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Welcome to Busy Bees

Welcome to Busy Bees

Your nursery in
Derby, Silvertrees

Ofsted
Google
4 /5

9.9

Day Nurseries Score
Buggy-storage
Outdoor-facilities
Parking

Are you looking for a nursery in Derby where your child will be fully supported throughout each stage of their development?

Then Busy Bees Derby Silvertrees could be the perfect option for you, as the highly qualified team go above and beyond to provide every child with the best start in life. 

Bee curious curriculum
Book visit Bee Curious Curriculum

Busy Bees
Derby, Silvertrees
Nursery Facilities

Inside our bright and airy rooms, children are inspired and engaged with a wide range of fun-filled activities and learning resources tailored to their needs and interests. From reading corners to creative play areas, each child's curiosity and imagination are sparked. 

The excitement continues outdoors in our large garden, featuring a wooden adventure play area where children can play and explore safely under supervision. Additionally, our sheltered area encourages outdoor learning and hands-on experiences with nature. 

Rest assured, there is never a dull day at our nursery in Derby, with endless opportunities for children to unleash their full potential. 

Located in the heart of Derby on Ashbourne Road, Busy Bees Derby Silvertrees is conveniently situated just a 5-minute drive from the City Centre. For families commuting, the A38 is a mere 3-minute drive away, and we provide onsite parking for hassle-free collections and drop-offs.

Arriving via public transport? There is a bus stop just outside the nursery on Merchant Street, serving routes SW, U2 unibus and X52.

For quality childcare and preschool education in Derby, look no further. Book a visit today and our friendly team will look forward to welcoming you.   

 

Special things about Derby, Silvertrees

Long-standing staff team

Long-standing staff team

Experienced educators providing familiar faces and continuity.

Unique to

Derby, Silvertrees

Strong parent partnerships

Strong parent partnerships

 A dedicated parent room to connect and support families.

Unique to

Derby, Silvertrees

Convenient location

Convenient location

Close to the town centre with easy access to main roads.

Unique to

Derby, Silvertrees

City Smiles programme

City Smiles programme

Supporting children’s oral health and wellbeing.

Unique to

Derby, Silvertrees

A warm welcome

from our Director
- Centre Director

Director

Emma Dawkins

Hello, my name is Emma Dawkins and I am the Centre Director here at Busy Bees Derby Silvertrees.

I have been part of the Silvertrees team since 2014, progressing from a relief member of the team through to Room Leader, Senior and Deputy before becoming Centre Director in 2020. I have loved developing my career within Busy Bees and supporting our nursery community along the way.

Here at our centre, strong relationships with families are at the heart of what we do. As a parent myself, I understand how important it is to feel involved and informed, and our team works closely with families to create a welcoming and supportive nursery community.

We also place a strong focus on high-quality teaching and learning, supporting our team to develop their knowledge and skills so that children have the best possible start in life.

I look forward to welcoming you and your child and sharing in their exciting early years journey.

Meet the amazing team

Katie Sandle

Assistant Centre Director

Katie Sandle

Chloe Brown

Senior Early Years Educator

Chloe Brown

Reviews

What
Derby, Silvertrees
parents say

Ofsted

Ofsted Good

Day Nurseries

9.9

Google

4 /5

Staff are amazing there so easy to talk to but their so good with my daughter. There loving caring kind and very skilled

VA

09/03/2026

My little boy has been going here for 6 months now and has loved every day. He always comes out with a big smile

KM

22/09/2025

Opening times

Monday
to Friday

7:30
AM
to
6:00
PM

Busy Bees Derby, Silvertrees 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 Derby, Silvertrees 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 Derby, Silvertrees

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.

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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