Busy Bees Eastbourne

Larkspar Drive, Eastbourne BN23 8BS
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9.9 69 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Eastbourne, Eastbourne
Busy Bees Eastbourne is a wonderful, purpose-built nursery designed to give every child the best start in life.

The highly experienced nursery team are committed to offering an environment where children develop, flourish, and prepare for their transition to school. Following the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) curriculum helps with your child’s development so that they are prepared for the next key stage.

From a designated room for all under 1-year-old babies to fun and engaging activities for toddlers and pre-schoolers, your child will enjoy every moment at nursery. The enthusiastic staff plan and prepare a variety of activities in line with the EYFS curriculum to ensure the needs of every child are met daily.

The extensive outside garden is split into development areas and is fantastic for outdoor play and discovery. Every child can explore the outdoors and take on safe risks with supervision from the caring nursery team.

There is much to love about Busy Bees Eastbourne, along with a talented Chef on-site, that provides the children with nutritious meals and snacks. The menu is accredited by the NHS and all dietary needs are met.

Want to learn more about the fantastic facilities and meet the friendly team at Busy Bees nursery Eastbourne? Book a visit today and the team will look forward to welcoming you!

Care Provided by Busy Bees Eastbourne

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Ashley McGhie (Centre Director)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 19
  • Total Places for Children
  • 100
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 6 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
Total of 69, showing 21-40
9.9

Busy Bees Eastbourne has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.905) out of 10, based on 29 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Busy Bees Eastbourne has 69 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing staff, very friendly and caring. All the team in my daughter's room are excellent at caring for my daughter. Would recommend it to family/friends. Three particular ladies were also fantastic with my other daughter, who was with them for a few years.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My eldest has just started preschool, having been at Busy Bees for two and a half years. She continues to thrive and loves the nursery. My youngest has also recently started, and I could not be happier with how she has settled in. Thank you to all the Busy Bees staff for your continuous hard work and
support.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Overall, Busy Bees is the only nursery for me, that I feel comfortable for my children. I have been using this nursery for nearly 8 years and shall continue. They go above and beyond when it comes to my youngest child who suffered from speech delay. I have been lucky enough to go to two separate boroughs
and they both have been amazing! They treated my youngest like he was going from home to home. They made him feel safe and wanted as he suffers with anxiety and separation.

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

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. Best wishes, Busy Bees


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Busy Bees Nursery is a very happy place, my daughter loves spending time with her friends and the staff. There does seem to be a problem with the door at the end of the day. Other parents letting in other parents with no idea who they are collecting. The outside space/day activities could be improved.
But overall very happy with the service I receive. Food is good, staff always helpful and I feel it is a safe environment for my daughter.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wonderful nursery. I would recommend to all my friends and family. Staff are extremely helpful, happy and go the extra mile for any needs of your child. Our son has been very happy going to Busy Bees. Happy son, happy mummy.

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

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

I'm very happy with the care service Busy Bees Eastbourne nursery have provided for my son, he has come on leaps and bounds and evolved so much since joining Busy Bees nursery, he is very content and happy and his peers adore him! He is learning and developing so well and I couldn't be a more happy
and satisfied mummy with all the care and additional needs that have been successfully met at Busy Bees nursery. My son is thriving and building lovely relationships with his peers and nursery staff which is so wonderful to see, if there's been any problems Busy Bees resolves any issues very quickly and the staff are always welcoming and friendly. I give 5 stars to Busy Bees Nursery for an outstanding service which is well deserved personally

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

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

Kids love going to nursery and have so much fun with all the different activities they do. The staff are so kind and flexible.
I have a toddler as well as a 10-month-old baby and they are so happy when I drop them off and pick them up.

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

Hello, wow! Thank you for this glowing review! We are delighted your little one's are having a good experience at our Eastbourne 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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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started nursery here in March 2023 and the staff have been so good with him and already they're making an impact on him, we couldn't be more grateful! The staff are so friendly, professional and amazing!

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

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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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am so happy that we decided to send our son to Busy Bees. Our son is enjoying every moment and has lots of good changes in him. He likes to go there and is excited about playing around with the children.
Special thanks to four staff members in particular.
My child was so fussy about meals and he
is now having everything they provide.
Absolutely amazing team! They always update me about his activities and interaction. I can’t thank them enough for their support and patience.
Well done team!

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

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

Wow, this nursery is amazing. We are so pleased we chose Busy Bees. It's a very daunting experience leaving your little one somewhere new for a large part of the day, but Busy Bees have made the transition so smooth and fun. Our little one can be a bit clingy but now she's waving and giving kisses before
I've even got to the door.
All the staff have been so friendly and wonderful but a special thanks to her key worker, for always providing detail of her day and taking such good care and helping her to settle. From the admin, managers, supervisors, room leads, nursery staff and the chef, I could not praise you more.
We absolutely love seeing updates on the app so please keep this up.
So glad we chose Busy Bees and would 100% recommend.

