Busy Bees Derby Oakwood

29 Smalley Drive, Oakwood, Derby DE21 2SF
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8.0 28 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Derby Oakwood, Derby
Busy Bees at Derby Oakwood, Smalley Drive is a friendly setting offering every child the opportunity to learn, play and have fun as they develop through their early years. With so much to love about the nursery, your little one is sure to enjoy every moment.

The highly qualified team carefully curate a wide range of engaging activities and learning resources in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework to ensure that there is something for every child to enjoy whilst also promoting positive development at every age and stage.   

The nursery benefits from a spacious, refurbished garden which has been divided into three areas for each age group and offers opportunities for children to play and explore whilst enjoying the fresh air. Toddlers and Pre-schoolers can even get involved in football sessions every Tuesday with ‘Super Star Sports’!

Vibrant early years education is complemented by home-cooked meals, which can be catered to suit allergies or dietary requirements. All meals, drinks and snacks are prepared on-site by the chef and are NHS accredited.

If you’d like to keep up to date with your child’s time at the nursery, the ‘ParentZone’ app offers regular updates provided by the team to keep you in the loop with what your little one is getting up to, along with any milestones they reach.

If you'd like to find out more about Busy Bees at Derby Oakwood, please contact the team.

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Care Provided by Busy Bees Derby Oakwood

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Sam Pickering (Centre Director)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 22
  • Total Places for Children
  • 110
  • 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, Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Years Day
  • Parking

  • The Cente offers ample parking on-site for your safety and convenience.


Busy Bees Derby Oakwood Reviews (28)

Total of 28, showing 1-20
8.0

Busy Bees Derby Oakwood has a Review Score of 8.0 (8.045) out of 10, based on 1 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Busy Bees Derby Oakwood has 28 reviews.

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Review from David P (Father of Child) published on 5 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wonderful place. All staff have consistently given exceptional care to my daughter; she enjoys going and loves the staff.
The staff make an effort to include children and engage in their interests and are proactive about this - for example, when my daughter was moving up to the next room, the staff
made sure to have certain toys and activities that she enjoys ready for when she moved there.

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

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child has recently started this nursery and loves all of the staff, happily going to each of them who cares for him. He enjoys all the activities and the photographs we recieve are lovely to see what he is up to. I'm updated online about how much he has eaten which is helpful to know. I'm just so
pleased we managed to find you, my child's behaviour can be challenging at times but I have had so much support, as has he and we have seen such a positive change. Highly recommend this nursery to anyone.

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Review from Sally N (Mother of Child) published on 30 July 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My daughter started at 8 months old and left when she was 4 years old. She really enjoyed her time at nursery and the staff were very welcoming. When I picked up she was always happy and she was always bringing artwork home.

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Review from Katie D (Mother of Child) published on 23 July 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I have both of my children in this nursery and I think even though there have been a lot of changes over the years its definitely gotten a lot better and the right staff are now there. The staff care for your children and really do put your mind at ease whilst at work. They communicate very well with
you and will always do as you ask with your child. Highly recommend.

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Review from Lucy (Mother of Child) published on 16 July 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are all extremely welcoming and friendly and take a genuine interest in my son. I send in observations to share what he loves at home and they will extend that into the nursery for him to explore there too.
Menu's are NHS accredited and very balanced and cater to all dietary requirements
which is fantastic.
Thank you for all you have done during the pandemic and supporting the children in the best way you can.

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Review from Natalie S (Mother of Child) published on 17 December 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been going to Busy Bees for almost 2 years and she loves it. The staff are very caring and attentive and keep me up to date with news and events. My little one has made some great friendships and always looks forward to going. The food choices are great and I enjoy hearing about what
new things she has learnt.

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Review from Michael S (Father of Child) published on 16 December 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our 2-year-old has come home tonight and has been role-playing "nursery" today with Mummy and Daddy being the children­.
Her language and responses to the slightly silly mummy and daddy show what an excellent provision Busy Bees in Oakwood has to offer - she modelled positive play and interaction,
kindness and learning.
She is clearly surrounded by staff members who really care for her (and the other children) using kind and consistent language that our little girl could model to those around her.
As parents, we want to know that our children are safe, looked after and happy and Busy Bees offers that.
If the phrase, "out of the mouths of babes" means anything, then our little girl rates Busy Bees highly.

