News and Events
Busy Bees Singapore has received Gold for Excellence in Location-Based Targeting at the Marketing Excellence Awards, recognising its approach to reaching parents with relevant preschool information close to where they live.
For families with young children, choosing a preschool is about more than the daily commute. A preschool becomes part of the rhythm of family life, the neighbourhood a child grows up in and, often, their earliest sense of community.
This understanding shapes Busy Bees’ approach to engaging families. Through location-based marketing and community outreach, Busy Bees seeks to help parents discover and get to know nearby centres as they consider the right preschool for their child.
The award recognises the marketing behind these connections, while the purpose remains centred on families. Every enquiry represents a parent making an important decision, and every enrolment marks the beginning of a new chapter in a child’s life.
Busy Bees is grateful for this recognition and remains committed to building its presence in the communities it serves, helping more families connect with a preschool that can become a valued part of their everyday lives.
Because every child deserves the best start in life—and sometimes, that start is closer to home than families might think.
SINGAPORE, 26 July 2026 — Odyssey The Global Preschool brought families together for its annual signature event, Colours of Odyssey, an immersive celebration of creativity, learning through inquiry and the many ways children make sense of the world through art.
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and the concept of the 100 Languages of Children, the event invited children to explore and express their ideas through colour, texture, form and a variety of materials. Rather than viewing art simply as a finished product, Colours of Odyssey encouraged children to see the creative process as an opportunity to wonder, experiment and discover.
In creating their artworks, children explored a wide range of artistic techniques and mediums, including Colour Blending, 3D Printing and Clay Sculpting. These different approaches gave children opportunities to experiment with how colours interact and bring ideas to fruition in the process.
A highlight of this year’s event experience was the first-ever AR Immersive Experience, Possibilities of Forest, which introduced an interactive dimension to the art experience. Through augmented reality, children and families could interact with artworks and see them come alive.
The experience invited children to engage with art through an inquiry-based approach — moving, exploring and experimenting with different materials, techniques and technologies as part of the creative journey itself.
“Children have many languages through which they express their ideas and make sense of the world. Colours of Odyssey celebrates these different forms of expression by giving children the freedom to explore, create and make meaning in their own ways,” said Candy Low, Head of Brand, Odyssey The Global Preschool.
Through Colours of Odyssey, Odyssey continues to create meaningful experiences not only for children, but also for the wider community. The introduction of the AR Immersive Experience, a first for Odyssey, further reflects the preschool’s commitment to innovation and to bringing its internationally acclaimed educational approach to life through unique and meaningful experiences.
At Odyssey, learning goes beyond the classroom. It is found in the questions children ask, the materials they explore, the techniques they experiment with, the stories they create and the many languages through which they express themselves. Colours of Odyssey brought these possibilities to life, offering families a glimpse into how children can experience art not simply as something to look at, but as something to explore, interact with and make their own.
We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Simon Bailey CBE QPM to the Busy Bees Board, further strengthening our commitment to safeguarding and child protection across our global organisation.
Simon joins us following a distinguished career in policing. He served as Chief Constable of Norfolk Constabulary and was the UK Government’s national policing lead for child protection, working closely with the Department for Education and the Home Office. He has also demonstrated international leadership in online safety, chairing global conferences that brought together some of the world’s leading experts in child protection and online safety.
Simon brings over a decade’s experience leading international efforts to protect children, shaping policy, improving professional practice and advising organisations around the world.
Rob Roger, Chairman of Busy Bees, said:
“We are pleased to further strengthen our Board with additional expertise in international safeguarding through Simon’s appointment. His extensive experience will be invaluable to the Board and management team as we continue to develop and refine our safeguarding practices and procedures, and ensuring we continue to provide the safest possible environments for the children in our care.”
Commenting on his appointment, Simon Bailey CBE QPM said:
“I am delighted to be joining Busy Bees’ Board to support the mission to give every child the best start in life. I look forward to working with the Board and leadership team to help further strengthen the organisation’s safeguarding culture.”
Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. Simon’s appointment reinforces our ongoing commitment to providing the safest, most nurturing environments for every child while continuing to build on the high standards that families place their trust in every day.
