Busy Bees Edinburgh Forres Street

4 Forres Street, Edinburgh EH3 6BJ
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8.8 18 Reviews
  • Busy Bees Edinburgh Forres Street, Edinburgh
Looking for a nursery in Edinburgh New Town where your little one can unleash their full potential? Then look no further! Busy Bees Forres Street welcomes children aged 3 months to 5 years, providing top-quality care and education.

The team of passionate and dedicated educators take pride in creating a nurturing and captivating environment for children. Through thoughtfully planned activities, tailored to each child's interests and developmental needs, they ensure that every child receives the support necessary for their growth and progress.

All staff are fully qualified with a couple of trainees who are working towards a relevant qualification in childcare and education. The nursery has monthly in-house training and a comprehensive training programme for personal development.

The nursery boasts an inviting outdoor play area, complete with a purpose-built play cottage, a designated planting area and a paved section for sand and water play. The outdoor adventures extend beyond the nursery premises, as the children regularly explore the surrounding picturesque parks and gardens. Additionally, they have exclusive access to the beautiful Moray Place private gardens, providing ample opportunities for them to engage in exploration, physical activity and discovery.

Parents can have peace of mind knowing that their child's development is a priority at Busy Bees. From those memorable first steps to acquiring vital skills like writing their name, the dedicated staff are committed to supporting each child through every stage of their journey, preparing them for the transition to school life.

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Care Provided by Busy Bees Edinburgh Forres Street

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

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Claire Rae (Centre Director)
  • Number of Childcare Staff
  • 31
  • Total Places for Children
  • 85
  • Age Range
    • from 0 years 3 months
    • to 5 years 0 months
  • Opening Times
  • Monday 08:00-18:00
    Tuesday 08:00-18:00
    Wednesday 08:00-18:00
    Thursday 08:00-18:00
    Friday 08:00-18:00
  • When Closed
  • Christmas

Busy Bees Edinburgh Forres Street Reviews (18)

8.8

Busy Bees Edinburgh Forres Street has a Review Score of 8.8 (8.766) out of 10, based on 9 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Busy Bees Edinburgh Forres Street has 18 reviews.

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Review from M R (Mother of Child) published on 12 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My child is always happy to go. I feel calm seeing him always happy. He always does many activities and is learning a lot.
the staff is supporting me in potty training and this is really important to me. Every time I asked for additional sections I was always supported.

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Review from Joanna S (Mother of Child) published on 5 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son goes to Busy Bees Edinburgh Forres Street and he loves it. The nursery is wonderful and the staff are amazing. The centre director is so amazing. My son has the best time every day he goes and I feel so happy that he is safe and looked after so well.

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Review from Siobhan D (Mother of Child) published on 19 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Busy Bees Edinburgh Forres Street staff have been very helpful as my child got settled, supportive of us, and engaged in reporting activities and goings on during the day. My child clearly looks forward to going to Busy Bees each morning, eagerly getting his shoes and coat to get out the door, and jumps
right into playing on arrival.

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Review from Stuart R (Father of Child) published on 14 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our daughter has attended Forres Street Nursery since 2023. During that time she has received excellent care and loves going to nursery.
All of the staff are, caring and attentive and are genuinely passionate about their jobs.
Changes in the management of the nursery have also brought about some
excellent improvements. New security, upgraded facilities etc.
We cannot recommend this nursery more highly.
Huge thanks to the team for all of their hard work.

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Review from A M (Father of Child) published on 13 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The nursery's exceptional staff have forged strong bonds with both of my children, making it easier for me as a working parent.
The 2023 incident of a missing child at the nursery initially led me to consider removing my children. However, reassurance from another parent highlighted that the nursery's
safeguarding measures are now likely among the strongest in Edinburgh due to increased scrutiny post-incident.
Changes include enhanced safeguarding measures, new leadership and stricter protocols. I am now confident that my children are in excellent care at one of Edinburgh's top nurseries.
With a nurturing and educational environment, the staff go above and beyond, treating the children like their own. The exceptional food options provide a well-balanced diet, allowing older children some meal choices for a sense of ownership over their health. Recent upgrades to the kitchen and outdoor play area, with upcoming room renovations, promise top-notch facilities for the children.

