Bumble Bees Nursery, Blackburn

A sand room and practical sensory play give Bumble Bees Nursery, Blackburn a recognisable character in its July 2022 account of daily life. Babies explored oats with spoons, while older children cut fruit as they returned to a caterpillar story. These were hands-on ways to connect play with everyday skills.

The nursery has capacity for 66 children from birth to four at 200 Old Bank Lane, Shadsworth, Blackburn, BB1 2HU. At its July 2022 inspection, Ofsted judged the provision Good, identified effective safeguarding and praised the support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

The early years foundation stage sets requirements for children's learning, development and care: play and everyday experiences support their development together. In July 2022, children could choose and direct their play, with sensory materials giving them things to investigate rather than simply watch.

The sand room supported movement, communication and personal development in July 2022. Books were spread across the nursery, making stories part of play beyond a single reading area. Outdoors, children experimented with frozen fruit and water, working out how to release fruit from a container. That gave problem-solving a concrete purpose.

There was also a limit to the questioning in July 2022: staff sometimes moved on before exploring children's answers more deeply. Extending those conversations was an improvement priority.

In July 2022, staff recognised when children needed comfort and responded with affection. An experienced SEND coordinator supported children and families, while communication with parents covered children's development. For children needing additional help with the move to school, managers maintained contact with schools for several weeks after departure.

Mealtimes in July 2022 combined conversation with independence: older children distributed plates, served food and poured drinks. Staff also used children's home languages to encourage eating. Visiting dentists discussed oral care with children and parents, followed by trips to a local shop for ingredients for healthy snacks.

The team numbered 13 childcare staff in July 2022. New employees received induction and training, but some lacked sufficient understanding of policies and procedures. Improving that understanding was the other inspection priority.

The address is 200 Old Bank Lane, Shadsworth, Blackburn, BB1 2HU. Opening hours are 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, throughout the year, with closure on bank holidays.

In July 2022, session times ran from 7.30am to 6pm, and the nursery provided funded early education for children aged two, three and four. Those details describe the offer at that date.

Ofsted's regulatory visit on 23 October 2025 found a failure to notify it of a significant event, and the complaint outcome dated 4 November 2025 stated that the provider remained registered.

• Notification procedures. The October 2025 visit identified a failure to report a significant event. Ask how notification responsibilities are now managed.
• Deeper conversations. In July 2022, staff did not consistently extend children's thinking through follow-up questions. A visit is an opportunity to ask how practitioners build on children's answers today.
• Attendance pattern. The nursery opens throughout the year between 7.30am and 6pm on weekdays. Which booking pattern would fit your family's routine?

Bumble Bees merits consideration for Blackburn families seeking care from babyhood through the preschool years within a weekday opening window. Its July 2022 account offers concrete examples of sensory exploration, independence and transition support. Families should weigh that dated Good judgement alongside the later notification finding and the two priorities concerning staff practice.