Busy Bees Day Nursery in Portishead has received a glowing Ofsted report, earning a ‘Good’ rating across all areas. Located on Serbert Road, Gordano Gate, this nursery caters to up to 91 children aged from birth to four years and currently has 110 enrolled. Operating since 2003 under Busy Bees Nurseries Limited, it boasts a team of 27 staff, including an early years teacher, providing care weekdays from 7.30am to 6pm.
The inspection conducted on March 12 praised the nursery for maintaining high standards of care and education. Inspectors highlighted the vibrant, stimulating environment that sparks children’s curiosity and actively engages them. Children eagerly participate in activities such as planting seeds they have crafted pots for, discussing growth and using mathematical language to describe their observations while sharing resources amicably.
Staff implement a well-rounded, ambitious curriculum that targets key developmental areas and nurtures positive learning attitudes. There is a strong emphasis on outdoor learning, which supports children’s physical development and reinforces the importance of exercise.
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Strong bonds between staff and children were noted as a cornerstone of the nursery’s success. From infancy, children develop secure emotional connections with their key persons, fostering confidence and enhancing their ability to learn effectively.
The nursery shines in promoting children’s independence, a focus that addressed previous recommendations. Young children access hygiene stations independently, toddlers serve themselves breakfast and pour drinks, and pre-schoolers manage increasingly more tasks on their own.
Social development is also a priority, with staff encouraging interactions that help children understand and manage emotions. Older children appreciate diversity and develop a healthy sense of their own uniqueness.
Inclusive practices are exemplary, particularly in supporting children who speak English as an additional language. The nursery provides opportunities for these children to use their first language alongside English, supported by resources reflecting their cultural backgrounds.
Language and communication skills flourish through books, songs, and open-ended questions, although inspectors noted a small area for improvement: occasionally, staff miss young children’s non-verbal cues. Additionally, managing noise levels during group activities remains a challenge, as higher noise can distract some children from concentrating fully.
Leadership and management received positive remarks for their innovation and commitment. Initiatives like the ‘nurture room’ help older toddlers transition smoothly to pre-school, especially those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The effective use of government funding and staff training—including in sign language and autism awareness—enhance the quality of care and development opportunities.
Parents expressed strong satisfaction, highlighting the nursery’s partnership approach. They appreciate the supportive, caring staff and the consistent communication about their children’s routines and developmental milestones.
The report concludes that safeguarding practices are robust, promoting a culture where children’s welfare is prioritized.
To build on their strengths, inspectors recommend improving the organisation of group activities to enhance children’s ability to listen and concentrate, and increasing staff awareness of non-verbal communication to better meet young children’s needs.