Busy Bees Chafford Hundred

Drake Road, Chafford Hundred, Grays RM16 6RW
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8.3 22 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Chafford Hundred, Grays
Busy Bees Chafford Hundred, in Grays, operates a key person system to safeguard the individual learning and development of each child, within a secure and friendly facility.

Free-flow is supported by a qualified team, with the benefit of pleasant indoor and outdoor learning areas that have been purpose-designed to help children pack up new skills and practice their creativity.

There are experienced staff for all age groups and a nutritious food programme in place to support healthy physical development.

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Care Provided by Busy Bees Chafford Hundred

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Laura Lindsay (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 30
  • Total Places for Children
  • 102
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:00-19:00
    Tuesday 07:00-19:00
    Wednesday 07:00-19:00
    Thursday 07:00-19:00
    Friday 07:00-19:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays

Busy Bees Chafford Hundred Reviews (22)

Total of 22, showing 1-20
8.3

Busy Bees Chafford Hundred has a Review Score of 8.3 (8.314) out of 10, based on 3 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Busy Bees Chafford Hundred has 22 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 16
  • 5
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  • 1

Date Published

22
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19

Review from F W (Mother of Child) published on 9 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic, daughter is now very happy - it hasn't been easy for her or us but the nursery staff and management have assisted us at every stage with great care.
I've marked a few as good instead of excellent for the following reasons; outdoor facilities, are ace compared to anything I've seen in the
area and my daughter loves them but I would love it if there was actually some nature - trees, grass, mud, stones - real outdoors. Cleanliness, a couple of times the toddler loos/upstairs really smelled of pee - I completely understand why this might be but I do think as adults we don't like to do our business in dirty loos so why should our kids? Value for money, the day rate is expensive (in line with the rising cost of everything) but I was shocked to learn staff aren't entitled to sick pay so I am concerned that my money for services is not actually being spent on our kids and the superb staff delivering the care but business profit for top management?

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Chafford Hundred

Hello, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a review! We are delighted your little one is having a good experience at our Chafford Hundred Nursery and have passed your additional feedback on to the team. Best wishes, Busy Bees.


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Review from K R (Mother of Child) published on 8 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Couldn’t fault the nursery staff there at all. They have been brilliant with my daughter and she has really come out of her shell. The staff are really friendly
The app is great to have as well so I can check to see what she has done and eaten.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Chafford Hundred

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. 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 L M (Mother of Child) published on 7 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely staff make it easy to leave my son there every day. The app keeps us up to date with what is going on, and they are always happy to talk to us at the end of the day to tell us about any issues or achievements.

Reply from Evleen Price, Marketing Manager at Busy Bees Chafford Hundred

Hello, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review! We’re so glad you’re giving your little one 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 M M (Father of Child) published on 1 April 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Great nursery. The staff is very competent and the premises are top-notch. My son absolutely loves going there!
Highly recommended.

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Review from S K (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

Nursery and the staff are lovely. Both my daughters enjoy going to nursery and have learnt and developed a lot whilst being there.

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Review from Kelly (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has settled into nursery very well and the staff are a big part of this. She has a very good bond with her key person and the other staff and this makes me feel so much better when I leave her. My daughter really enjoys her time at nursery and I can tell this through the photos the staff put
on parent zone, having this app to see throughout the day is amazing as I know what to feed her when I get her home and what she has been up to. I would definitely recommend this nursery to friends and family.

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Review from Joanne W (Mother of Child) published on 24 July 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Would just like to start this review with a massive thank you to all the team at Busy Bees nursery. My son has recently finished his time at nursery and what an amazing time he has had. He went in as a shy one year old and left as a confident, out going and clever little boy. The staff are friendly,
helpful and experienced with the children and have an amazing relationship with them. I’m so sad that my little boy has had his final days but thanks to Busy Bees he is ready for his next chapter.

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Review from Randani S (Mother of Child) published on 10 May 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I am very happy with the care Busy Bees at Chafford Hundred has provided for my son. The staff have been very good and caring and my sons enjoy the time spent at the nursery.

