Photo 0
Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Photo 4
Photo 5
Photo 6
Photo 7
Photo 8
Photo 9

Welcome to Busy Bees

Welcome to Busy Bees

Your nursery in
Sunderland, Doxford

Ofsted
Google
5 /5

9.9

Day Nurseries Score
Buggy-storage
Parent-room
Parking

At Busy Bees Sunderland Doxford Park, we provide a welcoming environment where children can learn, explore and grow in confidence. Located at Doxford International Business Park, we offer care for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, with spaces designed around each stage of their development.

Our dedicated team create fun and engaging experiences that encourage children to follow their interests, build independence and develop key skills through play. The Bee Curious Curriculum helps bring learning to life while supporting children as they prepare for their next steps.

Bee curious curriculum
Book visit Bee Curious Curriculum

Busy Bees
Sunderland, Doxford
Nursery Facilities

Our nursery has three rooms, each tailored to a different age group, with a range of engaging resources and activities to support learning and development. Children can enjoy creative, sensory and imaginative play indoors, alongside plenty of opportunities to explore our outdoor space.

Families can also stay connected through the Busy Bees App, receiving updates about their child’s day and their progress while at nursery.

Located within Doxford International Business Park, our nursery is particularly convenient for families living nearby or working on the business park. Its setting makes drop-offs and collections easy for busy working families, while providing a welcoming environment away from the hustle and bustle of the working day.

We’d love to welcome you and your family to Busy Bees Sunderland Doxford Park. Book a visit to explore our nursery, meet our friendly team and discover what we have to offer.

Special things about Sunderland, Doxford

Long-standing staff team

Long-standing staff team

Experienced educators providing familiar faces and continuity.

Unique to

Sunderland, Doxford

Extra-curricular activities

Extra-curricular activities

Including Football, Zoo Lab, local outings and preschool try-outs.

Unique to

Sunderland, Doxford

Sensory room

Sensory room

A calming space for sensory exploration, discovery and regulation.

Unique to

Sunderland, Doxford

Teacher-led learning

Teacher-led learning

Qualified educators, including three NCFE Level 3 SENCOs, supporting every child’s development.

Unique to

Sunderland, Doxford

A warm welcome

from our Director
- Centre Director

Director

Natalie Moore

My name is Natalie Moore and I was appointed Centre Director at Busy Bees Sunderland Doxford on 1st October 2020.

I have 12+ years childcare experience in a range of Early Years settings from nannying, nurseries and over seas. I have previously worked for Kids 1st (Part of the Busy Bees Family) for six years before transitioning to Busy Bees in October 2020 to take the next step in my career.

I hold a Level 3 Childcare Qualification as well as a Level 5 in Leadership and Management. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and my two sausage dogs Buddy and Polly.

Meet the amazing team

Caroline Thomson

Deputy Assistant Centre Director

Caroline Thomson

Lisa Wallbank

Assistant Centre Director

Lisa Wallbank

Gemma Harding

Room Manager

Gemma Harding

Reviews

What
Sunderland, Doxford
parents say

Ofsted

Ofsted Good

Day Nurseries

9.9

Google

5 /5

The staff at busy bee's Doxford Park have been so welcoming and absolutely amazing with my baby girl. She's been there 6 months and she adores the staff in her room, she is excited for every day she goes in and the updates are great. The staff are so caring and notice a lot with every child. Its a great place.

S

15/09/2025

Amazing staff, so friendly, warming and welcoming. Take great care of our little one. The nursery is very clean and tidy and our little one absolutely loves going.

SS

22/07/2025

Opening times

Monday
to Friday

7:30
AM
to
6:00
PM

Busy Bees Sunderland, Doxford 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 Sunderland, Doxford 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 Sunderland, Doxford

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
undefined undefined undefined undefined undefined undefined undefined undefined undefinedundefined undefined undefinedundefined undefined
Book now or call 0330 333 813