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Welcome to Busy Bees

Welcome to Busy Bees

Your nursery in
Derby, Heatherton

Ofsted
Google
4 /5

8.1

Day Nurseries Score
Buggy-storage
Outdoor-facilities
Parking

It's never a dull day at our purpose-built nursery in Derby Heatherton, with a wide range of fun-filled activities for your little one to enjoy, including weekly football sessions and exciting learning experiences.

We understand the importance of outdoor learning, which is why our unique discovery garden gives children space to explore, use their imagination and enjoy fresh air. Our highly qualified team provide a nurturing environment where children can grow in confidence and prepare for their next steps.

Bee curious curriculum
Book visit Bee Curious Curriculum

Busy Bees
Derby, Heatherton
Nursery Facilities

Our nursery provides a range of engaging activities and resources to support children’s learning and development. Our unique discovery garden gives children plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor learning, explore their imagination and develop their confidence through supervised safe-risk play.

We create experiences that encourage children to become independent, curious learners, while our nurturing team take the time to understand each child and support their individual needs.

Located on Hollybrook Way in Heatherton, our nursery is around a 15-minute drive from Derby city centre and just a two-minute drive from the A38, making it a convenient choice for families commuting into Derby and the surrounding areas.

For families travelling by car, we have a private on-site car park for convenient drop-offs and collections. There’s also a bus stop close to the nursery at Nuffield Hospital, served by routes 234 and V3.

We’d love to welcome you and your family to Busy Bees Derby Heatherton. Book a visit to explore our nursery, meet our friendly team and discover what we have to offer.

Special things about Derby, Heatherton

Spacious outdoor areas

Spacious outdoor areas

Base room gardens plus a discovery garden for children to explore.

Unique to

Derby, Heatherton

Extra-curricular activities

Extra-curricular activities

Including weekly football sessions.

Unique to

Derby, Heatherton

Excellent transport links

Excellent transport links

Conveniently located near the A38 for Derby, Burton and surrounding areas.

Unique to

Derby, Heatherton

A warm welcome

from our Director
- Centre Director

Director

Natalie Beckwith

Hello, my name is Natalie and I am the Centre Director here at Busy Bees Heatherton.

I have been part of the Busy Bees family since 2018 and have a real passion for creating high-quality learning environments where children feel safe, supported and inspired to explore. Here at our centre, we believe that great learning comes from giving children engaging experiences and providing them with the encouragement they need to thrive.

A happy and supported team is also at the heart of our centre. We work together to continually develop our practice and create a positive, welcoming community for children, families and educators.

I look forward to welcoming you and your child and sharing in the exciting first steps of their learning journey.

 

Meet the amazing team

Amy Butler

Senior Room Manager

Amy Butler

Kristen Granger

SENCO

Kristen Granger

Ellie Bradford

Assistant Centre Director

Ellie Bradford

Reviews

What
Derby, Heatherton
parents say

Ofsted

Ofsted Good

Day Nurseries

8.1

Google

4 /5

Good nursery. But children get lots of infections.

AF

17/03/2026

Opening times

Monday
to Friday

7:30
AM
to
6:00
PM

Busy Bees Derby, Heatherton 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 Derby, Heatherton 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, Heatherton

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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