Busy Bees at Lightwater

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Reviews

1. Chris Henson ★★☆☆☆

   My honest experience and review of Busy Bees – Lightwater Unbeknownst to me, my twins were enrolled into Busy Bees in Lightwater by my ex-partner — something I only discovered when driving past one day, as my children pointed out that it was their “school.” Over the course of two months, my twins sustained a few grazed knees and bruised elbows while running around and playing at the park in my care, as children do. My ex’s solicitor wrote to me questioning these injuries, as apparently their childcare provider had asked how they had been sustained. I replied providing the details, but explaining that, as a parent with full parental responsibility, the childcare provider should hold my contact details and therefore be able to contact me directly with such concerns. I also asked that, if they did not already have them, my full details — including name, phone number, and home address — be added to their children’s record. Having spoken to two of my customers who operate local nurseries (albeit owner-operated rather than franchises like Busy Bees), I was advised that as a parent with PR, and in the absence of any court order forbidding it, I am entitled to receive information regarding my children’s care and to have my details listed as an emergency contact, irrespective of who pays for their childcare. At the same time as sending the reply letter to my ex-partner's solicitor, I attended the nursery in person on Thursday 13th February 2025 and spoke to, whom I believe to be, their deputy manager Leah O’Toole. I explained how the injuries had occurred and asked that my contact details be added to their system. I provided Leah with my contact details and was assured that I would be contacted by their manager, Chloe, within the coming days to discuss this further. A few days elapsed with no contact, so I phoned on Monday 17th February and spoke with Leah once again, she then passed me through, and I spoke directly with Chloe. We had a pleasant conversation in which I explained the situation with my ex. Chloe told me that the nursery had never been made aware of me or my relationship with the children, and that given there are no court orders in place preventing me from receiving information, and that I hold full parental responsibility, this kind of behaviour was unacceptable by my ex-partner, and so what I was asking should not be a problem. She did explain that she had a meeting arranged with my ex-partner on Wednesday 19th February and that, pending the outcome, short of my ex producing a court order preventing my having access to the twins, she would call me back afterwards to discuss next steps, or at least to acknowledge as to why I couldn’t. A few more days elapsed, and still having heard nothing, I called the nursery again on Friday 21st February. The phone was answered by, whom I believe to be, Leah once again. After identifying myself and asking to speak to Chloe regarding our previous conversation, Leah curtly informed me that they could not give me any information, instructed me not to call again, refused to put me through to Chloe, and essentially hung up the phone. Given the poor attitude of the nursery, there seemed little point in pursuing the matter directly with them, so I contacted head office. I spoke with someone who explained that they would log my complaint and pass it on to the area manager responsible for that nursery. Approximately a week later, having still received no reply, I contacted head office again. The customer service assistant once more logged my complaint and said they would ask the area manager covering that branch to contact me — which, of course, never happened. I eventually resigned myself to the fact that Busy Bees were refusing to deal with me, as unacceptable as this is. I have chosen to give two stars, rather than one, because my children thoroughly enjoyed attending the nursery and always told me how much they liked it and how nice the staff were. Unfortunately, the service I personally received was far less satisfactory.

   almost 6 months ago
2. Raddis Dev ★☆☆☆☆

   As a worried mother who's son attended this nursery setting, I would advise parents to really think twice before sending their kids here. On several occasions parents were made to come back from their jobs not long after dropping them off, in some cases miles away be a Management had miss calculated hours available for the term. Try another busy bees!!

   almost 6 months ago
3. Jennifer Lovell ★★★★★

   A wonderful nursery! Our son loves the place, the staff, other children, the food. We get updates all day that he's there. We put him in another Busy Bees when we moved because it was so lovely and we knew what we were getting. The activities are always fun and engaging and educational and when the weather is warmer they're always going outside to play.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Amy Wells ★★★★★

   This nursery feels like an extended part of our family. Our eldest son has been at Major Minors for almost two years (from 9 months old) and nursery days are, honestly, his favourite days. Every member of staff oozes care, love and enthusiasm, which is what we look for in those that take care of our children, at such a young age. We believe that early education sets the foundation for all future learning and when a child experiences success, they continue to want to learn. The variety of opportunities for success given to our son, at this nursery, have ensured he is always ready and keen to engage in activities with other children (or adults) or independently. We can’t thank, or recommend, Emma and her team enough! We look forward to starting our journey with Major Minors again, with our youngest son, in September.

   almost 4 years ago
2. Zara gosling ★★★★★

   An amazing nursery and an amazing team! My eldest daughter came here from the age of 8 and half months and is now off to school. She has absolutely loved her time at nursery from the staff yo the wonderful activities that are carried out. My youngest still attends and also loves her time here and has a great relationship with all the staff. The nursery management and team always keep you updated of any important information or any events coming up! Hoping and looking to send baby number 3 here too as we love the nursery and everyone so much. Thank you. Highly recommend.

   almost 5 years ago
3. Bobbie Coles ★★★★★

   My daughter attended this nursery for 2 years and I’m very happy with the quality of care and support the team provided her and my family. The team respect the company values and aims providing great quality of care. My daughter had a great connection with all the staff and enjoyed her time there. The team have been great through out the pandemic, balancing the new rules and still being able to provided the highest of care to the children. A highly recommended nursery. The manager Emma Crowley runs the nursery with great pride and drives her team amazingly, would never have found a better manager then her.

   almost 5 years ago

1. Katie Davies ★★★★★

   This is an amazing nursery. My son has been going since January and he absolutely loves it. The staff are all so friendly and caring, and they really pay attention to the individual needs of the child. No ask is ever too much for them. The outdoor space is great and they spend alot of time outside which is something I love about the nursery. They also do lots of different activities such as painting and creative play. They dealt with the recent shutdown exceptionally well, and I have complete confidence in all the measures they have put in place since reopening, always prioritising both the needs of the children and the necessary safety measures.

   almost 5 years ago

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