Busy Bees Derby Duffield

King Street, Duffield, Belper DE56 4EU
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9.5 38 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Derby Duffield, Belper
Busy Bees Derby Duffield Nursery is situated in an old school building, full of charm and character. The idyllic village location, secure outdoor spaces, and a committed team are just some of the reasons that make Busy Bees Derby Duffield the first choice for childcare of local parents.

The highly experienced staff aim to maximise the potential of every child whilst in their care by planning a range of fun-filled activities in line with the EYFS curriculum so that all children can learn whilst having fun. Following the EYFS curriculum will also help with your little one’s development so that they are prepared for the next steps in their educational journey.

Along with a wonderful indoor space, filled with engaging activities and resources to keep your child’s mind and body stimulated, your child will also have access to explore the secure outdoor space. The gardens are set up daily to meet the needs of children's interests and extends on building physical development and wellbeing including their self-esteem, confidence, and their love of the great outdoors.

The caring and passionate team are committed to giving every child the best start in life and cherish the bonds which they have built with every family. Be rest assured that your child will enjoy every moment at nursery with a home-from-home environment that is designed to make the settling-in process as smooth as possible.

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Care Provided by Busy Bees Derby Duffield

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Katie Maclean (Centre Director)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 20
  • Total Places for Children
  • 58
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:00
    Tuesday 07:30-18:00
    Wednesday 07:30-18:00
    Thursday 07:30-18:00
    Friday 07:30-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays

Busy Bees Derby Duffield Reviews (38)

Total of 38, showing 1-20
9.5

Busy Bees Derby Duffield has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.500) out of 10, based on 9 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Busy Bees Derby Duffield has 38 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Date Published

38
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29

Review from N W (Mother of Child) published on 20 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We couldn't be happier with the staff at Busy Bees Derby Duffield, they really feel like an extension of our family and our little boy has created some amazing bonds.
He has developed well, enjoys the activities, food and is a happy little boy at nursery.

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Review from K A (Mother of Child) published on 22 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have sent both our children to Busy Bees Derby Duffield and they have thrived there! Our daughter came on lots with her sounds and numbers (which, being a teacher, I was impressed with). She developed lovely social skills and made some lovely friends. Our son attended after lockdown and the staff
there really helped him settle in after having attachment difficulties from being at home during Covid and not socialising as much. He also has allergies and we were so impressed and grateful at how well they accommodated these! The cook made sure he had the same meals as others, without egg or dairy (he had cheese wheels, pizza, etc. all catering for his allergies). We were so pleased by the range of foods he could have, whilst being safe. At Christmas, he also had dairy-free chocolate given to him. The setting is a home away from home, intimate feel. The outdoor space is lovely and children are regularly enjoying outdoor play.
The manager is friendly and always happy to help. Recommend!

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Review from Rachael M (Mother of Child) published on 29 August 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We attended a graduate ceremony for the 2024 leavers, my son being one of them. It was fantastic! The staff went above and beyond and even had songs the children sang along with.
We will be sad to leave this nursery but will be returning with my younger son in a few months time!

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Review from Shelly P (Mother of Child) published on 9 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has always loved the nursery staff and has made some real friends during her time at Busy Bees.
I have also been very appreciative of all the assistance they have given me and time to talk about my daughter and how to help her progress.
We will miss them very much.
Only feedback which
relates to the company not the staff itself, the playground could do with some modernisation. The gates are falling apart and have actually been turned over and used upside down rather than being replaced.
The front door is not great, it catches so sometimes doesn't actually shut unless you pull it hard and on occasion, some parents have thought it has been shut and then it hasn't, again this is the company to fix and has no reflection on the staff.
The food smells great when I walk past most mornings (probably better than I'm eating during the day!)

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Review from J S (Mother of Child) published on 24 April 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been at Busy Bees for 3.5 years, and I have been pleased with his care throughout. The staff communicate activities done during the day and meals eaten. My son always comes home having had a great day. I would recommend this centre to friends - we will miss it being part of our son's week.

