Bees in the Hive Pre-school

The Cresset Leisure Services Ltd, Bretton Centre, Bretton, Peterborough PE3 8DX
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10 45 Reviews
  • Bees in the Hive Pre-school, Peterborough
Bees in the Hive Pre-school is located in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire and offers 32 Ofsted registered places for children aged two- to four-years-old.

Managed by the Early Years Alliance, the pre-school focuses on encouraging learning through play and involving parents in the life of the setting.

A committed, friendly and well-qualified team provide high-quality care and learning opportunities for all children and follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with a focus on learning through play.

Bees in the Hive Pre-school is are open from 9:00am - 12:00 noon, and 12:00 noon - 3:00pm, Monday to Friday, during term time (38 weeks of the year), excluding bank holidays and three staff training days.

The pre-school was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in December 2017.

Care Provided by Bees in the Hive Pre-school

  • Type of Service
  • Nursery School – Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Open term time
  • Full Day Care
  • Sessional Day Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Claire Lennox (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • 32 children
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 7
  • Registered Charity Number
  • 1096526
  • Total Places for Children
  • 32
  • Age Range
    • from 2 years 0 months
    • to 4 years 11 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 09:00-15:00
    Tuesday 09:00-15:00
    Wednesday 09:00-15:00
    Thursday 09:00-15:00
    Friday 09:00-15:00
  • When Closed
  • School Holidays

Funding & Fees Guide for Bees in the Hive Pre-school

  • A 3hr session costs £19.00 for 3 & 4 yr olds and £22.00 for 2yr olds.


  • They do accept funding for 2, 3 and 4yr olds, including the new funding for working parents of 2yr olds.
    Paying customers are requested to pay one month in advance, and pay a returnable £50.00 deposit please.


  • Parking
  • Parking is available at The Cresset car park, but please note that a free parking ticket must be displayed (available from the Cresset reception desk).


Bees in the Hive Pre-school Reviews (45)

Total of 45, showing 1-20
10

Bees in the Hive Pre-school has a Review Score of 10 (9.974) out of 10, based on 16 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Bees in the Hive Pre-school has 45 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic staff members, really good, have helped my little one progress so much since being there. Not just that but they have given me support when I needed and I definitely would recommend to anyone thinking of sending their children there. They are so understanding and I'm grateful for their support
and to see how well my son has progressed since starting nursery. I know I choose the right nursery, definitely 5 stars.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my boys attend this pre-school and it's absolutely brilliant. All the staff are so friendly and very approachable. My boys love going into school everyday and all they do is talk about school. I would 100% recommend this pre-school.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My younger girl currently goes to Bees in the Hive Pre-school and she really enjoys it. My first girl went there too.
It is an absolutely amazing space, run by a brilliant team. My little one has hearing problems and the team has been amazing to her and helped her in ways I can't even begin to explain.
It is a second home for my kids. An inclusive space for the kids to thrive.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The nursery provided my daughter with a safe, stimulating and caring environment that helped her thrive during those crucial early years. It was a place where she felt happy and excited to go every day and as a parent, I couldn't have asked for a better start to her educational journey. The nursery
encourages the children to play and work together. The teachers and caregivers are always attentive, showing a deep understanding of the needs of each child. The environment was playful and a range of activities.

Reply from Claire Lennox, Manager at Bees in the Hive Pre-school

It is always so lovely and heartwarming to hear from our families that they feel we are doing a good job and that their children enjoy spending time here with us. Thank you for your kind comments. We do appreciate it.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has been going here for a year now and we are all very happy with the experience. She likes all the staff, has made lots of friends and is always doing lots of fun things. As a parent, I am always made to feel very welcome by the staff and it makes me happy to know my child is being looked
after by such a lovely and also highly professional team.

Reply from Claire Lennox, Manager at Bees in the Hive Pre-school

We are so happy to be able to support our children and their families from those early childhood pre-school days all the way through to making the big step into school life. We hope that we manage to do this in a kind, caring and fun way. Thank you for taking the time to comment on your experiences with us.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The experience at Bees at the Hive Pre-school was and still is a very impressive one. The staff are very friendly and very professional. My daughter is very happy that she goes there and we, the parents, are very calm, knowing that our child is in good hands. Hugs to everyone.

Reply from Claire Lennox, Manager at Bees in the Hive Pre-school

Thank you for the hug... we all appreciate a good hug. And thank you for the kind words. We really do love what we do, so we are glad that it shows.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My twins love coming to this nursery, staff all so lovely always friendly happy to help could not think of a better nursery for my twins to go to and start at they both settled in very well very helpful to parents as well made me feel at ease and my twins, big well done to all staff here keep being
amazing totally recommend.

