Welcome to Busy Bees

Your nursery in
Preston, Ashton House

5 /5

Looking for expert-led childcare in Ashton-On-Ribble? We’ve got you.

Busy Bees Ashton House is a safe, stimulating environment housed in a spacious Grade 2 listed manor house, packed with fun things for your child to see and do.

Book visit Bee curious curriculum

Book visit Bee Curious Curriculum

Busy Bees
Preston, Ashton House
Nursery Facilities

At Busy Bees Ashton House, we’ll help your child develop their confidence and realise their potential, supporting them as they engage with a variety of topics designed to prepare them for full-time education.

Whether they’re discovering the magic of books, expressing themselves creatively, or getting to grips with basic numeracy, your little one will take their first steps on a lifelong learning journey, supported by friendly, passionate staff.

Nestled in the picturesque grounds of Ashton Park, Busy Bees Ashton House is divided into 8 spacious classrooms, each fully-equipped with a variety of toys, books and crafting materials, so your little one will be spoilt for choice when it comes to activities.

Each classroom has an individual garden space, perfect for getting a daily dose of exercise and exploring the natural world.

You'll find us in the grounds of Ashton House, a 5-minute drive from the centre of Ashton-on-Ribble, just off Peddlars Lane and backing directly onto Ashton Park. Arriving by car? We've got ample on-site parking, making drop-offs and pick-ups a breeze. Arriving by public transport? We're a 15-minute walk from Ashton-on-Ribble train station.

Want to see our homely nursery in Preston for yourself? Book your visit today. Our friendly team will be happy to show you (and your little one!) around and answer any questions you may have.

Special things about Preston, Ashton House

Historic manor house

An 1800s Grade II listed building full of character.

Long-serving team

Experienced educators providing familiar faces and continuity.

Ashton Park setting

Spacious gardens surrounded by nature and wildlife.

Healthy Heroes

Supporting healthy smiles through toothbrushing initiative.

A warm welcome

from our Director

Director

Laura Wood

Hello, my name is Laura Wood and I am the Centre Director here at Busy Bees at Ashton House.

Here at our centre, we create a warm, welcoming environment where children feel secure, valued and at home. Our team provides a variety of engaging experiences throughout the day, giving children the freedom to explore, play and discover while developing their confidence and independence.

We also place a strong focus on working in partnership with families, sharing in children's progress and creating a supportive nursery community.

I look forward to welcoming you and your child and sharing in the exciting first steps of their learning journey.

Google

5 /5

The staff are wonderful, my little boy loves going to nursery

My daughter lives it here it is a little far for us but I would rather her be happy as we moved house, but the staff are amazing and my daughter loves it here, I would highly recommend

Opening times

Monday
to Friday

7:30

6:00

Busy Bees Preston, Ashton House 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 Preston, Ashton House 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 Busy Bees App.

Learn More

Welcome to Busy Bees

Welcome to Busy Bees

Your nursery in
Preston, Ashton House

Busy Bees
Preston, Ashton House
Nursery Facilities