Busy Bees Asia marked Safeguarding Day 2026 on 1 July, bringing together children, families and educators across its preschool brands in a shared celebration of the organisation’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding and child wellbeing.
Held annually, Safeguarding Day reflects Busy Bees’ belief that every child deserves to grow up in an environment where they feel safe, respected and supported. This year’s theme, “BEE Safe, BEE Kind, BEE Brave”, encouraged children to explore the values of safety, kindness and courage through meaningful, age-appropriate learning experiences, while reinforcing the important role that educators and families play in creating a strong culture of safeguarding.
Across all centres, children participated in engaging activities that introduced key safeguarding concepts in ways that were relevant to their stage of development. Families were also encouraged to continue these important conversations at home, reinforcing the shared responsibility between schools and parents in helping children develop the confidence, awareness and trusted relationships they need to thrive.
More than a single-day event, Safeguarding Day reflects the values that guide Busy Bees every day. By embedding safeguarding into children’s everyday learning experiences and fostering open, age-appropriate conversations about safety, kindness and speaking up, Busy Bees continues to empower children with essential life skills while nurturing environments where they feel heard, valued and protected.
The annual initiative also brings together Busy Bees’ preschool brands under one shared purpose, demonstrating the organisation’s collective commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding across its global community.
At Busy Bees, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. Through initiatives such as Safeguarding Day, we continue to strengthen our commitment to giving every child the best start in life by creating environments where they can learn, grow and flourish with confidence.
On 27 June 2026, the Agape Little Uni Gambas centre brought children, families, educators and community partners together at the Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre for the Seeds of Change carnival. Aligned with the Go Green SG 2026 initiative, the sustainability carnival highlighted how small, everyday actions can have a lasting positive impact on the environment.
With their Green Passports in hand, families explored four interactive zones focused on Waste Reduction, Food and Water Resilience, Biodiversity and Climate Adaptation. Through hands-on activities, children’s inquiry displays and creative craft exhibitions, participants learnt about conserving resources, reducing waste, protecting plants and animals, and building a more climate-resilient future.
Guests of Honour Ms Angela Anthony, Senior Assistant Director (Partnership Division) at the Early Childhood Development Agency, and Ms Lee Hui Ying, Member of Parliament for Nee Soon GRC, graced the event. Both guests visited the various booths and interacted warmly with the participants. The centre’s talented N2 children also put on a lively performance for the guests, with their enthusiasm adding warmth and energy to the event.
Made possible through the support of valued sponsors and collaborators, the event transformed sustainability education into a fun and meaningful community experience. It also demonstrated the important role that early childhood education can play in nurturing environmentally responsible citizens from a young age.
Agape Little Uni extends its heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to the carnival’s success. Although the event has concluded, its message continues to grow: small actions can create big change, especially when a community learns and acts together.
More than 800 early childhood educators across 37 Small Wonder Preschool centres took part in a coordinated nationwide volunteer initiative on 22 May 2026, engaging seniors and individuals with special needs through a range of community-based activities across Singapore.
The initiative saw educators visiting eldercare homes and community organisations supporting inclusive education, creating opportunities for meaningful interaction through storytelling, music, crafts and inclusive activities. The effort reflected Small Wonder’s belief that education extends beyond the classroom, and that values such as empathy, kindness and respect are best nurtured through meaningful real-world experiences and conversations.
Centres also used the initiative as an opportunity to help children better understand the importance of caring for the community. Through age-appropriate conversations and post-event sharing, educators guided children in reflecting on the purpose behind the initiative and the values of empathy, inclusivity and giving back to society.
This approach is closely aligned with Small Wonder Preschool’s core value of Public Spiritedness, where educators and children are encouraged to play an active role in contributing positively to the welfare of the communities they serve and belong to.
Community engagement has long been part of the Small Wonder experience. Throughout the year, centres regularly organise eldercare visits and community initiatives involving children, creating opportunities for young learners to build early awareness of compassion, respect and social responsibility through meaningful interactions with the wider community.
