Busy Bees Newcastle Upon Tyne

Silver Fox Way, Colbalt Business Park, Newcastle upon Tyne NE27 0QJ
Submit a Review
8.7 41 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Newcastle Upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne
Busy Bees Newcastle Upon Tyne, at Cobalt Business Park, employs a friendly and professional childcare team dedicated to helping children pursue a wide range of early years learning goals, including in key areas such as numeracy and literacy, within fantastic secure environment and garden space. The nursery was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in November 2016.

Part of a nationally respected day nursery provider, the Busy Bees team takes pride in consistently high standards while valuing the feedback of parents and keeping up-to-date with regulatory standards.

Care Provided by Busy Bees Newcastle Upon Tyne

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Rebecca Sanderson (Centre Director)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 26
  • Total Places for Children
  • 110
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 0 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 07:30-18:15
    Tuesday 07:30-18:15
    Wednesday 07:30-18:15
    Thursday 07:30-18:15
    Friday 07:30-18:15
  • When Closed
  • Bank Holidays
  • Parking
  • Parking facilities on site for use by parents and carers for dropping off and picking children up.


Busy Bees Newcastle Upon Tyne Reviews (41)

Total of 41, showing 1-20
8.7

Busy Bees Newcastle Upon Tyne has a Review Score of 8.7 (8.727) out of 10, based on 5 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Busy Bees Newcastle Upon Tyne has 41 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 40
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

41
3
3
5
36
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very happy with Busy Bees. My son has been attending since September 2024 and taken a bit of time to settle in. All of the staff have been very supportive and happy to discuss ways to help him settle. I feel listened to and able to discuss anything with them. My son is doing really well and talks
about the things he's done, the yummy food he's eaten and the staff members who have taken care of him throughout the day. I don't worry about his care while I'm at work and know he's having a lovely time and enjoying doing different activities. The app to see snippets of their day is really handy.

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 attends 3.5 days per week and it's apparent he really enjoys it. It's good to be able to follow the progress and daily adventures on the app along with meals prepared and the varieties offered.

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 grandson has attended nursery since he was 8 months old, he has grown and developed with the help of the staff that care for him, he has developed into a very happy and responsive toddler who enjoys mixing with other young children. I am always greeted with a warm welcome and feel confident leaving
him in a safe and well-kept environment.

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

Everyone at the nursery are so welcoming and her key workers are fantastic. My daughter (14 months) is full-time and has been coming since being 10-month-old. Most of the staff members who aren’t in her group know her by name which is a nice touch. She seems to enjoy going each morning and I am updated
through the daily and weekly notes in the app. I would recommend this nursery to anyone and so pleased we made the decision to come here.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Newcastle Upon Tyne

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. 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

We’re thrilled with Busy Bees, Newcastle. Our 3-year-old daughter has loved going there from day 1 and loves the variety of activities and adventures the team provide, 5 days a week. As a parent, we’re confident she’s in the best possible care with great staff who are helping her development every day.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Newcastle Upon Tyne

Hello, wow! Thank you for this glowing review! We are delighted your little one is having a good experience at our Newcastle Upon Tyne nursery.
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 5.0 out of 5

My two children have attended Busy Bees Newcastle over the last 6 years and I'm now coming to the end of the relationship! I cannot express my gratitude enough to all of the staff who have cared for my babies, every single member of staff has had such a positive impact on my children. They have also
been a great source of comfort to my family, allowing us to work without worrying about their welfare. If you're torn between another nursery and Busy Bees, please speak to them and arrange a visit (if restrictions allow) - you'll see for yourself how safe and happy the children are. I wish all the staff, past and present the very best for the future and once again... 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

Our little man has cerebral palsy so obviously sending him to nursery was a big worry for us. All of the staff at Busy Bees have been amazing; he has come along so much in his year there. He has built really strong bonds will all the staff especially his key worker.

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 moved here during the COVID pandemic originally on a temporary basis due to his old nursery closing. He enjoyed so much we decided to stay and make Busy Bees his new nursery going forward. I decided to keep him here due to several reasons. Firstly the outside space that was available for him
to use throughout the day. He loves being outside and this was something that really stood out for me. The food menu is interesting with a large selection of different healthy food to suit all requirements.


The staff who are worth their weight in gold are a credit to this firm. The care that my son is given is priceless and I see this when I go to drop him off with the staff. Management does a great job at communicating to parents with the latest safety updates etc and anything else which needs parents attention.


