014 to fulfil my lifelong dream. I then became a full-time manager in May 2018.


Having been here for such a long time, Colchester Nursery is my second home and close to my heart, I love seeing the dedication my staff have to children and parents in the nursery and seeing children thrive in our stimulating environment.


I am passionate about providing the best care for our children and creating new and exciting learning experiences for them. I am very proud of the nursery team and they share my values and vision for the nursery.


I was so proud to be voted Manager of the Year in March 2019 at the Busy Bees Awards.


In February 2020 we were graded Outstanding by Ofsted after a full day inspection. It was an amazing day and I was so proud that we received the recognition of how we provide outstanding care to our children every day. 


Frequently Asked Questions about Busy Bees Colchester

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

Busy Bees Colchester accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Busy Bees Colchester Open?

Busy Bees Colchester 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 Colchester have capacity for?

Busy Bees Colchester has capacity for a total of 84 Children.

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

2.0 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 Colchester to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Busy Bees Colchester has an Enhanced Service – more info.