“We believe that children learn values not only through what we teach, but also through what they see the adults around them do,” said Ms Aidah Nasir, Head of Brand at Small Wonder Preschool. “By sharing these experiences with our children and helping them understand why giving back matters, we hope to nurture a stronger sense of empathy, respect and care for others from a young age.”
By bringing together all 37 centres in a single day of service, the initiative represented a coordinated, ground-up effort across the organisation. It also underscored the role early childhood educators play not just in shaping young learners, but in contributing to a more caring and inclusive society.
The initiative was held as part of Small Wonder Preschool’s 37th anniversary, marking nearly four decades of nurturing young children while staying closely connected to the communities it serves.
Busy Bees, a global leader in early years education, today announces Group CEO Simon Irons is stepping down after a 25-year journey with the organisation.
The Board, led by Chair Robert Walker, together with majority shareholder Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and Temasek, have appointed Peter Gowers as Simon’s successor to lead the group in its next stage of growth. As such, Peter, former-Group Chief Executive of Europcar and Chief Executive of Travelodge, will step into the role of Group CEO effective 8th July 2025. He will be in the business from 20th May onwards to work with Simon, ensure a smooth transition and get to know the business and its people.
Simon’s career with Busy Bees has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting in 2000, and working closely with the founding families of Busy Bees, he has played a pivotal role in transforming a small network of nurseries into a global force in childcare, now spanning over ten countries and supporting thousands of children, families and educators around the world. His passion for early education, commitment to quality, and deep-rooted belief in the power of nurturing care have been the driving forces behind the company’s accelerated growth and impact.
Simon Irons said, “I joined Busy Bees in 2000 with the initial ambition, shared with founders John Woodward and Marg Randles, to become the UK’s leading early years educator. Throughout my time we’ve grown the business by putting children at the heart of everything and taking Busy Bees into market leadership in multiple countries. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together, and I’m particularly proud of the strong team of professional educators and management that have been assembled under my leadership. I leave knowing the organisation is in capable hands.”
Marg Randles, Co-founder of Busy Bees, added, “Simon’s unwavering dedication and visionary leadership have transformed Busy Bees into the global childcare community it is today. Together, we’ve nurtured not only children but also a shared dream—one grounded in the founding principles of care, respect, and opportunity. For over 25 years, Simon has been a cornerstone of the business, and I am deeply grateful for the legacy we’ve built together. As you leave to conclude your PhD, know that your impact will continue to inspire and guide us for generations to come.”
Peter Gowers was chosen for his three decades of strong commercial leadership and experience of scaling businesses across UK and international markets and, importantly, as someone who will act as a careful custodian of the Busy Bees brand. He is a seasoned international chief executive with a customer service background, leading teams in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. He served previously as Group Chief Executive of Europcar, Chief Executive of Travelodge and, successively, as the Head of Strategy, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Executive for Asia-Pacific of IHG plc, the owner of InterContinental Hotels and Holiday Inn, as well as CEO of European property and services business Safestore.
“I’m honoured and excited to take on this role,” said Peter Gowers. “Simon’s leadership has shaped Busy Bees into what it is today – a trusted, forward-thinking childcare provider focused on giving every child the best start in life. I’m looking forward to continuing that journey, staying true to our values while also embracing innovation and opportunity.”
In addition, Busy Bees is also announcing the appointment of Rob Roger as Chair of the Busy Bees Board, taking over from Robert Walker effective from 1st October 2025. Robert has served as Chair for 11 years and will continue on the board in order to ensure continuity across the business.
Rob Roger joined Busy Bees as Deputy Chair on the 31st March. He brings 40 years’ experience in both executive and non-executive roles across a range of industries including as CEO of Spire Healthcare and of iQ Student Accommodation, and Chair of Veonet, Allison Homes, Everlight and Orbis Education and Care.
Robert Walker, Chair of the Busy Bees Board, said, “It has been a great pleasure working with Simon these past eleven years to grow Busy Bees into one of the world’s leading early years education providers. I am confident that Peter and Rob are the right team to lead Busy Bees on the next chapter of its development.”
Busy Bees warmly welcomes Peter Gowers and Rob Roger to the business.