Keep up the good work Busy Bee team 5*


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 just like to say a big thank you to all the staff that have made our son feel welcome and at ease since returning to Busy Bees post lockdown.
After 6 months at home with us, it has taken him time to adapt to the change, but we are already seeing the difference in his confidence. It's obvious
he has had a great day whenever we pick him up.
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

Our little boy has attended Busy Bees since he was 9 months old and the staff have been amazing throughout his time there. Since returning after lockdown, we were so nervous about him going back with the changes that had to be put into place but since reuniting with his amazing key worker, he has gone
in no problem and adjusted so well. I feel like the nursery has made the necessary adjustments perfectly and are managing it so well. Information is provided daily via the app so we can see food, nappies, sleep and observations and photos are also published regularly which is lovely to see and read so you can get a real feel for what they have been up to. Also, the staff are always available if you need to speak to them about anything at all. I would 100% recommend the nursery and the staff, they genuinely care for the children, it's not just a job to them. Special mention must also go to Chef who cooks up a storm every day for the children, she does such an incredible job.

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 cannot recommend Busy Bees enough for how they have supported and developed my daughter. Every member of staff knows her name and greets her with a welcoming smile. My daughter started off anxious to leave for nursery but now gets excited to go. She has grown into a kind, polite and clever girl and
I’m certain that’s down to the support the staff have given her to develop as a young child. The nursery have not only supported my daughter, but me through trying times. I will also be forever grateful for their compassion and professionalism they showed as a team. I have nothing but great things to say!

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 little girl started attending Busy Bees just after her 1st birthday. After having almost 2 years of maternity I was anxious about leaving her to go back to full-time work but I shouldn’t of been, she was clearly in great hands and this was visible from the moment I stepped into the door. All the
staff know the children so well and care for them as they were their own. As a parent they are equally supportive of me too. All information is thoroughly communicated on collection as well as throughout the day using the ParentZone app. My little girl is now 3 and thoroughly enjoys going (she even asks to go at a weekend) she loves all staff and I couldn’t of found a better nursery for her to attend. Thank you 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

Both of our children have attended this nursery until starting school at reception age with our youngest just leaving. Each room and outdoor area is age-specific and very safe. Every minor detail from health and safety, nutrition, routine, learning, exploring and having fun is well thought out and practiced
to the very highest standard. Every member of staff will care about your child and really embrace and care for them. Communication is brilliant and parental information is excellent and the measures taken during the Covid-19 pandemic have been outstanding and reassuring. The children really are at the heart of this nursery and we can’t recommend it enough. Absolutely open, transparent and trustworthy. Leaving your child to return to work is hard, the staff know this and are also fantastic in helping you cope as well as your child! We can’t thank them enough for the brilliant care they have provided to our children - they have had the best pre-school start!

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 would highly recommend Busy Bees to any parent. My son started at Busy Bees when he was almost a year old and like any parent, I had my anxieties about leaving him at such a young age in daycare. But the level of care and support that been provided has been exceptional. They treat the kids like family
- they pay a lot of attention to detail - like the food, having a structure, cleanliness, play and learn. All the staff in the nursery know all the children and when the times comes for them to move from class to another, the transition is very smooth as they know the next key worker.
My son is due to start school in Sept and I am feeling very sad that our time here is almost coming to an end. From a shy baby, he's grown into a curious, confident, independent little boy who wants to try to do small tasks himself (a trait that's always encouraged at the nursery). I am happy that he has one of the best starts and very satisfied with our decision to send him to 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 can not recommend this nursery highly enough! The staff spend considerable time and effort to get to know the children well and build relationships with them. My daughter not only has a wonderful relationship with her key person but also with several other staff members and it's clear that she feels
safe and happy at nursery - she loves going there.
The level of feedback I get from the staff is fantastic, both through the app and verbally at pickups. I always feel well informed and it is lovely to have pictures and updates of things my daughter has been doing throughout the day. The child’s development is clearly in mind at all times and they are given varied opportunities to learn through play with all staff obviously very well trained to monitor and support the children to progress. Children are provided with excellent and freshly prepared meals and allergies and other dietary requirements are catered for thoughtfully.

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 is the best nursery I have ever seen. In the time my son has been there, he has always had a great time and I have received updates continually via the ParentZone app. It was lovely being at work and having images come through of him laughing and playing, as well as records of when he's napped,
ate, or had a nappy change. This lets me know he was having a great time and lets me know what kind of food and bedtime he'll need once picked up.


