Photo 0
Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Photo 4
Photo 5
Photo 6
Photo 7
Photo 8
Photo 9

Welcome to Busy Bees

Welcome to Busy Bees

Your nursery in
Derby, Oakwood Bishops Drive

Ofsted
Google
4 /5

9.9

Day Nurseries Score
Outdoor-facilities
Parking
Recently-renovated

Looking for childcare in Derby? At Busy Bees Derby Oakwood Bishops Drive, we provide a welcoming, purpose-built nursery where children can learn, play and grow in confidence from babyhood through to preschool.

Our qualified and experienced team create a nurturing environment where children can develop their independence and build the foundations for lifelong learning. Through a balance of child-led and creative play, gentle routines and engaging experiences, we support every child’s individual development.

Bee curious curriculum
Book visit Bee Curious Curriculum

Busy Bees
Derby, Oakwood Bishops Drive
Nursery Facilities

Our two-storey nursery has four rooms designed around different ages and stages, providing children with spaces and resources suited to their development. Our secure Baby Room offers a cosy, homely environment to help our youngest children feel settled and reassured, while our spacious hall and secure garden provide additional areas for play, activities and exploration.

Children enjoy a wide range of experiences throughout the day, from messy and imaginative play to phonics, literacy and early mathematics. Our preschool children also take part in PE and football sessions, supporting physical development, confidence, teamwork and school readiness.

Our long-established team have strong links with the local community, with regular trips to nearby parks, children’s centres and Springwood Library for story-time and reading sessions. Younger children can also explore the local area on our unique buggy bus. We work closely with local schools, helping children prepare for their next steps, with many going on to schools including Cavendish Close, Park View, Breadsall Hilltop, Roe Farm and Springwood.

Located in Derby, our nursery is ideally placed for local families and provides a convenient setting for your child’s early years.

We’d love to welcome you and your family to Busy Bees Derby Oakwood Bishops Drive. Book a visit to explore our nursery and meet our friendly team.

Special things about Derby, Oakwood Bishops Drive

Long-standing staff team

Long-standing staff team

Experienced educators providing familiar faces and continuity.

Unique to

Derby, Oakwood Bishops Drive

Strong parent partnerships

Strong parent partnerships

 Monthly stay-and-play sessions to bring families together.

Unique to

Derby, Oakwood Bishops Drive

Inclusive, language-rich environment

Inclusive, language-rich environment

Supporting communication and children with EAL.

Unique to

Derby, Oakwood Bishops Drive

Extra curricular activitieS

Extra curricular activitieS

 Including regular football sessions. 

Unique to

Derby, Oakwood Bishops Drive

A warm welcome

from our Director
- Centre Director

Director

Chloe Moore

Hello, my name is Chloe and I am the Centre Director here at Busy Bees Derby Oakwood Bishops Drive.

Having completed my Level 3 qualification, I have gained a wealth of Early Years experience, progressing through roles including Room Manager, Senior Room Manager and Assistant Centre Director at our Kings Heath nursery in Birmingham. I am delighted to bring this experience to Bishops Drive, with a strong focus on quality and ensuring children have the best possible start in life.

Here at our centre, we create inviting and enabling environments filled with opportunities for children to explore, learn through play and develop their skills and confidence.

Outside of nursery, I enjoy going for walks and spending time with my family and friends. I look forward to welcoming you and your child to our Bishops Drive nursery and sharing in their exciting early years journey.

Meet the amazing team

Leisa Willmott

Chef

Leisa Willmott

Charlotte Kissane

Assistant Centre Director

Charlotte Kissane

Marie Payne

Senior Room Manager

Marie Payne

Reviews

What
Derby, Oakwood Bishops Drive
parents say

Ofsted

Ofsted Good

Day Nurseries

9.9

Google

4 /5

Absolutely amazing nursery, all the staff are so lovely. They all care so much about your little ones and encourage them to grow. I couldn't ask for anything more. Thankyou so much for looking after Christopher, it means the world. He loves you all too! 🥰

LH

24/10/2025

My little girl started a couple months ago. The staff have been brilliant, they have spent the time getting to know my daughter and me, couldn’t have found a better nursery for my girl . She has come on loads with her speech, singing and movement.

EW

27/06/2025

I want to thank everyone at Busy Bees, Bishops Drive, Derby from the bottom of my heart. The amount of support they have given us is amazing, the care they give our son is second to none. All staff are friendly and polite, nothing is a problem for any of them! They go above and beyond, our sons speech has massively improved since joining them in April, the activity’s they do are great and our son throughly enjoys going and seeing all the staff and other children. So glad I’ve found an amazing nursery, going back to work was always so daunting for me but I can finally feel at ease knowing he’s safe and happy! It’s the best feeling. Thank you everyone love Josie & Paul x

JC

03/10/2024

Opening times

Monday
to Friday

8:00
AM
to
6:00
PM

Busy Bees Derby, Oakwood Bishops Drive operates Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 6:00 offering full-day care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.

Open 52 weeks a year, Busy Bees Derby, Oakwood Bishops Drive 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 Derby, Oakwood Bishops Drive

Two bees greeting

Arrival and welcome

from 8:00am

Children arrive from 8:00am 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 8:00am

Children arrive from 8:00am 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
undefined undefined undefined undefined undefined undefined undefined undefined undefinedundefined undefined undefinedundefined undefined