Welcome to Busy Bees

Your nursery in
Maidstone Oakwood

Ofsted Rated

STRONG

for Inclusion & Leadership.

5 /5

Nestled in a peaceful housing estate, Busy Bees Maidstone Oakwood is a spacious, captivating environment, packed with exciting things for your little one to see and do.

Whether they’re feeding their inner artist at a craft table, discovering the magic of books in a cosy reading corner, or exploring our super-spacious outdoor play area, your little one will always find something to discover and do.

Book visit Bee curious curriculum

Book visit Bee Curious Curriculum

Busy Bees
Maidstone Oakwood
Nursery Facilities

Welcome to Busy Bees in Maidstone Oakwood!

Our mission is to support your little one’s growth into a confident, independent learner, and they’ll be assigned a keyperson who’ll keep an eye on their progress and offer a little extra encouragement whenever it’s needed.

We cater to children from babies to preschoolers, each with dedicated rooms packed with stimulating activities, designed to support their development and bring them joy.

You'll find us in the Oakwood area of Maidstone, just a 10-minute drive from Maidstone town centre, with easy access from the A20 and M20.

Arriving by car? We've got convenient on-site parking for safe and stress-free drop-offs and pick-ups.

Arriving by public transport? No problem. We're served by several local bus routes, including the 3, 5, 6, 7 and 9.

Want to see Busy Bees Maidstone Oakwood for yourself? Book a visit today. Heather and the team will be happy to show you around and answer any questions you may have.

Special things about Maidstone Oakwood

Large outdoor spaces

For your child to explore the garden.

Thoughtfully tailored rooms

For each of our nursery's age groups.

A warm welcome

from our Director

Director

Heather Dodds

Hello, I am Heather and the Centre Director here at Busy Bees Maidstone Oakwood nursery.

I have been part of the Busy Bees family since 1998. I have lived in Maidstone all my life and have 3 children who have all attended the nursery. I hold a BTEC diploma in childhood studies and a Level 5 lead practitioner qualification.

As a Centre Director, I support my team however required in order to provide the highest quality of care that we can for the children in our care. We appreciate that leaving your children with other people is not easy but we will aim make the time they spend with us a happy memory and give your child the best start in life. We look forward to welcoming you and showing you around our fantastic childcare setting.

Meet the amazing team

Assistant Centre Director

Alice Bentley

Senior Room Manager

Claire Crayford

Chef

Roger Cornwell

Download the report

Google

5 /5

My daughter has progressed so much since being at busy bees. I can not thank the staff enough for all they do for her and the other children. My daughter is so happy going in and learning so much

Busy bees are fantastic, I recommend them to all my friends with little ones looking for a nursery! My son’s key worker at Oakwood Maidstone Busy Bees is great! Her and all the staff there are wonderful!

My son has been attending since he was 9 months old, and now that he's started school this year, I can't emphasize enough how well-prepared he was for this new chapter. I am incredibly grateful to the amazing staff for their dedication throughout these three years. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking to give their little one the best possible start in life. Thank you!

Opening times

Monday
to Friday

8:00

6:00

Busy Bees Maidstone Oakwood 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 Maidstone Oakwood 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 8:00am 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 8:00am 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.

Extra Services

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 Busy Bees App.

Learn More

Welcome to Busy Bees

Welcome to Busy Bees

Your nursery in
Maidstone Oakwood