Busy Bees Colton Mill

Stile Hill Way, Leeds LS15 9JB
Submit a Review
8.1 33 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Colton Mill, Leeds
Busy Bees Leeds, Colton Mill offers an extensive variety of exciting activities and fun-filled learning resources so that children can learn, develop, and thrive during their time at nursery.

The bright and welcoming rooms, filled with excitement and laughter, provide endless opportunities for children to discover their imagination. And the fun doesn’t stop indoors with the large, enclosed garden area where children can continue to widen their imagination, enjoy the fresh air, and learn about taking safe risks under adult supervision.

There is something available to suit every child's needs and interests, so, whether they enjoy discovering their inner Picasso getting creative, developing their physical skills in the onsite yoga room, or exploring the secure outdoor area, your child will enjoy every moment at Busy Bees Colton Mill.

The highly experienced team strive to provide the best possible care to ensure that every child is supported, safe and well looked after during their stay. With an onsite training room to encourage staff development, the devoted team endeavour to offer every child the best start in life.

Not only do the incredible team supply children with brilliant opportunities to play, learn and develop, but Busy Bees also provide you with the opportunity to continue the fun at home with the UP – Unleashing Potential app.

Care Provided by Busy Bees Colton Mill

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Kirsty Johnson (Centre Director)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 30
  • Total Places for Children
  • 151
  • 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
Total of 33, showing 1-20
8.1

Busy Bees Colton Mill has a Review Score of 8.1 (8.083) out of 10, based on 6 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Busy Bees Colton Mill has 33 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 30
  • 2
  • 0
  • 1
  • 0

Date Published

33
0
2
6
27
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can't recommend this nursery enough. They are fabulous with my little girl, each and every member of staff bends over backwards to give her the best experience possible.
What makes it all the more special is they really make an effort to look after and engage with the parents, giving updates regularly
on what's been happening throughout her development.
I wouldn't send my daughter anywhere else.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son started nursery in May 2024. I was so worried about him starting for various reasons but he has microtia, is deaf and he wears a BAHA (bone anchored hearing aid), this added to my worries, I explained this before signing up and the staff reassured me, did everything they could to make me feel
comfortable and have really shown interest into understanding how his needs may differ. Two months in, I couldn't be happier, he loves it and we love it. All the staff are amazing and always so friendly. I am so grateful to you all. Thank you.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We’ve used Busy Bees for a number of years and have always really enjoyed our time there. The kids have done really well and have had a good structured day from the baby room up to pre-school. All the staff are a credit to Busy Bees and I would definitely recommend it.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both myself and my child’s dad have noticed the difference in our son since starting with you and we do attribute much of it to the care and attention that you provide him. He’s grown in confidence tenfold and we’re noticing that he is so happy and content on nursery days.


His key worker has created

such a special bond with our son; it’s clear he adores him. His time and patience with our son and his care around his needs is really heartwarming and we’re so thankful for his hard work with him. He’s very clear at sharing information with me as well which I very much appreciate - it’s very reassuring.


We’re excited to see how our son grows with you!


Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Colton Mill

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


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

Overall experience with Busy Bees Colton is poor. Do not be fooled by the reviews. These somehow look like had been written by the same person. The information about the nursery, meals - is inaccurate: they do not serve 5 meals/day as advertised and they still say it is 5 meals a day despite us pointing
it out to them. When it comes to nappy changes, a child can go without their nappy being changed even for 4 hours. Before you sign up, they'll say it is up to 2 hours. We often have to call and ask for our child to be changed. Our child ends up with a nappy rash and once even with a skin infection because of being in a wet or/and soiled nappy for hours. When concerns are raised, promises are being made but rarely there is any improvement. We find the nursery also to be an unsafe environment because of the equipment there and the incident with choking. The company seems to be focused heavily on marketing most of all and that's what attracts parents but what they deliver is overall poor.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Colton Mill

