Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive

31 South Drive, Harrogate HG2 8AT
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9.9 61 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive, Harrogate
Busy Bees Harrogate, South Drive offers the ideal nursery environment for children to play, learn and explore whilst being provided the best start in life. From a well designed array of activities to the experienced and welcoming team, Busy Bees Harrogate is a great option for families in the local community.

The enthusiastic team ensures that every child’s nursery experience is fun, enjoyable, and safe with a range of fun-filled activities tailored to suit every child’s interest’s and needs. The fun does not stop inside, with a refreshing outdoor area where your child can explore and take safe risks whilst supervised by staff. So, whether your child enjoys the indoors or outdoors, be rest assured they will enjoy every moment during their stay at nursery.

Busy Bees follow the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) framework to help support your child so that they are prepared when making the leap to school. The experienced team select resources and activities in line with the EYFS framework, aimed to engage your child and promote development in all areas.   

You can continue the fun at home by using the ‘UP!’ App. The app is especially for parents of Busy Bees and holds an extensive amount of activity inspiration, experiences or advice and information for you and your child to enjoy.

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Care Provided by Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Danni Catton (Manager)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 15
  • Total Places for Children
  • 52
  • 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 Harrogate South Drive Reviews (61)

Total of 61, showing 1-20
9.9

Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.858) out of 10, based on 13 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive has 61 reviews.

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Review from E A (Mother of Child) published on 11 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot recommend Busy Bees South Drive more. From day one, both our children have been incredibly happy here and love going into nursery every day. The staff are incredibly warm, nurturing and clearly passionate about their work. They genuinely care about each child as an individual, fostering their
unique personalities and supporting their development in every way. The nursery itself is bright, clean and well-equipped with a fantastic range of indoor and outdoor play areas. Our children love exploring the garden, engaging in creative activities and learning new skills through play. The communication with parents is excellent. We receive regular updates on our children's progress and feel fully involved in their learning journey. The staff are always approachable and happy to answer any questions we may have.

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Review from M H (Father of Child) published on 11 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Friendly faces every morning, wide range of activities, staff care about the kids. Even when the snow and ice were here, the team made it in to open the nursery, clear the paths etc., which makes a big difference for working parents!

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Review from Ruth P (Mother of Child) published on 11 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter is in her last year at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive having started there just after her 1st birthday. Out of all the nurseries we viewed, this was the standout, by far.
She has loved going there and has created such special bonds with her key workers and other members of staff. They
have fostered great relationships between the kids and my daughter has met some friends for life at the nursery.
Now she's in the foundation class, they are really working on getting them ready for school and setting them up for success!
The manager has always been understanding and caring and will always advocate for all of the kids, exactly the same if and when issues do arise.

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Review from E J (Mother of Child) published on 26 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at Busy Bees South Drive are all amazing, friendly, and genuinely care for the children, creating a nurturing environment where every child feels valued.
The nursery is managed exceptionally well, with excellent organization and attention to detail in every aspect. The management team ensures
everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
Communication at Busy Bees Nursery is outstanding. News and information are consistently communicated promptly and clearly, keeping parents well-informed and involved in their children's activities.
Overall, Busy Bees Nursery provides a positive and enriching experience for both children and parents. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a well-managed, caring, and communicative nursery. We love it!

Reply from Danni Catton, Manager at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, it's really amazing to read how happy you are with the nursery.


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Review from L R (Father of Child) published on 26 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child could not be happier in nursery. He runs in each morning to hug his teachers and has made some wonderful relationships. He considers his room leads his friends. Sometimes he tells me he isn't ready to come home at pickup.

Reply from Danni Catton, Manager at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive

Thank you so much for taking the time to do a review, we are really happy to hear how settled your child is at nursery.


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Review from Gina W (Mother of Child) published on 26 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The team at Busy Bees South Drive are fantastic. They are always caring and attentive around the children's needs. They clearly go to a lot of effort to ensure the kids are getting a wide range of engaging activities. They have taken the time to get to know my daughter and we have felt involved in developmental
updates and working towards milestones collaboratively with the team.

