Welcome to Busy Bees

Your nursery in
Bedford, Elstow

Are you searching for excellent childcare in Bedford? There is much to love about Busy Bees Bedford Elstow, from the extensive range of exciting activities and engaging learning resources to the highly qualified, caring staff.

Throughout your child’s journey at nursery, they will come on leaps and bounds with us, as the devoted team will support every child during each stage of their development. By following our Bee Curious curriculum, our enthusiastic team carefully plan and prepare a wide variety of fun-filled activities so that your child’s mind and body stay stimulated.

Book visit Bee curious curriculum

Book visit Bee Curious Curriculum

Busy Bees
Bedford, Elstow
Nursery Facilities

To help support preschoolers make the next leap in their educational journey, we have our very own qualified Teacher, who will provide professionally guided knowledge to allow a seamless transition into the next key stage.

Children can continue to explore their imagination with our large outdoor area whilst enjoying the fresh air and discovering their independence. With something on offer for every child to enjoy, rest assured your little one will flourish and thrive during their stay with us.

Located just off the A421, following on to the A6 road, you will find our nursery in Bedford.

For those parents arriving by car, rest assured we have an onsite car park available, allowing collections and drop-offs to be as safe and seamless as possible.

Arriving via public transport? You will find our nursery located just a stone's throw away from Bedford's Park and Ride, which departs frequently.

You can keep up to date on all the excitement through our Busy Bees app, where the fantastic team will provide you with regular updates on what your little one has been up to, along with any milestones they may reach.

It is never a dull day here at our nursery in Bedford Elstow, with endless opportunities for your child to learn, grow and have fun!

Book a visit today, we can't wait to welcome you to our Busy Bees family.

Not sure if Busy Bees Bedford Elstow is the best option for your family? View all of our Nurseries in Bedford to explore all Busy Bees locations in your area.

Special things about Bedford, Elstow

Thoughtfully tailored rooms

For each of our nursery's age groups.

Spacious outdoor garden

A space to explore, available to all ages.

Conveniently located

Easy access to transport links

A warm welcome

from our Director

Director

Zoe Kirkpatrick

Hello, my name is Zoe and I am the Centre Director here at Busy Bees Bedford Elstow.

I started my journey with Busy Bees in May 2017 working my way up from a Room Manager to Centre Director. I have completed a BA (Hons) in Early Years Studies and i am Qualified Level 5 in Management.

I am a very creative person and enjoy being involved in creative activities with the children, allowing them to embrace their curiosity and challenge their own ideas.

I am committed to providing a safe and engaging environment that supports and develops each child's individual needs, working in partnership with all of my families to ensure their children have the best start in life.

I look forward to meeting you all and welcoming you to our Busy Bees Family here at Bedford Elstow.

Meet the amazing team

Assistant Centre Director

Katie Bowser

Ofsted

Staff are extremely friendly and wonderful with my child. I would not send her anywhere else. She loves and adores all the nursery workers, but Zoe the Centre Director is her absolute favourite person. Amazing communication, I can not fault this nursery.

Everything about that nursery! From looking around initially I didn't feel overwhelmed like I did with others! My little one has loved going there and the team are great and super helpful!

Amazing team who create a nurturing and engaging environment to develop our child’s progress. The food is of a great quality and they keep us informed both face to face and using the app. It is great to have the regular meetings with her key worker but they are happy to catch up whenever needed. Would highly recommend!

Opening times

Monday
to Friday

7:30

6:00

Busy Bees Bedford, Elstow operates Monday to Friday from 7:30 to 6:00 offering full-day care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.

Open 52 weeks a year, Busy Bees Bedford, Elstow helps support families around the demands of work and everyday life.

We look forward to working with you to create a plan that suits your family.

Find us

SAFETY AND SAFEGUARDING

We take pride in our safeguarding policies

Safety and safeguarding are at the heart of everything we do, and your child's safety is our highest priority. Our policies and procedures are designed to ensure every child in our care is safe, supported and well looked after.

Learn more

Award-Winning Safeguarding Standards recognising our commitment to protecting children across the UK

A dedicated Safety and Safeguarding Team with decades of experience, led by an industry-recognised leadership team

ISO 45001 certification supported by robust policies and procedures to help protect every child in our care

Thorough recruitment processes including enhanced DBS checks and comprehensive referencing, before joining Busy Bees

Carefully managed drop-off and collection procedures and sign out with controlled entry

Paediatric first aid trained staff in every nursery

A safe, supportive environment and a dedicated "speak up" service, where team members can confidentially report concerns 24/7, 365 days a year, through a variety of channels, without fear of retaliation

Curriculum and education

Giving your child the best start in life

Our Bee Curious curriculum is at the heart of everything we do, helping your child grow in a safe and nurturing environment.

