Busy Bees Day Nursery at Lewisham

Inspection of Busy Bees Day Nursery at Lewisham 62 Loampit Hill, LONDON SE13 7SX

p.1

Overall effectiveness Good

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

p.1

The provision is good

Children enter the setting happy to begin their day. They excitedly show staff their bags filled with leaves, conkers and sticks that they have collected over the weekend to fill their autumn interest tray. For children still settling, staff provide extra reassurance and cuddles as they collect them from parents and carers. This helps to build children's and families' relationships with their key person. The setting has a broad and ambitious curriculum in place. It provides children with a wide variety of learning opportunities across all areas of learning. Children show high levels of curiosity as they explore different experiences. They are focused and show sustained levels of concentration on tasks.

p.2

The provision is good

Children's behaviour is good. They understand the rules and boundaries of the setting. Children begin to learn how to keep themselves safe. For example, as they line up to go to the bathroom, they know they must stop when they come to the traffic light sign. Staff at the setting have high expectations of children. They promote children's independence and provide them with opportunities to make their own choices. Pre-school children set their own tables before lunch and help to give out cups, cutlery and plates. All children learn to serve their own lunches and scrape their plates after.

p.2

need to do better?

n Staff at the setting demonstrate a clear understanding of each child. They speak enthusiastically about the developmental progress children have made since joining. Staff discuss the future steps planned to support children's learning further. They monitor children's development to ensure that every child is well prepared for their next educational stage. n The curriculum for communication and language is a strength of the setting. Each room has a word of the week, which staff share with parents to help children to develop rich and wide vocabularies. Staff introduce new contextual language to children's play. For example, as children take part in an activity using dough, staff repeat the word 'knead' to children. As a result, children can express themselves confidently and use newly learned words in different contexts throughout the day. n There is an established routine within the setting that helps children to feel safe

p.2

need to do better?

and secure and understand what is happening next. However, staff can sometimes be too rigid in this routine. At times, they take children away from enjoyable play experiences, such as, for them to be changed as it is nappy time. n Staff at the setting create an encouraging and supportive environment that fosters positivity among children. This nurturing approach helps children to develop confidence and a strong sense of self-esteem. They take pride in their accomplishments, excitedly calling staff to witness moments, such as

p.2

need to do better?

8 September 2025 successfully eating yoghurt with a spoon. Older children are enthusiastic to share their work with peers. They often engage in conversations about the pictures they have drawn, including rainbows and muddy puddles. n Children within the setting with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported. Staff are quick to identify any additional support children may require. They put in place plans to support children with SEND. n Staff provide children with a variety of rich experiences, considering their interests and current stages of development. Children are eager to explore and take part. However, on occasion, staff can be too quick to problem-solve for children. For example, they provide answers before children have had an opportunity to try and work it out for themselves through trial and error. This means that children do not have consistent time to develop their thinking skills

p.2

need to do better?

to help them to become more independent learners. n Partnership with parents is strong. Parents speak positively of the progress their children have made since starting at the setting, especially in terms of their language and social development. Parents appreciate the advice and support staff give, to not only their children, but to them when encountering new developmental milestones, such as potty training. n Leaders and managers of the setting are reflective. They regularly seek feedback to continue to look at how they can enhance their performance. Staff at the setting feel well supported. They have opportunities to meet regularly with managers to discuss their career progression and any concerns they may have. Staff engage with regular training opportunities to continue to develop their knowledge and skills.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

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

p.3

should:

n develop staff's knowledge and understanding of how to adapt routines flexibly to support the individual needs and learning of all children n provide opportunities for children to independently problem-solve before stepping in to support, to further develop their thinking skills.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY473394 Local authority Lewisham Inspection number 10417717 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises Registers Early Years Register Day care type Full day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 66 Number of children on roll 76 Name of registered person Busy Bees Nurseries Limited

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 02032 473088 Date of previous inspection 5 June 2023

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Busy Bees Day Nursery at Lewisham registered in 2013 and is located in Lewisham, in the London Borough of Lewisham. It is part of a large chain of nurseries owned by Busy Bees Nurseries Limited. The setting is open for 51 weeks a year, from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. It provides government-funded childcare for eligible children. There are 25 members of staff, including a chef. Of these, 18 staff hold appropriate childcare qualifications at levels 1 to 5. There are seven staff who are unqualified, four of whom are working towards an apprenticeship.

p.4

Inspection activities

n The inspector viewed the provision and discussed the safety and suitability of the premises. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want children to learn. n The inspector spoke to children to find out about their time at the setting. n The inspector talked to staff at appropriate times during the inspection and took account of their views. n The inspector spoke with the manager about the leadership and management of the setting. n The special educational needs coordinator spoke to the inspector about how they support children with SEND. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact on children's learning. n The inspector carried out a joint observation of a group activity with the manager. n The inspector spoke to several parents during the inspection and took account of

p.5

Inspection activities

their views. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and reviewed evidence of the suitability of staff working in the setting.

p.5

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.

p.5

Inspection activities

8 September 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.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6