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Welcome to Busy Bees

Welcome to Busy Bees

Your nursery in
Hatching Green

Ofsted
Google
5 /5

8.1

Day Nurseries Score
Parent-room
Parking
Sensory-room

Are you in search of top-notch childcare in Harpenden? Look no further than Busy Bees at Rothamsted Lodge! Our nursery welcomes children from babies through to preschoolers, creating a nurturing environment where every child can learn, develop, and thrive.  

Here at our nursery in Harpenden, our dedicated rooms are tailored to suit each age group, ensuring that every child can develop at a pace that suits them. From babies taking their first steps to preschoolers preparing for the next big adventure, we provide an environment that supports each child's unique journey.  

 

Bee curious curriculum
Book visit Bee Curious Curriculum

Busy Bees
Hatching Green
Nursery Facilities

Conveniently located, our nursery and preschool are a quick 5-minute drive from Harpenden's centre and the M1 at Junction 9, making it ideal for commuting parents. With ample onsite parking, drop-offs and pick-ups are a breeze.  If you prefer public transport, Busy Bees at Rothamsted Lodge has you covered! There is bus stop just a 3-minute walk away at the White Horse serving routes 308 and 357, along with Harpenden train station just a 23-minute walk away. 

Rest assured, our dedicated team goes the extra mile to ensure they make every day an exciting adventure. With a passion for planning and preparing a wide range of activities and supporting your little one every step of the way, your child can unleash their full potential during their time at nursery.  

We truly believe in the magic of the outdoors! With our outdoor garden, children can continue to discover their independence and explore their imagination whilst enjoying the fresh air. 

Additionally, to help keep their minds and bodies active, we offer exciting sports activities in the garden for little ones aged 2-5, along with walks to the countryside.   

If you're looking for a nursery and preschool in Harpenden that provides exceptional childcare and a stimulating environment, Busy Bees at Rothamsted Lodge is the perfect choice for you. 

Interested in learning more about Busy Bees at Rothamsted Lodge? Book a visit today and experience the Busy Bees difference for yourself! 

Special things about Hatching Green

Thoughtfully tailored rooms

Thoughtfully tailored rooms

For each of our nursery's age groups. 

Unique to

Hatching Green

Spacious outdoor garden

Spacious outdoor garden

A space to explore, available to all ages.

Unique to

Hatching Green

Sensory Room

Sensory Room

A calm, controlled space where children can explore and respond to lights and sounds 

Unique to

Hatching Green

A warm welcome

from our Director
- Centre Director

Director

Mollie Suttie

I am pleased to introduce myself as Mollie Suttie, the Center Director at Busy Bees Rothamsted Lodge. 

With over 12 years of experience in the childcare sector, I have had the privilege of gaining extensive knowledge and insight into best practices, which I am eager to share with the team. 

My primary goal is to foster a supportive and collaborative environment where we can all continue to grow and provide the highest standard of care for the children and families we serve. 

Meet the amazing team

Holly Pryor

Assistant Centre Director

Holly Pryor

Reviews

What
Hatching Green
parents say

Ofsted

Ofsted Good

Day Nurseries

8.1

Google

5 /5

My daughter attended for over a year, and she absolutely loved it. Thanks so much to all the staff :-)

SN

24/07/2025

I work here and love it but I feel the fees are too high. If you want to keep staff after they have babies you need to increase their pay as they don’t get paid enough to afford it or make the fees cheaper!

DB

04/03/2024

Opening times

Monday
to Friday

7:15
AM
to
6:30
PM

Busy Bees Hatching Green operates Monday to Friday from 7:15 to 6:30 offering full-day care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.

Open 52 weeks a year, Busy Bees Hatching Green 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 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 Hatching Green

Two bees greeting

Arrival and welcome

from 7:15am

Children arrive from 7:15am 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 6:30pm

Our last available pick up is at 6:30pm.

Two bees greeting

Arrival and welcome

from 7:15am

Children arrive from 7:15am 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 6:30pm

Our last available pick up is at 6:30pm.

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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Book now or call 0330 333 813