What Makes Busy Bees Different?

Every parent wants their child to have the very best start in life. Those first few years are more than just playtime; they are a foundation for everything that follows. At Busy Bees, we’ve spent over 40 years nurturing children through this important stage, helping them to grow, explore, and discover who they are. 

From our very first nursery in 1983 to now being the nation’s leading nursery group, with more than 390 nurseries across the UK, Ireland, and around the world, our mission has remained the same: to give every child the care, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive. But what makes Busy Bees different? Let’s take a closer look. 

Setting Children Apart 

A Busy Bees child is happy, sociable, confident, independent, creative, and unique. That’s something we’re incredibly proud of, because we know it reflects the care and experiences they’ve had with us. 

Our approach is centred around nurturing children’s personality, interests, and potential. From encouraging independence at mealtimes, to supporting friendships in the playground, to celebrating every milestone with enthusiasm, we’re there every step of the way. 

Children aren’t just cared for at Busy Bees, they are inspired, challenged, and encouraged. This balance of warmth and structure means they grow up with not only the knowledge they need but also the confidence and curiosity to make the most of it. 

The Bee Curious Curriculum 

At the heart of everything we do is our Bee Curious Curriculum. Developed by leading early years educators, it’s the only curriculum of its kind in the UK. 

Designed to spark curiosity, our play-based approach is built on the latest research and global best practices. Based upon the EYFS, the Bee Curious curriculum encourages exploration while supporting key areas including communication and language, mathematics and understanding the world. 

Over time, Bee Curious helps children to develop a genuine love of learning that stays with them for life. 

Preparing for School 

Starting school is a big milestone, for both children and their parents. At Busy Bees, we believe nursery should give children the very best head start in their education journey. 

The Bee Curious curriculum is a big part of how we prepare children for school at our Busy Bees Nurseries. All of the activities and experiences we provide in our centres are designed to provide your child with a foundation of skills and attributes that will help them to be confident and capable learners, ready for the next chapter in their lives. 

But school readiness is about much more than ABCs and 123s. It’s about developing resilience, independence, and social skills. Whether it’s learning to put on their own coat, trying something new at lunchtime, or working together on a group activity, Busy Bees children build the skills they’ll need not just for school, but for life. 

The Busy Bees App 

Parents often tell us how much they love being able to share in their child’s day, even when they can’t be there in person. That’s where the Busy Bees app comes in. 

The app makes it easy to stay connected. You’ll receive updates, photos, and milestones, so you don’t miss those little moments that matter. It’s a window into your child’s world, giving you peace of mind and plenty to chat about on the way home.  

The app also supports families beyond daily updates. With personalised activities, you can continue your child’s learning at home, building on what they’ve been exploring in nursery. And because everything is in one place, from communication with staff to managing your child’s schedule, it makes the nursery experience simpler and more supportive for families. 

Eating Well with NHS-Accredited Menus 

We all know how important healthy eating is, especially in the early years when habits are formed for life. At Busy Bees, we take children’s nutrition seriously. 

Our menus are carefully crafted to provide balanced, nourishing meals, using fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. Our menus are also NHS accredited, which means they meet the highest standards for children’s health and wellbeing. 

But healthy eating doesn’t have to mean boring. Children enjoy classic favourites like pasta, cottage pie, and curries with a healthy twist. We reduce salt and sugar, introduce plenty of vegetables, and make sure meals are both tasty and nutritious. By encouraging children to try a variety of flavours and textures, we help them build positive relationships with food from an early age. 

We also love sharing our recipes and food tips with parents, so healthy eating can continue at home.  

Quality You Can Trust 

When it comes to childcare, peace of mind matters. Families need to know their children are safe, supported, and cared for by professionals who love what they do. 

That’s why we’re proud that 99% of our nurseries are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. This recognition reflects not only our commitment to the highest standards, but also the passion and dedication of our staff. 

Behind the scenes, we also invest heavily in our people. Through our Talent Academy, apprenticeships, and continuous training, we ensure every member of our team has the skills and confidence to give children the best possible experience. 

The Busy Bees Difference 

So, what really makes Busy Bees different? It’s not just one thing, it’s the way everything comes together. Our years of experience, our innovative Bee Curious Curriculum, our NHS-accredited menus, our app that keeps families connected, and our consistently high-quality care all combine to create something special. 

Most importantly, it’s the people. The dedicated teams who put children at the heart of everything they do, and the little moments of joy, discovery, and growth that happen every single day. 

At Busy Bees, we’re proud to play a part in each child’s story, giving them the very best start in life. If you are interested in discovering more about the Busy Bees difference, Find a Nursery near you and book a visit with one of our wonderful Centre Directors.