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Review from Matthew S (Father of Child) published on 6 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Duffield Busy Bees was the perfect place to send our son and we have been delighted to see him blossom in confidence, skill and intelligence over the last few years. He had such a wonderful time there. The team are extremely knowledgeable, kind and caring, and it genuinely feels like a family. The food
was also fantastic. You knew you were leaving your child in good hands. It was a brilliant start to his education and has prepared him very well for school. Thank you for everything you did for our boy.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Derby Duffield

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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Review from A H (Father of Child) published on 13 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has thrived at Duffield Busy Bees. It’s a nurturing and caring environment, with all staff taking a keen interest in all children. We’ve had a great four years at this nursery and would recommend it to anyone.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Derby Duffield

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 the best start in life with us. Best wishes, Busy Bees.


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Review from Jennifer S (Mother of Child) published on 9 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son absolutely loves coming here. His development over the past year has been immense. The care and support he gets is second to none. Thank you so much to all the team at Busy Bees, Duffield.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Derby Duffield

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 Duffield.
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 Emily S (Mother of Child) published on 9 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We love the nursery and staff. Our son is always happy and engaged. The activities are always well thought out. The outside space is great. We have confidence in the team and are very happy with Busy Bees.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Derby Duffield

Hello, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review! We’re glad you’re giving your little one the best start in life with us.
40 years of Busy Bees – 40 years of best beginnings. We’re celebrating our milestone year and we invite you to join us! Visit our Busy Bees website or search for ’40 years Busy Bees’ and find out more and how to take part. We’re grateful for your trust and the opportunity to provide your child with the best start in life. Best wishes, Busy Bees.


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Review from K S (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been extremely happy with the nursery over the last two years my daughter has attended. She is so happy, has great relationships with the staff and children and has experienced so many wonderful learning and play opportunities. The staff and management are so friendly and approachable. Nothing
is too much trouble and there is always great communication. The nursery's handling of the pandemic was really impressive and we've always felt very safe and secure. The nursery has such a lovely welcoming family feel and I would recommend to anyone.

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Review from Georgina B (Mother of Child) published on 31 August 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son has made a fantastic start at Duffield nursery. The staff have supported him in settling into the nursery, building new relationships and developing confidence and ability in new skills. My son's speech and understanding of words/key instructions, has undoubtedly improved since starting at the
nursery. We are very happy with this educational care setting for our son.

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Review from J H (Mother of Child) published on 26 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We absolutely love the nursery, our daughter has been very happy there and made lots of friends. The staff are fantastic and know all the children well. My daughter really enjoys all the different activities. The app is fantastic for keeping us updated and seeing pictures of her playing and learning.
Highly recommend.

Reply from Lindsey Doughty, Marketing Manager at Busy Bees Derby Duffield

Thank you for your lovely review. We are really pleased to hear about your positive experience at nursery and very much appreciate having you as part of the Busy Bees family.


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Review from A M (Mother of Child) published on 22 December 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I absolutely love Castle Garden. From the minute my daughter started, they made me feel at ease and most importantly provide my daughter with a happy safe environment. It brings me great joy to see my daughter's eyes light up with a huge smile when I go to drop her off in the morning. I couldn't ask
for anymore!

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Review from Florence B (Mother of Child) published on 27 March 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The manager and the team are exceptional: our daughter found it hard to settle in and they took time and careful thought over how to make it work for her and us. She now skips into nursery and waves goodbye to us. Such a relief. She also eats amazing lunches which broaden her taste buds thanks to the
fantastic cook.

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Review from Leah M (Mother of Child) published on 11 March 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My two daughters have been going to the nursery for two months. The staff were fantastic at settling in both children. I get feedback each day for each child, they have different themes during the week, and they work through the EYFS. My oldest daughter buzzes with chatter on the way home each day.
My youngest is cared for like their own. The manager is fantastic, she is very hands-on and welcoming and tries hard to accommodate extra days for the girls when I need it due to work commitments. The nursery app is great for ideas for playing and learning when they are not at nursery.

