Welcome to Montessori by Busy Bees

Your nursery in
Shadwell

5 /5

Established in 1989, Montessori by Busy Bees Green Gables Shadwell is one of our longest-established Montessori nurseries, welcoming children and families in the heart of Shadwell for over 35 years.

Our warm, homely nursery provides a nurturing environment where children from three months to five years can explore, learn and develop their independence.

Book visit Bee curious curriculum

Book visit Bee Curious Curriculum

Montessori by Busy Bees
Shadwell
Nursery Facilities

Our experienced, long-standing team provides continuity and strong relationships for children and families, with low staff turnover helping us create a familiar and supportive environment. Set within the grounds of a church, our nursery has a unique character, with a large outdoor garden and naturally cool indoor spaces that offer a comfortable environment throughout the year.

Our Montessori Bee Curious Curriculum combines the principles of Montessori education with the curiosity-led approach of Bee Curious. Children are encouraged to make choices, follow their interests and learn through purposeful, hands-on experiences. Our Montessori approach gives children the freedom to become increasingly independent, while our team acts as guides, offering support and encouragement when needed.

Our specially designed nursery includes dedicated spaces for babies, toddlers, two- to three-year-olds and pre-school children, allowing each age group to learn and develop in an environment suited to their individual needs. Purposeful Montessori materials encourage children to develop concentration, coordination, problem-solving and practical life skills, while our child-led approach nurtures confidence and a lifelong love of learning.

Children also have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in our large garden, which benefits from lots of natural shade. The garden provides space for physical development, imaginative play and exploring the natural world, complementing the learning that takes place indoors.

Our unique setting also has a natural advantage during warmer weather. Being situated within the crypt of the church, the nursery benefits from naturally cool indoor spaces, helping children stay comfortable during the summer months.

We are open 51 weeks of the year, from 7.30am to 6pm, providing flexible childcare for busy families. We also offer onsite parking and a dedicated buggy store, making drop-offs and collections easier.

Located in the heart of Shadwell, East London, Montessori by Busy Bees Green Gables is just a two-minute walk from Shadwell Station, providing DLR and Overground connections into the City and Central London. The City can be reached in around 10 minutes, making our nursery particularly convenient for families commuting into central London and the surrounding areas.

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

Special things about Shadwell

Montessori Bee Curious

A tailored curriculum keeping every child at the heart of learning.

Long-standing team

Experienced staff creating a home-from-home atmosphere.

Large shaded garden

Spacious outdoor area with plenty of natural shade.

A warm welcome

from our Director

Director

Rezwana Islam

Hi my name is Rezwana and I am i the Centre Director at Montessori by Busy Bees at Shadwell.

I have been working in childcare for over 12 years, working my way up from being an apprentice to now managing nurseries. I am a qualified Level 3 in childcare and hold a Business and Management qualification Level 5.

Working with children is a passion and I thrive on supporting them develop through learning and play. I have twin boys who are currently attending Montessori by Busy Bees and I am confident it is the best environment for them to grow and develop new skills.

I thoroughly enjoy supporting and mentoring staff to provide children with exceptional childcare on a daily basis, and I believe parent partnerships is key to working with children.

Meet the amazing team

Room Manager

Juni Begum

Assistant Centre Director

Fei Chang

Chef

Robert Varga

Ofsted

Google

5 /5

We couldn’t have hoped for a kinder, more loving, rich and educational first experience of nursery for our lovely girl. We are beyond grateful to you especially for making the transition for us feel so smooth, calm and organised. From the incredibly varied and healthy menu, to the photo updates (that I live for every day while at work!) to the detailed insights into her development. Not to mention the introduction to so many beautiful languages and cultures. We worry we won’t get it as good in Somerset as you’ve set the bar so high! A very special thanks to Miss Khadija, Miss Tamana and Miss Fae and all the other wonderful teachers our daughter now has in toddler room. You all do such a special job loving our children so much!

I was extremely anxious about sending my daughter to nursery but I had no choice as I had to return to work. We have a lot of nurseries close to our home and I visited many of them. Eventually, we chose Busy Bees because what we saw as parents reassured us that our daughter would be happy and safe. I had never left my daughter in anyone’s care before (not even family) so this was a very big step for me. We did have a few hiccups at the nursery, but I always raised any concerns directly with the staff and the nursery manager Rezwana. I was always listened to and never dismissed, which was very important to me. I truly can’t fault the care and love the teachers give my daughter. I feel so at peace when she is there, knowing she is happy and well looked after. We usually pick her up as soon as we finish work, and that time can vary, but every time I’ve arrived I’ve seen the same level of love and care from the teachers. I’ve watched my daughter grow from a quiet, shy baby into a much more confident toddler who loves playing and being around other children. The staff work incredibly hard and it’s not an easy job at all. I know I would never be able to do what they do. So I really want to commend them for the love, hard work and dedication they bring to my daughter’s life, wellbeing and education. Thank you to everyone at Busy Bees Shadwell.

My son loves the nursery! The staff are amazing! They have excellent understanding of how to support my son! And always give lot of cuddles to him! They done my son’s potty training in one week which is extremely impressive!

Opening times

Monday
to Friday

7:30

6:00

Montessori by Busy Bees Shadwell operates Monday to Friday from 7:30 to 6:00 offering full-day care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.

Open 51 weeks a year, Montessori by Busy Bees Shadwell 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.

Find us

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

Rest and Relaxation

Quiet play or nap time.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

Rest and Relaxation

Quiet play or nap time.

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.

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

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

Learn More

Welcome to Montessori by Busy Bees

Welcome to Montessori by Busy Bees

Your nursery in
Shadwell