Busy Bees Playgroup

Interactive storytelling and hands-on physical play give Busy Bees Playgroup its character: children shared books outdoors, rode bicycles and tackled a pretend building site in February 2024. This is a playgroup with capacity for 25 children aged 24 to 60 months, based at Southwick Methodist Church.

At its February 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the playgroup Good, judged safeguarding effective and found that children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) received support tailored through work with parents and other professionals. Two improvements mattered: participation in larger groups and teaching about healthy food choices.

The early years foundation stage sets the framework for children's learning, development and care, bringing physical skills, language and independence into everyday experiences. In February 2024, practical activities included moving water together and handling numbered shells with hooks. These gave children tasks requiring cooperation, coordination and persistence.

Storytelling involved actions and anticipation, rather than simply listening to an adult read. In February 2024, books were accessible outdoors as well as indoors, and children shared stories in small groups. Bicycles, steps and stacking bricks added physical challenges. Large-group activities were less successful at giving younger or quieter children room to express their ideas.

In February 2024, children showed affectionate relationships with staff and practised sharing, taking turns and putting toys away. Independence also had concrete expression: children managed their lunch packaging, put on coats and used the bathroom themselves. These everyday tasks gave them opportunities to practise caring for themselves.

Parents received daily feedback about children's achievements in February 2024. Staff also worked with families and other professionals to adapt care and learning to individual needs, using additional funding to support participation. Teaching about food needed more attention: some children did not understand the health effects of foods containing substantial sugar or salt.

The address is Southwick Methodist Church on Manor Hall Road, Brighton, BN42 4NA. Opening hours are 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, during term time; the playgroup closes for school holidays. That calendar matters for families arranging care across the year.

In February 2024, the playgroup provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds.

• Participation in groups. Larger-group teaching in February 2024 gave younger and quieter children fewer opportunities to contribute. On a visit, ask how group activities now make space for a child who takes longer to speak.
• Learning about food. Healthy eating education was an improvement priority in February 2024. Ask how staff now help children understand food choices.
• Term-time attendance. The opening window is 9am to 3pm, with school-holiday closures. Which booking pattern would fit your family's routine within those hours?

Busy Bees Playgroup merits consideration for families seeking term-time care, especially those drawn to the practical play and interactive stories seen in February 2024. Its Good judgement provides a positive inspection position, while group participation and healthy eating deserve specific attention. The school-holiday closures make the calendar a decisive part of the choice.