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Welcome to Busy Bees

Welcome to Busy Bees

Your nursery in
Harrogate, South Drive

Ofsted
Google
5 /5

9.9

Day Nurseries Score

At Busy Bees Harrogate South Drive, we provide a safe and welcoming environment where children can learn, play and grow in confidence. Our caring team create engaging experiences that support children’s development and encourage them to explore their interests.

From outdoor exploration and supervised safe-risk play to creative activities and nutritious meals prepared fresh on-site, there’s plenty for children to enjoy throughout their nursery day.

Busy Bees
Harrogate, South Drive
Nursery Facilities

Our nursery offers a range of carefully planned activities and age-appropriate resources, with learning woven naturally into everyday play. Following the Bee Curious Curriculum, our team provide experiences that encourage children to develop key skills while having fun and building their confidence.

Children can enjoy opportunities to explore outdoors, take on new challenges and develop their independence in a safe and supportive environment. Our fresh, nutritious meals are also prepared on-site for children to enjoy throughout the day.

Located on South Drive, just off the A61, our nursery is a short drive from Harrogate town centre and conveniently positioned for families in the surrounding area. We also have secure access to the nursery, helping provide a safe environment for children, families and staff.

For families travelling by train, Hornbeam Park station is approximately an 11-minute walk away, while Harrogate Station is around a 14-minute walk from the nursery.

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

Special things about Harrogate, South Drive

Small, homely setting

Small, homely setting

A welcoming nursery with a strong family feel.

Convenient location

Convenient location

Close to local travel connections.

Long-standing management

Long-standing management

Experienced leaders providing continuity and stability.

A warm welcome

from our Director
 - Centre Director

Director

Samantha Percival

Hello, my name is Samantha Percival and I am the Centre Director here at Busy Bees at Harrogate South Drive.

I started working at Busy Bees in 2009, completing my NVQ, in 2010 I started my family and re-joined after my maternity leave at Busy Bees South Drive.

I worked hard to develop my career here progressing to Room Lead, Senior Room Lead then Assistant Centre Director. I was asked to step into the Centre Director role in February 2025 officially securing the role in March 2025. I have a strong passion in providing a safe, homely feeling nursery whilst still offering the best opportunities for children in our care. After spending many years as support SEND I have a big interest in supporting families and children that have SEND needs and thoroughly enjoy watching all children develop and grow into young children ready for their big move to school. 

Having my own family really allows me to ensure the care provided is what you would look for as a parent and really understand and support families to settle into nursery life. Having worked with Under 5's for over 15 years I have a great knowledge of child development and love that Busy Bees gives me the opportunities and support to enable great outcomes for all children 
 

Reviews

What
Harrogate, South Drive
parents say

We have recently joined a busy bees after moving from another childcare provider…. It’s been the best decision we have made, they are so kind caring and thoughtful with everything that is done. Our little girl is thriving

Outstanding Care and Learning at Busy Bees South Drive! We couldn’t be more impressed with the exceptional care and nurturing environment at Busy Bees at South Drive. From the moment we enrolled, it was clear that this nursery is more than just a childcare setting — it’s a place where children are truly celebrated, supported, and inspired. The team is warm, professional, and incredibly attentive, with a genuine passion for early years development. A special mention must go to Amy, whose kindness, creativity, and dedication shine through every day. She has built such a strong bond with our child, helping them grow in confidence and curiosity. Her ability to make each child feel seen and valued is truly remarkable. The nursery itself could do with a light renovation, but is safe, and full of engaging resources. Activities are thoughtfully planned to spark imagination and encourage learning through play — from sensory exploration and outdoor adventures to early literacy and social skills. Every day brings something new and exciting, and our child comes home full of stories and smiles. Communication with parents is excellent. We receive regular updates, photos, and insights into our child’s progress, which makes us feel involved and reassured. It’s clear that the staff take pride in their work and care deeply about each child’s journey. We’re so grateful to have found Busy Bees South Drive. It’s a place where children flourish, friendships blossom, and parents feel confident their little ones are in the very best hands. Highly recommended!

My son started at South drive in September and I cannot fault the girls there! They have put mine and my partners worries at ease about starting nursery. He goes in so happy in the morning and talks about the girls all the time. The manager, Samantha has been brilliant in supporting me and my partner understand things like funding etc! I would recommend South drive to any parents or expecting parents!

Opening times

Monday
to Friday

8:00
AM
to
6:00
PM

Busy Bees Harrogate, South 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 Harrogate, South 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

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 Busy Bees Harrogate, South 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.

Track Progress

Our mobile App

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

Learn More
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Book now or call 0330 333 813