Busy Bees at Bicester Kingsmere

Inspection of Busy Bees at Bicester Kingsmere Whitelands Way, Bicester, Oxfordshire OX26 1EG

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Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Requires improvement

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The provision is good

Since the last inspection, the provider has instigated significant improvements that have raised the quality for children. Staff now support children's behaviour effectively, and children are, overall, settled and ready for learning. Children are confident and enjoy exploring the activities on offer. The provider has introduced a cohesive curriculum, and staff all understand what the intentions are for children's learning. Each room focuses on a story book, song and concept of learning. These are relevant to children's age and stage of development and encourage all children to develop a love of books and a wide repertoire of rhymes and songs. Staff encourage babies to learn words that they hear often to help support them in communicating. They link the word to the item or concept so that children become confident in understanding and using new words. Older children are expressive as they play and are growing into confident talkers.

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The provision is good

Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities make good progress in their development. Staff are ambitious for all children and work effectively with other professionals and parents to ensure that children have the individual care and attention that they need to thrive.

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need to do better?

n The provider has developed a well-organised curriculum with a good focus on the prime areas for younger children. Staff encourage babies to move, join in and develop confidence. Staff provide older children with activities that help them to practise skills that they will need when they move on to school, such as getting themselves dressed. n There is a logical order to the curriculum, and this builds on what children already know. Through using a rehearse and retrieve approach, staff repeat activities that encourage children to practise their developing skills, such as counting and recognising numbers. However, due to staff recruitment and retention being an ongoing challenge, the curriculum is not always implemented effectively. Senior leaders are aware of this issue and are providing extensive mentoring and guidance to develop the staff team and ensure that they can consistently put the good plans for children's learning into action.

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need to do better?

n Some adult-led activities for older children are not always carefully planned and thought-out. Staff do not consistently ensure that all children are actively involved and able to achieve the intended opportunities for learning. n Children are self-motivated and able to lead their own play. Staff provide creative ways for children to regulate their own behaviour. For example, children place their hands over hand prints on the wall. They push against the wall when they are feeling overwhelmed or angry. Children understand this simple way to express their strong feelings. Along with multiple other positive activities, staff

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need to do better?

20 May 2025 are confident in encouraging children's good behaviour. n Staff treat children kindly and handle babies respectfully. Before completing a care routine, such as a nappy change, they talk to babies and explain what is going to happen next. In doing so, it helps to prepare them and they cooperate well. n The setting is inclusive and supports children and families from diverse backgrounds. Staff know about children's families and home lives and provide an environment where everyone feels welcome. n Staff know their key children well. They share deep bonds with children, who demonstrate that they are content and comfortable in their company. Through tactile and gentle interactions with staff, children develop in confidence and emotional security. n The provider is focused on improving the knowledge and skills of the staff team. Staff receive supportive supervision sessions that help them to understand how

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need to do better?

they can enhance children's learning. The staff team share a commitment to continually raising the quality of the setting. There are effective action plans in place to help make this commitment a reality. n There are good relationships with parents, who feel included in their children's learning. They are well-informed about their children's progress, so they know how to support their development at home. The setting's well-established relationships with local schools benefit children when they move on to the next step of their education. n All staff, including those who work infrequently at the nursery, have a very good awareness about their role and responsibilities in keeping children safe. They understand about how to identify and report any concerns about children's welfare to the relevant member of staff or external professionals. This helps to keep children safe.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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should:

n embed the curriculum so that all staff are confident in implementing it effectively n encourage opportunities for children to be more purposefully involved in activities that are led by adults.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2543500 Local authority Oxfordshire Inspection number 10404038 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

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inspection

Total number of places 110 Number of children on roll 117 Name of registered person Busy Bees Nurseries Limited

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reference number

Telephone number 01869660022 Date of previous inspection 24 September 2024

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Information about this early years setting

Busy Bees at Bicester Kingsmere registered in 2019 and operates in Bicester, Oxfordshire. The nursery employs 21 members of childcare staff in total. Of these, nine hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 2 and above. The nursery opens from Monday to Friday, all year round. Sessions are from 7.30am until 6pm. The setting offers government funded places for children aged nine months to four years and children in receipt of funding for disadvantage.

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors Hayley Marshall-Gowen Kate Robertson

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Inspection activities

n This inspection was prioritised following a risk assessment process. n The inspectors discussed the intent of the curriculum and observed its implementation during activities indoors and outdoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n A joint observation was completed and discussed with the centre director. n During the inspection, the inspectors held meetings with the centre directors, the quality advisor and the area director. They looked at relevant documentation, such as evidence of the suitability of staff working in the nursery. n The inspectors spoke with staff and children at suitable times throughout the inspection. n Parents were invited to share their views with the inspectors. Several parents discussed their views during the inspection, and the inspectors took account of all feedback received.

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Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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Inspection activities

20 May 2025 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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