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Review from Vicki (Mother of Child) published on 27 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son is always happy to go to nursery (twice a week) and this is a great sign to how much he enjoys his time there. The staff are always extremely friendly and approachable. They keep me up to date with my son's progression throughout the day and regularly update his development and where he meets/exceeds
particular areas in alignment to EYFS.
The nursery itself is clean and until recently was segregated with the baby room and suitable toys then toddlers etc. In the last week, all displays and colourful walls have been taken down and staying bare and neutral. This is disappointing to hear. I enjoy seeing colourful walls to motivate and stimulate children. The rooms are now all together which is encouraging to engage with all ages but also worrying as he may not develop as well if he has access to more baby/younger toys.
The food is of an extremely high standard and well balanced. It’s great that the nursery leave the menu for all to see and gives me great dinner ideas!

Reply from Chloe Wilkes at Busy Bees Chafford Hundred

The concept behind this is that too many bright colours can be too overstimulating and does not create a calm environment. We are looking at having more natural resources in the nursery with more photos of the children engaging in activities and play.


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Review from Natasha (Mother of Child) published on 26 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has been at Busy Bees Drake Road since she was 11 months. I have experienced personalized provision for the exact needs of my child, with staff listening and considering the information I have shared with them to tailor the provision.
My little girl is very happy at Bees and looks forward
to attending. Since she has started she has grown in confidence, developed language, matured socially and excellent physically. It is very reassuring to have her in their care throughout the week.

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Review from Tarin E (Mother of Child) published on 19 December 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started at the nursery in October whilst I was on maternity leave and was very unsettled in the beginning. The staff were extremely understanding towards me and my daughter and have helped her to settle in really well. The nursery team are fab and my youngest daughter starts in January.

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Review from Paul N (Father of Child) published on 14 November 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since my son started in September they have created an excellent family feel, we have constant updates on his progress and activities, they help us together to develop him in all areas and to keep him on track. Nothing is ever too much trouble and all staff are very approachable and friendly. Parentzone
is also a fantastic idea and I am able to see from my desk how my son is doing throughout the day.
Saying all of the above, my son had a fit while at Nursery on Thursday 9th November, something that has never happened before and took us all by shock.
The whole team headed by the manager were excellent and calm throughout with constant updates/phone calls while I was on route, their handling knowledge and training during this awful moment of him having the fit was even praised by the ambulance staff when we were on the way to the hospital with him.
This is very reassuring as a parent in the way this was dealt with and all people involved deserve the highest praise possible.

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Review from Abpy N (Mother of Child) published on 19 October 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Two years ago when I became a new mum, I was very nervous and unsure about sending my son to a nursery as a six-month-old baby.


My search on finding a suitable establishment near where I lived proved to be impossible.


This was due to the lack of staff engagement and poor cleanliness that I observed

during my initial visit. However, I found Busy Bees at Chafford Hundred to be warm, friendly, spotless and the staff were so friendly and I felt the family unit within your team.


It was all of these reasons that I choose to send my son to Busy Bees at Chafford Hundred and endure the long distance car journeys.


Two years on and the long journeys were worth it. The team have helped in making my baby a super confident young toddler. He is full of life and happy. All of which was only possible through the team's dedication and support.


It was regretful when we decided to leave as we wanted to explore the option of sending him to the nursery near us.


So, thanks again and please pass on my thank you to the team.


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Review from Amy C (Mother of Child) published on 19 October 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Outstanding nursery with facilities and staff to match. Informative and child-focused, I was kept updated on every aspect of my child's care. We were always greeted with a friendly smile and welcoming attitude. Always clean, tidy and with great activities going on (some of which we have implemented
at home). The management were outstanding and always went the extra mile for us. I will and have recommended this nursery to friends and family, and can't find fault with the care and encouragement my child received.

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Review from Vicky D (Mother of Child) published on 9 February 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My eldest daughter have been attending busy bees since Oct 2013,
My youngest since Jan 2016
I cannot fault this nursery at all, my daughters enjoy themselves and have learned so much and are still learning so much.
The staff are amazing and are so supportive to every parent, child and their needs.
I would recommend this nursery to everyone, the kids have lots of fun and join in with all activities from learning and celebrating the Chinese New Year, to starring in their own nativity play.
The nursery is clean and has great outdoor activities for the children. The rooms are all spacious and have set zones like book reading corner, construction corner and messy play.
If you have any issues they are always there to listen and if you want your child to concentrate on certain factors then the staff will try the best to help with this.