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Review from Heather W (Mother of Child) published on 11 March 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The manageress and the team at Castle Garden are fantastic. They couldn’t be more welcoming. Having initially struggled with the transition of starting nursery my daughter had at times being very upset. The girls were brilliant with her and always made her feel as welcome as possible and took time out
to reassure us both that she would be ok. Having been attending now for over 12 months we couldn’t be happier. Highly recommend.

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Review from C B (Mother of Child) published on 29 April 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Treetops is a very friendly and welcoming nursery. I have found all the staff to be interested and to want the best for my son.
My son really enjoys his time at nursery and is kept very busy with lots of interesting and changing activities throughout the day. It is a fantastic, nurturing environment.

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Review from Claire G (Mother of Child) published on 26 March 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son will be starting nursery in May 2019. We first came to visit in November 2018 and since this, we could not be more excited about him coming here.
There have already been a number of opportunities for us to visit which has allowed him to get settled into the setting and put my own mind at ease.
These have include baby massage, family morning, teddy bears picnic and story sack. The staff each time have been incredibly lovely thank you all for doing a great job.

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Review from A M (Mother of Child) published on 6 March 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are always welcoming! My son loves coming to nursery and greets the staff with a smile. I can see how much he has developed in such a small space of time. He settles straight away and enjoys all of the food they provide. The bear cubs room is always organised with different learning experiences
for the children. At the end of the day my son would happily stay the night!.

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Review from D R (Father of Child) published on 28 January 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Treetops Castle Garden is a warm, welcoming fun, safe and educational environment for my daughter. She really enjoys her 2 days per week at nursery and we get excellent feedback on her progress as well as being really well supported by the manager and staff.

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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.500)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.500) out of 10 for Busy Bees Derby Duffield 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 9 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.7 out of 5 from 9 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 4.824 for Busy Bees Derby Duffield is calculated as follows: ( (89 Excellents x 5) + (19 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 108 Ratings = 4.824

  • 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 4.676 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bees Derby Duffield is based on 9 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 = 3.9

    • 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 58 number of registered child places is 11.6. 9 Positive Reviews ÷ 11.6 = 0.776

  • 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 (2)

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Katie Maclean

Job Title: Centre Director

Joined: 2009

Hello, I am Katie the Centre Director here at Derby Duffield.


I have been in childcare for over 16 years and have a BA Hons Early Childhood Studies Degree. I have spent over 13 years growing and developing within Busy Bees Nurseries. I have progressed significantly within the company due to the amount of passion and love for quality childcare I have. I first started as a Deputy Manager at our Alton Manor Centre back in 2009, progressing to Centre Director at Matlock Busy Bees and then Centre Director at Derby Duffield.


Aside from my vast professional experience, I have a little girl of my own who attended Busy Bees Nurseries but has just started school in September 2022. I am very proud of my passionate team and am supported by my Assistant Kemma Bestwick who has so far completed over 14 years of service at Busy Bees. Kemma steps up as Centre Director 2 days per week opposite the 3 days per week I work.


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Kemma Nicklinson

Job Title: Assistant Centre Director

Joined: 2007

Kemma joined Busy Bees Duffield in 2007 as an apprentice and has worked her way up to Assistant Centre Director. Over the years Kemma has worked in all age groups across the Nursery and has a passion for providing our children with the best start in life through creative, educational and exciting learning opportunities.


Kemma has recently completed her Level 2 Makaton training and she is currently embedding this across the nursery with the team.


Frequently Asked Questions about Busy Bees Derby Duffield

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

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

What Days & Hours is Busy Bees Derby Duffield Open?

Busy Bees Derby Duffield is open: Monday 07:30-18:00, Tuesday 07:30-18:00, Wednesday 07:30-18:00, Thursday 07:30-18:00, Friday 07:30-18:00.

How many Children does Busy Bees Derby Duffield have capacity for?

Busy Bees Derby Duffield has capacity for a total of 58 Children.

How far is Busy Bees Derby Duffield to the centre of Belper?

2.3 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 Derby Duffield to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Busy Bees Derby Duffield has a Platinum Service – more info.