Busy Bees Hempstead

197 Hempstead Road, Hempstead, Gillingham ME7 3QG
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9.6 69 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Hempstead, Gillingham
Busy Bees at Hempstead provides the perfect environment to offer children the best start to their early education.

The nursery has light and spacious rooms, with separate areas for different ages, and fabulous resources to encourage children's development and ensure they enjoy each day spent there. The team also strive to create a welcoming environment where children are nurtured and prepared for the next stage of their educational journey.

Along with fun-filled nursery rooms, the nursery provides a comforting sensory room, so your child can relax and absorb their senses with colourful lights, the bubble tube and fine motor toys.

The enthusiastic staff work hard to make sure your child is happy and engaged during their time at the nursery. So no matter what they enjoy doing, there will never be a dull moment at Busy Bees at Hempstead.

The team understand how busy family life is, to help support you they provide nappies and wipes along with meals and snacks for your little one to tuck in to throughout the day. You can also book additional sessions through the easy online booking system, Pebble.

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Care Provided by Busy Bees Hempstead

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Claire Arkell (Centre Director)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 16
  • Total Places for Children
  • 76
  • 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

Funding & Fees Guide for Busy Bees Hempstead

  • Full day £59.00,
    Am session £33.50,
    Pm session £29.00

  • Fees are inclusive of all meals prepared and cooked by their own in house Chef, Suncream, nappies and wipes
  • Parking

  • Parking onsite, please park on the left hand side when entering the carpark.


Busy Bees Hempstead Reviews (69)

Total of 69, showing 1-20
9.6

Busy Bees Hempstead has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.581) out of 10, based on 12 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Busy Bees Hempstead has 69 reviews.

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Review from Leanne D (Mother of Child) published on 7 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our 15 month old has attended Busy Bees at Hempstead for the last 2 months now, for 2 long days and an afternoon session a week. I was worried she would not settle in as I had pulled her out of another nursery setting for personal reasons, but she has settled in really well. The girls there are all
so friendly, and my daughter has taken to them all, and even has her favourites! We love how a photo of us as a family is put up in the room, the app that we use is really good to see how she is getting on during the day, whether that's nappy changes, food she's eaten, which is cooked by an onsite chef, or sleep (which she doesn't do a lot of!) They include photos of things she has been doing during the day which is really reassuring to see. Would highly recommend this setting for anyone who feels anxious or worried about sending their child to nursery; they have really made our daughter (and us) feel welcome and I know she is in safe hands. Thank you!

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Review from D P (Mother of Child) published on 7 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started at this nursery in October 2024, as we all are, we're really anxious about doing so. The centre director and the girls here are so welcoming, they all clearly love their jobs and have a passion for the well-being of the children that attend.
My son is in the baby room, I discussed my
worries with his key worker regarding weaning and she was so reassuring, all the girls in the baby room and every room are so welcoming and happy, they all clearly have a great relationship with one another and are happy within their work because it really shows.
I feel so grateful to them all for welcoming my son and encouraging him to become more confident, putting his needs/routines seriously.
I definitely recommend this nursery to anybody.
Thank you.

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Review from Lily S (Mother of Child) published on 7 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child found it very difficult not being with or around her parents. She would cry and get very upset when coming to nursery. Staff were very supportive and put in additional settling-in days to support her joining nursery. The staff were patient with my child and me, gave me regular updates when
she first started and now has settled in very well. The staff are very friendly and my child is enjoying nursery. She is also so much better with being around people and has more confidence.

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Review from Andrea J (Mother of Child) published on 7 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am so pleased that I was able to send my 1-year-old son to Busy Bees. My eldest son went here a few years back and really did so well.
The staff are friendly and take the time to let you know how the day has been for your child.
The app is great as it lets me see how the day has been for him before
I even get there to pick him up.
You get value for money here and I wouldn't send my child anywhere else. The food is always nutritious and varied. My son settled very quickly here and it helps to know that when you drop him off in the mornings that he will be well looked after and feels happy and secure there.
Overall, very happy with the nursery.

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Review from F Z (Mother of Child) published on 18 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 19-month-old has been attending Busy Bees at Hempstead for one month, twice per week. I was initially quite anxious about sending her to nursery and was nervous she would hate it, but I have so far been really impressed with the nursery and absolutely wonderful staff!
I love how friendly and happy
all the staff are at drop-off, it feels nice to see my child being greeted with a big smile each time and makes me feel confident she will have a good day!
The app is such a great resource too. I love seeing updates on my child throughout the afternoon. Just small things like seeing what she's eaten and sometimes a photo showing what she's been up to is a really nice way to communicate to me as a parent that my child is doing well and in very capable hands!
I am so pleased we chose Busy Bees at Hempstead to send our child and would really recommend it to anyone, a very heartfelt thanks to all for making it a home-from-home environment for my child to explore, play and develop.

