The Bees Knees Preschool

Bucket stilts, spaghetti-cutting and a bee character for sharing news give The Bees Knees Preschool a recognisable character. In February 2024, these experiences combined physical challenge, sensory exploration and opportunities to speak in a group. Everyday play had a clear learning purpose.

At its February 2024 inspection, Ofsted rated the preschool Good, judged safeguarding effective and found a carefully organised curriculum that challenged children. The setting has 25 places in total at The Hive in Silsden; the children attending in February 2024 were aged two to four.

In February 2024, a covered outdoor area made outdoor play possible in different weather conditions. Children practised balance on bucket stilts and steered bicycles around obstacles, with staff helping them move from ride-on toys towards tricycles and balance bikes. Physical development involved both movement and concentration.

Sensory play also exercised smaller muscles. Cutting cooked spaghetti involved comparing lengths and controlling scissors, while baking gave children practice handling tools. Counting arose through filling bowls and working out the spaces needed to finish a game. Staff started with smaller numbers before introducing larger ones, giving children time to consolidate their understanding.

The early years foundation stage is the framework for children's learning, development and care. Here, the February 2024 activities illustrate learning through practical play: language, counting and coordination developed together. Bernadette Bee, a character used during circle time, encouraged children to share their news with a group. Opportunities to explore information and communication technology needed further development.

In February 2024, children were familiar with the routines and persisted when activities became challenging. Staff used their knowledge of individual children to plan next steps, allowing practice before moving learning forward. Helping to tidy up and managing self-care tasks also gave children responsibilities relevant to starting school.

At the February 2024 inspection, Ofsted found effective collaboration with parents, who valued regular updates about progress and guidance for supporting learning at home. Communication between adults therefore extended learning beyond the session.

Language support needed greater consistency. In February 2024, staff introduced vocabulary through conversation, but sometimes gave children too little thinking time before expecting an answer. Their pronunciation of letter sounds also varied. These were specific weaknesses within otherwise purposeful interactions.

The address is The Hive, 53-55 Elliott Street, Silsden, Keighley, BD20 0DE.

In February 2024, the preschool operated on weekdays during term time, with morning sessions from 9.15am to 12.15pm and afternoon sessions from 12.15pm to 3.15pm. It also provided funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-olds. These attendance and funding arrangements describe that inspection period.

• Attendance pattern. February 2024 provision comprised term-time morning and afternoon sessions. Does the current booking pattern still match those hours and your family's childcare needs?
• Speech and letter sounds. February 2024 practice needed more consistent pronunciation and more time for children to answer. During a visit, ask how staff support these skills now.
• Technology experiences. Opportunities involving information and communication technology needed development in February 2024. Ask what practical experiences children now have with it.

The February 2024 picture suits families seeking morning or afternoon preschool sessions, with practical play and outdoor movement prominent in the day. Parent communication was a strength, while language consistency and technology experiences were the clear improvement priorities. The appeal lies in purposeful, hands-on learning rather than a long list of branded programmes.