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

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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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am so happy I sent my little boy to this nursery. My main concern when sending him to nursery was that he wouldn’t enjoy it but sending him to Busy Bees Eastbourne proved me wrong. He enjoys going to nursery, I would say it’s his favourite time of the week. Seeing all his friends and the staff that
works there. He has come out of his shell so much since joining nursery. They have helped me in so many ways as well. He now eats fruit which I thought I would never see, I struggled so much with this before sending him to nursery. The staff at this nursery are kind and understanding and have helped me with any concerns I have had regarding my son. I would 100% recommend this nursery to anyone.

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

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

Both of my children have/are attending this setting. I have been a part of this nursery for 7 years now and its development has been amazing. The staff are lovely and they care so much about the children. The equipment they have is lovely, as is the outdoor space available to each group. The hours are
fantastic for working parents, and the wide variety of food is cooked on-site, which is rare and great for encouraging children to try different food. I will be quite sad when my youngest moves up to school in September!

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

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 Eastbourne.
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

Had two children attend the nursery and have not had any issues. Find the staff caring, considerate and easy to approach. The nursery doesn't seem to have a high staff turn over which is a massive positive for consistency and the relationships formed with the children. My son enjoys going and think
the app is great for seeing what he is up to throughout the day. The outside space is fantastic and they are able to use the garden throughout the year. Would recommend Busy Bees, Eastbourne to anyone looking for a nursery for their child to attend.

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

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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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have had children at Busy Bees Nursery for over four years now and I could not be happier with the care they provide and have provided for my children. The staff are highly qualified, friendly and truly care for the children, they are great at supporting any development going on at home within nursery,
such as potty training. The activities planned for the children to do day to day are brilliant and really help with their progress and they’re becoming well-rounded little individuals!
I cannot recommend Busy Bees, Eastbourne enough!

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

Hello, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review! We’re glad you have gave your children 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

I instantly fell in love with Busy Bees nursery. My daughter is extremely shy and anxious and all the staff were super caring and considerate towards both my daughter and me. They have worked so hard that my daughter feels so much happier going to nursery.
The rooms are always displayed with amazing
activities set out really well.
I love that there is quite a lot of space in each room and the garden is also great. I love that all the children can have as much as outdoor activities as they like.
I think it's great that preschool has set activities they do, and have story time too.
My daughter always comes home telling me about all the yummy food she has had too.
It is always clean when I have visited. The staff including the managers and the chef are always so welcoming and all the children light up when they see each member.
I love that everything is included in the price.

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

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

Very happy with my son's time at Busy Bees. He is always very happy when he is there. The app is always great to keep updated on the day. The staff are always very helpful and kind. Overall as parents, we are very pleased we have our son there.

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

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

My daughter started here in January and the team has been amazing with us both! Comforting us both through the transition into nursery life. Reassuring me daily that she is ok throughout the day and frequent updates on the app.
My daughter is happy every day when she comes home from Busy Bees. Telling
me all about her day and all the activities they get up to!
Thank you all very much and would definitely recommend this nursery.

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

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

The staff are very friendly and helpful. They have taken great care of both of my children. My son left in August 2022 but my daughter is still there. The staff have helped my daughter grow, be independent and stopped being such a Covid baby. She loves nursery and enjoys playing and making friends.
I would 100% recommend Busy Bees Eastbourne to anyone.

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

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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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter is extremely happy and settled at Busy Bees Eastbourne. Her carers are kind, caring and she adores them. Often she doesn't want to come home at the end of the day! I am so happy I chose this nursery.

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

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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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Busy Bees Eastbourne have been excellent from day one. Every member of staff are always welcoming and friendly, even those who don't work directly with my child.
The baby room staff have helped to settle my son so well and have made my return to work so much easier knowing that he is happy and well
cared for. The room is always set up beautifully but also with age-appropriate and stimulating setups. I don't have a single bad comment to make. Thank you team.

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

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. Best wishes, Busy Bees


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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.905)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.905) out of 10 for Busy Bees Eastbourne 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 29 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 29 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 4.905 for Busy Bees Eastbourne is calculated as follows: ( (320 Excellents x 5) + (23 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 348 Ratings = 4.905

  • 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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bees Eastbourne is based on 29 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 100 number of registered child places is 20, which has been reached with 29 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • 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)

Ashley

Ashley McGhie

Job Title: Centre Director

Joined: 2010

Hi, my name is Ashley and I have been a part of the Busy Bees family for many years now. 


I have over 15 years experience working with children. I became the Manager at this Nursery in April 2019. I have my own little girl who is at school so I understand the difficulties working parents have and also how important links are between nursery and home.


I look forward to meeting and welcoming new families to our newly refurbished nursery in Eastbourne.