Business Details
22 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare and Early Education in Bungay
Beehive Day Nursery was established in September 2004 in Bungay, Suffolk, to address the need for quality childcare following the closure of the local daycare. We are a privately owned nursery registered with OfSTED and Suffolk County Council, offering high standards of care and education for children aged 0 - 5 years. Our purpose-built facility, relocated to Rose Lane in 2011, features dedicated rooms for different age groups, a large garden, and a nurturing environment designed to foster learning through play. Our team, many of whom have been with us since our founding, holds qualifications ranging from Level 3 childcare diplomas to graduate and postgraduate degrees, ensuring expertise in early years education.We prioritize partnerships with parents, recognizing their role as a childs first educators, and maintain a commitment to continuous professional development. Our approach emphasizes safety, creativity, and individualized care, with a focus on preparing children for school while nurturing their holistic development. We also operate a holiday club for children aged 4 - 11 and offer flexible funding options to support families.
Services
Baby Room Care
Toddler Room Activities
Pre-School Education
Holiday Club
Early Years Funding
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of combined experience in early years education.
- Our team includes graduates and Level 3 qualified practitioners.
- We maintain a 1:3 adult-to-child ratio for babies, exceeding OfSTED standards.
- Our purpose-built facility includes a large garden and age-specific learning spaces.
- We offer flexible funding options, including 1530 hours of government-funded childcare.
Associations and certifications
- OfSTED
What people say
Amazing staff
Excellent facilities
Nurturing environment
Well-run and educational
Loved by children
Services
Baby Room Care
Our Baby Room accommodates six children with two adults and a lunchtime assistant, following home routines for feeding and sleeping. Activities include messy play, music, and outdoor exploration. A dedicated sleep room ensures restful naps, while staff prioritize forming secure attachments through our key person approach.
Toddler Room Activities
The Toddler Room supports 12 children aged two years, focusing on independence and social skills. Activities include role play, construction, and sensory experiences. Staff guide children in self-help tasks like dressing and toileting, fostering confidence and emerging communication skills through structured group times.
Pre-School Education
Our Pre-School Room caters to 26 children with four adults, offering play-based learning in literacy, numeracy, and creativity. The curriculum emphasizes independence, curiosity, and social development, with outdoor activities and individualized learning journals tracking progress via the Tapestry system.
Holiday Club
Beehive Holiday Club provides care for children aged 411 during school breaks. The program includes structured activities, outdoor play, and flexible hours from 8am to 6pm, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for older children outside term time.
Early Years Funding
We offer 1530 hours of government-funded childcare for eligible families, including universal and extended hours for three- and four-year-olds. Our team assists with applications and provides flexible 'stretched' funding options to cover 50 weeks annually.
People
Mary Hickley
Manager and Owner
Mary founded Beehive Day Nursery in 2004 with over 30 years of early years experience. She holds a BA in Children's Care, Early Years Professional Status, and a Montessori Teaching Diploma, overseeing all nursery operations.
Jade
Deputy Manager
Jade has worked at Beehive since 2004, managing the Toddler Room and specializing in behaviour management. She holds a BA in Children's Care and works three days weekly, ensuring continuity in care.
Angela
Pre-School Room Leader
Angela leads the Pre-School Room with a Foundation Degree in Early Years. She has worked at Beehive since 2012, focusing on structured learning and social development for older children.
Emma
Toddler Room Leader
Emma manages the Toddler Room with a Level 3 Diploma in Early Years. She has worked at Beehive since 2020, emphasizing play-based learning and self-help skills for two-year-olds.
Suzanne
Baby Room Leader
Suzanne leads the Baby Room with a BA in Children's Care. She has worked at Beehive since 2015, prioritizing secure attachments and routine-based care for infants.
Questions
What age groups does Beehive Day Nursery cater to?
We care for children aged 0–5 years in our Baby, Toddler, and Pre-School Rooms, plus a Holiday Club for ages 4–11.
How does Beehive support children's learning and development?
We use play-based learning tailored to each child's stage, documented in individual Learning Journals via the Tapestry system.
What qualifications do your staff hold?
Our team includes Level 3 diploma holders, graduates, and postgraduates in early years education, with ongoing professional development.
Are meals and snacks provided?
Yes, we offer freshly prepared meals and free snacks, catering to dietary and cultural requirements.
How can I apply for government-funded childcare?
Contact us to complete eligibility forms for 15–30 hours of funded sessions, with support for tax-free childcare options.
What are your opening hours?
We operate 8am–6pm weekdays for 51 weeks annually, closing five days over Christmas.
