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Welcome to Montessori by Busy Bees

Welcome to Montessori by Busy Bees

Your nursery in
St.Albans, Glenalmond

Ofsted
Google
5 /5

Looking for a nurturing, child-led nursery in St Albans? We've got you.

At Montessori by Busy Bees Glenalmond, we use an expert-approved Montessori method designed to spark your little one's imagination and develop them into confident learners.

Montessori by Busy Bees
St.Albans, Glenalmond
Nursery Facilities

We're dedicated to supporting your little one as they work towards key developmental milestones, which they'll do in a supportive environment where they're encouraged to follow their passions, supported by our Montessori experts.

Whether they're finding their creative flair with arts and crafts, sharpening their literacy skills in a cosy reading corner, or developing their fine motor skills with a wide range of toys and puzzles, your little one is free to explore.

We've even got a spacious outdoor play area, perfect for honing their physical skills and engaging with the natural world. Housed in a stunning building, designed with high ceilings and stained-glass windows, Busy Bees Glenalmond is a true home-away-from-home where your child will thrive.

We're conveniently located on King Harry Lane, with easy access to major road and public transport links. We've even got secure on-site parking, making drop-offs and pick-ups a breeze.

Arriving by public transport? We're a 15-minute walk from St. Albans Abbey train station and are served by bus routes 300 (Arriva) and 361 (Red Eagle).

Come and discover Montessori by Busy Bees Glenalmond for yourself. Book a visit to explore our Montessori environments, meet our experienced team and see how our Montessori Bee Curious Curriculum can support your child's early years journey.

Special things about St.Albans, Glenalmond

Year-round outdoor space

Year-round outdoor space

Naturally shaded gardens for outdoor play in all seasons.

Additional learning spaces

Additional learning spaces

Library, art room and sensory snug for varied experiences.

Long-standing team

Long-standing team

Caring, passionate staff who know children well.

Grade II listed building

Grade II listed building

A unique setting rich in history and character.

A warm welcome

from our Director
 - Centre Director

Director

Michelle Blindell Hurst and Paulina Waller

Hello, our names are Michelle and Paulina and we are the Centre Directors here at Montessori by Busy Bees Glenalmond.

Here at our centre, we create a calm, caring and nurturing environment where children feel secure, confident and at home. Our Montessori approach gives children the freedom to explore, make choices and develop their independence through hands-on learning and carefully prepared experiences.

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

Meet the amazing team

Katy Bell-Taylor

Assistant Centre Director

Katy Bell-Taylor

Gemma Hanly

Senior Early Years Educator

Gemma Hanly

Reviews

What
St.Albans, Glenalmond
parents say

The staff at busy bees have gone above and beyond for my daughter and myself. My daughter is always happy when I collect her and tells me all about the things they have been up to.

Both my daughter and son attended Busy Bees Glenalmond from 10 and 9 months old to 4 and 3 years old - they recently left to go to school. Both have thrived under the great care that all the staff have provided them. I felt fully up to date as to what they were learning and what activities they were doing; the staff were so fun, caring and friendly and the facilities offered great indoor and outdoor play options. I wholeheartedly recommend busy bees Glenalmond and I thank all the staff for giving my children a great start in life. My children miss you all already and my daughter insisted on returning to show the staff her new school uniform- testament to her love of the staff. Thank you.

Opening times

Monday
to Friday

7:30
AM
to
6:30
PM

Montessori by Busy Bees St.Albans, Glenalmond operates Monday to Friday from 7:30 to 6:30 offering full-day care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.

Open 52 weeks a year, Montessori by Busy Bees St.Albans, Glenalmond 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 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 Montessori by Busy Bees St.Albans, Glenalmond

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 6:30pm

Our last available pick up is at 6:30pm.

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 6:30pm

Our last available pick up is at 6:30pm.

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 Montessori by Busy Bees App.

Learn More