Busy Bees Day Nursery at Mardley Hill
OutstandingBirth to 5Open for decades
A day nursery in Welwyn for children from birth to 5, open 07:30 to 18:30, 5 days a week. They do not publish prices, so that is the first thing to ask. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in February 2022. Open since 1997, with 46 places.
What you might pay
This setting does not publish its fees, and no national dataset holds them. This is what childcare costs across the council, as a starting point for the call.
What childcare usually costs in Hertfordshire
This is not this setting's price. It is the median hourly fee across all providers in Hertfordshire from the Department for Education's 2025 provider survey. No national data holds what an individual nursery charges, so ring and ask.
Places, hours and the day
Who they take, when they are open, and what a day there includes.
Where it is
AL6 0UEWhat the inspector found
One grade is one visit. A run of them tells you whether it has been good for years or has only just got there.
Ofsted inspector, 22 February 2022 · read the full report
What it is like to attend
Children arrive eager and motivated for the day. They start to explore the 'table of interest' as nurturing staff greet them. Babies practise their growing physical skills as they explore the calm, inviting space. Children demonstrate excellent independence skills and confidence. They play in the woodland area of the garden, discover bugs and enjoy a parachute game with staff. Children are focused and engaged in the activities they choose, and those led by staff. They receive consistent support from staff that helps to engage them in thought-provoking conversations. For instance, when older children play with the toy cars, the staff ask what the transport of the future might be. This ignites their curiosity and imagination, as children enthuse about flying cars. Younger children enjoy reading a book about a caterpillar. Staff explain the difference between the chrysalis, as the life form, and the cocoon, as the home around the caterpillar.
The entire staff team has the highest expectations for all children. They ensure that no child is left behind. This is particularly significant for children with additional needs and/or disabilities. Children's behaviour is exemplary. They have a clear understanding of what is expected of them, interact with each other with kindness and are sensitive to each other's needs. For example, children recognise when their friends look upset.
- 22 February 2022Outstanding
- 27 October 2014Outstanding
- 27 January 2009Outstanding
Rated Good or Outstanding at 3 of the last 3 graded inspections.
Still missing for Busy Bees Day Nursery at Mardley Hill
- What it costs
- Funded hours
- Youngest age taken
- Meals
- Nappies
- Waiting list
No dataset holds any of this. Two parents telling us the same thing puts it on the page for whoever looks next.
What to ask them
None of this is in any national dataset and this setting has not published it, which is exactly why it is worth asking.
- What does it cost, all in? What is on top: meals, nappies, late pick-up, and what happens if you are late.
- Can I use my funded hours here? Whether they stretch them over the year, and the minimum days you have to book.
- Is there a place for my child's age? Baby rooms fill first and waiting lists are common.
- Who would my child's key person be? And how long have the staff been there. No dataset holds this and it matters more than anything above.
- Can I visit at a busy time? Mid-morning on a weekday tells you far more than an empty room after hours.
Day nurseries within a couple of miles
This one is first. Tick it and one or two others to see them side by side.