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Review from Sarah S (Mother of Child) published on 30 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This Nursery is extremely, welcoming, friendly, professional and they adore the children. My son has developed so much in their care and loves all his friends and the key workers he has had. During the pandemic, I have felt assured that he is clean and safe and within his bubble and that the nursery
have kept their promise in sticking by the government guidelines in keeping our children as safe as possible. I have recommended this nursery to many of my friends. Thank you.

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Review from Sorcha W (Mother of Child) published on 30 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Busy Bees at Derby Oakwood has provided an excellent early start for our little girl. They communicate very well with us at home and I love how they share the learning and activities that our daughter has completed in the day. The staff work very hard to develop positive relationships with the children
and her key workers clearly care for her. This is reflected by how often our 2-year-old involves them in her imaginative play at home. The app is a very good resource to support home learning. I would recommend this setting to any of my mummy friends and know that the nursery would look after; foster personal growth and development; and celebrate successes our daughter achieves together. Thank you to everyone who had worked with us so far.

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Review from Shannon B (Mother of Child) published on 30 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child loves nursery they have all made him feel really welcome and now he looks forward to going to nursery instead of crying. My child has come on so well since being there and has made friends already.

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Review from Hayley T (Mother of Child) published on 9 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending Busy Bees for over 2 and a half years, he settled in really well with the help of the excellent staff who are friendly and extremely approachable. My son has moved through each room and loves his time at nursery. He comes home full of enthusiasm and tells me what he has done
during each day. He has good relationships with his peers and staff too. The staff work well with the parents to ensure a smooth transition in every stage of their journey through nursery.

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Review from Louise B (Mother of Child) published on 7 March 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Our daughter has been at Busy Bees for 3 1/2 years, in preschool for 1 1/2 years. The only thing we would say is the turnaround of staff has been a lot. There always seems to be someone new (teacher). We can't keep up or even know who they are. Our daughters' keyworker's knowledge has really helped
our daughter and has definitely made her exceed ready for school.

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Review from Kerry P (Mother of Child) published on 27 September 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been coming to Busy Bees since November 2015 and our whole experience with the nursery has been a positive one. The staff in the nursery are fantastic with the children, there are a range of activities carried out throughout the week and my son is always coming home telling me about all the
different things that he has done throughout the day. He is constantly learning new things in the pre-school room. All of the staff from the management team through to the nursery nurses are supportive in every way. If you are looking for a brilliant nursery to send your child to I would recommend Busy Bees at Derby Oakwood without a second thought.

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Review from Paul B (Father of Child) published on 21 September 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A fantastic nursery that really takes the time and effort to give the children activities and memories. I feel content to leave my children here and know they are safe. I have been using Busy Bees for 3 years and cannot fault the staff at all. The environment is very inclusive to all children.
I would recommend this nursery to others as I am so happy in the service my family has received.

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Review from Amy P (Mother of Child) published on 21 September 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have two sons at this nursery; one in preschool and another in toddlers and they have both come on leaps and bounds. They attend Busy Bees Oakwood Monday to Friday and have some wonderful homecooked food and take part in some fantastic activities each day. All the staff are so kind and take time
in creating some fun things for the children to participate in. The ParentApp is really good which you can access from your phone and it can tell you information about food, nappies and sleep and the occasional photo of them too. All staff give children and parents a warm welcome each day and I feel happy leaving them both there to go to work.

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Review from Sara P (Mother of Child) published on 30 August 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have used Busy Bees for 7 years and we have always found the staff very caring and helpful. They have always provided a safe and nurturing environment with a clean open learning space. Everyone is friendly and the manager is providing fresh and exciting opportunities. They have been excellent with
my child who has additional needs and I would recommend them to all parents as my eldest and youngest went there.

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Review from Christie C (Mother of Child) published on 24 October 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would wholeheartedly recommend Busy Bees to anyone looking for a childcare provider.


I was a little nervous about leaving my girl as most new mums would be but the staff and management here are fantastic. Since joining Busy Bees, my girl has gained many new skills and she is so confident in her

environment there, which echoes out into every day life.


