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Welcome to Busy Bees

Welcome to Busy Bees

Your nursery in
Preston Hospital

Ofsted

9.7

Day Nurseries Score
Buggy-storage
Outdoor-facilities
Teacher

Discover a nurturing space packed with exciting activities designed to spark your little one’s curiosity at Busy Bees Preston Hospital, our purpose-designed nursery located in the grounds of Preston Hospital.

Our caring team create a welcoming environment where children can learn, explore and grow through a mix of supervised free play and structured activities. Led by Centre Director Sarah Welburn, who brings over 15 years of experience, we’re passionate about helping every child develop the skills and confidence they need for their next steps.

Bee curious curriculum
Book visit Bee Curious Curriculum

Busy Bees
Preston Hospital
Nursery Facilities

Our nursery provides a variety of engaging spaces where children can follow their interests, from cosy reading corners and creative craft activities to imaginative role play. We offer a balance of child-led and structured experiences, supporting children as they develop important skills in literacy, numeracy, art and design.

Located in the grounds of Preston Hospital, our nursery is conveniently situated just off the A6, with easy access to the M6 and M55. We’re also well connected by public transport, with Preston train station just under four miles away and local bus routes including the 43, 45, 49 and 125 serving the area.

For families arriving on foot or by public transport, we also have a handy buggy store where prams and pushchairs can be safely stored during your child’s session.

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

Special things about Preston Hospital

Welcoming baby room

Welcoming baby room

An inviting, nurturing space for babies to thrive.

Unique to

Preston Hospital

Small, friendly nursery

Small, friendly nursery

A close-knit setting with a strong family feel.

Unique to

Preston Hospital

Dedicated team

Dedicated team

Caring educators who know each child and family well.

Unique to

Preston Hospital

A warm welcome

from our Director
- Centre Director

Director

Sarah Welburn

Hello, my name is Sarah Welburn and I am the Centre Director here at Busy Bees Royal Preston Hospital.

I have worked in childcare since 2009 and have progressed my career with Busy Bees, gaining a Foundation Degree in Childcare and Education as well as a Business Diploma. With a strong commitment to Early Years, I am dedicated to creating an environment where children feel happy, supported and encouraged to thrive.

Here at our centre, we focus on providing high-quality care and learning experiences for children and their families, while supporting our team with training and professional development.

Outside of nursery, I enjoy spending time with my two daughters, going on adventures and exploring the world around us.

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

Meet the amazing team

Caitlyn Iddon

Assistant Centre Director

Caitlyn Iddon

Reviews

What
Preston Hospital
parents say

Ofsted

Ofsted Good

Day Nurseries

9.7

My twins have been at busy bee now for 2 years and they absolutely have loved it. They have come on so much and developed so much confidence in themselves and making friends. They adore their teachers especially holly claire and Sophie. My little boy was upset the thought of them not going to his reception to be his new teacher. I can’t thank you all enough for what you have all done for them and how you have got them ready for their next step. Thankyou all so much and would recommend this nursery to everybody.

AA

28/05/2026

The staffs are so friendly with kids and parents that it feels really safe.

JM

18/07/2025

Opening times

Monday
to Friday

8:00
AM
to
6:00
PM

Busy Bees Preston Hospital 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 Preston Hospital 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 Preston Hospital

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.

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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