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Welcome to Busy Bees

Welcome to Busy Bees

Your nursery in
Northampton, Riverside

Ofsted
Google
5 /5

8.6

Day Nurseries Score

Our bright and airy nursery in Northampton has a warm and welcoming vibe for both parents and children. With our huge range of exciting resources and activities for children to discover, there is never a dull moment at Busy Bees Riverside nursery.  

Our highly trained team of nursery staff prepare resources through our Bee Curious curriculum, in line with the EYFS framework, which encourages learning and development in a fun and stimulating way. Whether your child enjoys reading, painting, or playing outside, there is something for everyone at our day nursery in Northampton. 

Busy Bees
Northampton, Riverside
Nursery Facilities

Our nursery in Northampton is easily accessible off the A45 or the A43, and is located approximately a 10-minute drive from the centre of town. The nearest rail links are around a 13-minute drive from the nursery. We offer onsite car parking for easy collection and drop off, and secure access around the building for the safety of the children and staff.  

Communication is key between parents and staff, so we ensure that there are regular updates given verbally, either at collection or drop off, in our comfortable parent room, or digitally via the Busy Bees app. We understand that leaving your child in the care of someone else can be an emotional experience, which is why we want to make sure that you and your child feel happy and comfortable at Busy Bees Riverside.  

Learn more about the facilities we have on offer, and book a visit. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Busy Bees family!  

Special things about Northampton, Riverside

Thoughtfully tailored rooms

Thoughtfully tailored rooms

For each of our nursery's age groups. 

Conveniently located

Conveniently located

Easy access to transport links

Long-standing staff team

Long-standing staff team

Creating a home-from-home atmosphere. 

Nursery Library

Nursery Library

For children to borrow books to take home to enjoy

A warm welcome

from our Director
 - Centre Director

Director

Mia Cole

Hi my name is Mia and I am the Centre Director here at Busy Bees in Northampton Riverside.

I've been working with children and in the Early Years for over 20 years. I began working with Busy Bees in 2001 and have been managing nurseries for over 16 Years.

As a Centre Director I have the opportunity along with the fantastic staff here to support many children and parents through their nursery experience. Along with my many years of experience I hold an accredited Level 2 and 3 in Childcare and a Level 4 in Leadership and Management, I continue to further my studies and I am currently completing an operational management course.

I have a school aged daughter Amelia who attended Busy Bees from 4 months old. Amelia has since moved on to school and the time she spent at nursery really shows through on her development. She always enjoyed her time at nursery and still would rather be here than at school. I take a wholehearted approach to my role as Centre Director and progressing the children's development in my care. As a team at Riverside we create fantastic opportunities for children to learn and grow.

 

 

 

Meet the amazing team

Emma Tuson

Assistant Centre Director

Emma Tuson

Harriet Lewis

Room Manager

Harriet Lewis

Hollie Smith

Senior Room Manager

Hollie Smith

Reviews

What
Northampton, Riverside
parents say

My son is registered to this nursery since he was 7 months old and since then this was one of the best decisions I have made( he is 4 now). He is enjoying every day at the nursery and the amount of knowledge he had gained since being there is unbelievable. All staff is lovely, helpful and polite, Harriet, Holly and Mihaela are the teachers my son always remember every time when we are away. The manager Mia is lovely, she will discuss with you if there's anything to be explained by taking enough time for each question. Recommend this nursery.

From the moment I met the team I knew this was the nursery for our family. I had 2 under 2 and was looking to go back to work, it was very emotional for me but the team were lovely and comforting when I looked around the nursery and it helped me to feel more comfortable with my decision. I have been so impressed with the team and the genuine care I have witnessed towards my children. They know them so well and I have so much trust in their care. Our communication has been open and I receive regular updates. I have also received so much support with developmental concerns. I can go to work feeling that my children are not only safe but they are cared for and nurtured by some wonderful people. I only have good things to say - I feel lucky to have found a place like this.

Opening times

Monday
to Friday

7:30
AM
to
6:00
PM

Busy Bees Northampton, Riverside 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 Northampton, Riverside 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 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.

explore a day at busy bees

A day in the life at Busy Bees Northampton, Riverside

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.

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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