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Review from F K (Mother of Child) published on 14 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at Busy Bees always meet with a smile and are friendly. communication is always prompt if I ever need to get hold of staff which is always a reassurance in any nursery setting. Staff are also receptive if you voice concerns or queries. Thank you for making my daughter's time at Busy Bees enjoyable.

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Review from Donna M (Mother of Child) published on 13 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has been attending Busy Bees in Hempstead for some time now and I can safely say that I feel secure in the knowledge that whilst she is with them, she is well looked after, safe and happy. My child loves attending and has made friends as well as become a confident, outgoing 2-year-old. Her
speech has also developed no end.
The app that Busy Bees provides allows me to see how her day is going and also know the activities that she is taking part in.
The staff at Busy Bees are always very friendly and make my child feel welcome and loved. As a parent, you always have worries that someone other than yourself is looking after your child, however, I feel at total ease they look after my child and they have her best interests at heart.
Thank you to Busy Bees and all the staff.

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Review from Lauren F (Mother of Child) published on 19 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son (who has just turned 2 years old) started at Busy Bees in August 2023. We were very anxious about sending him to any nursery and after visiting a few and being recommended by family we ended up with only one option - Busy Bees at Hempstead! The staff are kind, caring, and considerate and always
welcome us and our son each day with the biggest smile and make us feel welcome. Our son has really settled in well at the nursery and loves each of the members of staff, so much so he now will say their names on our way to nursery each morning! His language and confidence has grown so much in such a short period of time and we are completely overwhelmed with how this process has reassured a very emotional first-time mum. The best decision we've made for our little boy and would point anyone else in the same direction to Busy Bees at Hempstead. Thank you!

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my daughter (3.5 years) and my son (18 months) attend Busy Bees and they both absolutely love it there. They run in every morning and often don’t even say goodbye.
Every member of staff is welcoming and always has a smile on their face. Nothing is ever too much trouble and they are professional
at all times.
Every day when you pick up the children you get feedback on how their day has been and they keep you updated on the app also.
I would highly recommend any parents looking for a nursery that Busy Bees is the best in Hempstead.
Thank you to all the staff for always being so amazing and making it stress-free for working parents!

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

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'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 Rachel W (Mother of Child) published on 30 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending Busy Bees nursery since December 2022 and he has come on leaps and bounds since going. All of the staff made his settling period quick and as pain-free as possible (emotional mother right here). His confidence in himself has rocketed and he has really started to come out of
his shell - particularly when it has come to his talking. He has become more adventurous in terms of trying new foods and overall, I couldn't be happier with the progress he has made since going to Busy Bees.

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

Hello, wow! Thank you for this glowing review! We are delighted your little one is having a good experience at our Hempstead nursery.
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 Alex B (Mother of Child) published on 30 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been at the nursery since he turned 1 year old in May 2022. From the first day he started and ever since he is excited to get into nursery!
His development has been incredible and I think that the nursery and its practitioners have a big part to play in this.
He has made friends and it’s
a joy to see how happy he is there! I highly recommend it.

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

Hello, wow! Thank you for this glowing review! We are delighted your little one is having a good experience at our Hempstead 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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Review from Sam H (Mother of Child) published on 30 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My eldest attended the preschool at Busy Bees and loved it. Now my youngest attends the toddler room and more than loves it. I think she wants to attend more sessions. When I drive close to where the nursery is, she gets excited. The staff are all lovely, very helpful (I do ask a lot of questions),
always smiley and best of all the children have a huge variety of foods to try, which helps massively at home. Could not have asked for a better nursery for both my children. Thank you!

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

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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Review from Kayleigh M (Mother of Child) published on 8 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My two-year-old has been going to Busy Bees since last summer 2022 and he absolutely loves it! He’s so happy there, his speech and development have come on leaps and bounds and his confidence grows by the day! I drop him off with a smile and he’s always happy when he comes home. He also now eats such
a variety of foods after trying it at nursery.
The staff are all so lovely and supportive! I wouldn’t have him anywhere else. Thank you Busy Bees!

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

Hello, Wow! Thank you for this glowing review! We are delighted your little one is having a good experience at our Hempstead nursery.
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.


