Busy Bees Day Nursery at Bedford Elstow

Highlights from Latest Inspection

What is it like to attend this early years setting?

The provision is good

Children are happy and settled in this welcoming nursery. They develop warm and caring relationships with staff and, from a young age, develop friendships with each other.

This helps children to feel safe and secure. Children's behaviour is good. Staff consistently praise children, which enhances their sense of belonging and promotes their self-esteem.

Toddlers learn to share toys and negotiate as they play. Older children recognise when to wait and take turns when playing group games.Children enjoy a good range of toys, resources and activities that support their learning and development.

They make choices ab...out their play and activities. For example, younger children make song choices using 'What's in the box?' They enthusiastically take turns to pull out a prop, use their vocabulary to describe what it is and then all together sing the appropriate song. Older children experience mixing paints and discover how new colours are created.

Children gain good communication skills as they benefit from a language-rich environment. Staff introduce new vocabulary into children's play. For example, they use descriptive language to explain the texture and feel of mixing cornflour and water.

What does the early years setting do well and what does it need to do better?

Staff develop a broad and balanced curriculum which considers children's interests and next steps. A varied range of experiences build on what children know and can do, especially in developing communication and language skills in preparation for their move to school. Staff use additional funding well to support individual children in progressing their skills and learning.

Overall, there is effective teaching to promote children's learning. For example, staff interact well to encourage children to make marks as they grip and manipulate pens and pencils. However, occasionally, staff do not recognise when children get restless and do not adapt small-group activities to ensure children remain engaged and interested in their learning.

For example, different age groups of children quickly lose interest during singing time as they do not understand the actions associated with the song.All staff, including managers, are supported and supervised effectively in their roles. They are given opportunities to build on their own knowledge and understanding through a variety of training courses and visits to other associated nurseries.

This helps them bring new and exciting ideas to the nursery, helping to support children's learning even more.Staff ensure that children are developing their independence and self-care skills.For example, through regular handwashing, children learn how to reduce the spread of germs.

During snack time, they can pour their own drinks and serve themselves pieces of fruit. However, staff practice is inconsistent as they serve some items to the children and do not consistently provide opportunities for them to further develop their independence skills.Staff provide a well-organised learning environment which provides children with a good range of experiences across all areas of learning.

Children eagerly choose to play outdoors. They enjoy spending time in the fresh air and explore the extensive range of activities. Children develop their physical abilities as they climb and use a range of equipment.

Staff encourage them to take safe and controlled risks as they play.Staff work effectively with parents and external professionals when needed to ensure children receive any additional help they may need. Parents speak highly about the service and communication they receive.

This includes information they received during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as activities to support children's learning at home. Parents and staff share information well. This includes daily verbal handovers, along with electronic information about their child's learning.

This helps staff and parents to support children consistently.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.The manager and her staff team demonstrate a secure understanding of the procedures to follow in order to keep children safe from harm.

They confidently describe the possible signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is at risk of abuse or neglect. Leaders and managers ensure that all staff attend regular training to ensure their safeguarding knowledge and skills remain up to date. They work together with other agencies to protect children.

There are effective recruitment and induction arrangements in place for new staff. The manager conducts regular checks and supervision to ensure that all staff remain suitable to carry out their roles.

What does the setting need to do to improve?

To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should: review and improve the organisation of small-group activities to enhance children's learning and engagement nenhance the learning opportunities for children to consistently develop their independence skills.