Centred around your child's interests and pace, we combine purposeful play with a carefully designed curriculum that fosters curiosity and confidence. Bee Curious guides every moment in our nursery, from caring routines to planned activities, placing the unique child and their key person at the heart of learning. From encouraging independence at mealtimes, to supporting friendships in the playground, to celebrating every milestone with enthusiasm, our curriculum sparks a love of learning from the very beginning.

Using our 40 years of industry leading childcare experience, Bee Curious is a blueprint for playful learning. It is:

Developed by industry-leading experts and using over 40 years of global expertise

Based on the latest child behavioural science research and findings

Developed through collaboration with Busy Bees educators across the world

Led by Gill Jones MBE - Busy Bees Group Chief Quality Officer

Alongside structured learning, we encourage your child to express themselves freely and explore the world around them through creative and outdoor experiences that support every area of development. We do this by:

Using role play and storytelling to strengthen communication

Exploring art, music and movement

Learning outdoors in a safe, stimulating environment

Developing physical coordination and confidence

Our teams nurture your child's curiosity and confidence, preparing them not just for school, but for life. We do this by:

Early reading and writing through phonics, storytelling and mark-making activities

Strong number sense through counting, patterns and problem-solving

Hands-on, purposeful play to encourage critical thinking and curiosity.

Strengthening focus and listening skills with guided group learning sessions.

Understanding childcare funding and nursery fees can feel complicated. Our aim is to make the process as clear and straightforward as possible, helping you to find the right options for your family.

Use our funding fees calculator to estimate how your childcare hours could reduce your weekly nursery fees. Before using the calculator, please check which funding you might be eligible for here.

Calculate your fees Fee Sheet Funding Eligibility

Children arrive from 7:30am and are warmly greeted by our team.

Children can enjoy fresh fruit with a selection of cereals or porridge.

Every morning, children are introduced to activities that engage their interest.

Focused sensory activity

Exploring colours and textures

Outdoor exploration

With educators to guide the play.

Snack time

A nutritious snack and/or formula milk (if required) is provided.

A story with calm time or a nap

The children may have one or two naps in the day depending on their home routine and we will always offer these in line with their home life.

A nutritious lunch. Our full NHS-accredited menu is available here.

Rest and Relaxation

Quiet play or nap time.

Engaging your child with activities based around our Book of the Moment.

Outdoor guided play

In purposefully themed play spaces.

Tea time

A light evening meal.

Our last available pick up is at 6:00pm.

Children arrive from 7:30am and are warmly greeted by our team.

Children can enjoy fresh fruit with a selection of cereals or porridge.

Every morning, children are introduced to activities that engage their interest.

Focused learning activity

A warm welcome with a morning song

Snack Time

Age-appropriate sensory or learning activity.

Outdoor learning

Exploration and connection with nature, whatever the weather.

Story time and reflection

A calming period before lunch.

A nutritious lunch. Our full NHS-accredited menu is available here.

Rest and Relaxation

Quiet play or nap time.

Engaging your child with activities based around our Book of the Moment.

Curious Mind

Maths, sensory experiences or problem solving.

Tea time

A light evening meal.

Outdoor play

In purposefully themed play spaces.

Our last available pick up is at 6:00pm.

Children and staff sharing a healthy meal at nursery

Food

Our weekly menu

NHS-accredited meals, drinks and snacks available.

Prepared daily by our on-site nursery chef

Variety of fresh ingredients throughout the week

Supports healthy growth and development

NHS-accredited nursery menu; our two seasonal menus are accredited by NHS Startwell, ensuring the food we serve is balanced and offers optimal nutrition.

If your child has any dietary requirements, allergies or cultural preferences, please speak with the Centre Director. Our team will work to ensure safe, suitable alternatives are provided.

See our food & menu

Track Progress

Our mobile App

Throughout the day, keep up to date with your child's progress with our Busy Bees App.

Learn More

Welcome to Busy Bees

Welcome to Busy Bees

Your nursery in
Bedford, Elstow