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Welcome to Busy Bees

Welcome to Busy Bees

Your nursery in
Chester

Google
5 /5

9.8

Day Nurseries Score
Parking
Sensory-room
Teacher

Looking to find exceptional childcare in Chester?

Busy Bees Chester Hopscotch offers a warm, welcoming environment - one in which your child can learn, make new friends, and have lots of fun along the way. We're based on the outskirts of Chester in a large nursery that provides plenty of space for the children.

Bee curious curriculum
Book visit Bee Curious Curriculum

Busy Bees
Chester
Nursery Facilities

At Busy Bees Chester, there are multiple childcare rooms, all decorated in soft, soothing colours, and well equipped with great resources. The children will be able to make discoveries at the investigation station, unleash their creativity at the art tables, and lots more. Our team is always organising new activities, so the children can stay engaged and involved throughout the day.

With secure garden space at the back of the nursery, we encourage the children to go and have fun outdoors. Equipped with an obstacle course, it allows them to take risks and challenge themselves in a safe, supervised environment.

We recognise all that excitement and adventure makes for hungry work. But don't worry, we've got it covered. We have an on-site chef who prepares delicious snacks, meals, and drinks from our NHS-accredited menu. Your child will also have access to free nappies and wipes, should they need it, as part of your nursery fees.

The learning and development of your child is at the heart of everything we do at our Hopscotch nursery in Chester. We have an on-site, fully qualified teacher who follows the Bee Curious curriculum. 

We're situated about a mile and a half from Chester city centre and a mile and a half from the Blacon council estate. If you're visiting us by car, follow the A540 - you'll find us on Parkgate Road. You can also reach us by bus. The Parkgate Road bus stop is just a five-minute walk away - it's served by the 22 route. Dropping off and picking up your children is safe and convenient. Our on-site car park provides plenty of parking space for parents out of the way of the busy main road.

Book your visit to come and meet our team and see our wonderful facilities.

Special things about Chester

Long-standing staff team

Long-standing staff team

Creating a home-from-home atmosphere. 

Unique to

Chester

Spacious outdoor area

Spacious outdoor area

For all children to enjoy and explore.

Unique to

Chester

Conveniently located

Conveniently located

With transport links to wirral, liverpool, wales and chester. 

Unique to

Chester

A warm welcome

from our Director
- Centre Director

Director

Sofia Kokla

Hello I’m Sofia and I am the Centre Director at Busy Bees Chester Hopscotch. 

I have worked for Busy Bees since 2014 and have been in the childcare sector for almost 15 years.  I look forward to welcoming new families and showing you around our outstanding nursery in Chester.  

The best part of my job is meeting new families and supporting them transition into our nursery and observe children learn and develop to the best of their potential.
Here in Chester, our team is extremely passionate about our nursery and the children who attend and we are committed to providing quality childcare to the parents and children who use the setting.

Meet the amazing team

Katie Prince

Senior Room Manager

Katie Prince

Sue Stockton

Assistant Centre Director

Sue Stockton

Jane Roberts

Senior Room Manager

Jane Roberts

Reviews

What
Chester
parents say

Day Nurseries

9.8

Google

5 /5

Just lately , iv'e had quite a few items of clothing altered , and badges sewn on bags , and buttons sewn on - all kinds of general repair and alterations : Joy is a lovely person , and her work is professional , and EXACTLY what you ask for . A well deserved 5 stars !

MP

19/05/2023

Very well run nursery. Great outdoor space & clean. Staff are amazing! They form lovely bonds with our children & regularly update us on how they are getting on throughout the day.

DR

11/05/2023

Opening times

Monday
to Friday

7:30
AM
to
6:00
PM

Busy Bees Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester

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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