Hello, thank you for taking the time to review our nursery. Providing children with the best start in life is of paramount importance to us and we are sorry to hear that the additional measures put in place by the nursery as per your requests, have not improved your experience.
We understand that you are still attending our nursery and we want to assure you that we are committed to providing your child with the best possible care. Therefore, we have passed your feedback on to the Area Director who will be in touch with you shortly to discuss your concerns. Best Wishes, Busy Bees.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son attended Busy Bees for 1.5 years, and he absolutely loved it. The staff are lovely, and the girls are very friendly and attentive and took great care of my little boy. I felt nervous about leaving him at first, but when I realised how settled he was and how much he enjoyed it there, it put me
at ease. Thank you to all the ladies who took care of him, he would still be there if I hadn't moved to a new area.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Colton Mill

Hello, wow! Thank you for this glowing review! We are delighted your little one had a good experience at our Colton Mill Nursery.
Please feel free to speak to our enrolments team for other Busy Bees nurseries close to your new location or visit our website to find your nearest nursery. Best wishes, Busy Bees.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Busy Bees Colton Mill is a great nursery. My daughter has been attending since she was 10 months old, is now almost 3 and loves going. All the staff are friendly and they do lots of activities with the little ones to keep them busy. We also get sent photos via the app of what they are getting up to.
The food served is great, with a diverse menu changing 4 times a year, all healthy food. I can strongly recommend this nursery.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Colton Mill

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.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Busy Bees Colton Mill is fantastic. My son loves going and always has so much fun. He has formed a strong bond with his key worker - the staff here are all fantastic. It makes it so much easier to go to work knowing that he's in such good hands. The staff at Busy Bees are so encouraging and they are
always introducing the children to different things and different holidays and are always finding ways to aid their development. The people, the meals/snacks and the general environment are all brilliant and I'm very happy for my little one to attend three days a week.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Colton Mill

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.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Started sending my little boy in October. I went to view the nursery after looking at a few nearby. I was really impressed with the nursery, a separate room for his class for eating and sleeping. The outdoor area also looks great for my active little one. The staff are fantastic especially two in particular,
always attentive and making sure his needs are met. Whenever I pick him up they are always reading or singing to the children. The app is great, I always know what my little boy has eaten and get lots of pictures of him learning and playing. The food is fantastic, such a great choice of meals which are healthy, but also sound delicious and encouraging for him to try new flavours! Happy I found this place.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Colton Mill

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.


Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I couldn't speak more highly of the team at Colton. All of my questions, no matter how silly, were answered enthusiastically, with knowledge and care. I have found this invaluable as a first-time mum. My son loves coming to nursery and has grown more confident in every aspect, from walking and talking
to the foods he eats.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

So far we are really pleased with the care provided for our little boy. They have always listened to our wishes and he seems happy when he is at nursery. We like that he has a varied balanced diet and the staff are always pleasant and helpful. Leaving your little one at nursery is always a worry, but
I feel reassured leaving him at Busy Bees and I know he is getting looked after well.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter recently started at Busy Bees at Colton Mill. The staff were great and really helpful. They always listen and support where needed. They were really good at mirroring her home routine at nursery and supported with weaning. She has settled really well and loves nursery.
We are so glad we
chose Colton Mill.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We would highly, highly recommend this nursery. Our little boy began attending when he was around 18 months and has spent time in the 2 year provision and the 2-3s room, his experience in both has been second to none. He absolutely loves attending the setting and the staff have been wonderful, friendly,
kind and nurturing - more than any parent could ever hope for. We have been so pleased with the education provided and care given and really cannot thank all of the practitioners and staff enough!