Reply from Claire Lennox, Manager at Bees in the Hive Pre-school

We are always so happy to hear that our parents and our children are happy at our setting. It is one of the most important things to us, as when children are happy, they feel free to play and learn alongside their friends and our staff. Thank you for your very kind feedback.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

At Bees in the Hive Pre-school you're always made to feel welcome, the staff are amazing with children and their families.
The staff always go above and beyond to help.
It really does feel like you and your children are part of the bee hive (family).

Reply from Claire Lennox, Manager at Bees in the Hive Pre-school

So glad that you feel like part of our family. That is exactly what we want.Thank you


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The best preschool. My daughter is always happy to go there, every day she tells me many things about what she is doing and what she is learning during a day in preschool. And the teachers are amazing, lovely very helpful and friendly. I am so happy we chose Bees in the Hive Pre-school.

Reply from Claire Lennox, Manager at Bees in the Hive Pre-school

Thank you so much. We have thoroughly enjoyed having your beautiful children here with us. They were both so very different from each other, but both are fabulous. We will miss you when you are gone.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I moved my daughter to this preschool from another one in September 2023, and it was the best decision I’ve made. I receive artwork almost every day. My daughter comes home telling me about all the activities she has done throughout the day and what she has learned. She’s becoming so confident with
her numbers, letters and days of the week. The activities the children do also relate to multi-cultural occasions which is amazing for promoting diversity and equality from such a young age. The staff are fantastic; they make you feel so welcome and have a good rapport with parents. Every day the children have access to different equipment/toys in the room and outside in the garden, so they have something new to look forward to each day. Overall, this is an inspiring and creative environment for my daughter to learn and she always looks forward to going to pre-school.

Reply from Claire Lennox, Manager at Bees in the Hive Pre-school

Thank you so much for that review. We do all of these things with our children and with our parents because that is what we would want for our own children or grandchildren. This is where we want the children to want to come, to want to play and to want to learn. We also want all of our parents and carers to feel just as welcome. Hope we are providing a home-from-home for everyone.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter started Bees in the Hive Pre-school in September and all staff were brilliant at supporting her settle in. She can be quite shy and it can take her a while to feel comfortable. However, her key worker has been absolutely amazing and has built a lovely relationship with my daughter. As a
result of this, my daughter is now starting to come out of her shell in the setting and she absolutely loves pre-school! All the staff are caring and nurturing. Thank you for all your hard work!

Reply from Claire Lennox, Manager at Bees in the Hive Pre-school

That is so kind, thank you.
We are so happy to have you guys back as a part of our 'pre-school family'. It's always a huge compliment when families choose to come back with younger siblings and we always love to see a familiar face returning.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic nursery, friendly staff and always have tie for you, very helpful and welcoming. My boys love it and I would highly recommend.

Reply from Claire Lennox, Manager at Bees in the Hive Pre-school

It has been a pleasure to look after your boys. We love having them at our pre-school, and as part of our ever growing family. Thank you for taking the time to write a lovely review for us. We do appreciate it.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter attended Bees in the Hive since 2 years old, the staff have been absolutely amazing and considerate as she has severe eczema. The staff were all fantastic. Exceptional care. My daughter started reception but she still misses this place.

Reply from Claire Lennox, Manager at Bees in the Hive Pre-school

Such lovely words, thank you so very much. We loved having your daughter here with us and we look forward to seeing you again soon with her younger sibling. A space is waiting for you.
Happy Christmas.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have two of my children here. One is due to leave for school this term. Myself and my partner feel that they have done a fantastic job over the past few years with him, and also getting him ready for starting school, by doing a lot of activity work regards to going to school. They have amazing staff
that will take the time and effort to help you and your child on a one-to-one basis if needed, and you always have someone there to talk to if you have any concerns, these always get dealt with when needed. We feel, as parents, that our other child will thrive at this nursery due to the support of all the people involved.

Reply from Claire Lennox, Manager at Bees in the Hive Pre-school

Thank you so much for such a lovely review. We always want to offer a preschool that tries to include parents and younger siblings in the things that we are offering, so we are so pleased that you feel that we do put in the effort and find the time for everyone. Thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Love the app, that we can all see the children learning, doing lots of different activities it’s nice to be able to see their everyday learning.
All the staff are so lovely, always there to support or help with anything. I think it’s very important to be able to talk to all the staff at Bees in the
Hive, all the staff are always there.
My two love everyone there has so many friends, are always excited to go and always excited when I pick them up as they have the best time.
Couldn’t thank the nursery enough as they are honestly all so amazing!
There’s nothing I would change.

Reply from Claire Lennox, Manager at Bees in the Hive Pre-school

That is so nice to hear. It is always our hope that we make the children and their parents part of our ever-increasing family and that we can keep that bond going, even when the children have moved on to 'Big School'.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot speak highly enough of this preschool and its staff. Both my children settled in perfectly with the helping hand of all employees, my eldest child is coming on leaps and bounds in preparation for moving up to primary school and I couldn't do it without their support. The thing I love most about
this setting is their genuine care and love for the children, so glad I made the decision to send my kids here.