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We've had one child at the nursery for 4 years now and a second there for just over a year. Although the centre suffered from a rotation in managers in quick succession following the pandemic, the new management team (from early 2024) and room staff are all fantastic and, once again it's as great as
when our first child joined.
A new parent app has been introduced with check in/check out times, updates are really thorough, and every morning we're asked how our children are that day to ensure a good handover. There are structured activities for all ages, loads of outdoor time and lots of learning and development for the older ones. The first ever carol service was held just before Christmas too (parents were invited). Parents evenings/open days are regularly held.
With nursery having their own chef, the children are exposed to a fantastic range of foods throughout the week and come home telling us about the amazing food, baking and snacks that they get.

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Review from Y F (Mother of Child) published on 8 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

Would not recommend this centre. We have had to move our 2-year-old after he was left in a park during an outing. He was thankfully found unhurt by a local dog walker!
The parent app is never filled out and pick-up is so chaotic it's difficult to speak to anyone to ask what they have done that day.
Staff
turnaround is very high with unfamiliar faces daily.

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Edinburgh Forres Street

Hello, thank you for taking the time to review Busy Bees Forres Street. The safety and well-being of the children in our care at all times is always of uppermost importance to us. We value your feedback and, although your comments make difficult reading, they are important to us and I want to assure you that we have taken what happened very seriously indeed.

We sincerely apologise again that this incident took place and for the distress it has caused. As you know the circumstances have been thoroughly investigated and a full inspection of the nursery by the Care Inspectorate has now taken place.

As a result of what happened and following of our review we've introduced a range of measures including additional training for all our staff members to ensure the highest standards of care and safety are met and have introduced new leadership into the nursery. Together all of these will help drive positive change highlighted by this regretful incident.

Best Wishes, Busy Bees.


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Review from Gabor D (Father of Child) published on 26 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

There are scary moments in a family's life, especially when you move to a new country and your little son will start nursery in a language that he does not speak. However Busy Bees, Forres Street welcomed him in the most appropriate way, helped him to settle, has been patient with him and also with
us as parents. The whole atmosphere gives you comfort that your little one will be safe and will have fun, too. Special thanks to one member of staff in particular, who dedicates wonderful attention to our son and we hope to stay long years here. We are very thankful!

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Edinburgh Forres Street

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 Forres Street.
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.


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Review from Ardenisa D (Mother of Child) published on 14 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My son has been attending Busy Bees, Edinburgh Forres Street since January 2023, when he was 10 months old. We are very happy and all the staff has been communicative and helpful always. Also due to unexpected day changes we needed, the nursery has been very flexible. Thank you for taking care of our
babies!

Reply from Emily Graves, Digital Content Assistant at Busy Bees Edinburgh Forres Street

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.


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Review from Brooke H (Mother of Child) published on 11 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have had all three of my boy's journey through all the rooms as New Town and am so impressed by the team there. I have felt extremely comfortable leaving my children there under the management of the director. Superb experience and one I have recommended to friends already.

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Review from Lindsay A (Mother of Child) published on 10 December 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Thank you to everyone at New Town Nursery Too! Our daughter has attended there since she was one, and she has loved her time in each and every room. The staff have always been so welcoming, warm and approachable and always take time to provide feedback and a review of her day. They have supported her
to settle into nursery and have always been flexible and thoughtful with her transition to new rooms, tailoring each step to her. We will be so sad to leave due to our home move, but we will forever be grateful for all of the wonderful development opportunities, fun, adventures, play and learning that she has experienced. A huge heartfelt thank you!

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Review from Sheryl S (Mother of Child) published on 18 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both children love going to the nursery and have very much enjoyed their time ever since they first started at 8 months old. My husband and I have been incredibly impressed with all their nurturing care and professional approach to childcare. For the last 2.5 years, we have been with the nursery, we
have come across very low staff turnover. The staff are always friendly and approachable. The management team are very helpful and constantly provide communication to the parents. Thank you so much for all you have done in making our children feel comfortable, cared for and safe which give us full peace of mind at work. Fantastic five-star care and I cannot recommend enough to all parents.

