Busy Bees at Port Melbourne

Update:Due to limited availability we needed to wait to move our child to a new childcare centre.However, they have genuinely turned it around in terms of their care for our child. They are proactive in changing his diaper more often if he starts getting red, over communicative at pick up and drop off, upload everything into the app like how often he’s been changed, eating, bottles, curriculum, pictures, etc.Just be aware that trying to get a hold of management is still a nightmare. Want to sign up? Want to increase your days? You may need to chase them both by phone and email with no guarantee of a return call.Original:This a really difficult decision but we decided to pull our 11 month old from Busy Bees.Pros- great location easy access to city, beach and surrounding suburbs- modern facilities with ample natural light- experience planned appropriate to age- authentic, caring room leaders- diapers providedCons- staff turnover- communication was terrible upon the onset, it took several emails, phone calls and messages to finally get our son enrolled here AFTER the tour- our child was sent home in week 2 with the worst diaper rash of his life leading to open sores, taking over 8 days to heal with some redness or potential scarring weeks on- recently rebranded from Nido to Busy Bees and it couldn’t have been a worse experience as a parent in my opinion cancelling programs like yoga, leaving several weeks in between app partners with little communication about the plan or timescalesThey are probably going through some growing pains as an organisation as you would expect when a business changes ownership but it’s regrettably caused us to look elsewhere for childcare. I really loved the facilities here and wanted this to work and whilst it did not for our family, I am hopeful that families and children will receive a better experience and outcome than we did.

Very friendly and welcoming staff and great attention paid to my daughter to ensure she is having a happy, positive experience.

Carmel and the team are fantastic. They foster a sense of community at the centre. Our son has been going here for the last 6 months and what I love is that every educator knows his name and says hello. The food cooked by Lillibeth smells amazing. The children are supported to learn through exploration. We receive a story with photos from the educator on how he is going each day. Very happy with the service

I love Port Melbourne Busy Bees.This place is fantastic for the children with a very hard working & welcoming team, who really care for the children. The spaces are modern and clean over 3 levels with amazing outdoor area's for the children to play & a rooftop garden!It is also great to see the centre come together as a community and be involved in their children's early learning education.

Carmel and the team have been amazing! The Educators are engaged and supportive, many times going above and beyond for our child. It’s the little things that make such a huge difference from greeting them by name each morning to knowing exactly what they need if the morning drop off is a little overwhelming.Overall it’s been a very positive experience with our child at Busy Bees and we couldn’t be happier with the service.

Since transitioning from Nido to Busy Bees this place turn into our worse childcare experience ever. So we decided to pull our 3 year old out .But Busy Bee story didn't end there ,they direct debit us $1500 after we left...!!!All communication back and forth for almost 3 months, management accepting that this was error and they already file for refund but still no money back on our account. Currently we are trying to get our money back by filing fraud dispute through our bank....We have also reported this matter to Department of Education as a subsidy fraud as they scammed not only us but a government. Parents BEWARE !!

I can’t speak highly enough of Carmel and her amazing team of educators.They are truly dedicated to the care and education of children. They want to know your child’s (he/she’s)needs and listen to any concerns you may have in their development (my son is a fussy eater).They are culturally inclusive and diverse, which matters to me in a family of mixed Cultural Heritages. The centre is always clean and has such wonderful facilities both inside and out (3 levels) The spaces are large and light filled, for a centre thatsnear the heart of a busy city it’s a haven for the the children to explore and express themselves. I’m son absolutely lovescoming here - he run into the centre!So pleased we found Busy Bees Port Melbourne!

This was a haven to work. Such a lovely people to work with. Beautiful kids. It was such an inspiration to work under Carmel. Very passionate and determined at work. Busy bees provided a great opportunity to work with. It is the best place to grow and learn. I’ll always gonna miss this place and wonderful people.

My Son has been attending Busy Bees since he was 6 months old. He is graduating next week which is a little sad! I have seen a few changes in Management during the last 5 years, the latest change has been brilliant. The centre is running so efficiently, my Son's learning lead by Vivienne has excelled, the centre is clean, my Son is happy, the hours are brilliant, very safe and excellent communication. Thank you Vivi, Carmel & Aimee!

Wonderful leadership from CarmelOomah & Ana are outstanding educators which my daughter constantly raves about5 stars for location5 stars for facilities5 stars for drop off & undercover parking5 stars for playgrounds5 stars for design & layoutThe daily photos are the highlight to my day & the app is very insightfulMy new born daughter will be joining her older sister in the next few months subject to availabilityMy daughter wishes she could attend Busy Bees Port Melbourne 8 days a week