Reply from Claire Lennox, Manager at Bees in the Hive Pre-school

Thank you for your comments. They mean the world to us, and so do your lovely children. It is not just a job to us, and I am so glad that you can feel how much we care.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic setting. I feel at ease leaving my child with these amazing ladies and would highly recommend this preschool to any parent. Simple, clean and beautiful environment.
My child is learning so much through these ladies and is always happy on arrival and when leaving. Always great activities set
out for the children, every day is different and the children really get to experience a lot here.
They ensure that my child is always well cared for. Couldn’t rate this place any higher. Will miss dropping my child off here every morning and I’m sure he will too!

Reply from Claire Lennox, Manager at Bees in the Hive Pre-school

It is always lovely and heartwarming to hear that we are being appreciated for the job that we all love to do. Thank you so much for taking the time to give such a lovely review.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Was a little unsure about what to expect as one friend had told me they took their little one out from there (turns out Mum didn't like other kids around theirs). We contacted the nursery and asked about availability and were really surprised by the amount of information that they gave us. We planned
a date to go and look around, all 3 of us. On the day my little girl loved it and went to join in (which surprised us). Although she has only been there a short while she has gone from being upset at being left there to hating it when she cant be there. She loves all the staff and they are all exceptional at helping her grow and develop and talking more which was our biggest concern.

Reply from Claire Lennox, Manager at Bees in the Hive Pre-school

It is always a joy to help a young child settle in and become part of our 'family', especially when they have previously been so attached to their parents. It takes time to build up that level of trust, but we are always ready to put that extra effort in, to make a child feel comfortable.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Bees in the Hive Pre-school goes above and beyond for my little girl and keeps me updated every day regarding my daughter's progress. Not a day goes by when I am disappointed/upset with their company.
Every single one of the health care professionals is very polite, welcoming, and happy to see not
only the children but the adults too.
The bees at the home made me and my daughter feel welcome as soon as I arrived at their front door!
I don't want my daughter to ever leave! I highly recommend it to every single child-parent or carer!
This company has gone above and beyond and I cannot find a single fault in them!!

Reply from Claire Lennox, Manager at Bees in the Hive Pre-school

Wow...Thank you so much for such amazing comments. We love being here every day, and we can not tell you how happy we are to hear that families are happy to be here too.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely love this nursery. Two of my children have attended here and never had any problems. My son's key worker is amazing, and he loves showing her all the things he can do and always goes in with a smile on his face.

Reply from Claire Lennox, Manager at Bees in the Hive Pre-school

It is lovely to hear that he is so happy here. We will miss him, and you, when he goes to big school in September. Thank you for your kind words.


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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.974)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.974) out of 10 for Bees in the Hive Pre-school is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 16 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 16 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 4.974 for Bees in the Hive Pre-school is calculated as follows: ( (185 Excellents x 5) + (5 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 190 Ratings = 4.974

  • 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 Bees in the Hive Pre-school is based on 16 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 32 number of registered child places is 6.4, which has been reached with 16 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

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (4)

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Meet the Team (8)

Claire

Claire Lennox

Job Title: Manager

Joined: 2000

Qualified at Level 4. First Aider. Safeguarding Lead. SEN qualified. Buddy Keyperson.


Ann

Ann

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2000

Qualified at Level 3. First Aider. Safeguarding Lead 2. SEN Lead. Keyperson.


Jeanette

Jeanette

Job Title: Educator

Joined: 2003

Qualified at Level 2. First Aider. Keyperson.


Ellie

Ellie

Job Title: Educator

Joined: 2015

Qualified at Degree Level. First Aider. Keyperson.


Chloe

Chloe

Job Title: Educator

Joined: 2018

Qualified at Level 3. First Aider. Keyperson. SEND Level 3


Amy

Amy

Job Title: Educator

Joined: 2022

Qualified at Level 3, Key person, First Aider


No image found

Belinda

Job Title: Flexi Worker

Joined: 2024

Flexible Worker, First Aider.


No image found

Sadie

Job Title: Educator

Joined: 2024

Qualified at Level 2+


Frequently Asked Questions about Bees in the Hive Pre-school

What is the Age Range of Children that Bees in the Hive Pre-school accepts?

Bees in the Hive Pre-school accepts Children aged from 2 years 0 months to 4 years 11 months.

What Days & Hours is Bees in the Hive Pre-school Open?

Bees in the Hive Pre-school is open: Monday 09:00-15:00, Tuesday 09:00-15:00, Wednesday 09:00-15:00, Thursday 09:00-15:00, Friday 09:00-15:00.

How many Children does Bees in the Hive Pre-school have capacity for?

Bees in the Hive Pre-school has capacity for a total of 32 Children.

How far is Bees in the Hive Pre-school to the centre of Peterborough?

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