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Review from Sharon M (Mother of Child) published on 29 November 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has settled in really well and is so happy here. She adores all the staff and has developed so well since starting at Busy Bees. It's the best decision I've ever made.


I'm very impressed since signing up to Parentzone, I love how I can check on her throughout the day and it's nice to

see pictures of her progress and having fun.

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Review from Laura R (Mother of Child) published on 25 November 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I highly recommend this nursery. My son loves going to Busy Bees, he is always so happy to go in and play with his friends. It's lovely that we always get pictures and paintings he has done that week he is always so proud to show us what he has been doing.
The girls there are amazing always so caring.
The communication between the staff is great! When I pick my son up the handover is always so thorough. Since attending Busy Bees my son has gained so much confidence, I see a difference in him each week!

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Review from Ginelle (Mother of Child) published on 22 November 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

When my child first started I was quite nervous. As a baby with multiple allergies her key worker did an excellent job. I felt my child was safe.
We've had a few teething issues with food but Busy Bees has gone the extra mile. From chef to manager, all showed a genuine interest in getting it right.
She
worked her way through the various rooms with all round growth.
If I have to give a developmental point it would be 'don't drop the baton as they grow'.
A child is constantly learning. Teach them, push them. The need for a preschool teacher who can create that classroom environment is essential. The girls are working at filling this gap and it's great we can now get updates online. It enables us as parents to interact and be more aware of learning outcomes and I think this is the start of a better working relationships between parent and key worker.
Potty training for me is just as important and be mindful all children are different.
Overall, I would definitely recommend Busy Bees.

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Review from Jennifer R (Mother of Child) published on 3 November 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I have two children who attend the nursery, both who started when they were just 9 months old, now 3 and 17 months. I can confidently say that they both thoroughly enjoy nursery. Busy Bees have been very welcoming, the staff are friendly and both my children are settled nicely here. They provide lots
of fun, creative activities while following the Early Years Curriculum.
They are always coming home with paintings, drawings etc and singing the songs they have been learning at nursery. The staff are attentive towards the children and are always happy to help encourage the children in all activities.
Sending them to Busy Bees has helped both of my children with their social skills and interacting with other children from a very young age. I feel the nursery has helped bring this confidence out in them and has helped the children reach important milestones. Children are provided good healthy notorious food everyday all cooked fresh on site. My children love it, so I'm happy.

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Review from Laura L (Mother of Child) published on 3 November 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My Son attended the nursery from when he was 6-months-old. He loved his time there, he loved the staff and loved the friends he had made. The staff were always very caring and loving towards my son. I felt happy and safe knowing he was being well taken care of.

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Current Review Score: 8.3 (8.314)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.3 (8.314) out of 10 for Busy Bees Chafford Hundred is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 3 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.4 out of 5 from 3 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 4.917 for Busy Bees Chafford Hundred is calculated as follows: ( (33 Excellents x 5) + (3 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 36 Ratings = 4.917

  • 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 3.397 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bees Chafford Hundred is based on 3 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 = 3.25

    • 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 102 number of registered child places is 20.4. 3 Positive Reviews ÷ 20.4 = 0.147

  • 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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Meet the Team (1)

Laura

Laura Lindsay

Job Title: Centre Director

Joined: 2002

Hello, my name is Laura and I am the Centre Director here at Busy Bees Drake Road. I have worked at the nursery for 22 years and have been the manager for 19 of those years.  


I have 4 children, my eldest is 17 and my youngest has just turned 1. All 4 of my children have attended the nursery and have thoroughly enjoyed their time here. It has been amazing watching them develop relationships with key staff and watching them grow in confidence and I truly believe my older children were school-ready because of their time at Busy Bees. 


Frequently Asked Questions about Busy Bees Chafford Hundred

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

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

What Days & Hours is Busy Bees Chafford Hundred Open?

Busy Bees Chafford Hundred is open: Monday 07:00-19:00, Tuesday 07:00-19:00, Wednesday 07:00-19:00, Thursday 07:00-19:00, Friday 07:00-19:00.

How many Children does Busy Bees Chafford Hundred have capacity for?

Busy Bees Chafford Hundred has capacity for a total of 102 Children.

How far is Busy Bees Chafford Hundred to the centre of Grays?

1.5 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 Chafford Hundred to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Busy Bees Chafford Hundred has an Enhanced Service – more info.