Business Details
40 Years
experience
Your Trusted Childcare Partner in Bourne
Established in 1986, Busy Bees has grown from a small playgroup into a trusted childcare provider serving children aged 6 weeks to 11 years. Our new 3-acre facility on Meadow Drove in Bourne offers flexible childcare with extended hours from 7:30am to 6pm, catering to shift-working families. We pride ourselves on maintaining a homely environment with highly qualified staff, many of whom have been with us for decades. Our OFSTED-rated 'Good' provision follows the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, ensuring children develop through play while preparing for school transitions.We offer freshly cooked meals accommodating allergies, forest school sessions, and secure outdoor spaces. The management team, led by founder Catherine Taylor and her daughters Laura and Ruth, combines decades of teaching and childcare expertise to deliver exceptional care and education.
Services
Preschool
Day Nursery
Out of School Club
Forest School Sessions
Nutritious Meals
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in early years childcare
- Our staff include qualified teachers with Early Years Professional Status
- OFSTED-rated 'Good' in all areas during our 2024 inspection
- We offer flexible sessions tailored to shift-working families
- Our online learning journeys provide transparent child development tracking
What people say
Knowledgeable staff
Well equipped
Prepared for school
Happy children
Flexible
Services
Preschool
Our preschool caters to children aged 2-5 years, following the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. Qualified teachers deliver play-based learning experiences that develop communication, physical skills, and personal development. The program prepares children for school transitions through structured activities and forest school sessions.
Day Nursery
Offering care for infants from 6 weeks to 5 years, our nursery provides secure play areas, freshly prepared meals, and individualized care plans. Staff with paediatric first aid training ensure safety while promoting development through age-appropriate activities in our 3-acre facility with dedicated baby and toddler rooms.
Out of School Club
The Beehive Club supports children aged 5-11 years with school pick-up services and supervised activities before and after school hours. The program includes homework help, outdoor play, and special events while accommodating shift-working parents' schedules with flexible booking options.
Forest School Sessions
Children engage in nature-based learning experiences that develop resilience and environmental awareness. Qualified instructors lead activities like den-building and nature crafts in our secure outdoor spaces, aligning with educational goals while encouraging physical development and teamwork.
Nutritious Meals
Bourne Catering provides freshly cooked meals meeting all dietary requirements, including allergies and cultural preferences. The menu features varied options to encourage healthy eating habits, with complimentary breakfast and tea for full-time attendees and special dietary accommodations available upon request.
People
Catherine Taylor
Founder
Founded Busy Bees in 1986 as a playgroup, expanding it into a Day Nursery in 2012. Holds Early Years Professional Status and has overseen the business's growth while maintaining family values and educational excellence.
Laura Cuthbertson
Co-Owner & Manager
Qualified teacher with Early Years Professional Status, managing daily operations while teaching Reception at Westfield Academy. Holds specialist training in early years development and paediatric first aid, ensuring educational quality and child safety.
Ruth Lister
Co-Owner & Manager
Former Year 2 teacher with a BA Hons in Primary Education, managing operations alongside Laura. Combines teaching expertise with childcare experience, holding paediatric first aid qualifications and completing specialist early years training programs.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We care for children from 6 weeks to 11 years across our nursery, preschool, and after-school club facilities.
Are meals included in the fees?
Yes, we provide freshly cooked meals from Bourne Catering with options for all dietary requirements and allergies.
What are your operating hours?
We operate Monday to Friday 7:30am-6pm, with flexible sessions accommodating shift patterns and variable working hours.
How do you support school transitions?
We prepare children through structured learning journeys, school visits, and graduation ceremonies marking their educational progression.
Do you accept government childcare funding?
Yes, we accept Tax Free Childcare, 2-year-old funding, and other government-supported childcare schemes with eligibility checks.
What outdoor facilities do you have?
Our 3-acre site includes secure gardens, forest school areas, and dedicated outdoor play spaces for all age groups.