Busy Bees Hartham Park

Pinder Lodge, Hartham Park, Port Hill, Hertford SG14 1QS
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9.4 46 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Hartham Park, Hertford
Busy Bees Hartham Park is a stimulating childcare setting with an interior that is ideal for all areas of pre-school development, with age specific resources and a qualified team of staff.

They have been given an 'Outstanding' outcome by Ofsted in November 2016 and their main priority is your little ones.

Staff are well-trained in health and safety, with skills updated via regular training courses such as first aid and safeguarding. There is also a focus on making sure children enjoy healthy and nutritious meals which are cooked on site by the nursery Chef. They are part of the soil association and provided fresh fruit and veg and organic meat.

A key person is chosen to build up strong relationships with both children and parents, with the handover every evening that includes an update on daily progress.

Please feel free to visit and staff will show you around the nursery and make you part of the Busy Bee family.

Care Provided by Busy Bees Hartham Park

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Joanne Good (Nursery Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 18
  • Total Places for Children
  • 44
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:30
    Tuesday 07:30-18:30
    Wednesday 07:30-18:30
    Thursday 07:30-18:30
    Friday 07:30-18:30
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays & Christmas
Total of 46, showing 1-20
9.4

Busy Bees Hartham Park has a Review Score of 9.4 (9.424) out of 10, based on 7 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Busy Bees Hartham Park has 46 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter loves coming to nursery and the bond she has with all the staff especially her key worker makes it so much easier to drop her off in the mornings. I can drop her off knowing she will have the best care and most fun .
The love and care she gets from all the staff makes me feel like they
treat her like there own and she knows they are there for her if she needs them.
The photos updates always make my day as she always has a smile on her face and 9 times out of 10 doesn't event want to come home.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending since she was 9 months old. Throughout her time at Busy Bees Hartham Park, she has thrived in each room and is now nearly 3 in the preschool. All staff who have taken care of her have been amazing, supportive, reassuring, comforting and really adapted activities to help
her development. They go above and beyond for her care needs especially as she can be very poorly, resulting in many days off which can be an adjustment for her upon returning. However, without fail, staff always welcome her with a smile and positive energy which allows her to feel safe, happy and secure wherever she is there and this puts me at ease too!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter joined Busy Bees Hartham Park at 1 year old, in 2023, following a successful settling-in period and she has been thriving ever since! All the members of staff are so attentive and friendly. The members of staff know all the children that attend the nursery and that is a testament to the
beautiful culture they have cultivated there. We are always greeted with a warm welcome at drop-offs and pick-ups. We also love the app, which the nursery uses to keep us updated on our daughter's development and the staff take their time to send us pictures, which we really appreciate. It is such a lovely nursery.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is my first baby. So choosing a nursery has felt like a bit of a minefield, to be honest. However, the staff are so incredibly kind and competent. They are very helpful with my million questions too. Genuinely feel like they all go above and beyond to support us, especially in the early days when
we were settling in.
The care my son receives is outstanding. I love that I can see what he's up to throughout the day on the parent portal. He is always a happy little sausage when we pick him up.
Communication is brilliant. Couldn't ask for a better, more nurturing and friendly environment. For baby or myself!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Busy Bee, Hartham Park was our first choice and I know my little boy is extremely happy here. Starting in the morning, when he is greeted at the door by a smiling staff member (he's just as excited to see them) and continuing throughout the day, he is provided with a safe space to play, learn and sleep(!)
at his pace. I can tell the staff members truly care about him, I'm delighted he got a spot here.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Hartham Park

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. 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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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We were new to the Hertford area and our daughter joined in January 2023 at 3 years old. We were a bit nervous about her starting a new nursery and settling in but we needn't have worried. Our daughter absolutely loves going to Busy Bees, she skips on the way in. The staff are so caring and genuinely
care about the children. They do so many activities to keep the children interested and happy. We are so happy that we got a space at Busy Bees. Thanks to all the staff.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Hartham Park

Hello, wow! Thank you for this glowing review! We are delighted your little one is having a good experience at our Hartham Park nursery.
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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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our one year old daughter has been going to Busy Bees Hartham Park for a few months now and she seems so happy there. The staff are so welcoming and caring and our daughter has built such great relationships with them so fast, which says so much. The development our daughter has already had since being
there is very obvious as well, it is a joy to witness. Definitely recommend!

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Hartham Park

Hello,
Wow! Thank you for this glowing review! We are delighted your little one is having a good experience at our Hartham Park 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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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 1 year old son has settled so well into Busy Bees Hartham Park. The staff are all attentive and friendly. They genuinely care about the well-being of all the children. I have seen such a development in my son's gross and fine motor skills. The staff are very passionate about developing the children
and wanting what is best for them. I would 100% recommend this nursery - so happy we picked Busy Bees at Hartham Park