Reply from Danni Catton, Manager at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive

Thank you so much for taking the time to do a review, it's so great to read how happy you are with the nursery.


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Review from J G (Mother of Child) published on 14 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

They really know my little boy. He has an amazing relationship with his key person and he loves going to nursery. I've felt totally confident leaving him there since day one. I would recommend this nursery to anyone, the manager and staff really make it.

Reply from Danni Catton, Manager at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review, means so much knowing how happy you and your child is at nursery.


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Review from Naomi C (Mother of Child) published on 14 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter joined the nursery at the start of pre-school age from another nursery and transitioned really well with no hiccups. After a few incidents with other children in the room, her dad and I raised concerns which were dealt with by the manager of the nursery. Steps were taken to ensure that our
daughter enjoyed going into nursery every day and that it was an environment where she could flourish.
She enjoys going to nursery and has forged some lovely friendships. She often talks positively about the staff and what she has learnt. The nursery focuses on the age-appropriate learning and I can see that my daughter is constantly growing and learning in preparation for 'big school'.
She looks forward to going each day so I know that I can relax when working knowing that she is enjoying her time there.

Reply from Danni Catton, Manager at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive

Thank you for taking the time to send this review, we appreciate your feedback and are really pleased to know that you're all happy.


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Review from Kristina C (Mother of Child) published on 24 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Sending our two daughters to this nursery was a great choice! Every day, they come home brimming with smiles, tired from a day filled with fun activities. The school excels at providing a variety of messy play activities, which my kids absolutely adore (and I'm secretly relieved to not deal with at
home!). The staff are amazing, really caring and great with kids. They are exceptional at nurturing not just the educational growth of the children but also their emotional well-being. It’s clear they genuinely care about each child. We are grateful to have found such a wonderful setting for our girls during these important early years!

Reply from Danni Catton, Manager at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive

Thank you for this review, it's really lovely to read that your children are happy and settled and that you are pleased with the nursery.


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Review from Anne D (Mother of Child) published on 15 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A fantastic experience with Busy Bees. Our son settled in fast and has built really strong relationships with the staff based on their caring and personal approach to each child. The range of activities they cover and the balanced menu they offer all add to the overwhelmingly positive feedback for them.
He loves nursery and talks all evening about his day there!

Reply from Danni Catton, Manager at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, I'm so happy to read how settled your child is.


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Review from A H (Mother of Child) published on 15 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at this nursery are out of this world! They go above and beyond for the children in their care and as a result, the children thrive at nursery. I have never worried about the happiness of either of my children while they are at nursery - it’s like an extension of home. The relatively intimate
size of the building helps children to feel secure and makes it familiar to them which I think helps a lot with settling and continued happiness. They have a wonderful outdoor space which they use as much as possible and it’s near the stray for lots of trips to see the trains. The staff create a very active atmosphere and keeps the children engaged in art and science projects, as well as reading and circle time. A fantastic nursery that we are lucky to have.

Reply from Danni Catton, Manager at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive

Thank you so much for your comments, I will be sure to share them with the team - it means a lot to see how happy you are with the nursery.


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Review from K T (Mother of Child) published on 15 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely team, and great activities, especially the messy ones I don’t want to do at home!
My child is settled and enjoys attending. Small personal nursery where the children are well known by their key workers.
Would recommend.

Reply from Danni Catton, Manager at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, I'm really happy to see how settled your child is and that you would recommend us.