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Review from Annabel H (Mother of Child) published on 16 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The manager and her team at New Town Nursery Too have been so fantastic over the last 18 months looking after our son. It is with such a heavy heart that we have had to change nurseries and is only due to moving house. The communication from her and team is always incredible and it really feels like
she knows each child individually. There’s a real feeling of family and love in the nursery and we only hope our new nursery can live up to the high standard set by the Manager and her team.

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Review from J R (Mother of Child) published on 7 December 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our son joined the nursery just before his 3rd birthday and went into the shark room. He was welcomed by all the teachers and settled without any problems He quickly moved into the sharks again settled with no problem. This is a credit to all the staff - he knows everyone in the building and they know
him. Every day he talks about all the great activities he does. Food, safety, space, Halloween, Children in Need, Bees - he has learnt so much and clearly enjoys it. He loves all the outdoor activities, especially Rugby Tots, so getting out every day is great for him. Thank you.

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Review from K C (Mother of Child) published on 7 December 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We love the nursery. It has a lovely feel about it and my child adores all the teachers.

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Review from W L (Mother of Child) published on 2 August 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The practitioners have a high level of professionalism and have provided excellent care in all of the rooms. The food is healthy and prepared daily onsite and the children go out every day into the fresh air. Activities are varied and the online journals inform parents of what the kids have been up
to. Our children very much enjoy their time at New Town Nursery Too. As parents, we feel our children are very well looked after.

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Review from Claire R (Mother of Child) published on 20 June 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Ever since my daughter started at New Town too she has loved every minute of going there. The staff are all so friendly and all have the time to notice me and my daughter with a smile which my little girl loves. My daughter's teachers are just the best they are so hardworking and put a lot of thought
into their activities for the children. They make me feel really good about having my daughter in the nursery they are so caring and I hear a lot of them at home. They made my daughter feel like a part of their class from day 1 and I could not be happier with the standard of care they give the children on a daily basis.

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Review from Elizabeth E (Mother of Child) published on 29 May 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter has been at this nursery 3 years, we've always had competent, kind and engaged staff, good management, and a safe and happy environment for the children. In 3 years I've never seen anything that concerned me or had reason to question anything the staff have done. Every time I've had a concern
about my DD's development or interactions, the staff have been very happy to discuss it. Across 2 children I've used several nurseries over the years, and I've stuck with this one the longest - a good balance of child lead play and a little bit of structure to the day, my DD has made many friends in her nursery and is always happy to go. The staff turnover is low for a nursery, the same key staff have been there for a good length of time and there has been progression for some staff, which is another good sign. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the nursery to anyone, exactly what we wanted from a nursery.

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Current Review Score: 8.8 (8.766)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.8 (8.766) out of 10 for Busy Bees Edinburgh Forres Street is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.5 out of 5 from 9 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.3 out of 5 from 8 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 4.495 for Busy Bees Edinburgh Forres Street is calculated as follows: ( (85 Excellents x 5) + (9 Goods x 4) + (11 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 105 Ratings = 4.495

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 4.271 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Busy Bees Edinburgh Forres Street is based on 8 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 = 3.8

    • 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 85 number of registered child places is 17. 8 Positive Reviews ÷ 17 = 0.471

  • 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

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

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Meet the Team (1)

Claire

Claire Rae

Job Title: Centre Director

Hi, my name is Claire, and I'm the Centre Director here at Busy Bees Forres Street.


Frequently Asked Questions about Busy Bees Edinburgh Forres Street

What is the Age Range of Children that Busy Bees Edinburgh Forres Street accepts?

Busy Bees Edinburgh Forres Street accepts Children aged from 0 years 3 months to 5 years 0 months.

What Days & Hours is Busy Bees Edinburgh Forres Street Open?

Busy Bees Edinburgh Forres Street is open: Monday 08:00-18:00, Tuesday 08:00-18:00, Wednesday 08:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Friday 08:00-18:00.

How many Children does Busy Bees Edinburgh Forres Street have capacity for?

Busy Bees Edinburgh Forres Street has capacity for a total of 85 Children.

How far is Busy Bees Edinburgh Forres Street to the centre of Edinburgh?

0.8 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 Edinburgh Forres Street to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Busy Bees Edinburgh Forres Street has an Enhanced Service – more info.