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter joined in 2020, during covid restrictions, but her transition was seamless and ever since, it has felt like dropping her into family each day. The staff are caring, attentive, passionate, always smiling and helpful and we know each day she attends nursery, that her day is fun, structured
and fulfilling. She is so happy there. The food and menu are excellent. There is a very safe, positive, encouraging and inclusive environment. Couldn't recommend highly enough.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both of my children have attended Busy Bees; one who has just started school and the youngest who still attends. I cannot sing the praises enough of all of the wonderful staff here. From the moment my eldest started they put my mind at ease very quickly. They take care in following any likes/dislikes/allowing
for the amount/length of naps, any comforters they may be used to etc. They are so caring, warm, compassionate and flexible. They have all been so personable too and we have developed a lovely relationship with the staff as parents. They take time in creating activities that stimulate their learning through play and both my children have come on leaps and bounds here. The meal choices are great and I have always been amazed at the variety of meals they have had here. My children love all of the staff here and my eldest says he misses Busy Bees a lot......I think that speaks for itself!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Our son started at Busy Bees in January aged 2. I'd been a stay-at-home mum until then so he had never really been looked after by anyone other than me and his dad so I was feeling understandably a little anxious... but he settled in so quickly and absolutely loves it! The staff have been so friendly
and he is always happy when I collect him after his sessions. It also feels like the nursery has done a lot to make itself COVID-safe whilst still remaining a warm and child-centred place. I've been particularly impressed by the management team who seem really engaged in the life of the nursery, genuinely interested in the children, and are very approachable.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I write this review after sending both of our daughters to Busy Bees in Hertford. Whilst our eldest daughter left a few years ago, our youngest daughter has just left (August 20) to start big school. We cannot fault the level of care received, the activities and resources are great. If you are a prospective
parent reading this, then you will be making the best decision if you decide to send your son or daughter to this nursery.
The staff genuinely love and care for each and every child, which makes it upsetting when you do finally have to leave (for big school).
It is important to note, their approach to lockdown and when the time came to return back, was simply outstanding. The communication continued throughout even providing activity packs for the children to do. They helped my daughter to return back confidently and to help prepare her for school (especially as she had been at home with me in these quite surreal times). Well done Busy Bees!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending this nursery for a couple of years now. She loves it there, loves the staff and other children and she has progressed so well since attending. She is independent and confident and that is down to the support and care received at Busy Bees. I am always confident that she
is well cared for and the staff generally care for the children on a personal level.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My overall experience of Busy Bees at Hartham Park has been fantastic. My daughter has been in the nursery for the past two and a half years and been a member of each room. Staff in all rooms have been superb and genuinely care about the wellbeing and development of the children.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son loves the time he spends at nursery. The whole team are so warm and caring. They really take the time to get to know your child and it shows in the outstanding care they provide. Each child is treated like an individual and really well supported. I was apprehensive when my son started nursery
at 8 months old, but the team have helped him through all his milestones, from weaning to learning to walk. I’m so happy we’re part of the Busy Bees family.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A lovely nursery with a nurturing and caring atmosphere. Staff are friendly and my son loves it there. Outdoor space is smaller than other nurseries but they use it well and seem to do a lot of activities to keep them busy.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot recommend it more highly. The Ofsted score for this nursery is Outstanding, but for us, that was a secondary point, with the most important being the love and care the staff have shown both our children. They have really enjoyed being there and have developed into confident girls. It really
has been a home from home experience. The high levels of staff retention are really important for consistency for the children and suggest this is a fun place to be for the carers too, which I think filters down into the experience the children have who attend.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We're so glad we got a place for our daughter here. She's happy, stimulated and seems quite at ease with being dropped off in the morning - a testament to the staff and environment. As parents, we also feel well informed, that the staff always have time for a chat and most importantly, that our little
girl is safe and happy.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Generally fantastic. Very happy with everything presented and offered and the overall approach to growth and learning. Could do more with balance and circus skills!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The overall nursery experience is great and the staff genuinely seem like they love and care for the children. This is our second child at this nursery and our eldest has very fond memories of her time here.

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Current Review Score: 9.4 (9.424)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.4 (9.424) out of 10 for Busy Bees Hartham Park 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 7 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.5 out of 5 from 7 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 4.929 for Busy Bees Hartham Park is calculated as follows: ( (78 Excellents x 5) + (6 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 84 Ratings = 4.929

  • 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 4.495 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bees Hartham Park is based on 7 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 = 3.7

    • 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 44 number of registered child places is 8.8. 7 Positive Reviews ÷ 8.8 = 0.795

  • 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

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

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Meet the Team (1)

Joanne

Joanne Good

Job Title: Centre Director

Joined: 2003

I joined Hartham Park back in 2003 after completing my Level 3 in childcare. I was delighted to become Centre Director in 2013, a role that means the world to me.


I am truly passionate about my role and delivering excellent childcare and commitment to the children, parents and staff.


I have also completed my Level 3 in Management, Advanced First Aid, Food Hygiene, Safeguarding, SEND and Behaviour. I am the Designated Safeguarding Lead for our Centre.


I have a 6-year-old daughter who still talks about nursery and the wonderful staff who helped her transition to a big school. 


Frequently Asked Questions about Busy Bees Hartham Park

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

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

What Days & Hours is Busy Bees Hartham Park Open?

Busy Bees Hartham Park is open: Monday 07:30-18:30, Tuesday 07:30-18:30, Wednesday 07:30-18:30, Thursday 07:30-18:30, Friday 07:30-18:30.

How many Children does Busy Bees Hartham Park have capacity for?

Busy Bees Hartham Park has capacity for a total of 44 Children.

How far is Busy Bees Hartham Park to the centre of Hertford?

0.4 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.