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Review from Rebecca M (Mother of Child) published on 19 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Busy Bees Hempstead since February 2019 when she turned 1 and she will soon leave the preschool room to start school. She settled in quickly and the staff have been amazing throughout her time here in all 3 of the rooms. She has always enjoyed going here with no tears
at drop offs and she comes out happy, talking about her day and the fun activities she’s been up to which have really helped her development. The app is useful showing you what they’ve eaten throughout the day and it’s lovely to see the photos/observations of her taking part in activities and having fun with her friends. I cannot recommend it highly enough and I am so glad we decided to send her here. My son will also be starting next year and I hope he enjoys it as much!

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Review from Amelia S (Mother of Child) published on 22 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My eldest son started the nursery in September 2021 just after he turned one. Due to lockdown, he was very wary of new environments and people as he had spent 6- months with just me and my husband. He has come on leaps and bounds since starting, so much so it prompted us to send our youngest at the
same age in February this year. They both go in with no problems and enjoy their time there too. I am updated continuously throughout the day with what they have eaten and have done and are doing. The staff are friendly and welcoming and you can tell they really enjoy seeing each child's personality come through as they grow in confidence. My youngest son also has a few food-related allergies and I feel so at ease sending him as they are so in-depth with what he can and can't have. Overall, a fantastic nursery that I would recommend to anyone.

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Review from Riannah V (Mother of Child) published on 22 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been going to Busy Bees since November 2021 and she has learnt so much, her confidence has grown and her personality and speech have come along so well. The staff are all lovely and welcoming I really do feel like they give their best all the time which makes me at rest while I’m at
work knowing my daughter is taken care of and is safe. They are always doing different games and crafts that I wouldn’t normally do at home. Also, the photo updates on the app are always great to see my daughter throughout the day.

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Review from Charlotte T (Mother of Child) published on 22 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started here just over a month ago and she has settled in so well and so quickly, especially since she is a lockdown baby! My son attended here many years ago so I had every confidence in Busy Bees Hempstead to welcome my youngest one. All the staff are so welcoming and I have no worries
leaving my daughter with the girls here. I love the app facility which is updated throughout the day with what she gets up to, what she's eaten and nappy changes. I would highly recommend it.

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Review from J W (Mother of Child) published on 22 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The team have been wonderful at settling our little one in, nothing is too much trouble! The outdoor space is great and they always have great activities lined up. Communication has been great from the beginning. Highly recommend Busy Bees Hempstead.

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Review from Nicola B (Mother of Child) published on 30 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been going there since she was one year old. I would highly recommend sending your child here. The staff are brilliant I don’t have to worry about leaving her as I know she will have a great day and be well looked after. They send updates on the app, I like that they keep me informed
and educate her as well as play. She has progressed so much in her development since coming here.

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Review from L C (Mother of Child) published on 17 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From start to present I have been extremely happy with Busy Bees at Hempstead. Both of our children attend the preschool and nursery rooms. I like that they teach as well as play as some nurseries I toured it seemed to be more like a holding pen for cattle (in my opinion)! We have a lot of information
sent home about the children, notices and dates for our diary. This is brilliant as I can plan for the forthcoming events/changes. The staff are extremely friendly and easy to communicate with. It is in a grey location and parking isn't an issue. From what I can see the nursery is kept clean but because of COVID we're not able to enter.

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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.581)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.581) out of 10 for Busy Bees Hempstead is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 12 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 out of 5 from 12 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 4.792 for Busy Bees Hempstead is calculated as follows: ( (117 Excellents x 5) + (24 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 144 Ratings = 4.792

  • 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 4.789 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bees Hempstead is based on 12 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 76 number of registered child places is 15.2. 12 Positive Reviews ÷ 15.2 = 0.789

  • 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 (1)

Claire

Claire Arkell

Job Title: Centre Director

Joined: 2014

Hello my name is Claire Arkell and I am the Nursery Manager at Hempstead Busy Bees.


I have been with Busy Bees since they acquired the Kinder sites in March 2014.


I have been in childcare now for 11 years and hold a NVQ 3 in Children's Care Learning and Development. I have worked in a number of nurseries and for the last 9 years have been working at Management level. Along the way I have gained a lot of knowledge and experience which I reflect in my day to day practice, using this to guide the staff team and share my experience.


I attend regular training to improve my practice including, First Aid and Safeguarding.


It fills me with pride when you can see how the children flourish and develop in our care and become the individual people with shining characteristics that they are.


Frequently Asked Questions about Busy Bees Hempstead

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

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

What Days & Hours is Busy Bees Hempstead Open?

Busy Bees Hempstead is open: 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.

How many Children does Busy Bees Hempstead have capacity for?

Busy Bees Hempstead has capacity for a total of 76 Children.

How far is Busy Bees Hempstead to the centre of Gillingham?

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