The nursery nurses are amazing and cater to her personal needs from potty training methods used at home to social and emotional support when it's needed. I am very happy with the care and fun they provide for my daughter and I can safely say that she loves Busy Bees! The ladies in the office are very friendly and the manager has personally helped me with any queries and paperwork I've had. The nursery is clean and well looked after with an up to date range of activities and challenges for the children.


Thank you to all the ladies there for everything they do, they make a huge difference! Nursery is now something my girl looks forward to!


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Review from Lauren W (Mother of Child) published on 20 October 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I moved my child from a previous nursery and have not looked back since. The staff and management are fantastic and my child has come on leaps and bounds since joining with their speech, confidence, eating habits and general engagement with others. My child is always beaming with happiness when I pick
her up at the end of the day and clearly loves the time she spends there and the mixture of brilliant activities she is involved in. I wish I had moved her sooner!!

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Review from Amy S (Mother of Child) published on 18 July 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter started here in January 2016 and has thrived since then, she loves attending nursery, quite often running through the door and leaving us behind. Working full time, this gives us absolute peace of mind knowing that she is very happy and content. Her learning has been incredible, we know
this is down to the environment that Busy Bees provides for our daughter. We have already referred other people to the nursery and will continue to do so at any given opportunity. Thank you for all the love and care you provide to our daughter.

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Review from Sarah N (Mother of Child) published on 13 July 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been very impressed with the Early Years experience our child has received since joining Busy Bees in July 2016. We are very pleased with the progress he has made socially, his personality has blossomed and he has made a lot of friends. The learning environment provided, both indoor and outdoor,
has ignited an enthusiasm in him for playing, exploring and learning. He has developed a real interest in role play and numbers and carries out related activities at home constantly. The staff at Busy Bees have taken the time to discover our son's interests and this is reflected in the observations and assessments we have seen.
We would like to thank everybody that has been involved in his time at Busy Bees. His self-belief and confidence have grown dramatically due to the safe and welcoming environment that is present. He talks fondly of the activities he does, the friends he plays with and the adults who help him.

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Current Review Score: 8.0 (8.045)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.0 (8.045) out of 10 for Busy Bees Derby Oakwood 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 1 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.0 out of 5 from 1 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 5.000 for Busy Bees Derby Oakwood is calculated as follows: ( (12 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 12 Ratings = 5

  • 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 3.045 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bees Derby Oakwood is based on 1 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 = 3

    • 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 110 number of registered child places is 22. 1 Positive Reviews ÷ 22 = 0.045

  • 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)

Sam

Sam Pickering

Job Title: Centre Director

Joined: 2004

Hi my name is Sam and I am the Nursery Manager here at Busy Bees in Derby Oakwood I have worked for Busy Bees since 2004 and I have been very fortunate to have had lots of experience and managerial experience in several nurseries. I completed my NNEB at college when I left school and I have since attended University part time and completed the Foundation degree in Children and Young people’s Services and also my BA (HONS) in Early Childhood studies.


Over the last 14 years I have also attended lots of other training courses such as Safeguarding, customer service Behaviour Management and many more. This training has not only enabled me to gain a wealth of knowledge and experience but to be able to put this into practice and share with my staff team.


I am very committed to ensuring that myself and the team deliver high standards of care and education to the children who attend our nursery. We work hard as a team to ensure that the children have a variety of learning opportunities that are planned to individual children’s needs and interests.


I have two children myself both of which have been into nursery full time and now both have gone to school so I am fully aware how important it is to choose the right nursery for your children to have the best start in life.


I really look forward to meeting you and welcoming you into our nursery.


Frequently Asked Questions about Busy Bees Derby Oakwood

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

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

What Days & Hours is Busy Bees Derby Oakwood Open?

Busy Bees Derby Oakwood 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 Oakwood have capacity for?

Busy Bees Derby Oakwood has capacity for a total of 110 Children.

How far is Busy Bees Derby Oakwood to the centre of Derby?

3.1 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 Oakwood to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Busy Bees Derby Oakwood has an Enhanced Service – more info.