The nursery staff are phenomenal and they are interested in the children as little people, not as money makers. The staff always knew my son's favourite toys, food, and games.


The facilities are exceptional, with a range of indoor and outdoor things that are always in great condition as well as being clean.


The rooms have many windows internally, and when picking my son up, I'd always have a sneaky peek through to see how he was doing before I went in. I never saw staff standing doing nothing. They were always engaging with the children.


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 child has been in this nursery since they were 8 months old and have just left for school reception class. He has thoroughly enjoyed his time at the nursery, has come home enthused with what he’s done that day and stories of key workers and friends.
We can’t rate the nursery highly enough. The
staff are fantastic and care for each child as an individual. Anytime we have ever needed anything it’s been dealt with in a professional and courteous manner.

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 always really welcoming to my children and put them at ease.


They help the transitions from room to room with as little fuss as possible


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

This is a fantastic nursery, my little ones have been here for nearly 3 years now and they absolutely love it. The premises are incredibly clean and each of the rooms are very appropriately furnished for the age groups they cater for. The staff are very friendly, very professional and genuinely care
about the children, taking a keen interest in their growth and development. They are like an extension of our family now! They are very quick to positively and constructively engage in case of any issues. All the rooms have tailored activities, and the pre-school room in particular has a lot of emphasis on getting the little ones ready for school. As a working parent, its so very reassuring to know that I’m leaving them in a caring environment that they enjoy being in. I would highly and happily recommend Busy Bees Newcastle to anyone looking for a nursery!

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 daughter has her final day at Busy Bees tomorrow 16-08-18. It seems like only yesterday my wife and I left our baby in there hands feeling so guilty as parents. I can honestly say it has been one of the best decisions for our child that we have made. It is definitely not cheap but I feel in the
long run proved exceptional value for money. The entire team are consistently considerate, courteous, respectful, conscientious, caring, kind and above all professional. Their dedication and drive for the children is outstanding and they have been firm but fair with our daughter, allowing her to flourish and develop in her play. She is learning beyond anything I could have expected from a nursery. Our initial concerns about leaving our baby with strangers have actually been rewarded with a level of confidence and social interactivity, that we would have struggled to achieve purely at home. She has been consistently stimulated and above all very happy.

Facilities / Outside Space

Learning

Resources / Equipment / ICT

Care

Activities

Staff

Food / Nutrition

Management

Cleanliness

Safeguarding

Value for Money

Current Review Score: 8.7 (8.727)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.7 (8.727) out of 10 for Busy Bees Newcastle Upon Tyne 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 5 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 5.000 for Busy Bees Newcastle Upon Tyne is calculated as follows: ( (60 Excellents x 5) ) ÷ 60 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 3.727 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bees Newcastle Upon Tyne 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 110 number of registered child places is 22. 5 Positive Reviews ÷ 22 = 0.227

  • 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)

Rebecca

Rebecca Sanderson

Job Title: Centre Director

Hello, my name is Rebecca and I am the Centre Director here at Newcastle Upon Tyne. I have worked with Busy Bees/ Kids 1st for several years where I have progressed from nursery nurse to Early Years Teacher, deputy manager and now Centre Director.  I am passionate about working with children in the early years and ensuring they receive high-quality care and education through enriching environments and opportunities; this strived me to complete my degree in Childhood Studies and my Early Years Initial Teacher training at Northumbria University.  


The nursery team is like a big family and many of the staff team have achieved long service awards for their continued service. Having such dedicated staff shows that they are committed to their profession and our families at the centre. I am very proud to be part of this team and thoroughly enjoy my role in the nursery.  


Outside of work, my interests include listening to live music and going on walks with my dog Milo, usually along the coast.   


Frequently Asked Questions about Busy Bees Newcastle Upon Tyne

What is the Age Range of Children that Busy Bees Newcastle Upon Tyne accepts?

Busy Bees Newcastle Upon Tyne accepts Children aged from 0 years 0 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Busy Bees Newcastle Upon Tyne Open?

Busy Bees Newcastle Upon Tyne is open: Monday 07:30-18:15, Tuesday 07:30-18:15, Wednesday 07:30-18:15, Thursday 07:30-18:15, Friday 07:30-18:15.

How many Children does Busy Bees Newcastle Upon Tyne have capacity for?

Busy Bees Newcastle Upon Tyne has capacity for a total of 110 Children.

How far is Busy Bees Newcastle Upon Tyne to the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne?

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