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Welcome to Busy Bees

Welcome to Busy Bees

Your nursery in
Bedford, Manton Lane

Ofsted
Google
5 /5

8.5

Day Nurseries Score

Looking for exceptional childcare in Bedford? Busy Bees in Bedford is a home from home nursery with rooms built to suit every age group! 

Our Nursery is on the top of Manton Lane in Brickhill. We are close to both the town centre and train station and we are near to the bypass for travelling to Milton Keynes/Cambridge. 

Busy Bees
Bedford, Manton Lane
Nursery Facilities

Our large car park is available for drop off and collection. If using the train station you are welcome to leave your car in our car park for the day! 

The nursery building is bespoke with beautiful curved walls as well as its own 0-2's annexe for the younger children. 

The rooms are bright, airy and adapted to each specific age group. The lovely purpose built gardens are equipped for each age group of children and also has a  wooden adventure fort.  

We would love to show you around our beautiful nursery! 

Not sure if Busy Bees Bedford 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, Manton Lane

Thoughtfully tailored rooms

Thoughtfully tailored rooms

For each of our nursery's age groups. 

Spacious outdoor garden

Spacious outdoor garden

A space to explore, available to all ages.

Conveniently located

Conveniently located

Easy access to transport links

A warm welcome

from our Director
 - Centre Director

Director

Zoe Dickens

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

I have been working in childcare since qualifying in 1994! I have worked here at  Busy Bees since 2003 firstly as a Assistant Centre Director and I then was promoted to Centre Director. 

My role means I am lucky to manage a longstanding staff team of 33 staff who all bring their unique qualities to the job, some of our staff have been here since the nursery opened! The best part of my job is meeting new children and parents and supporting them with their transition into nursery. I love to see the children learn, grow and develop into happy confident independent little people ready for school.  

Working for Busy Bees gives me great opportunities to attend some valuable training which means I am trained in safeguarding children, first aid, behaviour management and SENCO to name a few. 

I am also the mum of an 6 year old little boy who attended the nursery and I understand that as parents we want our children to receive the best childcare, I always strive to ensure that is what we do each day at Manton lane. I would love to show you around our wonderful nursery!   

Meet the amazing team

Reviews

What
Bedford, Manton Lane
parents say

Very friendly staff. My daughter loves this place.

Friendly staff supportive to my child. Regular updates on the app and feedback to what the children are doing. Fun activities and good food provision.

Opening times

Monday
to Friday

7:30
AM
to
6:00
PM

Busy Bees Bedford, Manton Lane 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, Manton Lane 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.

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.

Expertly

developed

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

Playfully

taught

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

A head start

in life

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.

Childcare at Busy Bees

Childcare funding

Funding and fees

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.

explore a day at busy bees

A day in the life at Busy Bees Bedford, Manton Lane

Two bees greeting

Arrival and welcome

from 7:30am

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

Bee with a bowl of snacks

Breakfast

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

Bee reading a book

Morning time

9am — 12pm

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.

Bee holding an apple

Meal time

12pm — 2pm

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

Rest and Relaxation

Quiet play or nap time.

Bee gardening with a watering can

Afternoon
Activities

2pm — 5pm

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.

Two bees flying together

Wrap up
and home time

until 6:00pm

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

Two bees greeting

Arrival and welcome

from 7:30am

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

Bee with a bowl of snacks

Breakfast

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

Bee reading a book

Morning time

9am — 12pm

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.

Bee holding an apple

Meal time

12pm — 2pm

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

Rest and Relaxation

Quiet play or nap time.

Bee gardening with a watering can

Afternoon
Activities

2pm — 5pm

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.

Two bees flying together

Wrap up
and home time

until 6:00pm

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.

Track Progress

Our mobile App

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

Learn More
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