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Review from Helen R (Mother of Child) published on 22 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been attending Busy Bees South Drive for 18 months and she adores it. There is very rarely a tear or hesitation at going into her room - even after holidays or Christmas! She gets involved and enjoys all the activities the staff put thought into preparing. Her speech has come on leaps
and bounds and I've no doubt this is thanks to nursery and it is lovely to now hear her speak about her friends and the staff members names with such fondness. The food she is exposed to is varied and nutritious, which is important to us. When we chose South Drive it was purely on a good gut feel and everyone, children and staff alike, seemingly very happy and I can confirm this is the case. The manager is very approachable and listens to any concerns you have. Would recommend South Drive to any parents.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive

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 Harrogate South Drive.
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 M (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have a daughter at Busy Bees now and have had the pleasure of my two older children enjoying the setting too. It has been a giant hug for our children and us and an extension of home with nutritional food and fun play activities each day. I love finding out what she has been up to each day and if
I cant wait for pick up then there is a great app I can log into to find pictures and information about her day.
With some staff there for a considerable time, it shows the space not only works for children and the parents/carers, but also the staff, who seem genuinely happy. I couldn't be happier and recommend the nursery to anyone who asks.

Reply from Danni Catton, Manager at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive

What lovely feedback, thank you; will share with the team.


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Review from Jenny K (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff make the nursery special and, as a parent, you are happy to know your little one is in safe hands.
It's a nursery with a family feel, everyone knows each other and you know they get to know your little ones like you do.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive

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 Alana S (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive is a fantastic nursery; the staff are incredible, they nurture, support and challenge my little boy daily. My son absolutely loves nursery, he talks fondly of the staff, his friends and the activities he has completed throughout the day. The provision caters to the children's
interests as well as ensuring that they develop in all other crucial areas in their early years. The manager leads the team very well, the communication is excellent, we get daily updates and the personal anecdotes on pick up and drop off really assure you that your child has had a good day and how well the staff know each child personally. My second child is due to start soon and I know she will be well looked after and make lots of progress (just as her brother has done!).
I would 100% recommend South Drive, you know your child is in safe hands in a nurturing and engaging environment.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive

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 G E (Mother of Child) published on 7 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive is an excellent nursery. Staff are caring and very supportive.
Busy Bees South Drive recently received the highly commended award for favourite day nursery at the Harrogate Mumbler Awards 2022.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive

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 Harrogate South Drive. Best wishes, Busy Bees.


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Review from Susannah R (Mother of Child) published on 3 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A fabulous nursery. Staff are committed and caring and I feel lucky my child gets to spend their days doing plenty of engaging activities here. Although it is a part of a larger organisation, I have never felt that it is, as it is so friendly.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive

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 S Y (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wonderful nursery with fantastic staff. They are all so caring and go above and beyond to ensure both you and your child are having the optimal experience with the nursery. Our child is thriving and skips into Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive every day. We would highly recommend.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive

Hello, wow! Thank you for this glowing review! We are delighted your little one is having a good experience at our Harrogate South Drive nursery. Best wishes, Busy Bees.


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Review from Alanna M (Mother of Child) published on 2 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We relocated to the area recently and I was very anxious about my daughter settling into a new nursery environment, I had nothing to worry about at all! The whole team have been nothing but warm and welcoming to myself and my daughter. She loves going to nursery and has so much to tell me about her
day! The team communicate well via email and the parent app so I can keep up to date with the day-to-day goings on. A really great nursery!

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive

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 (9.858)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.858) out of 10 for Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive 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 13 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 13 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 4.858 for Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive is calculated as follows: ( (133 Excellents x 5) + (22 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 155 Ratings = 4.858

  • 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 Harrogate South Drive is based on 13 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 52 number of registered child places is 10.4, which has been reached with 13 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.

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Meet the Team (1)

Danni

Danni Catton

Job Title: Centre Director

Joined: 2002

Hello I am Danni,


I joined Harrogate South Drive, part of the Busy Bees Family, in 2002.


I combine my professional qualifications with my own practical experience of raising three children. I feel a huge sense of pride in contributing to the development and learning of children as individuals and supporting families in my care.


I cannot wait for you to join the Busy Bees family!


Frequently Asked Questions about Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive

What is the Age Range of Children that Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive accepts?

Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive Open?

Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive 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 Harrogate South Drive have capacity for?

Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive has capacity for a total of 52 Children.

How far is Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive to the centre of Harrogate?

0.5 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 Harrogate South Drive to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive has a Platinum Service – more info.