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both of our children have attended the nursery and we couldn’t be happier with all that they offer. The facilities, activities, menu, and feedback that they provide via the app is all very good. We have also been extremely impressed with the team that have supported/cared for our children through the
years, and will certainly miss them once our child reaches school age.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Busy Bees at Colton have been great. Their backup of being part of a larger group was brilliant during the pandemic too. The team are excellent and we thank them for their care, love and dedication to our family over the past few years. Don't hesitate to choose them, they do everything and more for
your little one.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has attended Busy Bees since July 2021, it was the first and only nursery we looked at and knew that it was the perfect place for him to grow, learn, develop and achieve. I was immediately impressed with all the facilities, the friendly staff, play activities and opportunities and the resources
available for parents to access. I felt straight away that my son would be well looked after and cared for and enjoy his time here. He settled in very quickly and we can't believe how fast and how much nursery has brought him along with his development. He has established lovely relationships with his keyworker and familiar adults and his peers. I get regular updates throughout the day from staff, reassuring me that he is fine and well looked after. I am excited to watch the rest of my son's journey at Busy Bees and would highly recommend it to family/friends.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both our sons have attended the nursery from the babies room to preschool and have loved their time in this setting, our youngest son is currently in the 2-3's room. The facilities are excellent and the team are all engaged with the children and their development. It's a very friendly and welcoming
setting and activities and themes are well thought out and explained which helps us to continue learning and development with our children at home. Communication is excellent and timely and we feel the nursery team has done a great job of navigating a very difficult time with Covid and have worked hard to keep children and families safe and continue to operate. We joined this nursery after relocating to Leeds last year, having attended another busy bee's setting previously where we used to live. We were relying on our previous experience which was excellent and have not been disappointed as it's been consistent at Colton Mill and our boys have been really happy in their time here.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been incredibly impressed with the service and level of care our daughter has received since joining the nursery in early September. The staff are always friendly, very professional and able to provide feedback on our daughter's day, whether or not they are her key worker. We love that she often
paints and makes things and that activities are themed around Halloween, Christmas etc. Updates are always provided on the app and there is a strong focus on learning and development, even though she is only 14 months. We would highly recommend the nursery to other parents.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff are welcoming and supportive. Regular updates via the Parentzone app. Lots of events happening to break up the day to day (book day, charity events, etc).
My child is happy, has fun and learns - we are always surprised by what she has learnt that day!

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our experience so far with Busy Bees has been excellent. The team have been very flexible when it came to making adjustment to help my little boy settle into nursery. Every staff member who we have interacted with has been friendly and engaging. The use of their parent portal has made it much easier
for us as parents to get an insight into how the day has been and to communicate with the team as required. It's an excellent resource!

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Current Review Score: 8.1 (8.083)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.1 (8.083) out of 10 for Busy Bees Colton Mill is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.4 out of 5 from 6 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.7 out of 5 from 5 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 4.417 for Busy Bees Colton Mill is calculated as follows: ( (55 Excellents x 5) + (2 Goods x 4) + (8 Satisfactorys x 3) + (4 Poors x 2) + (3 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 72 Ratings = 4.417

  • 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 3.666 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bees Colton Mill is based on 5 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 = 3.5

    • 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 151 number of registered child places is 30.2. 5 Positive Reviews ÷ 30.2 = 0.166

  • 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 (0)

Loading...

Loading

Loading
Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Loading

Meet the Team (1)

Kirsty

Kirsty Johnson

Job Title: Centre Director

Joined: 2015

Hello, I am Kirsty and I am the Centre Director here at Busy Bees Colton Mill.


I commenced my employment with Busy Bees, as a level 3 practitioner in 2006. Since that time, I have completed a management qualification, and progressed in my role, when I became Centre Director in 2015. I hold a level 3 Diploma in childhood studies, as well as a range of other qualifications. My working days are Monday to Thursday. Assistant Centre Director, Cassie steps up to the Centre Director role on Fridays.


I look forward to showing you around our outstanding childcare setting in Leeds.


Frequently Asked Questions about Busy Bees Colton Mill

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

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

What Days & Hours is Busy Bees Colton Mill Open?

Busy Bees Colton Mill 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 Colton Mill have capacity for?

Busy Bees Colton Mill has capacity for a total of 151 Children.

How far is Busy Bees Colton Mill to the centre of Leeds?

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