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Welcome to Busy Bees

Welcome to Busy Bees

Your nursery in
Thetford

Ofsted
Google
5 /5

8.8

Day Nurseries Score
Buggy-storage
Parking
Recently-renovated

Busy Bees Thetford is pleasantly located close to the A11, near to nature walks, and green spaces. 

Our amazing staff team ensure that children are both inspired and happy providing the best start in life for every child. We cannot wait to welcome you to the Busy Bees family!

Bee curious curriculum
Book visit Bee Curious Curriculum

Busy Bees
Thetford
Nursery Facilities

We are very lucky that the children are able to make the most of the forest surroundings on outings in which this develops the children's knowledge about nature in addition to having fun, becoming aware of the environment and developing motor skills. 

The beautiful nursery is a two-storey building accommodating 4 base rooms. The ground floor Pre-School room has direct access to a vast garden space. We also have a sensory garden; plants showcasing different smells and textures, pear tree, willow dome mud kitchen, nature area and a digging pit which the children love to explore.  

Our Thetford nursery is close to the town centre and Thetford railway station,  making it easy for families who live local or commute. 

The A11 passes close to town, providing straightforward road access from Bury St Edmunds and the wider region. With on-site parking available, pick up and drops offs are made easy and convenient. 

Special things about Thetford

Spacious outdoor garden

Spacious outdoor garden

A space to explore, available to all ages.

Unique to

Thetford

Thoughtfully tailored rooms

Thoughtfully tailored rooms

For each of our nursery's age groups.

Unique to

Thetford

A warm welcome

from our Director
- Centre Director

Director

Amanda

My name is Amanda and I am the Centre Director here at Thetford Busy Bees.

I have worked at the Centre since 2006 starting my career as a Nursery Nurse, I then became Centre Director in 2017.

I am truly committed to my role and I am also proud of the team I have the privilege to lead.

I recognise the importance and strive for the high quality childcare that every parent and child deserves.

Having my child attending the centre I am able to see first hand the impact of the teaching and learning experiences he receives at the Nursery and this enables me to relate and support the parents of this Centre 

Meet the amazing team

Denise Aylward

Assistant Centre Director

Denise Aylward

Lewis Holden

Chef

Lewis Holden

Reviews

What
Thetford
parents say

Ofsted

Ofsted Good

Day Nurseries

8.8

Google

5 /5

🥰🥰🥰🥰I appreciate it very much.

L

28/10/2025

My daughter loves all the ladies in her Group. She fells so good and doesn't want to go home. She fell save and very happy. All the ladies are always friendly and kind. My daughter loves all the activities and place. Wouldnt change it for anything. Older daughter went to Busy Bees and it helped her to grow and open for new people, language. She was scared on the beginning but all ladies helped her feel like at home.

ES

17/03/2025

We absolutely love Busy Bee’s Spencer has developed so much with both his learning and his confidence since attending nursery. Spencer’s speech and counting has grown particularly in the last month. It is almost made to think back in April a shy little boy who was just walking is now counting to 6 and talking for England. The team are great with him and his many family members who all pitch in on pick ups. Spencer sometimes is a little sensitive at drop offs but there are always plenty of cuddles waiting for him! as a on the go mum love the personal touch of being able to grab a coffee on my way out the door.

C

07/10/2024

Opening times

Monday
to Friday

7:30
AM
to
6:00
PM

Busy Bees Thetford 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 Thetford 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

Curriculum

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.

Calculate your fees Fee Sheet Funding Eligibility

explore a day at busy bees

A day in the life at Busy Bees Thetford

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.

See our food & menu

Track Progress

Our mobile App

Busy Bees

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

Learn More
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